Finding a teaching job... please help! (Durham: teaching jobs, public school, quality of life)

[LauraG211]

I am moving from out of state (NY) and looking to find a teaching job. After 3.5 years of searching for a position in the North East (I am certified in three different states up here), I am wanting to relocate to an area with less politics in education, and a good quality of life.

I have been applying to any and every opening (there have been quite a few) over the past month, but still have heard nothing. I am absolutely willing to travel for an interview, and would be ready to move tomorrow if necessary. I'm trying to be patient and not too pushy, but have emailed the principals at each school listing an opening, and even tried to call the schools for more information, although these phone calls haven't helped me at all really.

Any suggestions? Maybe I'm just unfamiliar with the regular protocol of finding a job, I know the education system here is quite different than I'm used to up in NY. I guess I'm also hoping that enrollment numbers will open up some last minute positions... has anyone had that work out for them?

Please help!

[wolfcub]

Just like everwhere else in the world right now the economy is putting a hold on jobs. Here in NC, one of the larger systems (Wake County) actually is cutting positions. I cannot offer any insight other than keep knocking on doors and good luck.

[Usedtobe VaNC]

I am wanting to relocate to an area with less politics in education,

If you are looking at Wake County, you will not find this. In the last couple years, we have been the epicenter of politics in education. FYI.

[NewUser]

Originally Posted by LauraG211

I am wanting to relocate to an area with less politics in education.

You certainly won't find that here in Wake County.

[freshjiv]

Go for Durham County. There are over 130+ teaching jobs available currently for the 2011-2012 school year, and it is definitely not the Moderator cut: language that Wake County schools is.

[librarySue]

You will have the best luck in small rural communities. Have you been to the state application website?
Look for Jobs - North Carolina Public School Jobs

I've been applying for months, and only once did I get a confirmation of the receipt of my application. It feels like I'm sending my resume down a black hole.

It is very unlikely you will get anything for this year in Wake County.

[librarySue]

Also, have you applied for your NC certificate yet? You should definitely get that done.

[LauraG211]

Thanks for the honest advice. Kind of disappointing to see how difficult a time teachers are having all over our country. I will keep at it though. I am going to apply for an NC license, but haven't done so yet. As far as I can tell from the state website, I should be able to apply and receive a one year provisional license because I'm already certified out of state. I've even considered taking the praxis test for another subject area just to expand my options... possibly math or science I guess.

[Laurelscubachick]

Let me just say that I really like working in Wake county. It beats the county I came from in GA, hands down. I got hired last year. I emailed my resume and cover letter to the email listed in the job postings (I only applied in Wake County), I also attached reference letters from my former principal and assistant principal. I got 2 calls, 2 interviews and 1 job offer. I was called back to a second interview on the other school, but I had already accepted the other offer.

One thing that you will want to know is that in Wake county new teachers are put on a terminating contract, it's only for one year. I think in my school most of the teachers who were on terminating contracts were hired back this year.

Your first teaching job is the hardest to get, after that it gets much easier. Good luck in your search!

[Francois]

Originally Posted by LauraG211

I am wanting to relocate to an area with less politics in education...

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha....

Google "wake county school board", please.