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Last updated: December 21, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Network Leverage: Tell the right people you’re searching, focus on contacts who know your work, and turn relationships into referrals and interviews.
- Direct HR Outreach: Apply on school and district career sites, then follow up with recruiting teams so
your resume doesn’t vanish in crowdedjob boards . - Sub Roles Advantage: Substitute
teaching can function as a long interview, helping you build trust with staff and earn consideration for future openings. - Broaden Your
Search : Explore onlineteaching and virtual schools to expand options, increase flexibility, and access roles beyond your local area. - Skill Differentiation: Strengthen credentials with targeted coursework or certifications, and clearly connect your learning to classroom outcomes employers care about.
Whether you’re early in your career and coming off your first position, a seasoned teacher unhappy in your current role, or a driven professional looking for a fresh challenge, finding a
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Leverage Your Social Networks
When you’re on the hunt for a job, it isn’t the time to be shy. Who you know can help put you ahead of the competition. This is only true if your connections know that you’re looking. Everyone from your friends and neighbors to your
While “who you know” has always been important, leveraging
Make Your HR Rounds
Although online job forums and
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Don’t Discount Substitute Roles
You may be seeking a permanent position, but that doesn’t mean you should completely discount temporary roles. Those who have worked at a school are much more likely to be offered a job when a position opens there. This is especially true if you’ve connected with the students, parents, and other teachers during your time there.
Look On The Net
The internet is a tool that can be used for much more than just job hunting; many people attend online virtual schools. With today’s technology, you can consider online
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Attend Education Job Fairs
Contrary to popular belief, job and careers fairs aren’t just for undergrad students. They can help almost anyone find a job; those focused on education are a good resource for you. They let you check out active positions, including those in districts you may not have considered, and make a good impression and build connections with school administrators.
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Position Your Teaching Brand
Competition for
Use High-Impact Search Tactics
Online listings matter, but relying on them alone can leave you buried behind hundreds of applicants. A stronger approach blends direct outreach, relationship-building, and smart visibility where school leaders actually look. Focus on districts and schools you would seriously consider, learn their priorities, and show how you fit. Use strategic substitute or interim work to build trust and demonstrate you can thrive in their environment.
- Target Schools: Build a short list of ideal schools, study their mission and recent initiatives, and tailor your materials to match.
- Direct Outreach:
Email HR and department chairs with a focused introduction, a role-aligned resume, and one classroom example that shows impact. - Network Proof: Ask colleagues, mentors, and supervisors for specific endorsements and referrals, emphasizing shared work and measurable outcomes.
- Job Alerts: Set up
search filters and alerts on LinkedIn Jobs to apply quickly when newteaching openings match your criteria.
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Expand Options With Flexible Pathways
If a permanent role is not immediately available, widen your path without lowering your standards. Substitute placements can become a trusted audition when you build relationships with students, staff, and administrators. Online
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Further Guidance & Tools
- Job Alerts: Use LinkedIn Jobs to set targeted alerts and apply quickly to new
teaching postings that match your criteria. - School Boards: Use SchoolSpring to
search district postings, compare requirements, and track applications across multiple schools in one place. - Certification Guide: Use TEACH.org to understand licensure steps and choose preparation options that fit your background.
- District Listings: Use K12JobSpot to find education openings by district and role while keeping your
search organized across locations. - Pathway Planner: Use NYSED Pathways to see how different certification routes work and what requirements apply to each path.
Next Steps
- Define Fit: Identify your ideal grade level, subjects, and school environment, then tailor
your resume and profile to that target. - Activate Network: Message trusted colleagues and mentors with a clear role goal and a brief achievement snapshot they can share confidently.
- Go Direct: Apply on district career sites, then follow up with a focused note highlighting your fit and one relevant classroom outcome.
- Use Subbing: Pursue substitute roles at target schools to build relationships, demonstrate reliability, and strengthen your candidacy for openings.
- Upgrade
Skills : Add a practical credential aligned to in-demand needs, then showcase how you applied it to improve instruction or learning.
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Final Words
Landing the right
Mark Fiebert is a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
