Introduction
Working in the public school system can be both challenging and fulfilling. While most of the challenges take place in the classroom, the road to full-time employment is often littered with hurdles in the shape of bureaucracy and misinformation. However, once you learn how to navigate that road, you are on the way to starting a fun-filled career in education. Before beginning a job search, you should be aware of the following: the teaching credential required, the role of unions, and best place to look for work.
Credentials: Public vs. Charter School
In order to teach in a public school system, you must earn a bachelor's degree in education (if elementary certified) from an accredited college or university and pass a national or state standardized exam to receive a teaching license. Secondary teachers will generally major in the area of content they expect to teach. Many states also require that teachers undergo supervised evaluation during their first years of teaching. Teachers are expected to be certified to teach in one or more of the subject areas, and to design curricula that are based on the curriculum state standards. On the other hand, potential charter school teachers are not required to be certified, and, in many cases, do not experience a union presence throughout their career. Although most charter schools require teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree, certification requirements vary by state. During the hiring process, years of experience and field expertise can sometimes be substituted for a teaching certificate. Also, without the union presence, principles and/or hiring managers have the freedom to negotiate salary based on need and the candidate's expertise. However, in most cases, charter school teachers earn less than their public school counterparts. While teachers do have more freedom over curriculum design, longer hours and the difference in pay are two important factors for job seekers to consider.
Unions
If you work in the public sector, you will deal with unions. Teacher unions, like other labor unions, are legally recognized as representatives of educators in cities throughout the United States. It is not required to belong to a union in any state, although some do make teachers pay a fee to the union (called "fair share") that reimburses the union for their work in contract bargaining. Union activities often centers on collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions for their membership, and on representing their members in disputes with management over violations of contract provisions. Larger unions also typically engage in lobbying activities and electioneering at the state and federal level. In many cities, teacher unions have a powerful influence on everything from salary increases to the hiring stipulations in the public school system. For example, some city unions may advocate for the implementation of a salary scale based on education, experience and/or years of service. Unions also tend to support policies that protect or secure jobs for older or more experienced public school teachers. This sense of job "security" often does not exist in the charter school system, and should be considered, when looking for work.
Where to look for work
Once you have decided on whether or not you are interested in working for a charter school or public school, you can begin a focused job search. For jobs in the public school system, check your school district and state education department website for job listings. Also, be sure to submit your resume to the human resources department and put an application into the substitute pool. Sometimes substitute positions can turn into a full-time position. If you are more interested in the charter school scene, then you should contact the charter school association in your state or check out the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Websites like SchoolSpring can allow job seekers to search for employment by state. It is important to note that while utilizing online resources is a good way to look for work, nothing beats networking and speaking to potential employees on the phone and/or in person. In between submitting online application, make some time to go to job fairs and reconnect with educators from college. Do not be afraid to contact a principle or hiring manager directly or drop off a resume in person.
Public School
Students working with a teacher.