So You Wanna Be A Kindergarten Teacher?

Barbara Fusaro, Kindergarten Teacher, Ridgeway Elementary School

My name is Barbara Fusaro. I teach Kindergarten at the Ridgeway Elementary School.

I landed my first teaching job I believe, by working as hard as I could during my student teaching followed by subbing in the same district . When I graduated college in 1976 the economy and job market were about the same as it is now. Teaching jobs were few and far between. I quickly learned that although it went against my very core, utilizing every connection I had might get my foot in the door for an interview, but I had to keep it there and prove myself in order to get the job.

I always knew I wanted teach at the primary level. With that in mind I gained as much experience as I could working with children of that particular age. I babysat, volunteered at church daycare, worked at a youth summer camp, and of course substitute taught. When student teaching I observed every teacher I could, asked as many questions as I could think of and most of all learned from and tried to correct every mistake I made.
I was called for an interview for my first teaching position 1 week before the school year was to have begun. I was told during this interview that this particular class had been created for an extremely experienced teacher. My future principals graciously told me that if I survived this class I could survive anything.
They were right, it was a tough year! However I knew that the only way to survive and thrive was to ask for advice and use it!

Finding a teaching job can be hard, but here is some advice to make it easier:

• Don’t give up.

• Get your resume out everywhere.

• Personally drop off your resume. Ask to introduce yourself to the superintendent. It never hurts to put a face with a name.

• Volunteer in the school or district you are hoping to work in.

• Remember that discretion and confidentiality are absolutely essential.

• Ask to observe in classrooms of master teachers.

• If you have the opportunity to observe, don’t get in the way and don’t jump in uninvited. Do ask if you can do anything to help the teacher and do send a thank you note to the principal and the teacher for allowing you to have the opportunity.

• Once you get an interview, do your homework. Knowing about the district and or school can be a real plus. Bring a photo album and/or sample of activities that set you apart from the other applicants.

GOOD LUCK TEACHERS!!!

Barbara Fusaro  is currently a full time kindergarten teacher in New Jersey.  She has been teaching for 28 years and began her career teaching 2nd grade. After her daughter was born, she left public school to be a mom.  She developed and taught a Mom & Tot class for 2 year olds and later taught classes in different nursery schools.  Barbara then became director of that school and eventually bought the school and added 2 full-time daycare classrooms, a school age afterschool program and a summer camp.  Barbara eventually found her place back in public school where she ended back into the sub pool, but as luck would have it a kindergarten position opened up, and that’s where you can find her 8 years later.

This post is part of the Teaching Jobs Portal: “How to land a Teacher Job”. What was your journey like to become a teacher? If you’d like to share your experience with other aspiring teachers please see this post for more information

Recent JobsBack to Top

• Computer Resource Teacher - Powhatan, VA
• Secretary/Bookkeeper - Powhatan, VA
• Part-time Band Teacher - Powhatan, VA
• Synergistic Lab Teacher - Powhatan, VA
• Spanish Teacher - Dry Fork, VA

View All Jobs