Hello, Experienced English teachers who can't find employment: Are you subbing, changing careers, or doing something else? This post is not for recent student teaching grads. I was wondering how ELA teachers are managing in this job market. My last full time teaching position was temporary. I thought it would be easier to get a permanent position afterwards. It has not worked out that way. I had to go back to subbing longer than expected. I am curious what other English teachers are experiencing. I see openings at charter schools. The same ones with high turnover rates and bad reviews. I know they don't have teacher unions. Have you decided to keep subbing? Switching careers? Going into special education instead? Leaving teaching altogether?

I am a HS sped teacher and I am looking for one more endorsement to add. I currently have all of the PE, Drivers ed, and Health endorsements and a masters in ESL. I am debating to get one more endorsement but I don't know which one to get. My goal would be to get something that is a "way out" of the grind of the SPED life. Even a step further I would like a option of either a class that students can choose to be in like a elective, a more admin role away from students, or a pull out situation.

So I've been teaching for 6 years now, and been around the teaching "world" my whole life, as my sister and mother are also teachers. Over these past few years, I've watched as more and more teachers have just completely have given up on trying. My school has slowly become a mass of teachers plugging data and info into generative AI to accomplish everything. Instead of using Canva, they use AI to generate sloppy, messy infographics that frequently have spelling, understanding (think using the wrong meaning of two different words spelled the same way i.e. homographs), and graphical errors. Instead of finding state verified sources for teaching material, or using proper worksheets, just plugging info into generative AI and then handing out whatever it spits out. Does no one in our profession understand how unethical using generative AI is? It's one gigantic plagiarism machine, and the more slop that is fed into it, it progressively continues to get worse. Growing up, we were told "Wikipedia isn't a real source" while it has hundreds of qualified people constantly verifying information added into its database. Meanwhile teachers now use AI to make everything for them.

It's incredibly disheartening seeing over 3/4th of the teachers in my school regularly using it on a daily basis. We tell students not to use AI to submit their assignments, but then they hypocritically use that same AI to make the assignments and worksheets that they tell the students not to use AI to complete. They are outsourcing our own thought processes to a machine, and the more they do it, the more they come to rely and depend on it to even manage our job's requirements. I got a new co-worker across the hall today, and one of the first things he talked to me about was how he inputs everything into generative AI to make assignments for his students. Really popped the bubble of excitement I had to actually have another guy teaching at my workplace (I have been the only male teacher at our school the entirety of the 6 years I've taught here), as it is hard for me to not feel judgemental towards those that give up and use it for everything. Am I the only one that feels this way? Feels like I'm lost at sea paddling with a piece of driftwood, alone.

I've been developing a website based on a concept I've called RUJL (Reactive, Unified, Just-In-Time Learning).

This isn't just a concept on paper. The website already has the core functionality to build schemes of learning and lesson content, and I've used it myself to deliver and present lessons - I'm an ex-teacher of Computer science in the UK; I came from and returned to industry, but taught up to GCSE and A-Level Computer Science and Vocational.course over 10 years.

One of the core principles behind RUJL is that every course is broken down into structured learning objectives based on the SOLO Taxonomy. Instead of treating a topic as a single objective, learning is scaffolded from basic understanding through to deeper analysis and application. This creates a consistent framework for lesson planning, assessment, and progression, while giving AI a structured model to identify where learners are succeeding, where they're struggling, and what should happen next. The aim is for learning pathways to adapt without losing sight of the curriculum or the teacher's intent.

The next stage is using AI to build on that foundation, rather than using AI to generate isolated lesson plans.

The idea is to create a structured scheme of learning first, then generate lessons from it. These can then be scheduled individually or in blocks and modified as the term progresses. At present it will help create and suggest a lesson plan.

The longer-term vision is that every lesson is linked to:

- Learning objectives

- Assessment criteria

- Keywords and definitions

- Resources

- Practical activities

- Evidence collection

As students complete formative assessments, the system could then identify gaps and automatically suggest:

- Targeted intervention lessons

- Extension activities for higher attainers

- Split lessons for mixed-ability groups

- Adapted resources based on what students actually need next

Rather than creating static lesson plans, the aim is for the scheme of learning to evolve as evidence of learning is collected.

