Last summer I had the wonderful experience of getting my first pink slip due to the state of North Carolina budget cuts. I spent that summer looking for a job. Here’s what I did, and hopefully it will help you.
Start with the big picture. Go to your stated education website and see if there are any jobs listed for your county. Unless it is going to be a major hardship on your family, I would go ahead and get used to the idea of commuting to another county. Jobs are scarce, and if you want to teach you need to be open to driving to another county. Start looking over the state websites. If that doesn’t work, go to each individual district web page.
Often times if you can’t find any jobs listed on the state web page then the individual districts will post their own job openings on their website. If you strike out on the district web pages, then I suggest going to each individual school web page. Work your way down. You never know where the jobs might be posted. If all else fails, take your resume and all your credentials to the schools you’re interested in and meet the principal. Tell them why you are there, and give them your information. Keep it short and sweet since you weren’t invited for an interview.
That brings us to the interview process. You’re going to be up against some heavy competition. So it is vital that you put your best foot forward. Make sure you are dressed professionally, not dressy. There’s a difference. Google it if you don’t know the difference. Make sure you shake the person’s hand when you enter and exit. Thanks them for their time, and throw in there a “I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon.” In addition to proper etiquette, you need to have your best teaching qualities front and center for review.
Hope this helps you!
