How to Select a School District

By Denise L. Ohler, Ed.D.

Associate Dean of Enrollment Management & Retention/Director of Career Services

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

If you are searching for a job in the field of education now or plan to in the foreseeable future, you are fortunate to have many more opportunities to choose from than in years past. In many areas of our country, it is truly a "buyers' market" for teacher candidates. You may even have offers from more than one school district. How do you go about the process of narrowing your options and ultimately selecting a school district in which to work?

Conducting the actual job search itself requires some thought as to strategy. If you want to apply to school districts that are not advertising, you can use the Internet, listings of school districts in specific geographical areas, or telephone books. There are websites that have been developed specifically for teacher candidates where you can respond to job listings. Remember that some school districts now choose to advertise positions only on their websites, or through one of the education websites, and no longer accept hard copy resumes and applications.

It seems there are at least four broad areas of consideration as you conduct your search: lifestyle, school district needs, your professional needs, and growth opportunities. You should try to remember that the evaluation component of job-seeking involves not only the school district's evaluation of you, but perhaps even more importantly, your evaluation of the school district. Consider some of the following questions under each broad area, and document your interactions with the school districts regarding these topics so that you can create your own advantages/disadvantages list.

One critical caveat worth repeating is to research the school district thoroughly prior to your initial interview. You might even research it before submitting your application. There are many methods available to conduct your research, including phone calls to the Human Resources office, school district publications, the school district websites, and interviews with current teachers and administrators, school board members, current students and parents, and alumni. You will be much better prepared to make comparisons and judgments in the four broad areas of consideration after you have done your homework.

1. Lifestyle. This area represents the environment in which you choose to live and work. Some related questions include:

· Is it a school district that is growing?

· Is it urban or rural?

· What is the size of the school?

· Are there cultural events, sporting activities, and other leisure pursuits available that you enjoy?

· What is the climate of the region?

· What are the demographics of the population?

· Is it a multicultural environment, and if so, to what extent?

· Is the housing available acceptable to you?

· What is the cost of living?

· Do the salary and benefits meet your needs?

· Does the school district provide reimbursement for relocation, if necessary?

· How is the school district structured?

2. School District Needs. This area represents what the school district requires of the position for which you are applying.

· Do you meet the minimum credential requirements?