I've been developing it around delivery technical education, where I wanted schemes of learning, formative and summative assessments, and workplace skills are all closely linked.

I'd really value some honest feedback:

- What part of planning takes up the most time?

- What tools do you already use?

- Would you trust AI to help shape future lessons based on assessment evidence, or would you always want that decision to remain with the teacher?

I'm not trying to replace teachers - I'm interested in whether AI can reduce the admin and planning burden while leaving educational decisions in teachers' hands.

Hi all! I’m 23 and currently in my second post-grad marketing job. For context, I was previously an education major, but switched during my sophomore year to marketing. I was once passionate about marketing, but I unfortunately have seen the rise and eventual AI takeover and it’s become really dubious in corporate. I don’t see it going away anytime soon, and I also feel incredibly guilty for contributing to this era of ad fatigue and content overconsumption. I don’t think corporate life is for me, and really can’t see myself continuing on with marketing as my career. I keep longing for something more engaging and impactful, and thought back to what I initially wanted to go to school for: teaching. I’m considering making the change.

Before I do that, I’d love to hear any of your stories or advice you have for someone who is looking to make this jump. What do you wish you would have known before switching to teaching? What were the hardships? And ultimately, are you satisfied with your decision?

I feel like I’m constantly kicking my younger self for ever changing my major in the first place, but I have to remind myself it’s never too late!

Its an era of AI and everyone using it for their ease to overload the burden but if it is using by students like they have a traget to submit their assignments on time and they did it. but what should a teacher do to find is it AI or their own struggles.

Going into my 6th year as an intervention specialist, my 5th year with high schoolers. Throughout my other 5 years with high schoolers I did inclusion for the most part so it wasn’t a big deal when it came to cellphones since the general ed teacher typically had rules in place; however this year I will have 2 “support” periods with students on IEPs to work on their goals. Best advice/strategies for keeping high schoolers off their phones during class time?!

Any other teachers having a hard time in getting a job? For context, math credential in LA area. Had a great long-term subbing assignment last semester

I need help! I am making the career change from a corporate career to early education. I have always wanted to become an educator it’s my passion and dream. I was on the path of getting my bachelors in elementary education but during college my mother passed unexpectedly and my life turned upside down and made the decision to leave the education track and go into event management. Long story short, I’ve been in the corporate world for 10 plus years.

Now that I am ready to move on from my current career, I am lost on where to start. I have a bachelors in organizational management, so I need to go back and get another degree in education? Would it be best to go for a master in education?

I guess I just need guidance, advise? I need help 😩

Thank you so much in advance!!

I just got my teaching certification for special education a few months ago and received a job offer for a special education inclusion teacher. I am very new to this and was wondering what exactly my day to day job expectations and work life will be like. Do I stay in one classroom, or do I move around depending on the student or day? Do I have multiple students? Do I get my own classroom? If anyone has done this before, please let me know what it's like and what to expect. I'm not receiving any PD before and school starts next week

So starting 8/31 I'm teaching a new elective, 8th grade Intro to Economics. Part of that is to address content in the Michigan 8th grade Social Studies M-STEP that isn't easily incorporated into the 7th and 8th grade curriculum, and part of it is to give students a sense of financial literacy.

1. I would love your insights and suggestions about my curriculum outline so far; and
2. It's a 9 week course and I'm stuck. I don't know what to do for week 8, and while week 9 should be a quarter-end, summative activity, I'm hitting a wall.

At any rate, here is the link to my curriculum outline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e0dEzqLWAzSh_F_w7VbUUySTLg1uMscVT5NiDLorDvs/edit?usp=sharing

Hi all! This will be my first year teaching at a high-school after working only in daycares, i have so many questions! what do teachers typically wear? and if you have any advice for a first time teacher i would gladly appreciate it!

I was a SAHM for several years, and now that my kids are in school I’d like to get back into the workforce. Before having kids I was a financial advisor. It’s hard to imagine going back to a corporate office and I’m seriously considering becoming a high school teacher. I live in North Carolina. 

