Susan, you're not alone. I've sent out 25 applications since
April throughout California, using the statewide teacher job
board. Of those, I was invited to 5 interviews and so far
have had no job offer. Most schools here start next week.

As a fully credential Special Ed teacher with 8 years of
experience I've been totally shocked. I too have wondered,
as you said: "Am I too old?" I'm 57 and was hoping to get at
least 5 more years of teaching into the state retirement
system here, especially since I won't be able to dip into my
Social Security because of the teachers retirement fund
regulations. So, subbing is not a good idea for me, as then
NOTHING will be going into my state teacher retirement fund.
Not to mention NO BENEFITS. Since July 1st I have been
continuing my medical and dental insurance through COBRA. Do
you have that option?

Similar to you, I've also had fellow teachers - a couple who
run departments and often are on a panel to interview - look
at my application packets, resume, cover letter, and
reference letters, and been assured I'm impeccably qualified.

A colleage suggested to me that I file a complaint with the
state of California Fair Employment for age discrimination,
but I'm afraid to do that since I know a lot of prospective
employers can pull up as much background information on you
as they want and that often includes checks not only into
whether or not you have a My Space or Facebook web page but
also legal complaints you may have filed, including Workers
Compensation cases.

After all the hard work (4 years of school while teaching
full-time) to get my credential and over $25,000 in tuition
loan debts, it's hard for me to think about leaving the
profession, but if I don't find something soon I will have to
search for anything else I might be able to find, maybe even
just a simple Secretary or Administrative Assistant. At this
point in spite of the obvious pay cut this actually sounds
refreshing since at least then I'd be able to come home after
work every day and not have to continue working on student
papers and reports, lesson plans, evaluation goals and
objectives or chaperoning a dance!

Obviously, the economy has a lot to do with our mutual
situation, and as I'm sure you've heard, California currently
has NO budget because the Republicans and Democrats in the
state senate can't agree on what cuts and/or taxes to
implement. (Like the children we teach, they need to be
given a DEADLINE by which they complete their assignment or
risk penalties to THEIR wages for each day they are pst the
deadline!!! They just don't seem to get it that the
children - our future citizens and taxpayers - are the ones
who are being most impacted by having to learn in overcrowded
or understafed environments!!!)

Thanks for letting me rant and good luck. If it's any
consolation, my cousin's wife in Georgia is having similar
problems finding a teaching spot.

On 8/15/08, Susan wrote:
> Frustration has set in!!! Since January of this year I
> have sent out over 175 applications for various K - 6
> teaching jobs in the state of MN. Definately it is who you
> know!! I previously taught preschool for 4 years at a
> private school and have had public school officials tell
> me that I can't count that as teaching because I did not
> have to be licensed due to it being a private school (even
> though I had a degree in early childhood ed) Any how, I am
> tierd of substitute teaching in 3 different districts and
> 2 private schools. I have even had the secretaries at
> schools where I have subbed repeatedly state that they did
> not want to see my name on the list for full time because
> I am such a good and reliable substitute.
> FRUSTRATION!!!!!!! I need medical insurance and can't get
> it only being a sub. I have had several people look at my
> resume and said it was perfect but why then am I not
> getting hired? Am I too old? 43 or what?

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