u/Special_Guidance_150

Context: I am in Washington and I finished my student teaching in December. I am endorsed in social studies and am testing for ELA next week. (And yes, I know my content area is very over saturated). I have good references and I have been substitute teaching since January.

I have been on the job hunt and have applied to several schools with no word back. I’m not picky with schools/districts; I am just trying to get a job.

Some of my teacher buddies said it took them 2-3 years of applying in order to land their current teaching position.

I have been really discouraged and disappointed with the job market here in WA. It kind of feels pointless to keep applying. I am going to keep doing applications but it sucks because it eats up a good chunk of my time to fill it out just to not hear anything.

So I am curious: How long after student teaching did it take you to find a job? Any advice for me?

For some context (which might be necessary?): I am a fairly new substitute. I started in January and I am pretty young (early 20s). I am a recently certified teacher and have been subbing while I look for jobs for next year. I sub at several schools in one district and have noticed that a few have particularly rude/unhelpful staff.

When I ask a question, such has where something is or a specific school procedure, I am met with a short response in a snotty tone that rarely answers my question. This usually comes from front office staff but occasionally other teachers as well.

Additionally, when I am in an assignment where I have to do something like morning duty, teachers tend to be vague in their plans. They often write as if the sub already knows the school well and the specific routines for said school. I try my best with what little instruction I have, but, often don’t do it correctly according to other staff around. Yet, they don’t help me when I do ask or look lost.

I know this is all, unfortunately, pretty common. However, it makes me so frustrated (almost to tears) because I am there to help and trying my best to do my job. I do what I can to advocate for myself in the moment but there is only so much I can do.

Schools would not function without subs and I wish that staff members could understand that. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Do you guys face similar things? Should I be doing something different? Any advice?

Thanks :)