I'm thinking of volunteering and getting involved in
> community organizations regarding my interests, which
> include education (obviously!), history, social justice, and
> politics. I'm wondering if the wise folks out there on this
> message board have any advice as per the BEST way to spend
> my time over the next year.
Honestly I think you're not looking at this the right way. As
you're probably well aware, there are hundreds or even
thousands of applications for every social studies job that
exists. If you look at this rationally, volunteering at a
community organization isn't going to get you a job.
Plus, the "community organizations" that involve "history,
social justice, and politics" can be polarizing. For every
person you impress, there are several more who see
organizations like that as a haven for hippies and radical
PETA, Greenpeace types. Even the Peacecorps or Church groups
turn off administrators, because there's a concern those
beliefs will make waves. Administrators hate waves.
The BEST way for you to spend your time is to add another,
more in-demand endorsement on your certificate. Look into
colleges and contact your state's certifying body to find out
how much work and money it will cost. This is the way to get
a job, and just about the only way.
On 8/20/08, Aspiring Social Studies Teacher wrote:
> It seems as if it is about too late to hold onto much hope
> for finding the dream job this year, so I'm trying to stay
> positive and focus on what I can do to prepare myself for
> next spring and summer.
>
> I graduated in spring 2004 and did my student teaching in
> middle and high school social studies (Minnesota) that fall.
> I've been subbing in Oregon since then, for 3.5 years. (My
> husband and I moved for his education.)
>
> Now that my husband is done with graduate school, I am
> hoping to have more time to do things to strengthen my
> application for the next school year. Over the past three
> years, my main focus has been on subbing and working at my
> other two jobs as much as possible, to pay the bills and get
> us started off on the right track financially. I just
> didn't have the time to do much else besides work. It has
> been very difficult to sub/waitress/office temp this long,
> but I'm trying to pump myself up for one more year
> (hopefully only one). My goal is to have only one job and
> have enough time to do other things to strengthen my
> application.
>
> I know that networking and
> getting to know other teachers and administrators is
> important, too, but I'm not sure what the best way to do
> that is.
>
> My goal is to put myself in the best position possible and
> "prepare for success."
>
> It is kind of cheesy, but my dad always has said "luck is
> when preparation meets opportunity." That makes sense to
> me... So now is the time to start preparing for next summer!
>
> Eagerly awaiting your advice!
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