With potential candidates applying for admission to SPU’s certification programs and the spring hiring season well underway in school districts, candidates often ask about the job market.
While it’s difficult to gauge the likelihood of an individual candidate being hired, there are signs that suggest a strong hiring trend is underway.
One indicator is the high level of participation in this spring’s SPU Educational Job Fair, which the School of Education has held for the past several years in partnership with local school districts, private schools, and international schools. This year over 31 school organizations signed up to recruit SPU students — the highest number yet. Over 110 students came prepared with résumés and cover letters, ready to talk to potential employers. Some were even interviewed and signed contracts the same day.
The School of Education has also seen a significant increase in the number of teacher candidates requesting emergency substitute certificates. Assistant Dean of Teacher Education and Director of Professional Education Dan Bishop explains, “Many of our local school districts are having a difficult time finding enough substitutes to cover classrooms, and this is one way our candidates can assist with that shortage.”
Jill Heiney-Smith, SPU director of field placement and professional partnership, has noticed that districts are also posting positions earlier than before. “In recent years,” she says, “districts had to be so conservative with their budgets that they sometimes waited until receiving official enrollment numbers in the fall to make hiring decisions. And even then they mostly made replacement hires.”
But even though schools have more positions available and are posting these vacancies earlier, some jobs are easier to come by than others.
One recent graduate from the ARC program sees a high demand for Spanish teachers. With a Spanish endorsement, she had only applied to two schools before attending the SPU job fair, where she received yet another lead. In all, she received two offers before signing a contract. But she adds that several classmates who teach social studies and English are still waiting to hear from schools.
Another graduate, Mark Schuldt, was also recently hired. But, he says, “I do not consider my situation to be a normal one. The impression I get from talking with staff and administrators in my field placement school is that a new teacher can expect to sub for a year or two at first. There are new jobs opening up from time to time, but it is hard to find one in your area. Many people will need to wait a few years to find a position nearby.”
Would the experience be different for teachers in another field? “Absolutely,” says Schuldt. “I have an endorsement in history. If I were in special education or any of the sciences I’d have a job very quickly, I’m sure. But it’s harder to find a job within the humanities unless you are bilingual.”
No matter their specialty, though, SPU teacher candidates have the advantage of being affiliated with programs known to produce well-equipped and dedicated graduates. “Schools and districts are anxious to fill important positions,” says Dr. Bishop. “They come to SPU early in the hiring season because of our students’ reputation as excellent educators.”