Once again, the inner city schools, which constantly complain
about "teacher shortages" are saturated with applicants.

This led me to complain to the education department, for their
identifying 7-12 math as a shortage area, when there are
typically over 10 applicants for one position. I was told by the
chief (Mr. "M"), that, as long as some districts find it
difficult to get applicants, the area gets labeled as a shortage
area.

Well, that would be fine and dandy if those same cities would be
receptive to applicants from the 'burbs. But when I applied at
New Brittain last year at their job fair, the
principal/interviewer kept reminding me of the disparity between
where I was teaching (some ritzy H.S. to the North) and their
school. I guess that my experience was in a school that wasn't
tough enough, or didn't have enough gangs.

So, if I wasn't "from the 'hood", I didn't qualify. Never mind
that I attended George Washington HS in Manhattan, and survived.

Meanwhile, the state lowered standards years ago for the Math
Praxis 2 from 142 to 137, which anyone with a pulse can pass, so
as to eneble the "shortage" schools to find more applicants.

My only interview this year was at a suburban school, out of 20
applications. (and I was a math major- although that doesn't
seem to matter). I'm glad I'm in a Masters program in applied
math,so that maybe I can teach at a junior college in a few
years, and get away from this B.S. Cheers.

> Hey,
>
> I don't know about this year, but last year I had a limited
> inside connection that told me not to bother filing an
> application with New Haven Public Schools. I was told for
> last year (things have gotten worse since then) that they
> received over 1,000 applications for 30 jobs. They weren't
> even reading the applications any more. The only way your
> file got viewed was if you knew someone who could get it into
> the right hands.
> Personally, I interviewed at a school in Branford last
> year. They got over 300 applicaitons for 3 jobs in this
> school. They gave 15 people interviews. There were local
> teachers there with 5-10+ years of experience at the grade
> levels they were hiring for. It was insane.
>
> Charter schools are going to be your best bet in CT in this
> economy. They've still got their funding, and they're the
> only ones hiring right now because they're still expanding
> their school systems. You'll work much, much harder, but
> it's better then being on sub pay.
>
> Good Luck!
>
> On 7/22/09, newCT teach wrote:
>> I was wondering if anyone had any info on why the BEST
>> program was repealed...and what they plan to implement in
>> its place. I just renewed my initial cert and got a letter
>> informing me that as of July 1 2009 BEST ended.
>>
>> On a side note, it looks like others in CT are having a
>> tough time finding a job. I sure am. I have about 20 apps
>> out there and have gotten one request for an interview.
>> Unfortunately that school needed me to come in that very
>> day, which I was unable to do! i am beginning to wonder if
>> something is wrong with me. I even have some experience. I
>> never thought it would be so hard to get a teaching job, and
>> am bummed that I may have to sub again next year. I thought
>> Stamford would have a few openings (I was told they would,
>> back in May), but NOTHING. I subbed there last year (plus
>> one other district) and looks like I will be returning in
>> Sept unless some miracle happens.
>>
>> I am trying to keep hope, but wondering how long I can
>> survive on this pay and working in other people's
>> classrooms. Apparently I do not know the right people.
>>
>> Just wondering if anyone has any insight into what is going
>> on. Are a lot of people relocating to CT? I live fairfield
>> County, and am considering moving closer to New Haven
>> County. I have applied in New Haven County, but no one
>> calling me back there either.
>>
>> Any insight greatly appreciate, on either BEST or what is
>> going on in this job market right now.
>>
>> Thanks a bunch.
>>
>> new CT Teach

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