Special education teacher jobs are in high demand in Texas. This is great news if you’re currently training to become a special education teacher or are considering switching careers to pursue a new direction in your life.
While many school districts across the state have open special education teacher positions, finding the right job is important since you want to begin your teaching journey on the right foot. What’s important to you likely differs from another aspiring teacher’s location, grade level or the position’s responsibilities.
Knowing where to look for special education teacher jobs can help you narrow down your options and better understand what is available. Below we’ll dive into some resources where you can begin your search.
The internet is the go-to spot for job applicants today. That can have its advantages and disadvantages. There are hundreds of job sites on the internet and thousands of jobs posted on each website. If you choose some of the more popular job-hunting sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter or Monster, you’re likely one of many candidates out there searching for the same jobs.
To make your search less overwhelming, it’s best to begin with, sites that only feature educator jobs. This will automatically narrow down your search terms and will make navigating a site easier and more productive since you won’t get linked with jobs that feature an education component but aren’t actually teaching positions.
Popular sites that only feature educator jobs include:
Many public schools and private schools will also post their vacancies on LinkedIn. This site is a great resource for job hunting if you have a profile since you can post your resume for recruiters to find you. You can also see if any alumni from where you earned your bachelor’s degree are currently employed by that school district or school, offering a possible connection when you apply.
If you have narrowed down the city or region where you would like to work, you can begin your search with a list of school districts that are located within this area.
Most school districts will post job openings on their websites throughout the school year. A high school or elementary school may also post its own openings, especially if they are private institutions. Taking the time to browse these sites is a great way to get to know the districts, their missions and any programs and services tailored to special needs children.
You may also spot an opportunity to get your foot in the door in a district, especially if you are still training to become a special education teacher since many districts will post vacancies for part-time or full-time opportunities like teacher’s aides, substitutes or administrative roles.
With technology at your fingertips, it can be tempting to skip job fairs. However, job fairs are a great resource
when beginning your job hunt since it’s a quick way to put you in front of potential employers.
You may also learn more about school districts or special education positions you weren’t considering, such as district consulting work.
When attending an educator job fair, dress professionally and speak with confidence. Job fairs are a great way to make a powerful first impression that you simply can’t get over the computer. Even if a teaching position that matches your goals isn’t available, a hiring department administrator may remember you when one comes open.
Make sure you bring several copies of an updated resume with you as well. Your special education teacher resume should include:
You can read more information about each of these in our article, Don’t Forget These 5 Items On Your Special Education Teacher Resume, and what NOT to do when crafting your resume in our article, Top 7 Teacher Resume Builder Blunders To Avoid.
Finally, one of the best resources when job hunting can be your educator preparation program. The top teacher preparation programs have built relationships with school districts and are known for putting their interns ahead of the curve.
A program’s extensive network of school districts can open doors for you. School districts often contact the best certification programs and ask for recommendations to help them fill open positions, especially if they need those teaching positions filled quickly.
In fact, many school districts reach out to ECAP for recommendations of students to hire. Many of our instructors are current and former classroom teachers who still have ties with their school districts as well.
Setting yourself up with the right certification program from the beginning can be one of the most important steps you take to landing the best special education teaching jobs and getting the support you need during your search. If you’re at the beginning of your teaching journey and are looking for the right type of alternative teacher certification program, we can help.
Our article, How To Become A Special Education Teacher In Texas, outlines everything you need to know about becoming certified, a special education teacher job description and what sets the best EPPs apart from others.
Topics: Teaching Jobs
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