
Getting Hired Guidance After Your Are Hired Guidance
Getting Started
- Obtain at least 2 letters of recommendation before beginning your job search. Districts will want contact information of at least 2 people as references.
- Ensure that at least one letter attests to your interactions and ability to work with teenagers. Your content knowledge is also important, but districts want to know that you would do well working with their students.
- Identify districts/schools that are within a reasonable commute from where you will live. Try for schools that would be a less than 40-minute drive from home.
- Explore district websites to learn about the culture, climate, and initiatives of the districts where you might apply.
- Once you’ve identified a position you wish to pursue, do research on that school site to learn more about the school mission, vision, and values.
Applying for Positions
- At some point in the application, you will be asked for your certification. Indicate that you are/will be certified, and if directed to upload a copy of your certificate, upload a PDF or word document with the following statement: “I’m entering the University of Arizona M.Ed. Secondary Education Alternative Pathway program, and will have an Alternative Teaching Certificate upon hire.”
- If you have any issues with the application process, contact the M.Ed. support team for assistance. Let the team know where you apply so that they can send an email to HR and/or the school site on your behalf.
The Interview Process
- You will be contacted by the district or site principal with an interview date and time.
- Typical interview questions include the following:
- Why you want to teach and/or your personal teaching philosophy.
- Your approach to classroom management or what you might do if a student does not follow class/school rules.
- How you might connect with students’ families and the community.
- Determining your familiarity/proficiency with various curriculum and programs – it’s perfectly fine to say you are new to it and would need to have training.
- Allow your personality to show through in the interview. Be sure to include personal vignettes or examples from you in your answers.
Job Application Support Resources
The UA Career Services website is an excellent resource for resume writing and job interview skills. The center offers free, walk-in career coaching, including interview preparation and resume review services.
Get started and see all the FREE services provided.
Links to Human Resources in Partner Districts
Benson Unified School District
Bisbee Unified School District
Center for Academic Success (Douglas/Sierra Vista)
Douglas Unified School District
Elfrida Elementary School District
Fort Huachuca Accommodation School District
Naco Unified School District
Palominas Unified School District
PPEP TEC High Schools (Douglas/Sierra Vista)
Sierra Vista Unified School District
St. David Unified School District
Tombstone Unified School District
Wilcox Unified School District
*** Most major districts in Pima County use the Applitrack system, so once you create an Applitrack account you can simply upload your application to other districts.
Tucson Unified School District
Sunnyside Unified School District
Flowing Wells Unified School District
Amphitheater Public Schools
Marana Unified School District
Sahuarita Unified School District
Vail School District