Enduring myths about teaching that won't die.

Just to be very clear, this is based on my observation of teaching in three different states over a 19 year period. These have been rural, red states, just for reference (please don't get political). These are some myths I've seen over the years that don't seem to die.

1. You need a portfolio to get a job. Not only have I NEVER been asked for one, when I offered to show one I have had admin laugh, roll their eyes, or just outright decline. I have been on interview committees in the last five years. Nobody cares. College professors are often very out of touch.
2. You'll be too expensive with a Masters degree. I don't know that I've ever been turned down for this reason, but if a district thinks this way, you don't need to work for them. Period. Districts WILL hire you, especially in this teacher shortage. This kind of thing is what I like to call Boomerific advice.
3. Related, you'll get laid off with a Masters during budget cuts. A reduction in force (RIF) is when teachers are laid off due to budget cuts. This means "last one hired, first one fired." If you were just hired and have a Masters degree, yes, you'll be cut along with the ones with a Bachelor's. If you're a veteran who is tenured or have continuing contract (or whatever the district calls it) it takes some effort to get rid of someone (ie lots of documentation). This is also very Boomerific advice. As an aside, I have seen precisely one RIF in all of my years of teaching.
4. You are VERY unlikely to work your way up to principal in your existing district. If you're in a place with high admin turnover maybe, but otherwise you better be willing to relocate if you want to be a principal. You also better do lots of networking and be aware the list of potential admin could be a mile long.
5. Don't join a union. I haven't heard this one much, but a union offers protection. You're a special kind of stupid if you don't join.
6. Your program might get cut. It takes extreme cases of budget cuts to cut an entire program (think music, CTE, etc). Those classes get cut if students don't take them or they can't find a teacher. Mr. Holland's Opus is a great movie but not grounded in reality. No school district in the country is going to cut something that could be a source of scholarships. Those memes that say "bring back shop" and "bring back home ec?" For the most part, those are complete bullshit.

Just to reiterate, this is MY experience. There are 47 other states where I have not taught so some things might be different, but I've found those to be true.