PA. Graduates With Education Degrees Leaving State En Masse Because of lack of teaching jobs

[JPZenger]

Last edited Mon Aug 19, 2013, 03:01 PM - Edit history (3)

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2013/08/pennsylvania_teachers_heading.html#incart_m-rpt-1

It is particularly hard to for a new graduate to find a teaching job in PA because you are competing with over 20,000 laid off public school teachers. Also, very very few school districts are hiring. One large school district that was hiring entry level teachers had many hundreds of applicants, including from many teachers with multiple years of experience.

[tech3149]

1. Thank you governor gashole! n/t

[femmocrat]

2. This is nothing new.

It has always been difficult to find a teaching position in PA. The state universities produce far more candidates than positions available. Plus, there is very little turnover because if one is lucky enough to find a job, a teacher is unlikely to leave it!

The recent furloughs have compounded the problem. Administrators frequently check out openings in nearby districts and "lobby" for their furloughed teachers to be hired. It is kind of a "good old boys" club.

It is extremely unusual for beginning teachers to find positions without a serious commitment to being on multiple substitute lists, probably for years! I also have a family member who went to VA for a position and it has worked out well. Big difference being in a right-to-work state though! No union protection!