We are rapidly approaching a time when things get really hectic. Whether you are an administrative or teacher candidate, there are tasks that you can be completing now to make it easier this spring.
The job search process will require a variety of documents which would be helpful to start developing and collecting now.
• Resume - create your resume, consult your career center for assistance. It needs to be highly readable and contain information regarding your teaching experience, student teaching or other experiences involving children/students. There are also some great specialized books on resumes written for teacher candidates.
• Cover letter - create effective cover letters that will serve as templates to tweak when job postings become available. This is a chance to provide information that may not be on your resume, but relevant to the vacancy.
• Transcripts - official transcripts will be required in most instances. They need not be in sealed envelopes, but will need the college/university embossment or official seal. If you have not completed your license program, you should wait until that information is included. Any prior college transcripts should be sent for.
• Letters of recommendation - arrange for at least three letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well. These should be letters that strongly recommend your training, experience and other skills. You may have to wait for additional letters, such as letters from your cooperating teaching.
If you’ve not done so yet, begin you research on the internet of the major websites that you will be navigating this spring. First and foremost, understand how your state Department of Education’s website works. Learn about the license/certification process for your state and make sure that you know all the requirements to apply for your teaching license. Apply for your license as early as possible.
Get to know the websites of the school districts that you are interested in. Understand how the site is organized and how to complete the teaching/administrative application. Many allow you to apply before you actually have the license. Also visit many of the commercial sites that have been designed for nation-wide searches for teaching positions. AAEE has a job fair search section on their website (www.aaee.org) organized by month and state.
School districts are preparing now for the 2010-11 hiring season. You can also be preparing and be ahead of the pack.
Jack Kronser
Director of Human Resources
Aurora Public Schools - Colorado