Tips to Land Your First Teaching Job

Landing your first teaching job can feel like a big milestone, because it is. It takes patience, time, and consistent effort, especially in a competitive market where many applicants have similar qualifications. The good news is that there are clear ways to stand out. If you have the right certifications, can confidently communicate your strengths, and can connect your experiences (even outside the classroom) to what schools need, you’ll be in a strong position to launch your teaching career.

School boards, districts, and education employers can differ widely in hiring processes and priorities. Some value deep specialization, while others prioritize flexibility, student support experience, or comfort with technology. Many teaching jobs also require someone who can adapt to changes quickly, different grades, different learners, different classroom dynamics, and evolving instructional approaches. When you show how your unique background fits the needs of the role, you distinguish yourself from candidates who only list credentials.

If you’re actively searching for teaching jobs, teacher job opportunities, jobs in education, or even “education jobs near me,” you can start by exploring current postings here: Search jobs in education
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Below are some of our top tips to help you find teaching jobs and kick-start your career in education.

1. Research the role and create a targeted resume

A strong job hunt starts with research—specifically, understanding how and where employers hire. Some school boards post on their own websites, some use central application portals, and others rely on job boards to reach more candidates. The point is: there are teaching job opportunities available, but the candidates who find them first (and apply well) have a major advantage.

Start by identifying the teaching jobs that match your goals—grade level, division, subject area, location, and contract type (occasional/supply, LTO, part-time, permanent). Then, for each posting, make a note of the requirements and the language used. A simple but powerful approach is to save or print the job posting so you can reference it while drafting your resume. That helps you avoid missing key qualifications and makes it easier to align your experience with exactly what the employer is asking for.

A resume for teaching jobs should never be “one size fits all.” The strongest resumes are specific to the role. Include the core items employers expect to see, such as your certifications, classroom or placement experience, relevant skills, professional development, and any special training (special education supports, literacy/numeracy strategies, technology, classroom management, etc.). Then, this is the part many applicants miss, mirror the vocabulary used in the posting when it accurately reflects your experience. Employers write job descriptions using the language they value; when your resume reflects that same vocabulary, your application reads as a better match.

It’s also worth expanding your geographic search if you’re finding limited openings locally. Many candidates search only within a narrow radius, but there may be strong opportunities just outside that range, or even within a nearby board or district. If you’re searching “jobs in education near me,” widen your search and compare postings across multiple employers. You might find the right role faster than you expected.

Finally, always follow the posting instructions. Not every teaching job asks for the same documents. Some want a resume and cover letter, others only want you to complete an application, and some require you to submit through a specific portal or email address. Hiring teams often view “following directions” as part of professionalism, so treat the application instructions like your first test.

2. Create a cover letter and show adaptability

While a resume is essential, a well-written cover letter is often what makes an employer stop and pay attention, especially when they’re scanning a large stack of applicants. A cover letter gives you the space to tell your story: why you’re a fit for that school or board, what you’ve achieved so far, and how you support student success.

Your cover letter must be specific to the role. Focus on what the employer is asking for, and use one or two clear examples to prove you can deliver. Highlight teaching accomplishments from placements, tutoring, mentoring, camp programs, volunteering, or classroom support roles. If you don’t have long-term contract experience yet, that’s okay, what matters is showing growth, readiness, and evidence of impact.

Also keep in mind that many employers use electronic application systems, and these systems often screen or prioritize applications based on alignment with the posting, both in experience and in the words used. That doesn’t mean stuffing keywords; it means using accurate, professional language that connects your experience to the job description. If the posting emphasizes “differentiated instruction,” “universal design for learning,” “classroom management,” “assessment for learning,” or “student well-being,” and you’ve done that work, say it clearly.

Adaptability is especially important in today’s education environment. Many educators gained experience with virtual learning and blended instruction during the pandemic, and technology skills continue to matter across many roles. If you have experience with learning management systems, online teaching tools, assistive technology, or educational apps, include it. If you’ve supported learners with diverse needs using tools, accommodations, or differentiated strategies, include that too. Employers want teachers who can adjust and still deliver strong instruction.

And once again: always follow the posting instructions. Some roles don’t require cover letters, some request a specific format, and others require submissions through specific channels. Your ability to follow those directions is part of your first impression.

