“I’ve applied to 20+ districts and only hear crickets. HELP!”

If you’ve ever thought this—or said it out loud—you’re not alone.

I get this message every single year.

And I’m going to say something that might surprise you:

If you’re applying to 20+ teaching jobs…
you’re doing it wrong.

I know that might feel uncomfortable to hear. Especially when everyone around you is saying:

“Apply everywhere.”
“Take whatever you can get.”
“Just be grateful you got a job.”

But what if that advice is actually the reason you’re not hearing back?

Let’s talk about it.

My Story: Why I Only Applied to 3 Schools

When I was applying for my first teaching job, I was given the same advice:

Apply everywhere.
Take anything.
Be grateful.

But something about that didn’t sit right with me.

So I did something different.

I only applied to three schools.

That’s it.

And here’s what happened:

Two of those schools called me back.
Both invited me in for interviews and demo lessons.
And both offered me the job—during the interview.

Meanwhile, many people in my cohort were still applying… and applying… and applying.

It wasn’t because I was “better.”

It was because I was aligned.

The “Apply Everywhere” Advice Is Rooted in Fear

Let’s call this out for what it is.

The advice to apply everywhere is rooted in fear.

Fear that:

• You won’t get hired
• You’ll be overlooked because you’re new
• You need to compete with more experienced teachers

But here’s the truth:

Being a new teacher is not a weakness.
It’s your strength.

Districts hire new teachers because they are new.

You’re coachable.
You’re fresh.
You bring new energy into the classroom.

You do not need to approach your job search from desperation.

More Applications ≠ More Job Offers

This is one of the biggest misconceptions I see.

People assume:
“If I apply to more schools, I’ll get more offers.”

Not true.

Here’s what actually happens when you mass apply:

You start to:

• Copy and paste your resume and cover letter
• Water down your personality
• Try to sound like “what they want”

And in the process…

You end up sounding like everyone else.

Which means you sound like no one.

Districts can feel that.

They can tell when you’re just applying to any job versus when you genuinely align with their school.

Why Alignment Beats Desperation Every Time

Instead of asking:
“How many jobs can I apply to?”

Start asking:
“Which schools actually feel aligned with me?”

Because when you apply from alignment:

• Your resume is stronger
• Your answers are more confident
• Your energy is completely different

You’re not trying to convince them to pick you.

You’re showing them why you’re a natural fit.

How to Start Applying with Alignment

Let’s shift your approach.

Instead of mass applying, start here:

1. Define Your Dream Teaching Job

If no one could judge you…
If no one could be mad at you…

What would your dream school or district look like?

Think about:

• School culture
• Leadership style
• Grade level or subject
• Work-life balance expectations

Get specific.

2. Make Your Dream List

Write down the districts and schools that actually align with what you want.

Not “good enough.”
Not “I guess this could work.”

Aligned.

3. Only Apply Where It’s Real Alignment

Not fake alignment.

Not:
“Well… I could make it work.”

Districts can feel the difference.

When it’s real, it shows in:

• Your application
• Your interview
• Your demo lesson

And that’s what gets you offers.

This Is What We’re Doing This Week

Inside the challenge this week, we’re focusing on:

Choosing alignment over desperation.

Because when you stop trying to be everything to everyone…
and start showing up as the right fit for the right school…

everything changes.

Let’s Recap

Here’s what I want you to take with you:

• Applying to 20+ jobs is not the goal
• The “apply everywhere” advice is rooted in fear
• Being a new teacher is your strength—not your weakness
• More applications do not mean more offers
• Alignment will always outperform desperation

Your Next Steps

If you’re ready to actually land a teaching job that feels aligned (instead of just taking whatever you can get), here’s where to start:

• Grab the Teacher Interview Guide to know exactly what principals are looking for
• Use the Teacher Interview Bundle to stand out with your resume, cover letter, and responses
• Join Land Your Dream Job to walk step-by-step through the entire process with support

Because you don’t need to apply to 30 jobs.

You just need the right one.