Career Corner

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

Posted by AAEE at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by AAEE at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)