June has arrived in Ontario, and with the coming of summer also comes the postings for September teaching opportunities. A number of the boards have begun to post their vacencies, full time and contract, thus opening the flood gates for resumes from hopeful teachers. Sadly, what these ambitious young newcomers will face is litte in the way of satisfactory employment. From my conversations with teachers at schools who have postings online for ‘vacancies’ in September, 4 out of 5 of these positions are already filled by a promise to a current supply teacher or LTO contract worker.
By all means these individuals who have worked in the school, who understand its politics and methods of business, should be at the top of the list. If I was in their position I’d appreciate the priority treatment. I’m also confident that these teachers are being promised the position because they are good teachers. And that is part of the conundrum — if you are already in a school then the system can work in your favour, but if you are trying to get in, the system is only able to block your way. This creates frustration for teachers seeking a ‘foot in the door’ as they are forced to cling to these false hopes of employment that border on outright lies. I’ve talked to a number of newly trained teachers who express joy in the fact that 4 new math positions were posted online today, or 2 new science positions, or maybe a grade 7 core. The sad truth is they’ll be lucky to get an interview let alone a job offer.
Why must we post these positions when the schools have little to no intention of actually hiring an outside individual? Why waste the resources, not to mention the demorailzing effect it has on new teachers. Why promise the carrot that dangles on a stick just out of reach?
3 responses so far ↓
fustrated // June 11, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I did not realize that 4 out of 5 jobs are really not available. Basically, new teachers who were not pool hired earlier have NO chance. I’m wondering if it is time to move on!
Devalina Mitra // August 16, 2008 at 1:45 am
It is so true that teachers who are in a LTO or STO position get the jobs first, since both parties are familiar with each other. I too wonder why the have the postings. I know of a teacher who applied after the closing date and casually went for an interview. She came back the next day to say that the job was her’s. Later on it was found that one of her parent’ worked in the Board. I have umpteen stories to say and I wish the board officials got into the hiring process along with the principals. Want to get a job? Get aquainted with a principal first and then go to a teacher’s college.
putw // February 12, 2009 at 1:22 pm
No activity on this blog for months on end. Has the author found a job in the monopoly? And, thus finds no reason to complain about it? Maybe those drug benefits got to you?
You’re welcome
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