Becoming an elementary school teacher

[Anonymous]

I am looking to make a career change and I was hoping to hear from some public school teachers out there (Montgomery County especially).

I would like to go back and get my masters in teaching -- the three areas I would be interested in getting a degree in are Literacy/Reading, Art and Science.

On the MoCo jobs page there seem to be quite a few jobs, but I'm sure these are competitive and change year-to-year.

I can afford the degree (no debt incurred) and I have quite a bit of experience working with elem. age kids -- both paid and volunteer.

I would love to hear some thoughts from some teachers. Which concentrations do you think are in the most demand etc.

TIA

[Anonymous]

Jobs are very competitive and hard to get into. With so many colleges in the area there are a lot of applicants. It's possible, especially if you grew up/went to school in the area but there's also the chance of relocating for a teaching job.

I'd recommend substitute teaching while working on your degree, that will help get your foot in the door.

Out of your list, Masters of Reading/Literacy is probably the most in demand, although there is more of a push for highly qualified math and science teachers due to STEM and the Common Core.

[Anonymous]

Thanks.

Why does it matter where I grew up?

[Anonymous]

I can't answer your question about demand for the fields you listed.

But I came out of a top local masters/certification program and could not get into MoCo due to lack of open spots in my specialty (secondary) the year I was applying. I went to one another school system, and was happy there. I'd suggest you research Arlington, Fairfax, DCPS, PG and Howard. Decide to which (if any) you'd be willing to apply. Due to anti-poaching policies however, it's not always easy to change school systems. Not impossible at all, just not always easy.

[Anonymous]

For elementary, it doesn't matter what your area of specialty is if you want to be a classroom teacher. There are no concentrations for elementary teachers once you get a job. If you are looking to be a reading specialist or art teacher, obviously you could pursue those degrees-but I don't think you'd get hired as an elementary reading specialist without prior experience as a classroom teacher.

I think the PP's comment about where you grew up is referring to the fact that if you grew up here, went to school in MCPS, or know several people who work as administrators in MCPS, they can help to push your application along.

[Anonymous]

21:59 here, 14:58 is correct. Usually knowing someone in the school district helps with your application. Which stinks for some, I grew up out of state, and came here to work and go to graduate school. I'm still trying to get into the public schools because most of the time if it comes between an applicant who grew up in the school system and went to college in the area versus an out of state applicant they will choose the former. I've been substituting while completing grad school hoping that will lend to a full time teaching job next year.

I also second the PPs comment about looking into other districts as well. Being flexible on where to go will open up your chances for interviews and being hired.

[Anonymous]

My wife is a relatively new MCPS elementary school teacher. Three keys to getting into MCPS:

1. Patience and Persistence. Even though they discourage it, emailing Principals at schools with known vacancies will increase your chances of getting interviewed (assuming you've done everything else in the hiring process)

2. Subbing. Getting your name and face out there and making contacts.

And MOST importantly:

3. Get your Graduate degree from a school that has an agreement with MCPS for student teaching/internship (U of MD, Towson). MCPS loves to hire their student teachers. A school like Johns Hopkins only currently has agreements with Howard and Frederick Counties so you wont be able to intern with MCPS.

[Anonymous]

PP is generally correct except for their #3. MCPS will take student teachers from schools they don't have an explicit partnership with.

But, yes, PP is correct in noting that MCPS loves to hire their student teachers.

[Anonymous]

Another district to consider is the City of Falls Church. It's a very small district with two elementary schools. Since it is so small there is less bureaucracy to deal with. I interviewed directly with the principal and once he wanted to hire me, I was in.

Good luck.