Frustrated, 32 and WTT for #1

[CaliFrog]

Hello everyone.

I am so frustrated. I just turned 32. Last week, I had a interview for a teaching position that went very well. DH and I were excited and started looking at larger apts. Yesterday I found out that I didn't get the job, because I am too friendly and calm. The interviewers are afraid I can't control the classroom. I can understand this. I have some teaching experience. All at different levels and usually with another teacher sitting in the back of the classroom. I could read a million books about teaching, but it isn't worth anything, if I never step in front of a class. If no one gives me the chance to control a classroom, I can't.

My student loan total is overwhelming. Unless I get a job, I can't imagine when we will able to afford a larger apt or a baby. Many people I know are pregnant, just had a baby, or have children. We don't have a a date when we will start TTC since I need to find a job, so we can save money.

I know I have some time, but I hear the clock ticking.

 

[Fruitee]

That's awful, if they say you are calm isn't that exactly what's needed to 'control' a classroom, and if you are friendly and doing the job right they would behave anyway, sounds like a lame excuse to me!!! Sorry you didn't get it. Hope you manage to find something soon so you can start ttc

 

[EmmySocks]

Sorry that sounds rubbish

Perhaps you could sign up to do some supply work with an agency? Or a temporary position? Just to get your foot in the door? I work in education, straight out of uni i applied for a temporary position to cover someone else's maternity leave - it was only for a year but it gave me the opportunity to prove myself and when i applied for a permanent position they already knew that i could do the job.

Good luck for your job hunting xxx

 

[MissN8]

Hi Cali, I know what you mean about clock ticking I'm in my 30s and wtt likely til start of next year. Yea perhaps a temp job might be best to prove yourself, hope something comes up soon so you can start saving

 

[callmedan]

sorry you didnt get the job, but keep trying! i agree with PPs though temp work sounds like a good option for you in the meantime

try not to worry though, a year is not really a long time to wait in terms of TTC (even though it does feel like a lifetime!) but in terms of looking for a job, you have ages!
good luck x

 

[loeylo]

Where are you based? Don't you need formal training to do teaching?

I'm a teacher too, I qualified in 2013 and where I stay you are guaranteed a year long paid placement (you are paid £22,000 as well so it is pretty generous for a trainee position!) after Uni, you then have to find a job yourself. My year finished in June - there was 54 applicants, 12 people selected for interview and only 4 posts available. Teaching is so competitive! I'm now doing supply teaching, I haven't been out of work at all since qualifying and I was lucky enough to get a long term sick, I was then offered a long term supply until the post is advertised in another school. I'm pretty confident I will get the job, but in the past it has been really disheartening to have constant rejection.

We are also having to wait until I get a permanent job, but it will happen in time. Can you contact a school which you have links to and ask for experience?

 

[littlelily]

Hi, I'm a teacher too. As pp have said, best advice I can give you is go into supply, many teachers I know ended up on permanent contracts through that. You can keep applying in the meantime too. Best of luck to you dear

 

[CaliFrog]

Thank you for all the supportive messages.

I have a California teaching credential to teach German as a foreign language. In 2013 I moved to Germany to live with my husband. I hope to teach English. Since last March I have been waiting for my degrees and credential to be acknowledged in Germany. It is a different school system and I may have to go back to school. However, I met another American, who is currently working in the German public school system (without the acknowledgment or taking additional coursework), so I know it is possible.

I asked to do observations at the school. This will give me a look into their classrooms as well as build some rapport with the teachers. I'll look into substituting.

 

[CaliFrog]

Is anyone is in a similar situation and wants to be waiting buddies? We will probably be waiting until at least spring 2016.