Teaching Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do high school teachers make more money than elementary teachers?
No. Teacher salaries are set by states and local school districts, and generally a teacher's salary is determined by their degree and years of experience. So, a high school teacher with a bachelor's degree and two years of experience will make less than a kindergarten teacher with a master's degree and five years of experience. If both teachers had a master's and 5 years of experience, their annual salaries would be the same. In most states, local teachers' unions negotiate teachers' salaries through collective bargaining, which ends in a contract for all teachers in a district.
2. I've heard that many new teachers get the worst classes. Is that true?
When job searching, you may certainly ask why the position is open. Most positions are open because of retirements, growth in student numbers, mandates for smaller classes, and the relocation of other teachers. You should research the school district's demographics and test scores (online or by asking people in the area), so that you have an idea of the type of students and their achievement before the interview. And yes, sometimes new teachers do get the most challenging classes. Unfortunately, it is the provisionally certified teachers who often get the most challenging classes, as the fully-certified teachers get their assignments first.
3. Where can I get help during my first year of teaching?
Most schools offer professional development for new teachers in the form of support seminars through the year and by assigning mentors to new teachers. Be sure to ask about the professional development offered during your interview. You can also find tremendous help from a professional organization, such as Kappa Delta Pi. Go to their website www.kdp.org.
4. I really want to teach, but know that managing classroom discipline will be the hardest part. Where can I turn for help?
Many college courses are now offered in classroom management and discipline. Try some online sources, as well, such as www.disciplinehelp.com, www.canter.net, www.harrywong.com, and www.carolfuery.com.
5. Is it true that some districts want to hire only people who have worked as substitute teachers in their schools? Will working as a substitute teacher ensure I get hired?
While it is true that some districts often hire substitute teachers when a full-time opening occurs, working as sub certainly does not guarantee you a job. The value of substitute teaching is that principals and teachers get to know you, and if your reputation as a sub is a strong one, then those same principals and teachers will recognize your name on a job application. However, if your work as a substitute is not strong, then the opposite is true - an employer will reject your application if your performance was weak. Being a substitute can actually be more challenging than being the regular teacher, especially with regard to classroom management issues, so you have to be a very strong substitute teacher to be considered when a full-time opening occurs. One way to get noticed as a sub is to invite an administrator into your room to observe you teach a lesson. If this opportunity presents itself, and you are confident of the lesson quality and student behavior, this can help you get noticed for a future position.
