Career Corner
In this blog, members of the American Association for Employment in Education, a professional organization for college career-center directors and school district recruiters, provided career advice and discuss developments in the education job market. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: career advice and job huntjob hunt.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Managing the Job Search so that your Past Doesn't Haunt You
Recently, a reader asked the following question:
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Teacher Supply and Demand: A quick look
A reader recently asked:
"I am about to obtain alternative Elementary certification in Texas, and would like to know about the best prospects for a teaching career. Specifically, which fields are projected to be in most demand in the next 20 years, e.g., Math, Science, Technology, English, Social Studies, etc."
"I am about to obtain alternative Elementary certification in Texas, and would like to know about the best prospects for a teaching career. Specifically, which fields are projected to be in most demand in the next 20 years, e.g., Math, Science, Technology, English, Social Studies, etc."
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Building your Professional Network: Part I
In today's job market, networking is vital to the success of achieving your career goals. Networking can be as formal as attending a networking reception and handing out your business cards, or as informal as talking with a friend's dad at a backyard barbecue.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Writing Cover Letters that Get Attention
Whenever you send your resume to a school district to be considered for a teaching, coaching or administrative position you should always include a well-crafted cover letter. Effective cover letters are clear, to the point, and brief. The cover letter should convey information in three to four paragraphs that consist of the opening, the body and the closing.
Education
Opinion
Reality Check and Tips for the Job Search
Today's job market for teachers is very challenging. How much time are you prepared to spend on your job search? A few hours a week? A few minutes a day? Well, those who have been successful with their search tell us that it took 6-8 hours a day for many weeks before they obtained the job offer they were seeking. A job search is like a full-time job, reviewing job posting sites, attending job fairs, making phone calls, filling out applications, mailing resumes, sending e-mail messages and keeping good records. Just finding the teaching opportunities that match with your license will take many hours. This will require research techniques and perseverance to stay on task, focusing on the goal of landing your first teaching position.
Education
Opinion
Assessing "Fit"
When applying for teaching positions it is important to remember that all school districts and all teaching positions are not created equal. It isn't just a matter of whether or not they are willing to hire you; it is about finding the right fit between you and the school/position.
Professional Development
Opinion
Grad School Fair Tips and Information
Although spring is the traditional time for job fairs, fall is grad school fair season. Whether graduate school plans are at the top of your mind or just a thought at this point in your academic career, it is important to consider the benefits of attending your campus or community's upcoming graduate and professional school recruiting events. Graduate school fairs offer an efficient opportunity to meet with a number of universities and programs while making a personal connection with faculty and admission staff beyond an online application. Whether you are just considering grad school or are certain you will attend, you may still be apprehensive about attending upcoming graduate school fairs and events. If so, consider these tips and advantages for getting the most out of these events.
Education
Opinion
Managing your Job Search
In my last blog post, I discussed the importance of starting the academic year strong. However, an overly ambitious start to a job search can sometimes have unintended consequences. Many of the top frustrations job seekers encounter are related to the search process. Technology has changed almost all aspects of employment and hiring, but the changes have not all been positive. First, there are multiple online job databases for multiple schools, districts, states and general searches. Further, the availability of these online resources means that there are more applicants per position. However, increases in applicant numbers are not beneficial for schools and districts if the candidate pool is not adequately qualified. Therefore additional requirements and screening mechanisms are implemented and result in a more daunting process for job seekers. To navigate these processes and stand out in a competitive field, upcoming grads should consider these tips to simplify and manage a proactive job search.
Education
Opinion
A New Academic Year: Starting Strong
August signals new beginnings--particularly for education professionals. This month may represent the start of a teaching practicum, the final semester of classes, or a recently secured career-level teaching position. Whatever the situation, if you are beginning a new experience this fall, take time to reflect on how you will make the most of the transition and opportunity.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Resume Tips That Will Get You an Interview
Not getting any interviews? Maybe it's your resume. How does yours stack up against the competition? A few things to keep in mind:
Education
Opinion
Tips for International Administrators Job Hunting in U.S.
Recently, we received a specific request from a reader in India. The response following the question provides helpful information for all international job seekers.
Education
Opinion
What's Your Online Identity?
Teaching is one of those professions that attracts a great deal of public scrutiny and in this day and age of social media it is scrutinized even more. If you want to be considered for a teaching position you will need to ensure that you have a positive, pristine online identity. If this issue is at all questionable for you, you will need to take steps to "clean up your digital dirt" or it isn't likely that you will be hired as a teacher.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Keep It Positive: How to Use a Bad Experience to Your Advantage in the Interview
I had a student this past semester whose student teaching experience almost drove her away from wanting to teach. Her cooperating teacher was retiring at the end of the year and had already "checked out" from teaching. She was completely on her own in the classroom. She gave serious thought to not seeking a teaching position at graduation, but after some encouragement from others, finally decided to give it a try. She ended up getting hired at the first job she applied for. Why? She was able to take her bad student teaching experience and put a positive spin on it. In the interview she told the principal how she was on her own in the classroom but learned quickly to be independent and to seek out others for support. She also talked about being determined not to fail and making sure that she didn't take out her frustration on her students. Not once did she go negative about the experience! The principal was so impressed by this positive attitude that she was offered the job that day.
Education
Opinion
Relocating: How to Handle a Narrow Job Search
Question from a Reader:
"I am looking to move back to the Boston area and having a very difficult time finding a position. I have been working in curriculum and instruction for elementary math and since I left Boston the certifications have changed. Is there any kind of service that can help me with finding an appropriate position. I am finding that many of the jobs I have applied for tell me I'm either over qualified, missing certification, or that the job doesn't really exist."
"I am looking to move back to the Boston area and having a very difficult time finding a position. I have been working in curriculum and instruction for elementary math and since I left Boston the certifications have changed. Is there any kind of service that can help me with finding an appropriate position. I am finding that many of the jobs I have applied for tell me I'm either over qualified, missing certification, or that the job doesn't really exist."