Teacher Question

JennyO Posted: Aug 19, 2005 01:16 AM

Teacher Question

Teachers,
Are teaching assistants in your school/district ever hired for classroom teacher positions? I student taught at my current school and then was hired as a TA. I have been there for a year and a half and still no teaching job. I've sent my resume eveywhere and got a couple of interviews, but they haven't led anywhere. I don't know if working there for another year as a TA is going to help me get a job. Any Advice?

jes81276 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 07:41 AM

Re: Teacher Question

I have never seen it in my district. We usually hire permanent subs. However, most of the TA's in my district are married ladies who are just doing the job to get out of the house and earn a little extra money. I know some districts that do hire TA's - Sachem is one.

ETA: What about applying for perm. sub jobs? Many times they lead to leave replacements. Even if this does not land you a permanent position, it is still some more experience (of a different kind) to add to your resume. Good luck!

Calimali Posted: Aug 19, 2005 07:43 AM

Re: Teacher Question

Yes! I did! Ask your principal if she/he knows of anything possibly opening up next year (anyone retiring???). Being a TA is a great way to let a school know how good you are! Try to go above and beyond in every way.

BCC72206 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 08:25 AM

Re: Teacher Question

I've never seen my school hire a TA as a teacher. I would look for some permanent sub. positions. They seem to lead to full-time tenure track jobs.

Also, some schools are part of a substitute consortium (you will get called to sub in various districts). This way, you will be able to get your face and name out in more than one place!

Good luck!!!

cjb88 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 08:47 AM

Re: Teacher Question

i really think it depends on the situation, the person and the district... i got told that my district did not hire its subs or students teachers... well guess what when i was a student teacher, then a sub, i went above and beyond and was hired! i personally think it couldnt hurt, especially if you dont have other prospects at the moment... it is better then nothing, and it is experience on your resume...

dbleplay17 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 08:58 AM

Re: Teacher Question

It is possible. Usually when they hire if they like you, u can get right in. it is like a foot in the door. But that depends on what opens up..
I was a perm sub for 1/2 a yr in the school i student taught in and the sec there was an opening they offered it to me.

Def stay where you are but keep sending the resumes out. You do not wanna rely this school will have an opening...but at least u ae working y aknow....but keep sending the resumes out

DUCKS2001 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 11:20 AM

Re: Teacher Question

i work for boces, and am a TA as of now, i have seen interviews being held for the TA's for teaching jobs, maybe you should speak to your principal

SummerBride06 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 11:35 AM

Re: Teacher Question

rvc does, but not often.

my district doesn't have TAs. but they do hire subs.

i highly disagree about doing the sub consortium. you need to be in a place consistently (like a permanent sub) for them to really consider hiring you. i've never seen a random sub who is only there occassionally get a full time job.

flat out state your intentions to your principal. you have nothing to lose.

BCC72206 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 11:39 AM

Re: Teacher Question

Posted by SummerBride06

rvc does, but not often.

my district doesn't have TAs. but they do hire subs.

i highly disagree about doing the sub consortium. you need to be in a place consistently (like a permanent sub) for them to really consider hiring you. i've never seen a random sub who is only there occassionally get a full time job.

flat out state your intentions to your principal. you have nothing to lose.

The consortium actually helped me get my job! I am certified in an area that very few people are and when various districts found out about it they were knocking on my door!!!

aje78 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 11:59 AM

Re: Teacher Question

My principal always hired perm subs(including me) for a teaching job. This year however she hired two TAs for teaching jobs. So you never know--we all thought she would never and she did :) Good lUck!!!

conigs25 Posted: Aug 19, 2005 12:12 PM

Re: Teacher Question

Yes i have seen TAs get hired. But you need to remember, many districts had to make cuts this year bc of budgets etc. Keep working at it- youll get someting

CTarantino Posted: Aug 19, 2005 12:30 PM

Re: Teacher Question

Ok Not usually on the TA..I know since I was planning on doing that but I heard most TA's never land a job..I took a chance and went with subbing so the principal could see me in action..Within a year a was a permanent sub and now have my own clasroom of first graders this year. I would say forget it and sib, they get paid more too and you make a better name for yourself.
Good luck!

JennyO Posted: Aug 19, 2005 01:47 PM

Re: Teacher Question

Thank you everybody for the great advice. I'm glad to hear some TA's get teaching jobs.
I've been trying to get a job as a perm. sub but no luck yet. I have been putting my all into my TA job so hopefully it will pay off eventually. I'm also thinking about getting my spec ed certification. Maybe that will help.
Well, thanks again!