It’s a good time to go into teaching, relatively speaking. With the shortage going on, the scarcity of this valued service will increase its demand. It should be much easier to find a space open in a place you want to work, and it’s important to remember that if the school is hiring, it wants to hire somebody, and pick the best candidate who will take them.
It’s important not to take it for granted and assume that just because they need more teachers they’re desperate enough to hire anyone. It’s also important to keep in mind that both parties in this scenario want to sell themselves to the other. The teacher wants to show the school that they’re a good teacher, and the school wants to show good teachers that they’re a good school to work for.
There’s a similar relationship with teacher retention. There’s a high turnover rate in education, with many teachers quitting after just a few years. With this in mind, schools will want to incentivize their teachers to stay. However they won’t, or at least shouldn’t, let you get away with anything, and the teacher should still be dedicated to giving high quality lessons and seeking improvement. You can still be let go and replaced if your work is not up to the standards set by the school.
I think you make a great point bringing up retention. The high turnover rate is something that is off putting to many in the field. It is something everyone should consider, because with teaching being so in demand the reasons behind it are huge.
Something that goes under the covers when dealing with teacher retention is the effect it has on the students. I wonder if and how students see the retention issues. If they do, how does it affect their school experience? Would it be appropriate to inform the students of the climate? Should they be involved as the rotation of teachers directly influences their education?
I like how you mentioned retention. I think that with the super high turnover rate right now it is important that teachers are held to the same standards but valued more. I also think that going into an interview confidant and thinking that school needs you more will not get you anywhere. I think it is important to remember they may need you but not want you.