More on finding that first or new position. This post may not help with this summer’s employment search, but will be worth consideration for those determined to break into education who are struggling, especially those who know a second language.

My last school had two bilingual/ESL teachers for each middle school grade. During my final years, I taught bilingual math and science. My counterpart taught bilingual language arts and social studies. We’ll call him “Anaximander.” Despite the fact that virtually all of our students who qualified for bilingual services spoke Spanish, other grades had ESL teachers who could not speak Spanish. Not enough Spanish speakers with the subject area credentials had applied. Those who did speak Spanish often preferred to work in elementary schools.

I’ve packed a lot into the above paragraph. Most teachers will know these facts, but for clarity’s sake let me add a few details: Those bilingual services are obligatory in Illinois and many other parts of the nation unless parents sign their children out of services, in effect against advice. Like special education requirements, bilingual education requirements create teaching position openings.

Two stories here:

I had taught high school Spanish, then mathematics before I decided to try to switch to bilingual education. I wanted the smaller — sometimes much smaller — class sizes, and I had discovered I loved helping launch kids into English-language learning. In Illinois, a desperate need for bilingual teachers had led to the creation of the Type 29 certification, a temporary certification that gave teachers five years (now six I believe) with short extensions to finish the formal coursework for the bilingual endorsement. The test for that Type 29 certification was essentially nothing but a language test. I clobbered that test, as might be expected from a high school Spanish teacher. My district then helped pay for my courses.

Anaximander’s story is more interesting. He had intended to be a social studies teacher when he graduated, but was unable to find employment. Finding that high school or middle school social studies position takes luck in many geographic locations. His job search failed and then failed again. At this point, Anaximander made a bold decision for a man in his twenties. He decided to learn Spanish and go in the back door. He attacked his studies with vigor, even going to work in a chain restaurant so he could practice Spanish. Without going into detail, the master plan worked. Anaximander has been teaching social studies for years now.

I can’t speak for how well this strategy would work in other states, but I offer up the idea to those searching for teaching employment. Did you take Spanish in high school? Do you know another language well?

My middle-school employed a number of English as a Second Language (ESL)* teachers who did not speak Spanish. Because of shortages in qualified Spanish-speaking applicants, the district accepted educators whose second language was Polish or German, for example.

What does this mean for job-seekers? In Illinois, Type 29 tests are offered in Japanese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Polish, Hindi, Bulgarian, Urdu, Mandarin, Gujarati, Bosnian, Lao, Greek, Assyrian, Serbian, Korean, and Filipino, as well as Spanish. Other languages might be possible; the state will prepare special tests for low-incidence languages.

Once you have the Type 29 certification, you can find a position in a district that’s desperate for bilingual educators. Some districts provide generous tuition reimbursement, although that reimbursement varies greatly. Some districts offer none.

Eduhonesty: I can’t speak for the nation and this back door will not work in some locations. But if you are still looking for that new or better position, intensive Spanish-language studies may be exactly what you need, depending on where you live. Even if not part of your formal certification or endorsements, being able to say you speak Spanish will improve your odds of getting hired in many districts throughout the United States.

P.S. Some years back, I took an ESL course along with would-be educators who were trying to use the backdoor strategy despite not having a strong second language. The ESL endorsement can be enough without special language skills, but all other things being even close to equal, candidates with language skills will get that open position. I’d push Spanish first if you have any ear for languages at all.

P.S.S. Do you vaguely remember that high school Spanish, now mostly faded away from lack of use? It’s early June! Put the subtitles on what you watch. YouTube has El Exterminador 2 con Arnold Schwarzenegger for your viewing pleasure and many other fun options. Your television is loaded with familiar shows in Spanish. Still use DVDs? Play your favorites in English with Spanish subtitles and then try Spanish with Spanish subtitles. Your library probably still has those CDs for learning Spanish in your car. You might be amazed how quickly your Spanish comes back to you.

*The acronym can vary — ESL, ELL, or even EL.