Career Corner

Spring is just around the corner and we are quickly approaching the recruiting season for teachers. Teacher Career Fairs are great "one stop shops" for school district research and job search. For information about the teacher career fair and other teacher recruitment events, check your state or county's Departments of Education and teacher job websites, such as www.topschooljobs.org and www.aaee.org .

Special Tips For Fair Success:
• Check with the host organization (usually on their website) to find out who will be attending the fair.
• Complete any necessary forms prior to attending (to avoid waiting in additional lines).
• Bring multiple copies of your resume to the fair.
• Dress in professional attire (a suit is your best bet) with a clean and well groomed appearance.
• Arrive early to orient yourself to the facility.
• Check in at the candidate registration table upon arrival.
• As you approach the school district's table, establish good eye contact, present a firm handshake, introduce yourself with confidence and smile!
• Be prepared to ask a few standard questions (researching the district website in advance helps).
• At the end of the mini-interview, offer a firm handshake and express your appreciation using the interviewer's name.
• Visit with as many representatives as possible, especially those from districts outside of the local area! All school districts are not alike; this is your chance to really shop around.
• Within 24 hours, send or email thank-you notes to recruiters from districts that interested you (collect business cards for contact information if you can).
• If the line at the district table is very long, it may be more efficient to select another school.
• Be sure to follow any instructions that may be given and check back with the district regularly.

Be Ready To Ask Questions:
The school district representatives want to talk with you. Approach them and have at least three generic questions you can ask anyone. Be the initiator.
• What open positions do you anticipate having this year?
• What hiring do you plan to do in the next three to four months?
• What are the qualities you most look for in your new hires?
• Are you looking for someone with my credential and practical experience?
• What types of people are successful in your school district?
• How does your district support beginning teachers?
• What direction do you see your district going (growing)?
• What factors led you to choose your school district?

--Diana Sanchez
Career Counselor, California State University San Marcos AND
Technology Chair, California Association for Employment in Education

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Think differently about getting the message of your candidacy to the individuals responsible for hiring. In today's competitive job market where there may be hundreds or even thousands of applicants for each position, and with the advent of online applications, it is increasingly difficult to catch the attention of principals and human resource professionals.

How can you rise above the crowd of applicants? How can you share a personal message about your candidacy?

Consider creating a multi-media personal statement that highlights your personal vision of teaching, experiences supporting your candidacy, accomplishments, and credentials. Both iMovie (Mac) or MovieMaker (Windows) are easy to use and free. Think of creating a "commercial" that highlights the qualities you want to emphasize. Answer the questions "Who am I?", "What are my core beliefs about teaching?" and "What are my unique qualifications that will meet the school's needs?"

When preparing your new marketing tool, consider the following:

Keep it short: 1 minute or less. Someone reviewing your credentials for the first time may only devote 15-30 seconds before they decide to move on to the next person or not. The purpose is to get someone's attention, stand out from the crowd, and generate enough curiosity for them to look at your application and supporting materials.

Focus on your message: You must spend time seriously reflecting upon the essential message you will communicate. Customize your message to the school and job. Devote the thought and time necessary to develop a great message about yourself and how you can further the school's mission. Do your research and seriously reflect upon your unique qualities.

Make it interesting: Good advertising is thought provoking, raises the viewer's level of awareness, uses interesting graphics, and music does make a difference. Be aware of copyright when using graphics and music. If you are using pictures of others make sure you have permission. Consider your audience when selecting your visuals and music. You may want to consult with your marketing and multi-media friends for ideas.

Develop a strategy to get your message to those who you want to see it: Make sure the final product is short and that file size is suitable for web posting and email. Make sure you use a universal file format that can be viewed easily by both Windows and Mac computers. You can post it to your web site or even attach it to an email. You can create a DVD that leads with your personal statement and also has links to supporting documents. While there is some resistance from employers to candidates going outside the normal application process, it may be worth the risk to try unconventional methods of getting your message out. Use your network of contacts to help distribute your message. Remember, the receptionist, building secretary, or human resource secretary are important people in your job search. Teachers you know in the district that can share your "commercial" with principals can help get through the HR firewalls.

The idea of marketing yourself outside the traditional methods of a resume and application is not a common practice. It will take time to develop your message and create your marketing product. Allow 15-20 hours to create your first one. However, focusing your communication to a clear and concise message will help you when you do get that interview or have just a few moments to share your views at a job fair.

