Thread: I've Hit a Metaphorical Stone Wall

My only counsel is patience- I wouldn't get real discouraged until August. After all, gov't fiscal years begin on July 1- most admins won't have a clue about their ability to hire until the next summer.

In addition to John's good advice, I would only add that with the dismal downward spiral economically and population-wise in the rural areas, a lot of districts are seeing how their enrollment falls throughout the summer months before hiring.

Good luck, David. Keep us posted.

Before making the decision to become a teacher, I worked as a paraeducator for a year. Several of the paras I worked with were certified teachers who had been out of the field for some time, and faced the same dilemna as you.

By working as paras they were able to establish some contacts within the school system. In every example I can think of, those who applied for teaching positions were hired as teachers the following year. I've also known several teachers who re-entered the field by working as a substitute teacher. In some cases, they were hired mid-year when emergencies came up.

There are obvious downsides to this approach, but maybe it will give you some ideas. Good luck!

Don't panic, David.

As John Boy mentioned, it is early in the hiring season. A lot of schools likely don't even know what their needs will be for next year yet.

Give it some time...

Well surprise-surprise. I may have found a job that I'm almost uniquely qualified for.

Although I was initially looking for a position as an elementary teacher, I've found a secondary school that's looking for a chef instructor. The school is in a remote location of Arizona. It's actually located on an Apache reservation.

Although I have never taught high school, my background and experience both as a teacher and as an innkeeper, breakfast chef, and restaurant manager qualify me for a six year vocational certificate.

Not only is the school interested in establishing a strong culinary arts program but it's also interested in opening a student restaurant.

I have already talked to the director of business education about the possibility of integrating activities of the culinary arts department with the activities of other departments.

For example, the business department could provide much needed support for bookkeeping, advertising, and tax preparation. The art department could assist with our decor. The construction department could help build the restaurant and also put up billboards that would be painted by the art students. The agriculture department could hopefully grow many of our herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

The business director appears to be quite keen about my application. It will be interesting to see how things work out.

Hi David,

This sounds like a very interesting and truly unique opportunity. Hope it works out well for you. I can only wish you the best of luck!

Lucy

COOL! Good luck!

That is an interesting proposition for you, David. Although I don't know you, you seem to have a zest in doing different things with you life. This would spread you in several directions to maintain your interest while sharing your talents with the students! Good luck!

And no, I am not looking for a cat! :wink:

Sounds good, David. Sounds like could be tailor made for you.

Just be careful. At the risk of someone thinking I am biased (I am NOT), I have heard that reservations can be a rough place to work.