Re: New in Colorado and just got my SOE

Curtis

Posted on 8/30/09

(8) Comments

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As far as I know, sub lists are a district by district thing. The
district where I teach accepts new people to the sub list at any
time. We have a shortage of subs, however.

One of the big things subbing does is get you in the door. It’s
like networking on steroids. If you can sub in a district you
become a district employee and are known to the administrators.
Also, there is the “teacher’s lounge effect.” If someone is
planning to retire or leave, the teacher’s lounge will usually know
before the district office does. Also, some districts use current
teachers to help with the recruitment process. I was interviewed by
the person I was replacing, another teacher, and the
Superintendent. If you have developed relationships with teachers
it can help you a lot.

Also, if you have never been in the classroom, subbing can help you
decide if you really want to be. If you have never been in a
classroom, keep a few things in mind when you go to sub. Don’t get
too frustrated. It’s hard to be the stranger in the room. It is
even harder if the teacher does not have a handle on the classroom
environment or leaves crappy lesson plans. If you are fair and
interested in the kids, they will begin to know you over time and
will respect you regardless of the situation.

On the sub certificate, go to
https://forms.cde.state.co.us/pes/DOBSearch.jsp and you can search
yourself. It will tell you the status of your request. It’s
probably just in process. CDE is extremely slow!

I would pick a geographic area that you are willing to live in.
Then I would watch all of the districts in that area. Especially
pay attention to the smaller districts. If you get 30 minutes to an
hour east of the population centers along I-25, you will greatly
increase your chances. They tend to have a harder time recruiting
people with a license. Most generally, districts will take a
licensed candidate over one with a SOE.

I am so glad to be able to help. Most of us in the teaching
profession are here because we love to help others. Take care and
good luck! Please let us know how your search is going.

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