Overqualified and ready to cry

**PTKeil** · 07-11-2006, 02:13 AM

:cry:
I live in Indiana and three years ago decided teaching was for me. I already had achieved my BS in Biochem and MS in Bio, going on to the fast track "Transition to Teach" program. I have received straight A's all throughout my masters and the teaching program.
Please understand I am not intending to brag... just to give you a little background. I am new to this forum.

I finished my student teaching in Spring 2005 and the head of the science department asked me to fill in the last few weeks for her while she had a hip replacement because she was so impressed with my work. This particular school then hired someone else shortly thereafter instead of me (with 15 years under his belt--think of that salary!) because they needed a boys', varsity, basketball coach. I could understand this, because not only am I female, but don't play basketball, and he was filling a need. It was really a blow to be passed over, though.

Since then I have put out scads of applications and have only had two interviews in the past two summers, one of which was last week with a school I absolutely love. The interview went very well and we had a good discussion.

I was just informed today that I did not get the job, but they want to interview me (again?) for a substituting position (maternal leave for one semester.) I honestly don't know what to do. I am very qualified and want to teach more than anything, but I am very frustrated because I know there have been many jobs available and I have been asked only two times for interviews. I just don't understand it, and I am not sure if locking into this temporary position now is a good thing or a bad considering the few times I have been asked to interview. Is it too early? Should I just take it to get my foot in the door? Am I wasting my time? Once I give my word, I will stick by it, so there is no turning back.

Any advice?
I'm at my wits end because I truly don't know how it works from the inside, and I told my DH that I can't sit out another year. I just can't....I will have to move on if I'm not offered a job. I don't want to give up on the teaching, but that is what it's coming to. The idea of not teaching brings me to tears.

Thanks so much for reading this. I know you are all terribly busy! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

**JohnBoy** · 07-11-2006, 02:47 AM

My two cents: take the interim spot if it is being offered to you and you don't get a full-time spot someplace else. Its a way to get a good current reference and might open some doors for you. I know it is not ideal, but then again, not a whole lot in education is.... Keep perservering. And welcome to the Forum!

**PTKeil** · 07-11-2006, 03:05 AM

Thanks, John....I'm just concerned the way things have been going that even if I take the temp position that I will be in the same boat next year .....waiting around again. I'm 36 and my children are older so I want to get on with my own life, ya' know?

I've been over my resume' 1000 times, second guessing everything that I have submitted thinking maybe I've made some terrible error somewhere and that's why I'm not receiving calls to my inquiries. The only thing I can attribute it to is I'm overqualified, and that situation won't change. My immediate family is astounded that I'm having a hard time finding a job. Everyone who knows me thinks I'm pulling their legs! "You! You can't get a job?" It's very humbling and frustrating.

**Mark** · 07-11-2006, 03:54 AM

Are you physically tied to the place you live? I mean are you willing to move to get a job? There are a lot of positions open around the country if you are willing to move.

If you are not able to move then I would take the interm job. At least it will pay, and it is a way to get your foot in the door.

**Zaach** · 07-11-2006, 05:54 AM

Hi Ma´m
I understand you perfectly, because something similar just happened to me. But at last I got a job, and hopefully, you´ll get one soon.
Please don´t give up.
This great and beautiful country needs people like you, although sometimes it looks the other way. Just remember that your background allows you to make a honest claim for a good teaching position, and you´ll get it!

Don´t get discouraged!

**Mathematical Mary** · 07-11-2006, 01:00 PM

July is a busy month for school hiring. The schools are starting to worry that they won't be able to fill their positions and will soon start making more of an effort to locate candidates.

If you don't get a call, do take the substitute postition. The admin at that school probably wants to see you in action and make sure that you can handle a classroom before they offer a position. If nothing else, it will give you an opportunity to ask them frequently if they'd like to have you on staff.

**PTKeil** · 07-11-2006, 01:41 PM

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I knew I'd find some good advice here!

**PTKeil** · 07-11-2006, 01:56 PM

Mary,
Part of this fix I'm in is the fact that this school wants to know NOW whether I will sub or not with 6 weeks left before school, and if I give them my word I will keep it.
With my citcom of a life another school would call me for a FT position, shortly after agreeing to the PT.

What I'd give for a crystal ball right now!

**kontan** · 07-11-2006, 02:45 PM

Substituting is on the road to your own classroom. It opens the door, gives you VALUABLE experience and shows that you are willing to work. I learned more from my sub experiences than my edu class experiences.

Even if you accept the position and get offered a full position later there is usually little stopping you from taking it. IMO no principal wouldn't understand you backing away from a PT position to accept a FT position.

Someone else asked if you were willing to move, great idea if you are.

Good luck.

**Mathematical Mary** · 07-11-2006, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by PTKeil

Mary,
Part of this fix I'm in is the fact that this school wants to know NOW whether I will sub or not with 6 weeks left before school, and if I give them my word I will keep it.
With my citcom of a life another school would call me for a FT position, shortly after agreeing to the PT.

What I'd give for a crystal ball right now!

No one will begrudge you backing out of a sub position to take a full time contract. Don't worry about that at all. If something else comes up, TAKE IT and give your apologies to the other school. You will not be under contract for a sub position, therefore will not be breaking a contract.

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