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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: career advice and job huntjob hunt.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
What do employers want?
I was just reviewing the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) Job Outlook 2011 report and one of the sections caught my eye -- "What Employers Want: Candidate Skills and Qualities". I found it interesting that employers are much more interested in verbal communication skills rather than written skills, ranking it at the top of the list. Following that was strong work ethic, teamwork skills, analytical skills and initiative. Rounding out the top ten list were problem-solving skills, writing skills, interpersonal skills, computer skills, and flexibility/adaptability. What really struck me was that I am currently serving on a hiring committee now, and these are exactly the qualities we seek in the employee we're seeking. The ability to communicate and work well with others is far more important to our team than technical skills. And yet the technical skills are what the majority of applicants emphasize in their resumes and application documents.
Education
Opinion
Let's Talk, Readers!
A new year, for many of us, signifies renewal or new projects. For me personally, I'll tackle organizing the garage and shedding some unwanted holiday pounds. AAEE bloggers would like to begin this bright new year with an invitation to you.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Yearend Job Search Review
Much like the process used by student teachers after teaching a lesson, yearend is a perfect time for reflecting on our performance during the past year. For those of us seeking a career position, this means evaluating how we've been conducting the job search.
Professional Development
Opinion
The "Over-educated" Myth?
Often, when presenting seminars on the teacher job search, I am asked if a newly credentialed teacher should immediately pursue a master's degree. Because the pay scale is higher for teachers who hold a graduate degree, teacher candidates assume that having the graduate degree puts them at a disadvantage. My ambiguous reply to the question is "It depends."
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Demonstration lesson for special ed
Career Corner received an excellent question from a reader and we wanted to share our expert's response with our readers.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
The Glass is Half Full--Fill it up!
Your Job Search Cup is Half Full - Now is the time to fill it up!
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Retired Teacher and Reality of Jobs at National & International Level
Reader Question:
As a retired American teacher, 77 years old, in perfect mental and physical health,
As a retired American teacher, 77 years old, in perfect mental and physical health,
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
The Importance of Having Multiple Resume Reviews
Yesterday afternoon and again, this morning I was reminded of the importance of getting multiple people's opinions about your resume. Basing your resume off of one person's opinion or that of your own can be a crucial error in the job search. This is when I tend to see resume's that are not attractive or aligned, have spelling errors, undersell your qualifications or include everything you have ever done!
Professional Development
Opinion
Best opportunities to gain classroom management and instructional experience
Reader Question:
As a rising sophomore elementary education major, what are the best opportunities to gain classroom management and instructional experience prior to my student teacher program?
As a rising sophomore elementary education major, what are the best opportunities to gain classroom management and instructional experience prior to my student teacher program?
Teaching Profession
Opinion
It is Fall and I Don't Have a Teaching Job
Over the last few weeks, I have been visited by many teaching candidates frustrated at their lack of success in finding a teaching job for this school year. This is not surprising given the tight job market. So, what can you do?
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Reality Check
Dear Career Corner Readers,
First, let me apologize for the long gap in entries to our blog. The combination of "summer haze" and a bit of soul-searching on the best way to continue this blog caused the delay. In fact, we are still looking for ways to make this forum more viable and useful to you all, so please let us know if you have any thoughts on how we can do so.
First, let me apologize for the long gap in entries to our blog. The combination of "summer haze" and a bit of soul-searching on the best way to continue this blog caused the delay. In fact, we are still looking for ways to make this forum more viable and useful to you all, so please let us know if you have any thoughts on how we can do so.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Challenging Times in Education offer Opportunities for Improvement
"Budget reductions, fewer teaching positions all around, a very competitive market in most teaching areas." Not the words new teachers want to hear after spending four plus years in college to pursue a career they have dreamed about forever. Those same words also create havoc in the human resource departments of school districts across the metro area and beyond. The significant challenges include trying to determine teaching assignments that meet the needs of all students, ensuring compliance of NCLB regulations, asking employees to take on more responsibilities for the same, or reduced salary, and adhering to contractual agreements often bring school districts beyond the point of frustration.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
EDUCATION HEAD HUNTERS
Reader Question:
I am searching for education head-hunters who have a proven record of matching educators with school districts. Please share a few (2-3) top head-hunters.
I am searching for education head-hunters who have a proven record of matching educators with school districts. Please share a few (2-3) top head-hunters.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Opinion
Getting a Teaching Job With a Felony
Reader Question:
I am a person who would like to become a teacher. I currently live in the midwest, but I would move anywhere the occupation took me, especially if I could land a job with Dodds and teach overseas. I have my undergraduate degree and have been in the business world for 11 years. I am registered to start my MA in teaching shortly, but need to know if a felony conviction from 14 years ago for retail theft will hinder my certification.--C
I am a person who would like to become a teacher. I currently live in the midwest, but I would move anywhere the occupation took me, especially if I could land a job with Dodds and teach overseas. I have my undergraduate degree and have been in the business world for 11 years. I am registered to start my MA in teaching shortly, but need to know if a felony conviction from 14 years ago for retail theft will hinder my certification.--C