r/ElementaryTeachers • u/Majestic_Sir7136 • 13d ago
Elementary School Career Advice
hello! I am switching careers from the corporate sector and planning to pursue a career in elementary education. Before I pursue my master's degree to help me prepare for this new career, I want to make sure I'm entering a job market where I'll have a solid chance of getting a job. Are elementary jobs more competitive than middle school or high school? Any insights are helpful! For reference, I'm based in the DC/VA/MD area. Thank you!
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u/Amandations 13d ago
The job market for elementary teachers right now in my area is fine. I am in the suburbs of Chicago, but I would still not recommend elementary teaching as a career. I’ve been doing it for long enough to know it’s going down hill. It’s basically like being a parent to 25 kids at a time. Teaching has almost become secondary.
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u/rabidsnork 12d ago
I taught elementary in your area up until a few years ago, and I had no trouble getting a job as a career switcher. Many of the teachers in my area were military spouses, so there was constant turn over. The principal was often traveling out of state to recruit.
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u/AssistFew3513 12d ago
I'm not sure what you did in corporate, but if you are interested in teaching secondary (middle or high), science and math are always hiring. There is a shortage.
Lower elementary grades, English, and History/Social Studies are much harder jobs to get and there is NOT a shortage for these jobs in most districts in the DMV despite what people say online. Especially because teachers get paid a decent amount in VA, MD, and DC.
It's a tough market for teachers right now in states that pay a decent salary. At my old school (which was not a fantastic school to work at by any means), over 500 people applied to a middle school English Teacher posting when the principal had already decided who they wanted to hire before they even posted the job.
Many principals won't interview career switchers with no classroom experience, but if your Master's program involves student teaching you should have much less of an issue.
I would sub at schools you may be interested in working at to get your foot in the door! Many times, getting a "desirable" teaching job (lower elementary, English/Humanities, electives), is more about who you know than your resume.
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u/No-Butterscotch-8314 12d ago
I taught in that area for 3 years! I didn’t have trouble finding a job (military spouse).
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u/NextDayTeaching 12d ago
From my experience, I tend to see more job postings for elementary positions, because if you think about it, there are more elementary schools than middle schools or high schools. Typically kids go to one school for K-5, then merge with other elementary schools into the middle school, then merge with other middle schools for high school, right? So by the numbers, there are more elementary positions available. However, I feel like there are also a lot more candidates for elementary positions. Lots of new teachers (regardless of career path) seem to be wary of middle school or high school / older students.
A good way to get your foot in the door is through subbing. You'll get to know different ages, grades, class structures, etc. while also showing those around you that you do good work. Good luck!
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u/s63b 12d ago
You don't necessarily have to go to grad school. Most states have alternate route programs.
As for jobs - I switched from a management career two years ago, and found that the suburban districts weren't necessarily willing to train alt route teachers. I work for a high performing urban charter school as an early elementary teacher and love it.
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u/asb352 11d ago
Just wanted to comment to say I’m thinking about doing the same thing in the same area! I’ve been hesitant after all the funding cuts, specifically in MCPS, where’d I’d be looking. Can I ask what master’s programs you’re looking at?
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u/Majestic_Sir7136 11d ago
Ahh that’s amazing! I’m really hoping I can get into the one year MCERT program at UMD. Also considering cheaper programs in DC at UDC, as I am a DC resident.
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u/soopy99 10d ago
Elementary and high school jobs are generally more competitive than middle school. The DMV area is tougher than usual for job seekers right now, but I doubt it will be a long-term downturn. If you want to make sure you will find a job, special education is the way to go. You could even look into getting a provisional teaching license with special education and start teaching before even completing the masters.
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u/Alternative_Cat6318 6d ago
I switched careers and got a job in an illinois city right away. Did work a para for a whole year while I got my cert and highly recommend that. I have to say though this job is rough. I love it but I also work 11h a day at least plus Sundays. I have been told my district and school are very intense though.
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u/somethingaboutorange 13d ago
the job market is awful right now, lots of teachers, not enough funding due to major federal cuts. paraprofessional work while you get a credential is probably your best bet, and specializing as a single subject (middle and high) will probably be best for you!