Roger L. Sanders
Program Specialist
Valley Education for Employment System
Rt. 47 at Waubonsee Drive
Sugar Grove, IL 60554

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The application process for candidates can be a frustrating process considering the variance between what is expected from one school district to the next. While there are a number of school districts that require candidates to complete paper & pen applications, a growing number of districts require candidates to complete online applications. These online applications can be time-consuming endeavors that challenge the patience and test the desire of many candidates.

Candidates need to understand that online applications are often the first place school district administrators will turn to when openings occur in their particular school or school district. Therefore, it is imperative that candidates take online applications seriously and respond to questions thoroughly and appropriately.

Candidates that do not take the time and effort to complete online applications appropriately often submit poorly worded applications that include numerous capitalization, spelling & grammar errors. These applications are not taken seriously and often do not merit follow-up on the part of school district administrators. Some simple tips can help.

It can sometimes be helpful to type responses in a Word document or other word processing program, then cut & paste your response into the application. This can help reduce common errors that will reflect poorly on you and your chances of being selected for further consideration.

Pay special attention to online interviews. Some school districts will require candidates to complete online screening interviews as part of the application process. Candidates should be sure to take these seriously and respond to questions thoroughly. Candidates that give themselves ample time and a quiet place to work often perform better than those who move through the online interview too quickly.

Most school districts in the state of Illinois that use an online application system use General ASP. A nice feature for candidates is that once you complete your first online application with a district that uses General ASP, all subsequent applications with districts that use this system will be completed much faster. This is due to the fact that you as a candidate can download the information you completed with the first application. You can also upload other documents such as letters of recommendation, your resume, transcripts, etc....

Be sure to review your application prior to submission. Remember that you can always go back and make changes to your application at any time, but it is recommended that you complete and submit your application in an appropriate time frame as most school districts will only consider candidates who have completed the entire application process.

Dr. Barry M. Reilly
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Bloomington Public Schools, District 87

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When speaking with candidates during job fair events, I am often asked what people can do to "stand out" as they look for a position. Following are some things to keep in mind as you navigate the process:

• Always be professional, courteous and considerate
• Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes on your application materials and
correspondence
• Learn everything you can about the school district(s) that interest you (websites
often contain a plethora of information)
• Prepare good questions for job fairs and interviews
• Express genuine interest and enthusiasm for the district
• Be conscious of your personal "web presence" (social networking sites, etc.)
• Understand that each school district may use a different hiring process
• Recognize that principals and other school district administrators are very busy
people and candidate "drop-ins" are not always appreciated
• Be thoughtful about your attire and grooming
• Express a willingness to assist with any extracurricular activity as a teacher, but
also share areas of specific strength
• Consider school districts outside of your "comfort zone"
• Seek coursework/experiences in bilingual education and/or special education
(growing areas of need in most school districts)
• Offer to volunteer in schools
• Consider serving as a teacher assistant position or a substitute teacher (if teaching
positions prove elusive)
• Avoid "burning bridges" with the people you meet along the way (you might cross
paths with them later)

I wish you all the best as you seek to realize your dream. Perhaps I'll see you at a job fair soon.

Tim Neubert
Director of Human Resources
St. Charles Community Unit School District 303

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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

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I recently attended the American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE) national conference. The unique aspect of this association is that the membership consists of directors of university and college career centers and K-12 school district Human Resources directors. We had great conversations between institutions that train and provide teachers with those in school districts who want to hire them.

One topic caught my interest and I thought it was worth sharing in this career corner. School districts shared that teacher networking was valuable in the job search process but in the discussion, it was hard to define what that "networking" was for teacher candidates.

From my perspective teacher candidates could create and utilize their network in a variety of ways:

• Most programs require short field experiences in the junior year to explore a variety of school settings. In these field experiences, teacher candidates are likely to meet interesting teachers and school programs. It would be helpful to stay in touch with these teachers and start developing a network to come back to for possible student teaching experiences.
• Student teaching provides a wealth of networking possibilities. It provides the opportunity to meet new teachers who often are the first to know about future vacancies. Stay in touch with these teachers.
• Many professional organizations have student memberships. Joining an organization as a student member exposes teacher candidates to individuals that are active in their profession. These connections often can be productive in identifying potential vacancies. Active participation in an organization identifies you as a person who is actively engaged in the teaching profession.
• Attend as many seminars, career panels, mock interviews and similar venues as possible. You never know exactly when that right connection is made. As districts "fish in many ponds", be the fish that jumps in those many ponds.
• Consider joining social networks, especially those that have a professional connection like LinkedIn. These networks may connect you to someone who knows someone else.
• Don't be shy. Your personality may be such that you are reserved by nature. In the job search process, be as out-going as possible to let others get to know you.
• Use every advantage. If a friend or colleague knows someone who can assist you in the job search process, make the connection. I know I am repeating myself, however, you never know where that job offer is going to come from.

