How do you overcome nepotism when looking for a teaching job?

It seems like the county that I am in is full of nepotism. If you aren't related or great friends with someone who is a power, then it is hard for you to get a job. I interviewed at the school I did my student teaching at, thinking that that was my best shot at my first teaching job. However, I found out that I wasn't hired and one of the positions filled was by a person from out of state. Probably someone known by someone from the board office. I am flippin' mad over this. The other student teachers that interviewed didn't get hired either. They knew our work abilities and how much we had devoted to going beyond what was required of us. What ever happened to hiring from within, or at least hiring someone whose abilities you have seen and other teachers recommend ? The other student teachers and I have come to the conclusion that maybe this is for the best, if the principal is going to be that way, then do we really want to work for her? Ok enough complaining for now.
How do you overcome nepotism when looking for a teaching job?
I have taught at two different schools out of my home state knowing no one in that state, let alone someone on the school board. Not to mention, though the school board approves all hiring decisions, it's usually the principal who makes them.





Honestly, I've rarely seen student teachers get hired at the school at which they student teach. This usually isn't nepotism, I believe. Just a reluctance to hire first year teachers.





My answer to your question is to keep applying. You don't need to have connections to find a good teaching job, but depending on what state you're in, it may require a couple years of trying. I know plenty of Ohio teachers who had to wait to be where they really wanted to be.
Reply:You may want to do some substitute work at schools in your district. This is a great way to expose your talents.
Reply:Nepotism is a fact of life. Go out there and get to know a lot of people. Work as a sub. Generally speaking administration knows who they want before they post the job opening.


Keep the faith, your time will come.
Reply:Maybe you should just realize that you may not be all the good of a teacher! The school hiring someone from out of State does not constitute Nepotism. It just means that they found someone that can do a better job as teacher, In their opinion. Now if they hired the Principles brother or sister, Then you might have a real reason to cry.
Reply:Nepotism was once a rampant problem, but it really isn't anymore. Schools are held accountable to a much higher standard now, and schools can't afford to hire someone's cousin or poker buddy. They have to hire the best teacher they can find, and unfortunately for you, that is rarely a first year teacher. You may have to pay your dues as a day-to-day sub the way many of us did.





In your question, you said, "Probably someone known by someone from the board office." That means you don't know. You are just assuming. Listen to me...that kind of thinking is only going to make you feel worse. Don't dwell on what you don't know.





Keep applying. Keep learning about your craft. And stay positive about yourself. Even if nepotism is keeping you out of a classroom, focusing on it would be folly. Focus on what you can control. Namely, yourself, your credentials, and your attitude.
Reply:Neopotism in the school sector is amazing...I found out that you have to know who is doing the hiring...what school board member is doing the hiring..It hurts...and I have been through it many times during my husband's career...
Reply:It is a sad fact that it is true, but it is. Your best bet is to build your own social network outside of your peers. Find hobbies you enjoy and find groups that do them.
Reply:Wow...are you sure it is nepotism? Sometimes when a teacher is hired from out of state it is because he or she is relocating with a spouse who is being transferred because of work promotions. Maybe this teacher was very experienced and highly recommended, but was moving because her husband got a great promotion in a new city.
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