Job hunting is sooooo tough.

I have been searching for my first teaching job for almost 4 years now. It has been an uphill battle from the get go. I was told, while taking my education classes, that it was a good field to get into and that you "just had to know someone." I have since proven the last statement incorrect.

I have been guest teaching in multiple districts for the full four years. Actually, if you want to get technical, i have been subbing in one district for 6 years, (I was guest teaching while I took my certification classes.) I have been requested to sub in tons of classes. The majority of the teachers that know me, request me because they know that "I can handle the tough ones, and be productive." Secretaries know me. They are very happy when I walk through the door, for the same reason. I can handle it. Principals even like it when I am in their buildings. You would think that knowing these types of people would get me into a district. I guess it is not knowing the right person.

But, what gets me is that when it is time for jobs to be posted and interviews called, I sometimes get called, and to no such luck, I have yet to be granted a full time job. There are so many rejections one can take, especially on a profession that I have said is "my calling." I guess it is not knowing the right interviewing person.

This process almost has me question myself and my career choices. Is this the right profession? Am I doing the right things in the classroom? Are the students (the end product) producing what I am teaching? If this is not the right profession, what is the next step? Back to school? Many teachers have commented to me that I have a "knack" with the kids. The kids enjoy me being there, and I enjoy being there. Before school even starts, I have had students come up to me and ask if I am in their classroom for the day. I guess it is not knowing the right person.

So, for now, I will go and edit my resume and work at applying to more districts, (which quite honestly, takes for ever to apply.) Hopefully this year, I will get the call and finally meet the right person, and they will hire me, for the person I am, a hardworking, dedicated individual who will do anything it takes to teach students to be successful.