How to Actually Land a Teaching Job
Because getting credentialed is half the battle.
One of the most common misconceptions about the teaching profession is that once you’re credentialed, you’ll be zip-lined straight from graduation to your own classroom—like there’s a district out there just waiting to hand you a lanyard with your class keys.
The reality is that the hiring process is long, bureaucratic, and borderline discouraging. Most districts don’t roll out the welcome mat for fresh new teachers. They post openings tailored to multi-credentialed, multi-year veterans who can teach three subjects and coach volleyball.
So how do you land a job and start doing the thing you worked so hard to do?
As someone who wishes she had this blueprint four years ago, here I am giving it to you now, because landing a teaching job shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.
1. Apply to Sub Before Student Teaching
Yes. Before.
If your program hasn’t started yet and it’s summer, apply now.
I know some credential programs tell you not to sub during student teaching. Mine did. The rationale was that, in California, candidacy students must complete 600 hours of unpaid student teaching (the equivalent of 75 instructional days).
With most districts operating on a 180-day school year, here’s how to optimize the days you’re not in student teaching:
If your guide teacher is ever absent during your placement, and you’re already cleared to sub? You can get paid for those days. Don’t miss out on free money.
The sub approval process takes months. Get ahead of it over summer if possible.
2. Sub Everywhere
Apply to every district near you—not just the one you “think” you want to work in.
You’ll get classroom reps and build confidence.
You’ll figure out what each district is really like (spoiler: district websites seldom tell the whole story).
Some of my best info came from candid conversations with office staff and teachers I was subbing for. Ask questions. Take notes.
Don’t box yourself in. Pigeonholing yourself into one district will slow you down. You might end up loving the culture at a district you’d never even considered.
3. Get a Long-Term Sub Position
These are gold.
They’re hard to land, but worth it. Start by:
Letting teachers/admin know you’re open to long-term positions
Asking the front office to add you to their “preferred sub list” after each job
Subbing with intention—be reliable, be visible, and leave detailed notes.
Once you're in a long-term role, you’re basically auditioning for a permanent job. Treat it that way.
4. Understand Temporary vs. Permanent Contracts
Most districts don’t give you a permanent job right away. You’ll likely be hired under something like a Leave Replacement Contract, which don’t count toward your probationary period (2-3 years). You’ll probably sign something called a Kavanaugh Notice, which confirms that this year won’t go toward your permanency status.
It sucks, I know.
But the goal is to get in, build your reputation, and move toward a permanent role.
I long-term subbed at five schools before landing a permanent position. If you find yourself in a similar situation, just now that you are not behind. This is more common than anyone talks about.
5. Stand Out in Long-Term Roles
Admin are watching. They’re not just asking, “Can this person teach?”
They’re asking:
Can they hold it down without needing constant help?
Are students engaged? Are parents receptive?
Are they a good cultural fit on campus?
Things that helped me stand out:
My first week of long-term subbing, I brought in a naval aviator to teach a lesson on the science of flight for a school-wide STEM week
I didn’t complain (even when I wanted to) and tried to be the person who made life easier for everyone
I collaborated with teachers, left thank-you notes often, and handled what I could on my own
You don’t have to be perfect—but you do need to be professional, self-starting, and positive.
6. Be the “Gap Filler” They Can’t Let Go Of
This part matters more than you think.
If a school sees you as the person who can jump into a committee, host a club, or co-teach an elective—you’re valuable.
I said yes to art club, random tech help, and anything that made me more helpful.
Figure out what you can bring to the table. For some schools, it’s tech skills. For others, it’s multilingualism, athletic coaching, or a passion for the arts.
If you’re just another teacher on paper, you’re easier to overlook.
If you’re the one with a niche they didn’t know they needed, you’re much harder to let go.
TL;DR
Apply to sub before student teaching
Sub everywhere and observe district culture
Hunt for long-term sub gigs
Know your contract type (temporary ≠ tenure)
Stand out by being self-sufficient, creative, and collaborative
Say yes to things that build your niche and prove your value
I truly hope this brought value to your teaching journey. If you’ve got tips, questions, or experiences to add, please drop them in the comments section. And if you know a new teacher who would benefit from this information, feel free to pass it along.
As always, happy teaching.