How to Get a Teaching Job Using SchoolSpring
by Nina Silva
If you're a teacher, chances are you've heard about SchoolSpring, a popular and widely used resource to find teaching jobs. But have you actually used it? If so, you're ahead of the curve. If not, now is the time to get started. Even if you're not currently seeking a job, SchoolSpring is an excellent tool for managing your educational career.
You've probably used or know about Common App, a tool students use for applying to colleges, scholarships and financial aid. SchoolSpring is like that, only it's for applying to teaching jobs. It allows you to search for jobs by type, location, even salary. Most school systems post positions on their website and on SchoolSpring. Want to see how SchoolSpring can help you land your next role?
How does SchoolSpring work?
SchoolSpring is a free website that connects teachers with thousands of job opportunities in both public and private schools. First, create an account and your personal profile. This profile takes some time to complete, but it's well worth the upfront commitment – schools can see it when you apply.
SchoolSpring requests a variety of documents and supporting information at the beginning of the process to help you find the jobs best suited for you. You'll then have access to thousands of opportunities. Once you find a job you're interested in, simply click "apply."
SchoolSpring sorts and sends documentation on your behalf. You can also search SchoolSpring jobs to find that dream position. Advanced search features allow you to explore thousands of jobs by type, grade, location, full-time or part-time status, and public or private school settings. You can also receive automatic SchoolSpring job alert emails that let you know when jobs you may be interested in get posted.
Tips for creating your SchoolSpring profile
SchoolSpring is a powerful tool that can help you find the job you've always wanted. That's why your in-depth profile is so important. The quality of your profile is a significant factor in getting those interviews at the top of your wish list. Below are useful tips for creating your profile, including how to post your resume on SchoolSpring.
Personal Information
- Include your most up-to-date contact information. This is also a good time to make sure your voicemail message sounds professional.
Cover Letter
- Your cover letter is the first thing a school district sees. Use our Cover Letter Templates and get help delivering an enthusiastic, professional tone in your letter. SchoolSpring recommends you customize your cover letter to each application. You have the ability to go back in and change the school's name and any relevant information specific to that school's requirements.
- SchoolSpring only accepts cover letters with 5,000 characters or less, so keep it concise.
Education
- Keep a copy of your transcript on hand. SchoolSpring will want your GPA, credit hours and the approximate dates you attended your program. Have a digital copy of your transcript ready to upload into this section as well.
- It's okay to upload a transcript before you've finished your program. Once you earn your degree, update this section with your final transcript.
Experience
- Include any student teaching you've done in the "Experience" section of SchoolSpring.
- If you held a non-teaching job for an extended period, include it in the "Other" section. Showing that you worked at an ice cream shop for four summers indicates you are reliable.
- Make sure any employers you list can be contacted for a reference check.
Additional Information
- You have up to 7,000 characters to communicate any other complementary information about yourself. List awards, honors, scholarships, community service, volunteering and professional affiliations here.
- Include things that did not fit on your resume or provide short descriptions of resume items that might not be clear from the original document.
Test Scores
- Include teaching tests you've taken, even if you haven't received your scores yet. You can add these scores later.
- Include any tests you are scheduled to take in the future.
- If you took a test more than once, only include the highest score achieved. Employers don't need to know how many times you took the test.
- Save your test score reports when they become available. You will need to upload them to this section.
Certifications
- Include any certifications, as well as certifications you expect to be awarded, under the "Pending" status.
References
- Determine at least three reliable reference providers in advance. Ask them to write a recommendation letter for you, giving them at least three weeks' notice.
- Use the "Email Request" option for submitting letters of recommendation. Your references will send theirs directly to SchoolSpring, so you won't be able to read them. Your letters of recommendation will hold more weight if they are submitted confidentially.
Languages
- Don't overstate or embellish your second language abilities. For example, don't say you are fluent in Portuguese unless you would be comfortable conducting your entire interview in Portuguese.
Extracurricular Activities
- If you're willing and able to supervise an activity at school, make sure you have a basic plan ready to discuss.
Attachments
- Your resume belongs in the "Attachments" section. By filling out the SchoolSpring job profile, you've created an electronic profile; however, it's still essential that you upload a resume. Doing this will make it easier for school administrators to print and read all your information in one place.
- Your resume is the most crucial document in your application, so make sure it's well-written and free of errors.
Take your time when creating your SchoolSpring profile. Spell check everything and ask a few extra sets of eyes to proofread it. Once you're satisfied with the different components of your profile, select which parts you want to submit and send them out to any schools that interest you.
If you need to get your resume and cover letter in top-notch shape for your SchoolSpring profile, use our Resume Builder and Cover Letter Samples, and get help (quickly) with crafting all key sections of both documents.
