Your network as a future teacher is wider than the people you meet in schools and classes. This chapter is for teacher candidates who want to see how neighbors, family, old coworkers, and community groups can lead to a teaching job. It builds on the chapters on networking in schools and networking in your teacher education program.
This is Chapter 14 of 51 from Road to Teaching (2025 edition). Read the whole book free, in order, at Read the Book.
By Dr. Eric Hougan
“Invisible threads make the strongest ties.”Friedrich Nietzche
Networks are fluid and dynamic, and a well-built one should be all-encompassing. Therefore, it is wise to look for possible connections beyond the teachers and administrators with whom you may normally interact. Consider if any of your family, neighbors, friends, or former colleagues have connections to education. For instance, your neighbor may be a former principal with close ties to the school community or your best friend’s mother may be a teacher. Push outside of your circle of friends and colleagues for possible connections. Include in your thinking people from all areas of your life: clubs, civic organizations, religious places, etc. After brainstorming, make a list of anyone that comes to mind and note how he or she is connected to education. This is a critical building block in establishing your network. By listing people that you may have strong or weak connections to, you are increasing the likelihood of getting the teaching job you want.
Take the example of the classic study Getting a Job by the sociologist Mark Granovetter. In this study, Granovetter concluded that 56% found a job through a personal connection. Only 20% of the study subjects found their jobs by applying directly to prospective employers. From this study, it appears more likely that you will find a job from someone that you occasionally see, than by applying directly to a school. In short, consider anyone a possible contact, and by building these contacts, you, a future job candidate, will improve your chances of identifying that individual that may lead you to find your desired job.
The concept of “six degrees of separation” – the idea that anyone on the planet can be connected to anyone else through a chain of six or fewer people – underscores the potential power of extended networks. When you begin to view everyone as a potential connection to your future teaching position, you expand your possibilities exponentially. Even individuals who seem far removed from education might have spouses, siblings, children, or friends who work in schools or districts where you hope to teach.
Community organizations provide rich networking opportunities outside traditional educational settings. Libraries, youth sports leagues, after-school programs, tutoring centers, and community centers all involve people who care about children and learning. Volunteering with these organizations not only builds your experience with young people but also connects you with community members who may have ties to local schools.
Remember that effective networking is about quality relationships, not just quantity of contacts. While it’s important to cast a wide net, focus on nurturing connections where there’s mutual interest or benefit. A few strong advocates within the education community can be more valuable than dozens of superficial connections.
Finally, keep track of your expanded network systematically. Note how you met each person, details about your conversations, and potential follow-up topics. This information allows you to maintain authentic connections over time rather than appearing to reconnect only when you need something. A thoughtful message referencing a previous conversation demonstrates your investment in the relationship and increases the likelihood that your connection will invest in your success.
Recognize that anyone in your life—family, friends, neighbors, community members—might have connections to education or valuable insights about schools in your area. Cast a wide net while building genuine relationships, as many successful job connections come through unexpected sources.
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