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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: career advice and job huntjob hunt.
Education
Opinion
State Certification: One Size Does Not Fit All
While we in career services encourage teacher candidates to be willing to move to other states to seek that first professional job, each state requires a teacher to be certified or licensed according to the respective state's policies and procedures. While some states make the process of earning a certificate relatively easy, other states require teacher candidates to navigate through a time-consuming and expensive set of procedures before granting a teaching license.
Education
Opinion
Specific State Certification Requirements
Question from a Reader:
What coursework is required in NYS to get certified to teach elementary (particularly 5th and 6th grade) after getting certified to teach adolescent mathematics?
What coursework is required in NYS to get certified to teach elementary (particularly 5th and 6th grade) after getting certified to teach adolescent mathematics?
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Handwritten Thank-you Notes: old-fashioned or in vogue?
It always amazes me to hear employers comment on how infrequently they receive notes of thanks following interviews with prospective candidates. According to Katherine Hansen, Ph.D., from Quintessential Careers, only about five percent of job seekers send thank-you notes. This is a critical aspect of the job searching process which provides an opportunity to show professionalism while reinforcing your interest in the position.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
The Teaching Profession: Quick Road to Burnout or Evolving Passion?
Ask a handful of teachers why they chose the field of education, and you'll quickly hear a variety of personal stories of discovery - the influence of a life-changing teacher they had as a student, a desire to impact the lives of youth through education, and the list goes on. Aside from congruence, or compatibility, between the individual's strengths and interests with the job requirements and workplace environment, what contributes to the long-term professional success and fulfillment of teachers? What distinguishes teachers who burnout professionally from those who overcome adversity and maintain passion for the profession?
Teacher Preparation
Opinion
Transferring from State Level to School District Administration
A reader posted the following:
"I was recently downsized from a position in a state education department. I had been there 10 years and had hoped to retire (maybe with one more promotion). Now I find myself an older candidate competing for school district jobs with individuals who are currently employed by that district and have been groomed for the position. I am feeling like I have to take a giant step backward and do not have enough time left to work my way back to where I want to be. Do you have any suggestions for me?"
"I was recently downsized from a position in a state education department. I had been there 10 years and had hoped to retire (maybe with one more promotion). Now I find myself an older candidate competing for school district jobs with individuals who are currently employed by that district and have been groomed for the position. I am feeling like I have to take a giant step backward and do not have enough time left to work my way back to where I want to be. Do you have any suggestions for me?"
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Interviewing: Becoming an Effective Storyteller
A while back, I came across an article in which a recruiter was asked to describe what makes an effective interview performance. Her answer was simple, yet compelling: storytelling. From her perspective, interviewees who can master the art of storytelling make the best interviewees. Consider the most memorable lessons you have learned from teachers, speakers, or mentors. My guess is that what comes to mind for most people involves a personal story. As teachers know best, concepts most often come alive when they are put into meaningful or relevant context.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
What Employers Want
As you all know, the education market is very tight right now. Competition is at its highest level--many districts receive hundreds of applications for one opening. What is a candidate to do?
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Cover Letters: Finding the Balance
Writing a Cover Letter is a tricky balance. It can't quite be a commercial for yourself--too pushy and self-absorbed--yet it must convey enough about you as a person and as a potential teacher to grab the employer's attention to keep reading. It can't be too long, they will never read to the end--but not too short that it doesn't really say anything. It should also communicate that you have done some research on the school to which you are applying. The cover letter is really the only place in your application where you can demonstrate that you've done your homework about the school and its community. And finally, a cover letter is as much about conveying those pieces of information as it is an example of your writing and communication skills.
Teacher Preparation
Opinion
How to Turn Private Sector Experience into a K-12 Career
Question: "I recently was laid off from my job as a Buyer (Capital) ... and now I plan to make a career change. I'd like to get into education, but on the business/administrative side. Please let me know if you have some advice about certifications or education that I could obtain to qualify me for something more than an entry level job. I have a BS in Business and Management with a Major in Information Technology."
Education Funding
Opinion
From Jeans to Suits--With Money to Spare
Are you wondering how to buy your interview suit and build a professional wardrobe without maxing out your credit card?
Teacher Preparation
Opinion
Foundational Skills Critical to Both Teacher and Student Success
Over the past few months I have been part of a few discussions that have focused on the ability and often inability of today's college students to articulate the benefits of liberal arts based education and a core set of courses at their respective colleges and universities. In many instances students often perceive these courses as a "hoop" they must jump through before graduation rather than a planned effort to ensure that graduates of colleges and universities are challenged to attain higher order thinking; analyze and apply information and problem-solve.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Be Prepared! Keep Up with Current Events.
Have you read the February 2012 article releasing the ratings of over 18,000 New York City teachers? Did you know that similar controversy exists in California over whether teacher ratings should be public knowledge?
Teacher Preparation
Opinion
Tips on Pursuing Employment in Human Resources
A reader recently asked: "I am interested in changing careers and getting into human resources [within the field of education]. I have a master's degree in Education with a concentration in Adult Education and Training. How do you get into this industry?"
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
How Do I Handle Those Online Application Essays?
If you've been applying for online jobs, chances are good that applications have included the dreaded essay questions. You know...they're the ones that ask about your reasons for wanting to become a teacher, the components of a lesson plan, your strategies for dealing with diversity or differences in learning styles, and more. These questions can be problematic for new teachers who aren't sure what sorts of answers are expected.