Applying for My First Teaching Position

Having recently received my Washington State teaching certificate (last spring), I've been spending the last few weeks applying for teaching positions in the greater Seattle area. I'm very excited about a couple of the recent ones I applied to and I look forward to the interviewing process, and hopefully, a meaningful teaching experience and gainful employment.


I must admit that the process of applying for positions this close to the academic school year has been a bit stressful for me. First of all, I find the process of applying for jobs difficult because of the very nature of the situation. I don't like to feel judged by others, yet I understand this is exactly what they must do in order to hire the best candidate for the position. Secondly, it is difficult for me to put the time and effort into the applications, and then often times receive little to no reply. I always thought there would be a demand for qualified teachers, but the Seattle area seems to have plenty right now; it must be the wonderful geography and local populace. I wonder if this will change as the baby boom generation begins to retire, and the children of the " boomlet" begin to enter the public school system. Any of you have any opinions on this? I guess we'll know in about five years.


Back on a positive theme, I look forward to a teaching position here in Seattle and I am learning to enjoy the condition of not knowing where that will be; call it a surprise if you want. Wish me luck, and I'll keep you all informed.