Re: Anxiety about job opportunities in Portland
Posted by Evelyn on 1/07/09
To make you feel better, it's not as bleak as it sounds. I
wanted to move here from Arkansas and got my first teaching
job by applying online and following up with phone calls. I
received one phone call for an interview with PPS and
immediately booked a flight. While I was here, I called the
other two districts I had applied with in the area to let
them know I was visiting and available for interviews. Both
obliged and, even though I didn't get the PPS job, my second
attempt was a success and ended up being a much better fit
for me, anyways. I guess my point is that you may have to be
agressive, but the opportunities are out there.
Although, what people have been saying about hiring
internally is definitely true. My district filled positions
similar to mine with teachers who had been subbing in the
district before I was hired. So, if you have any off days at
school, or if PSU lets out before public schools, my
recommendation is to try to sub as much as possible. Just do
what you can to get a foot in the door!
p.s. it's not just OR that has this problem, but really
anywhere that's decent to live. Even in Arkansas there are
horror stories about a hundred applications for one open
position and the like. Just be that squeaky wheel!
On 11/18/08, ~ a wrote:
> Hello there, I am an undergraduate student at PSU, about
> one year away from applying/entering PSU's Graduate School
> of Education to receive my state certification for teaching
> elementary ed. The posts I am reading here, and the hearsay
> I have collected are painting a grim picture in terms of my
> hopes to eventually land a teaching position in the
> Portland area! I could consider working across the river in
> Washington, I suppose, but moving out-of-state is not
> really an option for me.
>
> I am wondering if anyone on this board has any input,
> advice, or suggestions to this aspiring young teacher.
>
> Thanks! ~ a