3. Build an organized teaching portfolio

A professional teaching portfolio can elevate your application because it shows what you can do, not just what you’ve listed on paper. Think of it as a proof-of-work package: it helps you demonstrate planning, instruction, assessment, and professional reflection.

Not every employer will ask for a portfolio, and not every hiring team will review one unless it’s requested. But having one ready can help immensely during interviews. It gives you concrete examples to reference when you’re asked questions like:

• “How do you plan lessons?”

• “How do you assess student learning?”

• “How do you support diverse learners?”

• “How do you manage classrooms and build relationships?”

A well-organized portfolio might include lesson plans, unit outlines, sample assessments, classroom management strategies, differentiated learning examples, reflections from placements, examples of student engagement strategies, and any resources you’ve created. Even if the posting doesn’t request it, bringing it to an interview (or having it ready digitally) shows preparation and professionalism.

4. Get strong recommendation letters or teaching reports

Many teaching job applications require recommendation letters, teaching reports, or references, and these can make a major difference. Strong recommendations validate your readiness and help employers trust that you’ll be effective in their schools.

Ideally, your recommendation letters should come from professionals who know you in an education context, such as an education professor, associate/cooperating teacher, placement supervisor, or student teaching instructor. These references can speak directly to your instructional skills, classroom presence, professionalism, and growth.

If you don’t have those references yet, don’t panic. Relevant experience in daycare programs, camps, tutoring, coaching, or youth leadership can still be valuable, especially when those supervisors can speak to your responsibility, leadership, communication, and work ethic with children or youth.

Always notify your references when you apply for a position and let them know what role you applied for. That way they’re prepared if contacted, and they can tailor their feedback to your target position. It also demonstrates professionalism and respect for their time.

5. Volunteer and show transferable experience

Volunteering can help you get visible before you’re even hired, especially if you volunteer in the types of schools or communities where you want to work. If possible, connect with school administration and ask about ways you can support: library help, classroom assistance, extracurricular support, literacy/numeracy programs, student activities, or community events.

Volunteering once or twice a week can create real momentum. It helps you build relationships, understand the school environment, and demonstrate commitment. It also gives you additional examples to use in interviews and applications.

Just as importantly, volunteering helps you showcase transferable skills that schools value: leadership, coaching, mentoring, communication, organization, training, student engagement, and community involvement. Even if your previous roles weren’t titled “teacher,” they can still prove you’re ready to support learners.

6. Be an occasional teacher in the school board or district

For many educators, becoming an occasional or supply teacher is the most common way to enter a school board or district. Supply work helps you build classroom confidence quickly, learn how different schools operate, and get your name known across a community.

Many teachers begin as occasional teachers while also applying to part-time contract roles or long-term assignments. Some split their week: part-time in one school or role, and supply teaching on other days. This approach can be an effective pathway toward full-time opportunities, because it helps you gain experience while building relationships with administrators and staff.

Supply teaching also gives you exposure to a range of grades, learning needs, and classroom settings. Over time, you’ll build a strong bank of strategies and stories that help in interviews. It’s also one of the best ways to find the environment where you thrive, elementary vs. secondary, different communities, different program focuses.

Depending on the board, you may apply directly to the school or through the board’s process for occasional teachers. Always review the posting instructions carefully, since processes can differ across employers.

If you’re searching for “occasional teacher jobs,” “supply teacher jobs,” or “substitute teacher” roles, make sure you check postings frequently. The easiest way to do that is by browsing regularly or signing up for alerts.

You are ready to land your first teaching job!

Landing your first teaching job takes patience, consistency, and confidence in what you bring to the profession. Use the internet strategically to research the right employers, identify the best-fit postings, and track what requirements show up repeatedly. Then tailor your resume and cover letter to each role, follow directions carefully, and present your experience in a way that demonstrates readiness and impact.

You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and with the right strategy, you can absolutely secure your first role in education. Start by exploring who’s hiring right now, and keep applying consistently as new opportunities come in.

Start here to find current roles: Search jobs in education

To increase your chances of getting noticed faster, create your profile and stay ready for new postings: Create a job seeker profile

And if you don’t want to miss new openings, sign up for alerts tailored to your preferences: Sign up for job alerts

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