Steps for a Successful Job Search
Target your job search and follow the timeline below to guide you.
Where in Texas would you like to begin your career? Begin your search by researching school districts
online and comparing salary schedules, professional development opportunities and student programs. A
district’s salary schedule information is usually on its Web site under Employment.
To find a school district’s web site, follow these steps:
- Visit the Texas Education Agency Web page that links to education service center (ESC) Web sites across Texas,
www.tea.state.tx.us/ESC. Click on the area of the state that
interests you.
- Look for a listing of school districts. Visit the sites of districts that interest you.
- Locate the district's employment or hiring section, and follow given instructions.
Timeline for Your Job Search
Nine
months before graduation/certification
• Update your resume, including your recent volunteer work.
• Take your resume to education job fairs and university career expos. Education service centers (ESCs)
typically hold job fairs in the spring and summer.
• Create a
portfolio
Eight
months out
• Research and review the application process for the school districts where you might want to work.
Note application deadlines on your daily calendar.
Seven
months out
• Practice
interviewing
techniques with a friend.
• Request job interview tips from your campus career center.
Five
months out
• Join a professional
association such as ATPE. Teacher-trainee members are protected by
ATPE’s professional liability insurance and employment
rights defense benefits.* ATPE membership also provides networking opportunities with Texas
educators and administrators, leadership training and professional development opportunities. ATPE
membership sends the message to employers you are an active member of the education community who
independently seeks professional development.
Four
months out
• Collect items for your portfolio from your student teaching.
Tip: Pictures of your students actively engaged in learning bring your work alive for potential
employers.
Three
months out
• Include in your portfolio long-term unit plans, a daily lesson plan and information about faculty
or staff development meetings you’ve attended. Include comments from your mentors and co-workers.
• Start interviewing! You’ll find the right job for you.
*The
Educators Professional Liability Insurance Policy is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh,
Pa. All coverage is subject to the express terms of the master insurance policy issued to ATPE and kept on file at the ATPE
state office. Coverage applies to the activities of an insured in the course of his/her duties as a student in a teacher
education program in an accredited college or university. Click here to
download a summary in PDF format. Eligibility for ATPE
membership benefits is contingent upon ATPE’s receipt of the entire annual membership dues amount for your appropriate membership
category. A disruption in payments to an authorized payment plan may result in discontinuation of such benefits, including
cancellation of insurance coverage for the entire membership year, retroactive to the earlier of Sept. 1 or your membership date.
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