General Question

Jonathan_hodgkins's avatar

Difficulty obtaining a job as a social studies teacher?

Asked by Jonathan_hodgkins (690points) July 26th, 2013

I have a good friend who is struggling to find a position as a teacher of social studies. She has a bachelor’s in sociology and teaching certificate in Illinois but can’t seem to land a job. Any suggestions on next steps. Further education or other places to check out?
She’s becoming discouraged. Thanks so much.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

5 Answers

gailcalled's avatar

THe umbrella organization for independent day schools in the US, The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) has a long and lovely list of jobs available in Ill.

http://careers.nais.org/jobs/state_province/illinois

That does mean abandoning the idea of teaching at a public school, but the world of independent day schools is wonderful and intellectually rewarding. I spent 14 years in one (as did my kids) and we had a terrific experience.

North Shore Country Day School is an exemplar of a member school

SuperMouse's avatar

I have several friends with their teaching certificates in social studies who are unemployed. The truth of the matter is that there are more teachers then jobs in that area (just like English teachers and a couple of other endorsement areas). Your friend might want to broaden the search area – looking at many districts, and maybe head back for a second, more marketable endorsement such as special education.

gailcalled's avatar

Here’s a position as an English/Social Studies teacher at Morgan Park Academy, a college prep. school since 1873 in Chicago.

http://careers.nais.org/jobs/5517461/humanities-teacher

sparrowfeed's avatar

I am an English major and I now work at private school teaching ESL. The pay isn’t good but it’s experience. Tell your friend to look into private schools, ESL or otherwise (English as a Second Language) . It’s very rewarding work!

sparrowfeed's avatar

Be careful you don’t get exploited, as is happening to me at the moment..

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther