Teaching in Victoria? Be prepared for a very long and frustrating battle. A close friend of mine has been trying to land a full time position now for almost 9 years now and is still only 0.5 time (though it varies, she gets the joy of reapplying every year for her job). This despite the fact she's a UVic grad in the top decile of her class.
- As previously pointed out - demographics suck with the % of kids going way down. Positions are being phased out - see union comments below.
- Each of the 3+ school districts has its own seniority lists (I believe). Move from one district to another and you're at the bottom.
- With so many above you on the seniority list, and positions disappearing, be prepared to be continuously bumped. My friend has been tantalizing close to the ideal position several times, only to have the crazy dingbat who doesn't give a damn about his students come back from sick leave and claim seniority - thereby bumping my friend.
- This is of course, BC. Take Calgary Board red tape and Union BS and multiply it by 3 and you get the People's Republic of BC School Boards.
- This may have changed, but the process of subbing was archaic a couple years ago. There's no centralized system to call or that will call you. Teachers call subs they know and trust directly. Pretty tough to break into that arrangement.
From what I've seen it's an 8-12 year process to get a full time position, perhaps less if you're not picky on what you teach. My friend would have come to Calgary in a flash for a job if she didn't marry an Islander.