How to Decide Where to Teach ?
If you have recently completed your teacher training, congratulations! You’re now a fully qualified educator who can take the next exciting step in your career. You might have already had offers from schools who would love to work with you, or perhaps you haven’t yet sent out any job applications because you can’t decide where you’d like to teach. If you are feeling this way, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you figure out where is the best place for you to work as a new teacher.
Research Counties and States
A good place to start is by looking at the difference in salaries, job security, work/life balance, and general job satisfaction in different counties or states. If you’re comfortable with relocating for your teaching career, getting an idea of where you’re going to be getting the best opportunities is essential. By seeing which are the top states for teachers, you can make an educated choice when it comes to your applications.
Do You Want to Travel?
If you have had dreams of traveling the world but haven’t managed to put these plans in motion yet, you could always combine your passion for teaching with your need for exploration. Teaching abroad, even for a temporary period, can be an incredible experience, and it will allow you to see the world without having to put the breaks on your career. See what opportunities there are for teachers in a country you have always wanted to visit and look into what you’ll need to get, such as working visas, etc.
What Kind of School?
There are various kinds of schools you can teach at. Some are religious; some are privately run, some are public, others are for mature students, etc. It’s important to look into how teaching in these various settings will differ and which one’s appeals to you the most. All will have their pros and cons, but you need to make sure you are comfortable with the kind of school you’re going to be working in and agree with their values.
What Are Your Lifestyle Needs?
Another thing to consider when deciding where to apply is what your lifestyle requirements are. For example, if you have kids, working in an area that has a good school system and is ideal for families would be a must. If you’re someone who loves the hustle and bustle of city life, working in a quiet country town isn’t going to keep you satisfied. Even if the job sounds incredible, you need to be realistic about what your other needs are. If you don’t, you might risk growing unhappy.
Long-term Goals
Last, but not least, make sure when you’re applying for teaching positions that you’re keeping in mind your long-term goals. You need to know that there will be opportunities for progression at the school you choose and that working there can offer you the right kind of experience you need to further your teaching career.
It can be daunting when trying to figure out where to apply for your first teaching job but use these tips to help you find the perfect school where you will thrive.