NOAH AOC

Hi!

I do not normally do this sort of thing, but I am at my wit's end, and I thought that it might be good to see if other people have shared experiences like mine and how they coped.

For five years now, I have been trying to get a position as a social studies teacher.  I have had a few interviews, but never get the position.  I realize that I am not the world's best when it comes to interviewing, but I have five years of classroom experience, credentials, I am entusiastic, I love history, and I love to teach.  The only thing that I can think of is that my physical appearance is giving me a disadvantage.  Let me provide you with an example to prove my point.

Last November, during one of my really rough days of substitute teaching for a local district (the same district where I attended school), I made a comment on the form that substitutes have to complete for each day they work.  The comment was to the effect that if a person has a physical condition that makes them appear not like the norm, then do not sub for this district because he or she will only meet with hatred and abuse.  The abuse from students was a normal, horrible occurance, but sometimes enough is enough and it becomes necessary to vent.  Needless to say, the principal of the school read the comment and we then discussed how this problem could be solved (it never will be).  Coincidentally, in December I was offered a position as an hourly special education instructor.  It was an okay position, but I had limited contact with students.  So either, the principal was being nice in finding me a place where I would not have so much harassment, or the district was just trying to hide me away.

Now, I come to my current problem.  Last month, I interviewed for one of three social studies positions, and guess what...they could not offer me a position.  For four years, I have worked for this district, this is the second time I have interviewed with them, and I knew all of the interviewers.  Plus, when I took the special education job I was told that people moved on from this position and that if you did something for the district, they would do something for you (Personnel director's words, not mine).  Apparently, those rules did not apply to me.

So, after the above big, long sob-story my question is this:  Has anyone else had a similar problem and if so, how did you finally get a position?  I would really like some advice because I really do not want to stop being a teacher, but I do not know how much longer I can stand to sub.  Thanks for at least reading this.  :)

I do not have Albinism, but my infant son does.  However, at the conference I did meet a nice young lady with Albinism that is a preschool teacher and another one that teaches elementary school.  I don't know if that helps any or not, but I just wanted to tell you this and maybe encourage you to keep trying you will get there.

Also, I don't know him personally but there is a middle school teacher in Virginia that has Albinism.  I have never met him, but somebody told me this.

My name is Erin, I am 32 years old.  I have albinism.  I am a thrid grade teacher in Naperville Illinois.  Growing up, the whole issue of albinism was never really discussed.  The main focus was on my vision.  In school I was constantly teased.  Since being outside and sports were never really a strong suit I focused on school and did well.  Luckily most of the teachers elementary - graduate level allowed me front row seating and access to copies of any overheads.  When I started looking for a teaching position I was lucky because the principal of my high school was the principal of a catholic school.  He hired me as an aide, and then the following year as a kindergarten teacher.  After several years there, and issues with a new principal I resigned and looked for a new job.  I spent 2 years as a teaching assistant and no hopes of teaching again.  I decided to be a teaching assistant in a different school district that focuses on inclusion.  My first day of training for the school year a kindergarten position opened and I was asked to take that spot.  This year I am starting my 4th year and have been asked to be the team leader for my grade level now 3rd grade.  Our school also has a gym teacher who is hearing impaired.  I really think the key for me was finding a school where I was accepted for my abilities.  I know my school enjoys diverse teachers because for the diverse nature of the classrooms.  Being in a classroom that is made up of all levels and students that would traditionally be in a "special education", I feel I have alot to offer when it comes to understanding the needs of the students.  I also fell into both of my teaching positions due knowing someone the first time, and timing the second. 

Don't give up hope!  If you have any questions, please let me know!  I am brand new to NOAH.  And I have tons of questions and this was one that I thought my experince could be of use.

I am 25yrs old and have been substitute teaching for two years now.  I have only had one interview.  I live in Michigan and it is extremely, extremely, tough to get a job here.  I have struggled with the situation of admitting in an interview or while subbing that I am disabled.  I was told over and over again by career counselers at my college that I should not admit that information utnil I have the job.  The tough part of that is that albinism has made me who I am and that played a roll in my following this career path.  I would like to use that in my interview but what if that scares them and keeps me from getting the job?  I am in the same boat but haven't been there as long. 

HI Shlaw,

I empathize with you. I also have albinism and taught for thirty-two years. My first year teaching position was in a Catholic school because my National Teacher scores weren't back in time to interview with our public school district. In the two interviews I had with the Catholic School and our public school district I didn't bring up albinism in the discussion. Really, I have OCA so there I am sitting in front of them in all my "albino glory" they had to have had some kind of an inkling I wasn't your average "blonde" but they didn't mention it and neither did I. I answered all the questions they asked enthusiasically. I remember as I was answering the different questions they were asking I was picturing myself in a classroom in that situation. Maybe visualizing yourself in a classroom during the interview will help. I remember going through the entire enterview for the Catholic school position and I never even asked the salary; I was just so happy at the possiblity of getting the appointment. I did ask at the end of the interview what the salary would be. Msg Dolan asked me what I thought the salary should be. I told him if I were to be appointed in Scranton as a permanet sub I would be getting $4,500.00 a year (those were the salaries back then).Msg. Dolan called me the next day and told me I had the job and I was thrilled(at that salary by the way).

Now, I think you have a couple options. Are you willing to relocate? I know there are certain areas of the country where teachers are really in demand. FLorida I know was in great need of teachers. Also are you willing to teach in a private school? The salary may not be as good but the experience is what you are looking for. Also, don't become too discouraged with substituting. I know many new teachers who strated substituting and it gave them wonderful experience of different grade levels.  When they finally were appointed they were grateful for the experience.

I know now getting a teaching position can be difficult in certain districts; it is hard getting a teaching position here also. Do you know anyone on your school board? This is hard to take but sometimes it is who you know not what you know. I would suggest that you become familiar with your school directors or people running for your school board and possibly volunteer in their electoral campaigns. I hate politics but if it will help to get you a job then it is worth it. I find it hard to "smooze" but if that's what it takes I would say go for it and do your best.

I wish you the best of luck getting a teaching position.