Finding that New Education Position: 10 Tips for your Job Search

courtesy expectingchange.com

Summer does not only mean school is out, it also means that schools are interviewing. This is the time to send out resumes and search for a new placement. ?Schools have been notified of retirements and are now starting to get new enrollments for next year, which could require a new class or two. Here are some tips to help you in your search and interview process.

?1. ??Apply online.

Every region/state/district has their own unique way of accepting applications. Some are only online and will not accept paper resumes through the mail and some will still accept paper resumes. If you do go the paper resume route, mail merge will become your best friend. Google how to use the application in Word, it will make your life much easier. If applying online is the way to go then make sure that your application stays up to date. It?s very easy to fill out the application once and forget to update it during your frequent searches for openings.

?

2. ? Custom write your cover letter.

I have found it difficult to make each of my cover letters more personal and less generic. My solution was to leave room for one paragraph to be added at the time of application for a specific district or school. Search the school or district online and add a paragraph about why you would be an excellent fit for the position.

?

3. ? Rehearse some questions.

When it comes time for the interview, start thinking about how you?re going to respond to the questions. You don?t want to go in cold turkey. You may stumble on a question you know the answer to but just can?t think of during the high stress moment. ?Most interviewers now ask you if you have questions as well. ?Showing you are informed about the district and have intelligent questions about the school?s pedagogy, processes and teacher support will indicate your expertise and interest.

?

4. ? ?Wear a suit.

You would not believe the outfits (and makeup!) that I?ve seen during interviews. Leave the sandals at home. Leave the thick black eye liner at home. You want the people on the committee to see you at your absolute professional best. You are presenting yourself as an expert educator and though a school dress code may normally be more lax than an office building, the interview is the place to present your best professional look and attitude.

?

5. ?Bring extra resumes and your teaching license.

Don?t assume that your interviewer or each person sitting in on the interview has a copy of your resume. By showing that you are prepared you just might impress the interview committee enough to get the second round call. Bring your teaching license as well, the original and a copy. If they like you enough they just might ask to see it. It?s always better to be over prepared than under prepared.

?

6. ? ?Research the school district.

If you research the district ahead of time you might be able to find out what programs they use and the demographics of the students. This could prove helpful during the interview. You may be able to mention that you are familiar with the program or how you?ve worked with similar students in the past. It shows that you?re motivated. They also might ask you questions that can answer better with your newfound knowledge of the district.

?

7. ? ?Know your teaching philosophy.

Those writing samples are annoying but are almost always part of the process. A very common prompt is to ask your teaching philosophy. ? Use what you know about the district from your previously mentioned research to discuss why your philosophy is aligned to their district?s mission statement. Again, this shows your motivated and want this specific position.

?

8. ? Have references at the ready.

Don?t wait to ask people to be your reference. Have their names and numbers at the ready when you get there for the interview. Even after filling out that online application, you might find another paper application when you get there that asks for references. If you haven?t come up with three names before you get there you might be forced to ask them after the fact.

?

9. ? Take notes.

I always go with a legal pad and folder. My legal pad is filled with notes about what I?ve done as a teacher. If I feel at a loss for words sometimes checking the notes will jog my memory. I can also write down questions for the committee in advance on the same pad. Again, it shows you?re prepared and have done your homework.

?

10. ? Be prepared for a demo lesson.

If you make it to round two, start brainstorming. Stick with what you know and are comfortable with and don?t make the lesson too complicated. You?ll regret the complications later. ?Presenting a clear framework for your lesson, attention to standards (and CCSS now) and how it integrates into the school?s pedagogy and structure will send a clear message about your capabilities.

Good luck in the search and make sure you do your homework before you get to the interview!

Source: http://theeducatorsroom.com/2013/07/finding-that-new-education-position-10-tips-for-your-job-search/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finding-that-new-education-position-10-tips-for-your-job-search

new york auto show 2012 tulsa easter eggs pineapple upside down cake free ecards flying car masters golf tournament