Career Corner

As a principal it was so clear when a candidate just wanted a job and when he or she was truly interested in working at my school.  We hosted a multi-step interview process that gave potential teachers an opportunity to interact with various members of the staff.  Each stage of the process painted a clearer picture of the candidate under consideration.  Additionally, however, each stage gave the candidate an opportunity to learn a little more about our school, its climate, culture and values.   I typically will ask a simple question, "Based on the questions you have heard, what do we value?"  Ask that question of yourself at the close of an interview.  An interview process gives you and the potential employer an opportunity to see if there is a good fit.  Pay attention.  Listen for themes in the questions asked and scenarios posed.

A RECENT QUESTION FROM A READER:
How would I present information about a contract non-renewal in a positive way to prospective schools? All applications ask this and I am worried I will not receive consideration. I do have a reference from my supervisor. The non-renewal was due to differences with the priest (Catholic School).

Often we think a job interview consists of the answers given to a series of questions from a committee or building administrator. There is an interview that happens even before you walk into the conference room or office that too often candidates overlook.  The impressions you make on the students and office staff can impact the decision as to whether or not a candidate is a good fit for a school.  Being personable, approachable and aware of those in the room is an indicator of the presence you will have in the school community. I recall an interviewee at my school that was somewhat standoffish with the office staff, did not speak to the maintenance personnel and barely addressed the principal when he came in dressed casually.  Her demeanor completely changed when she was introduced to him as the principal and one who would be interviewing her.  Unfortunately, her previous interactions with him and his staff spoke volumes and thus cost her the position.  Conversely your willingness to take the time to acknowledge the office staff, remain approachable with students who may be in the office and connect with others are good indicators that you have those "people" skills which will translate into positive interactions with parents, students and other staff members.  Think about the best customer service experience you have had and what made it so.  What did you learn from that experience that you will take into your classroom, into your interactions with parents and into your interactions with other staff members? Remember, ours is a customer service profession.  Let all aspects of the interview experience reflect this.

Interviewing season is upon us...are you prepared? This post is geared toward interviewing preparation with, what I hope you find to be, helpful information! In order to be invited for an interview, you have to first apply to school districts (check back to the first post of January 2014), so make sure that step is complete. But it's what you do after you are invited for an interview that will help you obtain a teaching position...being prepared! Below are some easy steps to keep in mind when preparing for an interview, as well as afterward!

It is about this time that many pre-service teachers are beginning or returning to their classrooms for their student-teaching experience. As you do so, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your personal teaching philosophy and what you hope to imbue in your students. Specifically, I encourage you to think about the importance of citizenship, responsibility, and community action. Your students are part of communities, many of which they define themselves, and all of which are larger than themselves. As effective educators, we seek to identify these communities and encourage our students to think critically about their place in a larger context.

Do you believe? Take time to reflect on that question, and what it means to you as an educator. Whether you just graduated and are in the first weeks of your teaching experience, searching for a teaching position, or are getting ready to begin your student teaching, this is a very important question. Do you believe in yourself as a teacher? Do you believe in your students and that each and every one of them has the potential to succeed? 

Happy New Year! I hope everyone is ready for a fantastic 2014, and if you are searching for a teaching position this year, I wish you all the best! For those of you who have begun your search for a 2014-2015 academic year teaching position know the intensity and time that can go along with creating professional documents, gathering necessary materials, and identifying districts where you would like to teach. So, how do you get a job? The first step is to apply, but in order to do so you must be prepared! My advice is to pace yourself, but try to have everything listed below (5 steps) completed no later than the second week of February, let's say Valentine's Day for reference. These are guidelines and may need to be adjusted depending on where you are applying and/or if you are attending district recruitment fairs.

 [Check out the video, "Everyday Leadership," //www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership.html, by Drew Dudley, on TED Talks]

Are you a fresh new teacher heading out to interview and compete for the best teaching job out there? Well, you aren't alone! Be sure to follow these tips to get ahead in this upcoming interview season: 

Hold off on writing a general cover letter. Instead, be sure to have a targeted list of districts and schools and then tailor each letter to the needs of each particular district.

Many, if not most, of the postings to this blog recommend at one time or another the use of the career center at your college or university. That's such an important suggestion that it merits its own post - so here it is!

Where Do You Get Your News?
Last week I had the opportunity to present in a couple of classes to new education majors. Before class, several students were chatting with the instructor about a local school board meeting they attended as part of an assignment. They were surprised at the length of the meeting and the attention, or lack thereof, paid to items on the agenda. What a great assignment! The issue it raises for me is how well we follow what is going on in our communities and where that information comes from.

Bah! Humbug! ̓ Tis the season! Here come the holidays again. Whether you love or hate the holiday season (and I go back and forth), it presents a few opportunities for education job seekers that you should take advantage of. Here are two you might think about.

Last week I attended the annual conference for the American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE), the organization that sponsors this blog. In a few brief vacation days for me following the conference, I reflected on what professional associations, including AAEE, mean to educators.