Top Ten Tips for Finding A Teaching Job!
1. Browse through employment postings on the web, especially sites that specialize in education jobs. These include Education Associations (i.e. Connecticut Education Association), local newspaper homepages,
2. Attend job fairs (many colleges with education schools have these). Generally schools are looking for teachers in March to June although August and December are other times that many districts have some turnover.
3. Tell everyone you know you are looking for a teaching position. Aunt Charlotte may work in the town hall or school system and hear about openings before they are posted.
4. Follow deadlines for the district you are applying to. Generally if you miss a deadline your out of luck unless they have not had a sufficient number of applicants (call to find out if you can still apply).
5. Substitute teach (especially long-term substituting) and invite administrators into your classroom. This way they can see your teaching style and know that you can handle a class.
6. Prepare for your interview. Be able to answer the tough questions. Ask the right questions too. Practice with a friend, significant other, etc. to rehearse your answers.
7. Compile a professional portfolio to bring to your interviews. Depending on the grade level and subject being taught will determine what is in your portfolio. You should always include: a resume, teaching philosophy page, pictures (if they are of students you need parental permission), sample lesson plans, teaching certification, student work, awards and anything else you are especially proud of.
8. During an interview dress professionally, portray confidence, and smile. This is a no-brainer, men should wear a suit, women should wear a suit and/or professional dress. Smiling is infectious, others will smile too if you do.
9. Call and send a thank-you note to the principal/committee for interviewing you to show you are interested in the position. Many have been hired on this one act alone.
10. If you receive an offer, respond promptly. Even if you are not taking the position you should respond because who knows what will happen down the road and you may be in the same district again looking for a position. This has definitely been known to happen.
Good Luck!
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Melissa A. Gilbert http://justteach.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_A_Gilbert |
