If you’re wondering when to start applying for teaching jobs, you’re not alone. A lot of people assume it’s a year-round thing, and technically, yes, openings can pop up at any time, but the truth is, certain times of the year are better than others. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned teacher looking to make a switch, knowing when to apply can make a huge difference.
It’s not just about being ready with your degree and certification in hand. You also need to understand how school budgets, student enrollment projections, and retirements play into the hiring timeline. Once you do, you can time your resume updates, applications, and networking efforts to give yourself the best possible shot at landing a job.
So, When’s the Best Time to Apply?
Short answer: Spring. But let’s break it down season by season because there are pros and cons to each time of year, and some windows that might surprise you.
Winter
Wintertime is hopeful. December and January aren’t usually thought of as a hiring season, however, that doesn’t mean possible job openings are off the table. Sometimes teachers retire midyear or leave unexpectedly over winter break. This then leaves the administration to rush to fill a position quickly, which can be in your favor if you already have your application on file.
January is when many teachers give notice if they’re not planning to return in the fall. This gives the administration a good idea of how many positions they’ll need to fill in the following year. Some districts will even start posting these openings online early, though most official listings start rolling out in late February.
Bottom line? If you’re ready in the winter, it’s worth applying. Even if nothing opens right away, getting in early puts you on the radar.
Spring
Spring is prime hiring season and the best time of year to focus your energy on applying for teaching jobs. From February through April, school districts start advertising new positions. This is when the majority of jobs are posted, and job fairs are in full swing. After spring break (usually April), many districts begin the interview process.
Depending on your area and their academic calendar, this process might stretch into June or July. If your school doesn’t let out for summer break until the end of June, then you may see interviews go until mid-July because teachers and parents who are on the hiring committee are still available. Be sure to have everything ready to go and apply broadly.
Don’t wait for jobs to pop up online, network, attend hiring fairs, and reach out directly to schools you’re interested in. A friendly email to a principal or HR rep introducing yourself and asking about upcoming openings can go a long way during this time of year.
Summer
The summer months can also be ideal for trying to land a teaching position because any positions that weren’t filled in the spring will get filled during the second round of interviews, usually at the end of summer.
This is because most schools have finalized their enrollment numbers and locked in their budgets. That gives them the green light to fill any remaining positions. My first interview as a teacher was in August, and there were a lot of potential candidates vying for the same position. It might not be the calmest time to go through the hiring process, but it’s definitely a real opportunity.
If you interviewed in the spring and didn’t hear back, don’t count yourself out. If you made a good impression, there’s still a chance your name might resurface during this final push.
Fall
Once the school year starts, hiring slows down, but it doesn’t stop entirely. In October, school districts get their final headcounts. Sometimes more students enroll than expected, and schools need to open up a new section or split large class sizes. This could create brand-new teaching positions out of the blue.
The month of November tends to be quieter, but you never know when something is going to come up, so it’s always wise to keep your application on file. November tends to be quiet, but unexpected things happen. A teacher might move, leave on medical leave, or go out on maternity leave sooner than expected.
I received a phone call in November for a long-term substitute position because a teacher had to leave unexpectedly. That’s why keeping your application up-to-date and on file year-round is always a good idea. That opportunity ended up opening doors for me down the line.
Long-term sub positions might not be permanent right away, but they’re an amazing way to get your foot in the door and build relationships within a district.
How to Maximize Your Chances—No Matter the Season
Regardless of what month it is, there are a few things you can do to stay ready and make yourself stand out from the crowd.
- Keep your resume fresh: Update it every couple of months, even if you haven’t landed interviews yet.
- Craft a solid cover letter: Make it specific, not generic. Tailor it to each school you apply to.
- Prep your teaching portfolio: Whether it’s digital or physical, include lesson plans, student work samples, and anything else that shows off your teaching style.
- Line up your references: Ask people in advance if they’d be willing to speak on your behalf.
- Stay organized: Keep copies of your documents in one easy-to-access folder so you’re not scrambling when you see a job posted.
- Be persistent: Some people get hired after their first few applications. Others sub for a year or more before something sticks. That doesn’t mean you’re not good enough; it just means the right spot hasn’t opened yet.
It’s important to keep showing up, keep applying, and keep networking. While it may take a little patience, your time will come, and it will all be worth the wait.
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