You have invested four, sometimes five years in the process of becoming a teacher. At the end of this journey, make the job search process a full-time job. Networking is an important process that experienced people utilize in finding new jobs. Use your networking skills to help you find the teaching job that is waiting for you.

Jack Kronser
Director of Human Resources
Aurora Public Schools, Colorado

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I had an opportunity recently to talk to a group of student teachers at a local university. The questions that they asked were general and typical of those that I've answered in the past. One question, however, was timely and I think worthy of sharing in this blog. What should teacher candidates be doing to maximize their job search process for teaching positions if they are graduating mid-year?

First, the obvious advice for a December graduate is, to be prepared to substitute teach in the spring semester. In this current economy, school districts have a deep pool of substitute teachers. Many districts, however, will make a special effort to hire their current student teachers as substitute teachers because of their knowledge of the students, curriculum and the community. The biggest hurdle in pursuing this will be to address the requirements around your state's certification/license process as interpreted by the district. Substitute teaching may open doors if you are selected for long-term assignments. Some could even roll into regular positions for the next school year.

Another possibility would be to find regular teaching positions for the second semester. While it is true that school districts typically look for experienced teachers in these positions, you may want to concentrate on the district that you student taught in. In their eyes, you have experience in their district. You may also want to consider applying for classified or classroom support positions. It has been my experience that many teacher assistants are able to demonstrate their skills as potentially successful teachers and are eventually hired as teachers.

Finally, do exploit the advantage that you have as a teacher candidate for the next school year. You have the luxury of having a whole semester to commit time to the job search process. Completing on-line applications, taking the Gallup TeacherInsight, applying for a teaching license, researching district websites and attending job fairs all take time. You have an advantage over those candidates who will need to do this while student teaching in the spring semester. You can be the job applicant who has all the ducks in a row as positions get posted.

The teacher recruitment process is cyclical and is exciting for the first timer. It is equally exciting and energizing for those of us who experience it annually. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Jack Kronser
Human Resources Director
Aurora Public Schools
Aurora, Colorado

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I apologize for this blog being offline for a few weeks. We were having some volunteer scheduling problems but are now back on track and eager to be of assistance!!

I wanted to start our comeback with a very timely article that appeared in last week's EdWeek. The lead sentence stated that "Two out of five of America's teachers appear disheartened and disappointed about their jobs." The article further elaborates, "The view that teaching is "so demanding, it's a wonder that more people don't burn out" is remarkably pervasive, particularly among the Disheartened, - they are twice as likely as other teachers to strongly agree with this view." They are also more likely to "voice high levels of frustration about the school administration, disorder in the classroom, and the undue focus on testing."

Based on a study conducted by researchers Jean Johnson, Andrew Yarrow, Jonathan Rochkind and Amber Ott and their subsequent paper, "Teaching for a Living: How Teachers See the Profession Today" the timing of this article perfectly coincides with the mid-term mark for those of you who are currently student teaching. Though the Disheartened group tended to have been older and taught for a longer period of time, their attitude towards teaching may be creeping into your thoughts, as a brand new teacher. So, at this stage of your professional training it is probably very wise to stop and check to see how happy you are with your decision to become a teacher?

In the survey, the researchers found "that teachers divided into three groups: the Idealists (23 percent), the Contented (37 percent) and the Disheartened (40 percent). Each of the groups has a distinctive set of attitudes and concerns that shape how they approach teaching and education reform." In which category would you currently place yourself?

If your answers to the two questions above are of concern to you, I strongly advise that you schedule a time to talk with a career counselor at your university Career Center. These individuals do not have a vested interest in talking you into or out of the teaching field, but rather, they will help you to sort out your own thoughts and feelings about your specific experiences and the profession in general. It is far better for you to wrestle with these thoughts now than it is for you to allow negativity to fester.
See your career counselor today and tell them the Career Corner blog sent you!!!

