Starting your educational career

Securing your first teaching job is an exciting step in your career as an educator.

As you begin this journey, adopting a strategic mindset when navigating the job market can help you find ideal teaching positions that align with your goals and aspirations. Remember that finding the right job is better than finding just any job.

According to the National Education Association, “55% of new educators may leave the profession within five years.” We can attribute some of that statistic to a fundamental mismatch between the position and the values of the educator who accepted that position.

Making the right decisions

The following tips will help you make informed decisions during this process and increase your chances of finding the perfect job opportunity. 

Know the market. First, before delving into the specifics of job hunting, you should understand the current market. The education sector has experienced many shifts and challenges, including teacher shortages and changing dynamics. This impacts teacher job satisfaction, with factors like salary, work-life balance and school culture playing key roles. 

Establish your priorities. With the education field in flux, make sure to identify your priorities. Is it location? School culture? What about salary and benefits? Will you receive sufficient professional growth opportunities? What kind of work-life balance are you seeking? By understanding your priorities, you can direct your efforts toward positions that support them. 

Leverage online resources. When you are ready to start the search, go online. Explore reputable job search websites and education-specific platforms to discover a wide range of teaching opportunities. Pay attention to keywords like "entry-level," "new teacher," or "beginning educator" when searching. Furthermore, take advantage of your social media communities, such as LinkedIn®, Facebook®, Instagram®, or other education-focused groups, so you can network with professionals and stay up to date on job openings. 

Network, network, network. Do not neglect the value of strong professional networks in your job search. Attend career fairs, education conferences and other networking events to connect with people in the education field who might be able to better direct your teaching placement. 

Perfect your application. To apply for a specific job, make sure your application is compelling and targeted. Highlight your qualifications and passion for teaching. Tailor your resume, cover letter, and letter of intent to display relevant experiences, certifications, and any specialized training you have. And do not forget to incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate how you fit with the position's requirements. 

Prepare for your interview. Once you secure an interview, prepare, prepare, prepare. Research the school or district beforehand to gain insights into its values and mission. Review common interview questions and have thoughtful responses at the ready to highlight your teaching philosophy, classroom management strategies, and commitment to student success. Prep an engaging teaching demonstration that lets you highlight your skills with minimal context and prep on behalf of the classroom. If you can, ask friends or family to host a mock interview with you — anything to get you comfortable when refining your interviewing skills.

Practice mindful progression

As you navigate the job market and secure your first teaching position, remember that your journey as an educator is a marathon, not a sprint.

By remaining flexible, open-minded, and committed to lifelong learning, you can increase your chances of securing a teaching job that suits your ambitions. While challenging, job hunting is the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling journey — with the right approach, you will walk this path with confidence and enthusiasm.

Want more Praxis resources as you look for your first teaching job?