AboutDebba Robinson Expertise I can answer questions about reading at all levels, English as a Second Language, elementary math, science and social studies as well as general education matters. Individuals interested in teaching in international schools can contact me for information on how to begin the process of looking for jobs overseas.
Experience I have been teaching for 30 years with a MEd in Reading and Language Arts, a BA in Elementary Education. For 6 years I taught computer to grades K-8. I have taught in combined grades (K-2 and 2-3 splits)in the US and overseas. The bulk of my elementary experience is in second and third grades, although I've taught K, 1, 2, 3 and 5 as a self-contained experience. Twenty-two years of my experience teaching has been in international schools in Africa and Asia.
Education/Credentials MEd. in Reading and Language Arts
BA in Elementary Education Certified principal K-12. Currently the director of the American International School of Niamey, Niger.
Expert: Debba Robinson Date: 5/30/2008 Subject: Secondary Social Studies
Question Hi. You may not know the answer to my question, but I'm hoping you can help me. I'm in college right now in Kentucky getting my bachelors in History and I plan to teach at a high school level. Recently I've been researching job availability and it seems that there isn't too high of a need for social studies teachers right now. Are there any areas of the country where I would be more likely to find a job in my area? After talking to a few teachers in Kentucky I was told that sometimes you can be hired to teach a subject other than the one you intended, however, I would rather not do that if I can keep from it. Thank you!
Answer Dear Kelli,
This is a very interesting question. If you are willing to go ANYWHERE, I guarantee you will find a job. It may not be your first choice but it will certainly get you experience.
Now, I remember when *I* was starting out I got out a road atlas, opened to a state that I thought I might like to live in, closed my eyes, pointed a pencil and picked 5 places by pure chance in each of about 10 states. I wrote letters to the boards of education in those cities and towns and sometimes to a certain radius from the initial hit and had a blast contemplating going to each place. None actually panned out, but it was fun to try and gave me a lot of opportunities to practice my letters of application and talking about myself in a positive light. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Certainly make sure that your university placement office is pitching you. That was how I got my first job! I NEVER wanted to teach back in that state yet, when all else failed, they called me with a last-minute opening and I taught there for the next 4 years!
There are various agencies around the country to help people find jobs and one I just used was Carney and Sandoe out of Boston. You can do a web search. There is no fee to open your application and then they send you notes when jobs for your field become available. They even serve international schools - so you can choose regions and countries, too.
When will you be done? I STRONGLY urge you to get a double major, if you can. Or get some English courses or some Math .... Math is ALWAYS in short supply. Science as well! ESL or reading specialists are in need in a lot of places. Even if you aren't CERTIFIED in that area, if you have a concentration of courses and can show an aptitude you might get your foot in the door that way and then be first in line for a social studies opening in your district. The bigger the district, the sooner you will find that someone is leaving and you can slip right in.
My sister is a math teacher, back when they weren't so desperate for them. It took her about 2 years to get her current math slot. For those 2 years, she was an LD tutor. Not what she really wanted to be doing, but schools usually offer openings to people currently employed in the district. If you aren't willing to take on something else, you will always get second pick.
Network with as many people as you possibly can. There are job websites, educators' websites ... do searches for them and then get registered. You still have to be careful about the information you put out there for all to see - be sure you don't put sensitive info like Social Security numbers, bank info or things that could be used to take your identity - but it can't hurt to list yourself at some of these job sites for teachers if you check carefully before uploading too much.
Also, write to the State Department of Education in the state capital. They usually have a bank to help schools locate teachers and if you sign up with them, they will get your resume out there.
Best of luck. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with on this.
