A very quick thought for those of you student teaching or substituting or new in a school. Consider doing something nice that will get you noticed as well as be an “act of kindness”. A few examples to get you started.
*Write a “mini-grant”. A lot of fraternal organizations, professional groups and others offer small rewards for a little writing. It might be a new resource for the library or a few dollars toward a special program or even a new computer, but it will certainly put your name on the “above and beyond” list.
*Recognize students who do something “good”. A note to a local newspaper about a class project or a volunteer project is always nice, and groups like Kohl’s department stores actually have scholarships for students aged 6-18. Nominate a student in your school by going to www.kohlskids.com by March 15.
*Check your college or university programming schedule. There may be a speaker or program which would supplement a topic in your school, plan a field trip around it. Not only would your school benefit, I am sure the university staff would welcome a group of interested attendees (and prospective students.)
Take some time to think about small actions which can return big results in your search for that teaching position.
Phil Tripp, Retired
Career Development
West Chester University, PA