Relocating to a new state is a big step, and it can feel especially challenging while trying to land a new teaching job in the process. You’ll have to consider state teaching license requirements, find job openings that align with your experience, and create a well-rounded resume and cover letter representing your capabilities. 

Fortunately, the right strategies and preparations can make the process easier and help you stand out during your job search. 

Our goal at Zen Educate is to make it easier for teachers to find jobs that align with their skill set. We’ll review some top strategies for success in the rest of this article so you can find a teaching job as you’re relocating, even if you have zero network in the new state.

Start by Reviewing State Teaching License Requirements

Teaching license requirements can vary by state. Some states offer reciprocity that makes it easy to transfer your current teaching license. However, other states may require you to complete special exams or courses before you can acquire a license. You’ll want to prepare for that ahead of time to avoid delaying your job search. 

Here are a few examples of states that have varying requirements: 

Arizona

The Arizona Department of Education offers reciprocity for teaching licenses from all states, and will make it easy to obtain a comparable level of licensure. The three main requirements you’ll have to meet for Arizona are: 

• Currently holding a valid and active license in another state

• Being in good standing within that state

• Having a comparable area of expertise for the type of license you’re applying for

Browse teaching jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Colorado

Colorado doesn’t offer full reciprocity for teaching licenses. However, they do participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which can make it easier to obtain a Colorado teaching license when you’re relocating. 

Candidates who meet certain requirements can have an easier time transferring their teaching license to Colorado. Those include: 

• Having a valid and active teaching license in another state with good standing

• Meeting all requirements for a Colorado teaching license

• Having at least 3 years of full-time teaching experience

Candidates who don’t meet the requirements above may have to take an educator exam or an educator preparation program before gaining a license. 

Browse teaching jobs in Denver, CO

Minnesota

Minnesota doesn’t offer reciprocity for teaching licenses. Typically, Minnesota will require all out-of-state applicants to complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE), and may require completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program if your education and background don’t meet state requirements. 

Browse teaching jobs in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN

Completing Licensing Requirements Before Moving

When possible, it’s a good idea to complete teaching requirements for the new state before you move. Some steps you can take include: 

• Review the requirements for the state you’re moving to and fill out the necessary paperwork ahead of time.

• Sign up for and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program when required. You can often do this online before you move. For example, many Minnesota universities offer online teacher preparation programs you can complete ahead of time. 

• Study for and sign up to take a state educator exam when necessary. 

Completing these steps before you move or shortly after will allow you to start applying to new teaching jobs earlier. 

Optimizing Your Resume and Cover Letter

Once you’ve sorted out the licensing requirements for the new state, it’s time to prepare your resume and cover letter for success as you begin applying for jobs. Here are some quick tips for both: 

Tips to Make Your Teaching Resume Stand Out

Some great ways to improve your teaching resume are: 

• Keeping it concise: One of the most common teaching resume mistakes is making it too long. Hiring managers just want to see a quick overview of your abilities while reviewing applicants, so keep it to one page that focuses on your most recent and relevant experiences. 

• Customizing it to the job description: It can feel tempting to submit the same resume for every job you apply to, but that can prevent you from standing out. Instead, tailor the resume you submit to skills listed in the job description. For example, some schools may prefer a project-based teaching style while others prefer using hybrid learning. 

• Listing achievements rather than responsibilities: Simply listing responsibilities in your work experience bullet points doesn’t sound as impactful. Rather than just saying you “managed learning materials,” you can add impact by listing an achievement using that skill. For instance, you could say you “Implemented new interactive learning materials that resulted in 15% higher test scores at the end of the semester.”

Using each of these tips will show you meet required qualifications while presenting how you can make a real impact for students that aligns with the school’s needs. 

Tips to Make Your Teaching Cover Letter Stand Out

In many ways, making your teaching cover letter stand out will be similar to your resume. You should avoid going over one page, customize what you write based on the job description, and focus on your achievements in previous roles to show your impact. 

In addition to those tips, teaching cover letters that stand out will: 

• Address the hiring manager by name when possible: Using the hiring manager’s name in the greeting, such as “Dear Mr. Smith,” will make your cover letter sound more personalized from the beginning. Some job descriptions will list a contact person so you can include their name, or you might find a hiring manager listed on the school’s website. 

• Share why you’re excited about the role: Adding personalized details can help you stand out as a candidate. For example, you could say you’re “Excited about the possibility of working at a school that is working toward improving student participation through inquiry-based learning and engaging projects.” 

• Have a clear call to action: You can emphasize your interest in the role with a clear call to action at the end. Aim to make it feel genuine and professional, such as saying “I’m eager to discuss in more detail how my experience in flipped classroom instruction could make an impact on Bay View Middle School’s innovative student engagement initiative.”

Use a Platform That Makes Finding New Teaching Opportunities Easier

Once your cover letter and resume are prepared for success, you still need to find the right teaching jobs that fit your qualifications. Zen Educate connects educators with schools to make this process easier. Top features that make Zen Educate a great place to start your job search include: 

• Efficient application process: Zen Educate will match you with teaching jobs that align with your qualifications so you spend less time job hunting. 

• Access to many types of opportunities: Whether you’re looking for part-time, full-time, short-term, or long-term jobs, you can find roles on Zen Educate that fit your preferences. 

• Career support: You’ll find many resources to improve your applications and prepare for interviews to ensure you stand out. 

You can start your job search in a new state today with Zen Educate. Sign up for free here to see the opportunities available!