Before you can enroll at Relay, you'll need to be hired by one of our school partners in a teaching role that aligns with your program. This article will walk you through what that means, where to find open positions, and the deadlines you'll need to meet.

Table of Contents

• What is a program-aligned instructional role?
• How to find a role
• Searching for a position
• If you're already working as a teacher
• Deadlines for securing a role

What is a program-aligned instructional role?

An instructional role is a position within a school teaching PK-12 students. This includes roles like lead teacher, teacher of record, or teacher-in-residence (Resident).

Your role must align with your Relay program. For example, if you're applying to enroll in the Relay Teaching Residency or Relay Teacher Pathway program, you must be hired into a role such as resident teacher, assistant teacher, teacher in residence, etc.

How to find a role

You are responsible for independently searching and securing a job placement with one of our school district partners.

To get started, we recommend looking at the Schools and Job Openings page for your location. We encourage you to both use these lists and any other schools you know of in your area.

Searching for a position

As you prepare to apply for teaching positions, we've created resources to help you put your best foot forward:

• Learn about program-aligned instructional roles by state in this helpful guide.
• Find out how to secure a program-aligned instructional role in our Instructional Role Support Guide.
• Develop your resume and access sample resumes in our Resume Guide.

Interview Preparation

Before interviewing with Relay's school partners, you should practice responses to possible questions and a sample teaching scenario. You can practice with family, friends, or utilize the career services or alumni affairs office at your undergraduate college and/or university. Learn more about interview preparation in this interview guide.

If you're already working as a teacher

If you've already secured a program-aligned instructional role, but your school, district, or network isn't currently listed as a partner on our state-specifc page, email [email protected]. Our Partnerships team will reach out to the organization to share more about Relay's programs and requirements. Please include in your email:

• The school's location
• Your position title
• Your Relay program

If you'd like to share more about partnering with Relay with your school, please have them fill out this form. 

For more information about partnering with Relay email [email protected].

Deadlines for securing a role

All Relay enrollees are required to complete the School Authorization and Instructional Role form. Deadlines for form submissions are located on the School Authorization and Instruction Role page.

Please note: Failure to meet these deadlines will result in administrative withdrawal from Relay.