Career Corner

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion "Initiative among job seekers is breathtakingly rare."

This comment, made by a recruiter at a conference I attended a couple of years ago, points to the need for educators to engage in best practices in all aspects of their job search. If you are to stand out in a candidate pool that might number in the hundreds of applicants, you simply must do more than only what is required by the application process.

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion Don't Let Digital Dirt Dash Your Dreams: What Your Online Identity Says About You

More and more employers are using online social networking sites, such as Facebook, as a part of the pre-interview screening process to conduct background checks on job candidates. So, what most students perceive as a students-only sharing of information, often very personal information, is open to more than just students and can easily harm job prospects.

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion Cultivate Powerful Recommendations by Building Positive Relationships

Positive recommendations come from great teaching experiences. Maximize your chances of getting powerful recommendations and increasing your odds of getting the job that you want by doing the following:

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion Sell YOU to the employers you would like to work with!

Last week I met with a few groups of students currently participating in a student teaching experience. After the meetings, during which we engaged in conversation about creating an effective resume; strategically thinking about how to select items to include in their portfolio; and identifying resources for the job search, I began to realize that a central item I'd like to highlight here, in this blog is - sell YOU to the employers you would like to work with. What I mean is that many of you will graduate with similar experience. You will have things like a student teaching experience, observation, practicum. You will have completed the necessary requirements to teach in your respective states. These things, although part of your credentials, will not necessarily make you stand out from the crowd. You want to ensure that when you are selling yourself that you highlight the things that others may not have - language ability (even ones that seem obscure), committee work (think leadership roles), community service (remember that walk-a-thon you planned), your talents (remember when you played piano in 3rd grade). Sell those things that will make a principal say - "wow, this candidate can bring so much to our school and classrooms!" Principals seek teachers who are engaged, both in- and out-of the classroom with students, parents, the community. In addition to ensuring that you market your ability to teach, to move students ahead in their learning and to impact their success; market YOU to employers.

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion The Movement to Overhaul National Education Legislation Took a Step Ahead Today

It comes as no surprise to hear that the current education policy of the United States, 'No Child Left Behind', which went into effect in 2002, has been criticized for focusing too much attention on teaching to the test.

Teaching Profession Opinion Explore, the World of Possibilities is Endless

Over the course of the past few months my colleagues and I have been planning programming that culminated this past week during our annual Career Week. During the process of planning events it occurred to me that a program we introduced this past spring for education majors remained important in their search for employment and therefore needed to be continued this fall.

Teaching Profession Opinion Networking During Your Student Teaching Placement

1. Eat lunch in the faculty room and get to know the staff

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion Do your own research

While struggling to decide what to write about this week, an email came across my computer. So, as opposed to a list of tips, I am going to tell you a bit of a story and then some advice.

Teaching Profession Opinion Creating a Strategy

Oftentimes candidates, especially in this tight job market, come to me for advice on how to conduct their job search. They find themselves staring at the computer and realize they don't know where to begin, they feel overwhelmed or they use the same job site over and over. What they don't realize is that they need a strategy! A strategy is made up of the tools you need and the methods you choose to follow. Here are some key tools and a method that you may incorporate into your strategy.

Teaching Profession Opinion Ramp UP Your Search!

Tomorrow is September 1st. In many parts of the country school has started or is just about to start. This is the time of the year that many unemployed teaching candidates feel despondent; that there is no chance for a job. THIS IS NOT THE CASE! Many schools find themselves in need of last minute teachers for various reasons: turnover, enrollment, budget, and unexpected leaves of absence.

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion Five Things You Should Do For Your Career This Academic Year

It is the start of another academic year, which means it is time to consider your goals for the next nine months. If you are looking for ways to distinguish yourself from your peers, improve the quality of your instruction, and manage your career, consider the following activities:

Job Hunting Tips & Advice Opinion How to Stand Out Among the Competition

If ever there was an industry where you needed to distinguish yourself from your peers, it is education. Nearly everyone has identical experience because of state credentialing requirements. Student teaching alone is insufficient because every applicant will have it.

Teacher Preparation Opinion Finding a Plan B: 25 Career Options for Education Majors

If you feel stuck in your job search, do not lose hope. First and foremost, the labor market is not as bleak as you might believe. If a traditional teaching position is your primary objective, be persistent. The fastest way to increase your job prospects is to expand the geographical parameters of your search. If you have not done so already, connect with your college's career services office or faculty for troubleshooting. They can also help you gain a competitive edge by reviewing your resume, cover letter and interview responses.

Teaching Profession Opinion Myth: Substitute teaching is the best way to increase my marketability with a district.

Reality: Many districts may give preference to individuals who have held a permanent teaching position over others with limited subbing experience. Unless you are in a long-term position, substitutes are there one day and gone the next. Individuals with a permanent teaching position often have more experience with classroom management and lesson planning. They are also able to form ongoing relationships with students, attend IEP meetings, serve on interdisciplinary teams and communicate with parents.

Career Corner

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