Will Subbing help me land a teaching job?

Question:I was wondering what's the best way to seek a teaching job in in NY? Is it worth my time to sub on a per-diem basis? Is there anything better I should do that'll help my situation? I am fully certifed in English and biology, and I have half a year of teaching experience as a leave replacement (besides student teaching). It's been 2 years already, and I'm covering my own health insurance (which means I'm pratically working for "free.") I'm tempted to take another full-time job outside of education and then find time for interviews from the schools, but would that make my dream of becoming a fulltime teacher even more unattainable? Please give me some advice and/or relate how you found your job (preferably in a public school).

Answers:
I think most places look for lots of experience, so I imagine that subbing doesn't hurt. You can also try getting work in places that aren't in NY.
Subbing is a good way to get noticed by a school principal. Network with the teachers you do know, especially where you did your student teaching. If you are close to another state, check out their certification, it may be worth your time! Good luck.
I was just offered my first full-time position--it was at a school I subbed at.the principal called me and asked me to apply :o) I'd definitely recommend subbing if you can afford doing it until you do land a job...it generally doesn't pay that well.
Yes, subbing is great experience, but you need to determine why you have not been hired when many districts offer a signing bonus for science teachers.

Are you just applying for high schools? Maybe you should consider junior high. Or, to make yourself more marketable, take the test formerly known as MSAT and get a multiple subject credential as well. For example, last year my school hired a teacher for a self-contained 6th grade class consisting of all the students who were the last to enroll. This kept everyone else's numbers down.

I also suggest meeting with someone from the program where you received your credential. Maybe your resume could look better, or you could practice interviewing skills.

Good luck.
Subbing can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Teaching jobs are extremely difficult to get these days...in fact, with so much competition is can be difficult just to get an interview...

One of the best ways to get an interview is to take advantage of your contacts/connections. However, many people don't really understand how to do this...read this article to learn how to take full advantage of all your contacts: http://teacherinterviewtips.com/teacher_...

So yes, subbing can help quite a bit as you can make many contacts through subbing. If you go this route, make sure to approach every day you sub as a job interview...dress the part, meet other teachers and administrators, be very nice to the support staff as well...

However, I have also seen subbing backfire on many people...some people are not good subs, but may be great in their own classroom...unfortunately, if a sub had a bad experience at a school that sub may have blown his/her chances of getting a job there...so be careful.
http://www.substituteteachersunited.net/...

We're a group of substitute teachers who've come together to form our own online community. We share our experiences with each other and gain valuable information and advice in the process. In addition, we're constantly providing one another with the support needed to make it through our long and stressful days in the classroom. (And believe me!... Many of us have extremely long and stressful days as subs. So long and stressful that we wonder when it's going to end!)

STU is made up of a very diverse group of substitute teachers both male and female. We have subs of all ages, races, nationalities, and religion. Some of our members are just starting out while others have been subbing for 7 or more years and are considered "veterans" in their given profession.

Regardless of why you're subbing or how long you've been doing it, STU is for you!...

http://www.substituteteachersunited.net/... to view the community or http://www.substituteteachersunited.net/... to join!
Try schools in wealthy neighborhoods. You need to sell yourself, period... To much competition out there as you well know. I suggest you go to the schools you would like to teach at and walk in as you own it. Visit with the Principal and other staff members, let them get to know you, and tell them your seeking to relocate and want to make sure you're applying in the right place. You see once you go face to face non interview ambiance they will get to know you as a person. Just try it. Go to a school and walk in and start talking to people. Maybe you can start as an Admin Assist.
Once a sub - always a sub!! (quit subbing)
Many school districts hire year round.
To find a teaching job in NY use your computer and do a search for BOCES.
This is the on-line application and resource center for all education in New York State - upstate and city.
There are job postings, cover letter helps, pay scales, etc. Good luck and let me know what you you will be teaching!
I believe subbing is a great way to noticed. Pick a couple of schools you would like to work and sub at those schools. Please do a through job, follow plans, grade work if time permits and leave a note( highlights of the day ).
This way the teachers will ask you back to sub and others will notice(prin. and assistant principal). This is the way I was hired as a teacher.
Yes Eventually A Teacher Will Recommend You To Start Teaching And That's When You Will Land A Career.
New York is a tough place for teachers to find jobs. especially if you're upstate. We have an over-saturated job market, declining population, and lots of colleges pumping out new candidates each year.

You're more likely to find a job teaching biology than English. But seek out jobs in that area that you most WANT to teach. You don't want to be going in each day for 30 years teaching something you don't enjoy.

Yes, subbing is a great way to get started, but in a state like New York, you have to market yourself aggressively.

A few tips---

1. When possible, walk directly into schools and introduce yourself to principals. They're more likely to interview someone they've met.

2. Don't just apply to the jobs you see advertised in the paper or on the Internet. Many of the best school districts do very little advertising. Go to the phone book. Call each school (HR office) you'd like to work at and ask if there are any current or anticipated openings.

3. When you sub, let principals KNOW that you would love to get a job in their district. Make a point of saying hello to the principal each day you sub. Politely remind him/her every now and then that you're looking for a full-time job. If they tell you about a vacancy-- give the principal a copy of your resume (even if HR already has it).

There's a good eBook about finding teaching jobs, applying for teaching jobs, teacher interviews, resumes, cover leters, teaching portfolios, etc. etc. Maybe the book can help you. It's at: http://www.iwantateachingjob.com...

Good luck to you! Don't give up hope yet. I was hired for my first teaching job less than a week before school started.
Subbing helps. I subbed while I finished up college. The experience gave me confidence for my first teaching job. I can't think of a better way to learn about the inner workings of a school than to sub. Of course, its not the same as being an actual classroom teacher. But, it is the closest thing to being a teacher. Good luck with finding your first teaching job.
My advice is to broaden your horizions.

New York seems to be a hard place to get a job, but if you are willing to relocate concider moving out west.

Also, look at your letters of recomendation. They may actually be sabotaging your chances of getting hired, and you'll need new letters.
I've been teaching for several years now. I have had wonderful subs who would do a great job as teachers. I don't think it will hurt to work as a sub, but the salary is not the same and I could be wrong but I believe there are no benefits. All the schools that I had worked usually have a permanent sub in the building. Why don't you try to find out about that. The good thing is that if the principal likes you he/she will want to keep you and hopefully hire you full time. I worked in a school where the school sub was hired in Nov. to teach a kindergarten class and she is now permanent. If you want to teach my best advice is to stay in the field, see what options you have. Send your resume to different school principals with a nice cover letter and explain what you have to offer as a substitute teacher. It will not hurt at all. I have had horrible stories about a few subs and I've been told that the reason why they don't get them out of the list is because of shortage. Have faith! Miracles happen don't loose your faith! Best wishes! Elementary Spanish Teacher.

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