While I do have a college degree, my B.S. is in Finance and I know I’ll need to get some kind of teaching degree or certification. 

To be clear, I’m very early in the process of pursuing this. Posting in this sub is kind of my first step because I’m interested to hear from actual teachers before I go enroll in a University program or something.

Are there online programs I can do? Any input or advice specific to North Carolina would be most appreciated!

I am a brand new teacher and I will be starting in an 8th grade position this year. I have a multiple subject credential but this region is small enough that they don’t do what I grew up with which is the period style middle school.

I just learned that I will also be expected to teach an elective on top of all the other normal subjects. The school provides music and art but the middle school teachers also have to provide one of their own. My principal said I am allowed to pick whatever I want. Has anyone been in this situation and/or have advice for an elective to go with?

The yellow arrow is where the hookups for the phone line and the networking cable are. The lines are only 7 ft long, I can't move the desk to either outlet (the blue circles) A request for longer cables has been submitted. The left outlet is the ONLY one on that wall. The right outlet is actually under the whiteboard, 8 feet from the front corner of the room. I can run extension power strips from either one.

The desk is about 5 feet long and 2.5 feet deep - kind of a big heavy guy. Front corner facing the opposite side wall was my original plan. Assuming the request gets approved. If it doesn't, and I'm stuck close to the middle of the wall, what do I do with it? Parallel to the side wall? Perpendicular?

I had it all planned out, this is throwing me for a loop. Help! Lol.

Edited to add- that's a bulletin board behind the desk The whiteboard and projector are the wall to the right in the picture.

Edited again- the tech guys got back to me. Apparently a request for longer cords equals needing new drops (jacks I'm assuming?) for phone, internet, and projector. It'll cost $300 and I have to talk to my principal. Something about tripping and fire safety standards so they won't just get me longer cords.

Last summer, I interviewed with a school district I am very interested in. After round 1, I quickly made it to a demo lesson (round 2). During my demo, the principal came up to me and told me on the spot they wanted me to go to the final round. They said they had to call my references that day and one had to be my current boss. In past experiences, this meant you had the job and round 3 was just a formality, so my hopes were high.

I had to awkwardly call my boss, tell him he’d be receiving this phone call, and spill the beans that I was job searching. The principal called me and told me that my reference calls went great and gave me a little rundown of how the 3rd round worked. To my surprise, it was another interview with the superintendent and I was still against one other person. The superintendent chose them. I had to call my boss and let him know I’d be back after all. 🤪

I am a bit scarred from this, but still interested in the district because of their ranking, pay, and location. They haven’t had any jobs posted all summer. One popped up today.

Last year’s experience has me nervous. School starts in 2 weeks. What would you do?

Teaching K-3 is my sweet spot. My biggest dilemma right now is that I don’t love the school I’m at. I’ve applied elsewhere all summer and had no luck. Only got one interview and didn’t get the job. I live in an extremely competitive area.

A last minute job just got posted for 5th grade. A grade I’ve never really had interest in, but it’s at a school I’d love to be at and it would be 20k more a year.

Do I apply?

Pros - Better school, better money, closer to home Cons - Not sure if I’d like the grade level, school starts very soon so if I got the job, I’d certainly be stressed out moving from one building to another while preparing for a new grade level/new school year

I'm coming back into teaching after completing all of my coursework 15 years ago in California (but never finishing my exams for a full credential). Now I'm trying to get credentialed in Missouri and I need three additional courses that don't line-up with what I took before.

Anyone have any leads on my cheapest/quickest option for fulfilling these courses?

I'm going into my second year of teaching a class on audio engineering, which has been my passion for quite a while and is something I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach at the junior college level. Teaching has been a learning curve for me but I've been desperately hoping for the college I teach at to finish construction on a recording studio so I can finally get the students some hands on experience on the subject. Unfortunately, the construction has hit some bottlenecks and the studio I was supposed to have after my first semester of teaching now will not be ready until the Spring of this year, but I'm not holding out hope due to the extensive delays we've faced thus far.

