If There’s a Teacher Shortage… Why Can’t I Get a Job?

You’ve seen the headlines:“Nationwide Teacher Shortage”“Schools Struggling to Fill Open Positions”“Record Number of Teachers Leaving the Profession”

So, you polish your resume, gather your letters of recommendation, maybe even build a portfolio, and you send them all out. Then… crickets. Application after application goes unanswered, or you make it to the interview only to hear, “We went with someone else.”

If there’s really a shortage, why is it so hard to land a teaching job? I see so many people in this situation in my Facebook groups so I did some research to try to answer this frustration question:

1. Not All Shortages Are Equal

The “teacher shortage” apparently doesn’t affect every subject, grade level, or district in the same way. Most shortages seem to be concentrated in:

• Special education

• STEM subjects (especially high school math and science)

• ESL/ELL teachers

• Low-income or rural districts

  
  

If you’re applying for a general education elementary position in a desirable district, you’re likely up against dozens, sometimes hundreds, of other applicants.

So yes—there is a shortage. But it’s a focused one.

2. Budget Cuts and Hiring Freezes

Many schools are facing tight budgets and declining enrollment. That means fewer positions, more layoffs, and hiring freezes, even when a classroom technically needs a teacher. Unfortunately, this leads to other problems such as combining classes instead of hiring, using long-term substitutes for lower pay, larger class sizes, etc.

So while a district may need teachers, they may not have the money to actually hire them.

3. Certification and Experience Gaps

Some districts require specific state certifications or endorsements. If you're missing a credential, no matter how qualified you are, they may pass you over. If you are alternate route and didn't have a student teaching experience, I've also seen them choose someone who has been in a classroom vs one who hasn't. If you have extra certifications such as reading specialist, OG, or ESL, you are also considered more marketable and have a better chance than if you just have elementary education for example.

4. Internal Hires and Pre-Selected Candidates

It’s an unfortunate truth: Some jobs are already spoken for.

A school might be required to post a job publicly, but they already have a student teacher, long-term sub, or internal staff member in mind. External candidates might never stand a real chance. It isn't "who you know" as much as it used to be years ago, but it still helps.

5. High Expectations, Low Pay

There is a shortage, but only for those willing to work under tough conditions for modest pay. Some districts post job listings, but when candidates see the salary, lack of support, or burnout culture, they walk away. So technically, the job is “open,” but very few qualified teachers want to take it. Teaching isn't easy and it really is true that teachers should be paid more for what they often have to deal with.

So… What Can You Do?

• Cast a wider net. Look beyond your immediate area. Consider underserved schools or in-demand subjects you can add to your certification.

• Be willing to relocate. Certain areas of the country pay more than others. It can't hurt to apply.

• Network, network, network. Get your name in front of principals through subbing, job fairs, and teacher groups. Not only did I send my application to the district, I sent a letter to some schools I really wanted to work in letting them know who I was and my goals.

• Build a standout portfolio. Showcase your strengths clearly and concisely with real examples of your work. It doesn't have to be huge, but you need to stand out from others. I have all kinds of portfolio and resume packs on my Etsy site at https://www.etsy.com/shop/Editables4U?ref=seller-platform-mcnav or you can just search for Teacher Portfolio on Etsy or TPT to find lots of examples from different teacher authors.

• Don’t take it personally. The hiring process is flawed. Your worth as an educator is not defined by one job offer. Keep trying.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Yes, there is a teacher shortage. But it’s more complicated than the headlines suggest.

If you’re in the job hunt right now and not having a lot of success, it’s not a reflection of your talent or dedication. Stay persistent, stay connected, and stay hopeful. The right opportunity might be just around the corner.