Do you think that she's correct? Is it really possible to do this? If, so how might I go about it?

I am in the beginning of my junior year at a prestigious university. I have done well academically (e.g. a 3.6). Beyond taking the traditional course work in my major and pursuing my educational certification, I work to finance a significant part of my education. I work as an aide at a day care center and I serve as a teaching assistant for a psychology course. Also, I have had a considerable amount of volunteer experience, for someone of my age. I have tutored, volunteered in the Special Olympics and worked for Habitat for Humanity.

Any advice as to how I might obtain a teaching position upon graduation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Reconciled?

Actually, from what you described, it sounds as if you are off to an unusually good start. In one sense, I feel that you are underestimating your competitiveness. I note from your letter that you go to the most prestigious university in your region. Currently, there is a trend toward encouraging those who want to be teachers to major in their subject area and enroll in the educational certification program rather than majoring in education; this is what you have done.

Also, you have planned way ahead! Your volunteer and pre-professional experience is impressive and reveals maturity. That is, you obviously have the capacity to plan, to create opportunities for yourself and to hold down both volunteer and work positions. On the other hand, depending on where you are, it is true, that many teaching appointments are political and may require connections. Fortunately, you are asking this question way in advance. So, I am going to describe a possible way that you may go about establishing connections and credibility while building your self-confidence. You can do this in 11 not so easy steps.

Your primary goal is to obtain visibility in the schools (or settings) that you find most desirable.

1. Make a list of those schools. Ideally, you should list 30 schools. Obtain the names of the principals and teachers in these schools.
2. Next, identify something that you do really well that is unique and interesting. For example, if you wanted to be an art teacher, you might identify some type of interesting art that you like to do. Perhaps you weave and make your own looms. Or, if you are a history major, perhaps you are particularly interested in and knowledgeable about a particular period of history.
3. Then, create a 30-45 minute presentation about this subject. Practice it on your friends. Refine it. Make it interesting. Make it fascinating.

   Many people get stymied at this step because they become so anxious that they forget their interests. It is perfectly reasonable to attach yourself to an existing program, such as Habitat for Humanity or the Special Olympics, just be sure to pick a program that is related to the area in which you want to teach. Become very involved. Become very knowledgeable. During your presentation, be sure to tell the students, if they are interested, how they might get involved. Then, create the presentation as described above.

4. Now you are ready to send a well-written letter to the principal of the school offering, free of charge, to do this presentation, in an art class or at an assembly.
5. Then, call to follow-up on your letter. Tell the principal that you would be very interested in spending 10-15 minutes with him/her before or after the presentation in order to learn more about the school and/or to obtain feedback about what went well and what warranted further improvement.
6. Give your talk.
7. If they liked your talk, ask them if they can think of any other school/class in the area where it might be of interest. Ask them whom you should contact. Ask if you can use their name.
8. Be sure to mention that your ultimate goal in the year 2000 is to obtain a teaching job in the _______(name of geographic) area.
9. After the presentation, thank everyone, personally, who helped you, the principal, teachers and secretary. When you get home, write each of them a thank you note.
10. Each month follow-up, with the teachers and principal. If you see an interesting article on your topic, send it to them with a brief note. Also, since you are only a junior, make it clear to them that you are willing and eager to return next year to speak to the new crop.
11. At the end of this year, or in the fall, call the teacher/principal and tell them that you are beginning your job search in the _________(geographic) area. Ask them if you can meet with them for a half an hour to seek their advice about how to obtain a teaching position. Voila! Now you have 30 principals/teachers, who know how terrific you are and are looking out for you.

Good luck. Let me know how it works out.

Dr. Friedman