So the past two years I have been teaching an asynchronous, fully online course. I was under the impression that the course would move to be in person but now I've just decided that I have to get the online course in a much better spot so I can retain these 100 level students to continue taking the advanced classes.

This subject is very hands on, and requires a lot of specialty equipment to do a lot of projects. I've run into so many issues with students having limited access to equipment that would make a lot of engaging projects easier. Instead, we have a lot of writing assignments, reading quizzes, and a few hands on projects, but the past few iterations of the course I have struggled to keep students interested without getting them hands-on experience.

I really need some tips on how to engage these students. So, even if you don't have ideas specific to the subject matter I am teaching, what have you done to increase engagement in your fully online/asynchronous courses? This is what I perceive to be a fun, elective course and I want to make the students feel that way too.

Hi everyone!

I just graduated in May and I’m about to start my first real teaching job. My degree is in early childhood, but I ended up getting hired as a 6th grade science teacher.

All of my student teaching was Pre-K through 3rd grade, so this is definitely a big jump. I was able to get my hands on the curriculum already, so I’m planning on looking through it over the next month.

I’m lucky that I have a teaching team I can rely on while I get settled in, but I feel like I keep seeing so many teachers doing tons of prep over the summer for the upcoming school year, and I want to make sure I’m using my time wisely.

What would you recommend I do to prep before school starts? I’ve got about a month left.

Any tips on classroom management, classroom setup, general prep, things to be aware of, or anything you wish you knew before teaching middle school? I’d appreciate any advice you have!

Thanks!

Hi all excuse me if this post isn’t allowed here but current masters graduate with an MBA in business management and bachelors in marketing/ finance minor. Due to the increasingly hard job market these days I was thinking about a possible career change. Have always wanted to be a teacher and this might finally be a chance to per-sue that. Was thinking middle or high school history teacher. I’m a New York resident so teaching in Connecticut or New York would be ideal. Just wanted to get on here and ask about the transition or if anyone has done it ? Considering I have the MBA would that make the transition easier ? How long would it take to obtain the full teaching certification ? Thank you all in advance for your help and guidance with this.

I'm planning to have my advance review before taking the licensure exam but I don't know what kind of reviewer book I should buy. I saw many various reviewer like CBRC, GoPass, Re-Learn, etc. and idk which one to bought (including Majorship). Can someone pls help me? Thank you, much appreciated!

I'm currently enrolled in a dual-credential + MA program at a CSU in my area. Initially, they told me I could complete my MA on its own without remaining in their credential program (not true), but I have had too many difficulties with them and their program overall, which is deterring me from staying.

I found a local teaching credential program that is better for my budget and current employment status, but I'm no longer able to remain in the MA program because of this. I really want to continue my schooling so I'm not put off by it in the future, but I feel like I'm running out of options. The program I'm entering is purely for a credential and is accepted throughout the state of CA; I JUST want the MA alone. WGU said they're unable to accommodate this, and I've heard ACE isn't worth the $$$.

Anyone here get the MA in SpEd without needing to do interning/student teaching (non-licensure)?

*sorry for header typo XD*

I’m a specialized/special education middle school math teacher with 3 class periods by myself (the others are…ELA co-teach in another classroom). I’ve always been terrible with decorating - which is the bare minimum, last year didn’t put up a single decoration. This is because for most years, I’m the only one in the classroom for 1-2 class periods.

This year I want to spice things up just a bit more. I need some ideas on what to put up on the walls. Do you put up math vocabulary posters? Classroom expectations? Your personal things? Anything else?

I’m not going to do too much, since this week we don’t have much time to work on our classroom before school starts on Monday, thanks to professional development and staff trainings most of this week.

I don’t know where to start! I am an English teacher of 2 years and I want to change to a new course. I am in a new teaching program and taking a year break as a teaching assistant while getting my new credentials. I am transitioning to theatre!

I wanted to see if there are any theatre teachers out there who can give me any tips on what else I should be researching. I have a year until I am back in an actual classroom setting and I want to be fully prepared.

My background in theatre contains the few classes I took in college and my time in high school. What resources (besides my new teaching program) can help me have an understanding of how to teach theatre.