Lillian M. Hemphill

Posted on 8/31/09

My fellow teachers, I need you help.

I am currently a MAT student at an Arkansas univesity. I
have passed all of my Praxis exams with no problem on the
first try. My background checks are fine. I have even
tutors to receive extra teaching experience. I have good
grades. I have even been selected by the Thurggod
Marshall/Bill Gates Foundation as one of the best student
teachers in the nation.

But, when I apply for a teaching job in Arkansas, all that
doesn't mean a hill of beans. I can't get a teaching job.
During interviews, I have had school officials to tell me:
1. I was TOO SMART to be a teacher. (My personal
favorite!!! And yes, their school district is on academic
distress.)
2. Only if you coached football, you see we reserve all of
our social studies positions for men ((I actually
considered getting my coaching endorsement seeing that I
tutor the football team at my university!)
3. If only I was willing to get my cerification in math,
science, special ed, home ec. or any other area besides
history, I could offer you a job. When I explain I would
be willing to receive the extra certification, they tell me
because my background is political science, it would be
hard for me to get the needed lic. (I then wonder why did
you ask me then?)

The list goes on.........Two of my classmates have moved to
other states. Another is cosidering filing a discrimination
suit.

I need advice.

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