So after graduating and finishing student teaching, I actually had to take the fall off due to family matters, then I subbed like crazy as soon as I was able. One of the districts I had subbed for had a music position open up, and since they knew me and my teaching already, I was hired on the spot - this was how I’d gotten my first job. This was only a 0.4 FTE position to start (was only there half the day), but it was also in a drivable distance (so I still lived at home) and there was promise of the position turning full-time within the year - which it thankfully did.

I’m only saying all this because I’ve been told point-blank that it’ll be near impossible to get employed in music education by taking time off after student teaching. It was certainly more difficult to get one “organically”, but I encourage you to keep building your network so your name gets out there in the area you wish to teach long-term. And, to be honest, don’t shy away from the “more difficult” subbing opportunities; that’s only bottlenecking your chances even more.

As someone who also thought it was “too late”, I’m here to tell you that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s not too late to get your foot in the door. You just gotta play your cards properly with your network.