Re: I can't find a Teaching Job!

On 8/31/09, Lillian M. Hemphill wrote:
> 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.