Once students have completed the student teaching semester and established a credential file, they are ready to begin a job search.
Many students seek positions as substitute teachers during the spring following student teaching.
This is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and make contacts that may later help in a job search. The principals and teachers in the school or schools where the prospective teacher works as a substitute will become familiar with the quality of the individual's work, a factor that may make a positive difference should a job open in the district. Principals might also be able to notify the prospective teachers about openings in other districts or to recommend them for positions. The campus CDO has a file containing copies of the Iowa Teacher Vacancy Newsletter, a document published weekly by the University of Northern Iowa Placement and Career Services. This newsletter lists many teaching jobs available in Iowa and in other parts of the country.