I hear you. I also just

I hear you. I also just finished my MA.Ed this spring, certified k-9, student taught first grade, great experience, applied to tons of districts, follow up letters to principals, but no interviews. Took a job as an aide and felt lucky so I can at least get my foot in the door. What I hear is that the shortages are very regionally based, and Illinois does not have a shortage. I can tell you that in the district I work in there are at least 6 student teachers right now plus many students doing pre-clinicals. There are lots and lots of teachers in the Chicago area looking for work. I applied for a middle school job and found out that in the week after the posting hit the web site 150 paper applications had been received by that district. Tough market for sure.