When should I begin looking for a teaching job?

It's not too early to start. There might be a position where the current teacher has already announced plans to move or retire.

I would plan on getting applications for school districts that you are interested in now and start working on them. Most districts will keep your application on file for at least a year.

Around here (Texas), districts renew contracts around March, and the teachers who do not re-sign contracts leave openings that are usually posted starting in April. More openings come up as teachers who did sign contracts but want to leave the district get offers elsewhere.

In general (here, at least), start sending out letters of inquiry and filling out applications around spring break, but don't get worried if you don't hear back until May. There will also be new postings during the summer, so keep trying if you don't get one of the first jobs posted.

Good luck finding the right school!

Its never too early to be looking and the more information you can get now - the better off you will be later. I would if I were you keep this school in your back pocket and don't lose it because simply put there just aren't any guarentees and to be honest unless your are currently at a private school (and in that case get out - the pay stinks and you shouldn't short change yourself) understand the most important thing is simply getting your foot in the door.

Good luck!!!

NOW is the time to start looking! In my district I know we have already received applications for the next year. This was back before Christmas break. Make sure you have a good relationship with the teacher that is supervising your student teaching. That person can be your best resource in your process. Good luck.

Charter schools vary wildy in quality because they don't fall under the same regulations as the public schools. You need to document everything this guy says to you because he's obviously a tail-covering jerk who wouldn't be hired as a principal in a regular school. And IF there are other jobs out there you should probably look, although you might not be able to count on a reference from the school you're in.

LOOK NOW! Districts start the hiring process as early as March for next September. Best of luck! Also... don't be afraid to play the "Six Degrees of Separation" game! Don't be afraid to tell your boyfriend's cousin's wife, who happens to work in a district, that you are looking!

As already stated, start looking now. The only thing I can suggest is to start collecting letters of reference or recommendations from anybody who will write one. Don't forget fellow student teachers, current and former teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, and teachers in neighboring rooms. It never hurts to have too many and you don't have to use them all (or any of them).

If you teach in a lower grade, have the students write letters for you. They can be endearing, eye-opening, and ego-bruising, but it is fun to include them in a portfolio. And it makes a great lesson for letter writing.

Good luck in your job search.

Go to a job fair of the county you are interested in teaching. Search district websites to find out when those fairs are.

Today...what state do you live in and what do you teach? Certain states open up school in August, and others in September.