Q: “I’m having difficulty finding a teaching job. I’m 61 and have little K-12 teaching experience. I don’t feel that I have good job references. I don’t have a good resume. There is no teacher shortage in my city.”
-Signed, Older career changer hoping to become an educator
A: Finding a teaching job can be a challenging experience, especially when faced with obstacles such as limited experience, references, and competition in the job market. It’s understandable that you may feel disheartened. However, remember that many individuals have successfully transitioned into teaching later in life, and there are actionable steps you can take to improve your chances of landing a teaching position.
Before diving into the job search, take a moment to reflect on what drew you to teaching in the first place. What subjects or age groups are you passionate about? Consider your life experiences, skills, and any informal teaching or mentoring you may have done in community settings. These experiences can be valuable when presenting yourself as a candidate. Being a career changer is challenging, but when you have clarity, it makes the search more efficient. My books, Making an Impact Outside the Classroom and From Teacher to Leader, talk about various roles available and the requirements necessary for moving into those positions. Additionally, great podcasts, like the Teacher Career Coach focus on these topics, On LinkedIn, there are groups that send out resources regularly through newsletters.
Enhance your resume
Given that you feel your resume is not up to par, it’s time to revamp it. Here are some tips to create a compelling resume:
- Focus on transferable skills: Highlight skills relevant to teaching, such as communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills can be derived from previous work experience, even if they were not directly related to education.
- Include relevant experience: If you have any experience working with children or in educational contexts, include it. This could include tutoring, coaching, or volunteering in schools or community
- Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs such as “developed,” “organized,” “facilitated,” or “mentored” to convey your contributions
- Tailor your resume: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the specific teaching position you are applying for. Remove any work experience not relevant to the job you’re applying
Build your network and seek references
While you may feel you don’t have strong job references, consider reaching out to individuals who can vouch for your character and work ethic. This could include former colleagues, supervisors, or community leaders who know you well. Here are some steps to build your network:
- Join professional organizations: Consider joining local or national teaching organizations. This can provide networking opportunities and resources to help you search for a job. There are some great regional and hyper local organizations (often affiliates of larger organizations) that can be helpful. Other national organizations to join can be PDK, Learning Forward or SREB to name a few. If you are a person with a content specific background, I recommend seeking out your national organization like JEA or NCTE.
- Attend workshops and conferences: Participating in educational workshops and conferences can help you meet other educators and potential employers and stay updated on teaching trends. If you can’t afford to travel, there are a lot of virtual events you can attend now that will help you connect with folks in your field. One great free webinar group is Edweb. They provide excellent webinars on topical issues and always have informative presenters from the field.
- Use social media: Platforms like LinkedIn can be a great way to connect with educators and schools. Share your interest in teaching and engage with relevant content to expand your network. Make sure to join groups and interact with posts that can help you make deeper connections.
Consider additional training or certification
If you find that your lack of experience is a barrier, consider pursuing additional training or certification in education. This could involve:
- Taking education courses: Enroll in pedagogy, child development, or classroom management Many community colleges and universities offer classes that can help you gain foundational knowledge in education and, depending on where you live, relatively cheap. You can also find an online program, so you have control over when you meet and how often.
- Obtaining a teaching certificate: Research the requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate in your state. Some states offer alternative certification programs for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education fields. I received my teaching certification and leadership certification through an alternative It is worthwhile to investigate these options.
- Participating in volunteer teaching: Look for opportunities to volunteer in local schools or educational programs. This can provide you with hands-on experience and enhance your resume. Because there is such a large teacher shortage right now, many states offer opportunities to get into the If you don’t want to volunteer, being a substitute is a great way to start. You can build relationships with a district or school and get experience in a system before getting your own classes.
Prepare for interviews
Once you start applying for positions, preparing for interviews is essential. Make sure to practice common interview questions and familiarize yourself with the school district you are applying for. When I was hiring, one of the questions we always asked was, “Why do you want to work here?” If you have information about the district that makes you a good fit or a passion that makes the district a good fit, that enthusiasm will show. Be prepared to share specific experiences that demonstrate your passion. And lastly, make sure to have a small list of insightful questions you can ask them. Remember, this is a two-way street, and you are interviewing them as much as they are you. You want it to be a good fit.
Stay positive and persistent
Job searching can be a daunting process, especially in a competitive market. It’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset and stay persistent. Make sure to set realistic goals by backward planning from your big goal. Nothing is too big or small, so ask for help when needed, and remember to celebrate the small wins along the way.
While finding a teaching job may seem daunting. However, you can position yourself as a strong candidate by reflecting on your skills, enhancing your resume, building a network, considering additional training, and preparing for interviews. Stay positive, be persistent, and embrace the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. Your passion for teaching can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career, regardless of age or experience. Good luck!
Have a question that you’d like Career Confidential to answer? Email ssackstein@educatorsrising.org. All names and schools will remain confidential. No identifying information will be included in the published questions and answers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Starr Sackstein
Starr Sackstein is the Massachusetts state coordinator for PDK’s Educators Rising program, COO of Mastery Portfolio, an education consultant, instructional coach, and author. She was a high school English and journalism teacher and school district curriculum leader. She is the author of more than 15 educational books, including Hacking Assessment (Times 10, 2015), Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom (Routledge, 2024), and Actionable Assessment (Routledge, 2026).
Visit their website at: https://www.mssackstein.com/
