@Overhere

I guess I felt like I was spinning the tires because I have been spending a great deal of time farming Search, researching schools, writing the cover letters and working/re-working my resume while not getting any feedback. So I came to a point where I felt like I was wasting my time in some way. I know that I haven't been wasting time contacting schools, but when you are working in a vacuum it becomes confusing at best, frustrating at worst. That is why I ultimately posted here - looking for other ways that I can prepare myself for this challenge. I appreciate your encouragement and all of the others that have offered help on this thread. I don't care what anyone has told me here or elsewhere, I know what I am capable of and I know what I want. I am confident and whatever happens is for a reason.

@Thames Pirate

Your experience with IT, fairs and having a husband with experience that has some connections to my endeavor has REALLY helped. I am going to look into the IB training. Money is not a concern, but time is (I continue to work my tail off for my current students - I won't sacrifice their learning experiences and opportunities for my professional pursuits). I am going to see if I can get something done between now and the Boston fair. I'll keep learning regardless and will certainly stay positive. Thank you!

@Psyguy

I am going to pursue the supporting credentials (probably starting with NJ), continue to review the IB subject guides and I know that I have to make changes to the resume - and create different versions as well. Simplifying my resume is a fix that makes sense and won't take much time. I would consider my resume requiring a bit of what you called a "deep read." No problem. I'll make the necessary changes.

I have already created the "Ichiro." I'll be ready when it comes time for the fair. A lot of the insight you provided will help in that preparation.

@psyguy

This is really good information. I like the "PASS." That listing of criteria is something that will prove valuable. I want to know my weaknesses - or where I don't score - and you served them up proper.

I do not have "vocational" in any of my materials (cover letters, resume, Search stuff, etc.). I'm still not sure why I even said that here. BUT - I did notice that I didn't specifically note that I am a secondary, or high school teacher. You would have to actually read into my resume to see that. Fixed!

Funny how I always thought that my width of subjects taught would prove valuable. I understand (and agree) that the width may not be attractive to a school that is looking for a content specialist (depth). My core competency at this point in my career is IB DP Business Studies. Yes, I am capable of teaching econ, but as you noted, other than the grant work I have no credentials supporting the fact I can teach it. As for business math - I have taught a variety - mostly Accounting, Personal Finance and Financial -, but again, I am not credentialed in this area. I am definitely going to look into NJ teaching credential transfer. Math would definitely not be my fit at the high school level, it would be social science/studies as you suggested. In the end, I have no worries as I can spin this... Whether a recruiter will buy it is another matter.

I am better prepared for the pitch now that you have pointed to some of my weaknesses and shortcomings. I appreciate your input and will definitely put it to use as I do my best to convince a school that I am their guy. Thanks @Psyguy

@psyguy @Thames Pirate

I'll explain a little more on my current position... Using "vocational center" was a bad choice of words on my part - I just didn't want to use the jargon my state has for career and technical ed.

I teach high school juniors and seniors. It is a two-year program where students earn both elective credit and Michigan Merit Curriculum credit (a full English credit, a full math credit, a visual & performing arts credit - and optional credits in economics and info tech). While I am not qualified to teach English, I have a consultant I work with on the curriculum development. I am qualified to teach business math. My undergrad and post-grad degrees are not in Econ, but I am qualified to teach it here in my state. Economics is part of the program that I currently teach. (The postgrad work was not a Masters, it was to gain my teaching credentials).

My curriculum actually hits all of the IB Business Studies syllabus and a huge chunk of the IB Econ syllabus (and I have curriculum developed for all of the syllabus which was part of a state grant project I worked on to get our business studies students the econ credit). So, maybe I have one more on the good?

@Psyguy - does this makes my experience & references more valued than at first look? I have a Professional Teaching license in the state and I am evaluated the same as any regular classroom teacher.

I really appreciate the perspectives from both of you. You both add a ton of value to those that are in IT and for those looking to enter this arena.

Greetings all!

First, I have read countless posts/replies here and I really appreciate that you support each other in the ways you do on the forum. I have gained a lot as a member here!

Shoutout to Thames who has provided me some insights already.

I am contacting you all for your perspective on my situation...

Quick Bio:
Trailing spouse & 2.5 year old (so 2 dependents)
Certified teacher in Business, Management, Marketing and Technology (a USA/Michigan cert)
Also have a occupational certification in marketing, sales and service - which may mean nothing in IT???
5+ years of experience in teaching (at a vocational center - covering a very wide array of content - economics, marketing, management, selling, psychology, etc)
Coaching experience
Also non-teaching experiences in sales and management
Strong references
Signed up with Search
Pursuing business studies or econ (though I also could be serviceable as a college counselor as it is part of my job right now)

The Good:
I teach for the right reasons and I’m pursuing IT for reasons other than money or escaping something (I’m sure they all say that)
I think my resume & cover letter game is better than average (“think” being the key word there)
I’m good in an interview - probably jinxing it, but I haven’t lost one yet
Great supporting wife that is all-in on pursuing this career move (though I’m sure they all say that too)
I’m flexible geographically
I have great gig and make good coin, so I’m not desperate by any means

The bad:
An operating under the influence conviction 11 years ago - can not get this expunged in Michigan (though I have a miracle-chance of getting a governors pardon) *I have read some suggestions of not disclosing this and that’s just not me
No IT experience - some international business experience
No IB experience
My network of international teaching connections is effectively non-existent (besides sitting on the sidelines of this forum)
The 2-dependent factor
Not willing to take a step back in my career (3rd tier in terms of pay/benefits) - that’s part of my risk management strategy
I have NO IDEA what I am up against in this job market... I like to know my competition, but this market offers little by way of metrics

I have contacted schools (and applied to a couple) - I am not shocked that I haven’t heard back with lacking experience. I am signed up for the Boston fair. I am farming these forums and constantly reading through school Websites. I’m writing a new cover letter for a different school about once a week.

I just find myself wondering... What the ____ am I doing? I feel like I am spinning my tires. Is there anything I am missing? I will get IB training on my own dime, but I don’t really want to do it to get a job, rather to best prepare myself for success in the classroom. I would like to do any training closer to the start of my first year in IT (while it is fresh in mind).

I’ll take any feedback you want to provide.

I appreciate you all!