Curt Schafer
Director of Career Services
Texas State University

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Since I started working as a Career Counselor with student teachers three years ago, I knew I was in my element. As I began developing specific programming to help student teachers prepare for their first teaching position, it occurred to me that finding a teaching position can be competitive and for some student teachers a rude awaking once it comes time to start their job search. So what can students do to be better prepared and approach their job search with confidence and competence?

Preparation - Developing a well-organized resume, preparing a professional portfolio and practicing interview questions are a good start. In addition, identifying unique qualities that one can bring to the teaching profession such as, a study abroad, volunteering, fluency in a language, school involvement and real-life work experiences can help you stand out among other candidates.

Research - Selecting the area or schools that you would like to work for and exploring why you would be the best candidate for that school. Visit the school/districts website, talk with people you may know in the district and be sure that what they are looking for in a teaching candidate match with what you can bring to the profession.

Networking - Do you know an “insider” that you know who is teaching in a school/district that you are considering? Making connections, attending events related to the field, and letting everyone know you are looking for a job. Tapping into your network can assist in finding a teaching position. One word of CAUTION, do not ask people for a job, rather let people know that you have started your job search. You will be surprised of others that might have a lead or know someone who might be looking to hire teachers.

Professionalism - Dressing and acting like those you aspire to be is important. If you have not invested in a “power suit,” it will be important in helping you feel confident and prepared. Think conservative and remember you can always visit your Career Center for tips on dress.

Patience - Finding a teaching position takes time, and developing an action plan is important. If you do not find yourself teaching right away, make it a point to look for positions that will keep you connected and working with children in some way is recommended. Substitute teaching is a good idea! Having patience and staying positive are key elements in searching for your teaching position.

Eric A. Arellano
Career Counselor
University of Texas at San Antonio

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If you are facing the prospect of not being employed as a full-time teacher this fall, you should consider what alternatives you have to stay involved in education throughout the 2009-2010 academic year to improve your chances of landing a teaching job in the future.

Substitute teaching is probably the most obvious alternative. School administrators often regard subbing as a job audition. If you are able to prove to administrators that you can handle the tough job of being a substitute teacher, you are showing them your talents rather than just providing a resume and an application. Some teacher candidates are concerned, however, that a school district will want to keep a talented substitute teacher as a sub and will pass them up to hire other candidates for full-time positions. If you prove that you are an outstanding teacher, smart administrators will want to employ you full-time when they get the opportunity rather than take a chance that you will leave their district for another job elsewhere. If that becomes the case, they lose you as a substitute teacher and as a full-time teacher.

Unfortunately, some teacher candidates do just an adequate job (or worse) as a sub. Since many schools need substitute teachers, if you show that you are a mediocre sub, you may still be called for daily sub assignments because someone has to be in the classroom, but the district will find better candidates for full-time vacancies. If you choose to sub, take each assignment as a professional challenge to showcase your teaching talents.

There may be para-professional jobs available for you such as being a teacher’s aide. If you choose this route, work closely with the teacher or teachers you are assigned to demonstrating your professional capabilities. Don’t try to upstage the teachers or to usurp their authority. First gain their trust and respect and then look for opportunities to excel in the classroom with the welfare of your students being your highest priority.

Other options for you may be coaching, getting involved with extracurricular activities such as a school play, tutoring (either in the schools or in private firms such as Sylvan Learning Centers), or working for an online cyber school, an early childhood center, or an organization that runs programs for children such as a YMCA. You may find employment at a community college or pursue a graduate assistantship related to education if you choose to seek a master’s degree. If you do choose a graduate degree program, consider one that will earn you additional certifications making you more marketable in future job searches. Graduate classes also provide excellent networking opportunities with professors and with other students who may be employed as teachers.

If teaching is your passion, you need to stay involved in education somehow even though there may be higher paying jobs available outside of education. If you are not involved in education, you risk losing touch with teachers and administrators in the field who may serve as references, and you may have a hard time staying current with issues in education. A few years outside of education will be difficult to explain to administrators who will ask, “Why should I hire you when there are other candidates who have current, related experience in education?”

Stay involved in the field of education and gain additional experience, refine your teaching skills, and expand your professional network. Most likely, your efforts will pay off in a teaching job eventually.

--John F. Snyder,

Co-Director of Career Services,

Slippery Rock University of PA

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