5/16/2008

WGU Teachers Workshop: Tips for Getting Hired

WGU Career Services ∙alumni.wgu.edu alumni.wgu.edu ∙ [email protected]

A special thank you to Chris Staats, fellow WGU Alum and Principal of Whitesboro Middle School in Whitesboro, NY for conducting the Spring 2008 WGU Alumni Teachers Workshop: Tips for Getting Hired. This power point presentation includes Chris’ suggestions as well as slides from WGU Career Services.

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Cover Letters • Be sure to address the letter to a specific person. • Look up their Mission Statement/District Philosophy and use their “buzz words” • ONE PAGE. Three paragraphs are enough.

Cover Letter • Customize letter according to the particular job and school. • Use bullets to highlight accomplishments. • Do not forget to mention the position you are applying for, so HR can properly process your application.

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Cover Letters • Make sure your signature is legible. • It is okay to say someone referred you. • SPELL CHECK • GRAMMAR CHECK • SPELL CHECK AGAIN! One mistake puts you in my NO pile fast.

Resume • Contact Information • Employment Objective • Summary of Profile/ Qualifications • Education & Certification • Employment History • Volunteer/Associations (if related to position) • References optional

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Resume Tips • Regardless of which format you use, be sure that your name, address, current phone number and an appropriate email address are on the top. • Be sure your work history is listed clearly. • List degree and certification status clearly. • List community service, extra duties, hobbies.

Resume Tips • Avoid using : I, me or my. Instead use action verbs. Ex: Taught math to # of students. • Use a professional e-mail address. Avoid using nicknames or work e-mail addresses. • Target your resume to match language from the job description. • Avoid using vague and over-used language, and listing irrelevant information.

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Resume Tips • Instead of white copy paper use off white or beige resume paper with a matching envelope. • SPELL CHECK • GRAMMAR CHECK • SPELL CHECK AGAIN!

Resume Writing Resources • Samples on WGU Career Services page Check your local library for these books: • Expert Resumes for Teachers and Educators Authors: Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark, ISBN1-59357-126-7 • Inside Secrets of Finding a Teaching Job Authors: Jack Warner and Clyde Bryan, ISBN 1-57112-079-3 • These books can also be purchased online

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Where to Send Resume • Find out where the jobs are. • Use the WGU Career Services. Two job banks: CCN and NACElink. • Visit the WGU Teacher Resources Center web page where you will find teacher job bank links. • Register at www.teachers-teachers.com

Teacher Recruiting Job Fairs • Most recruiting takes place in Spring. • Check our calendar, teacher employment associations in your state, and school district web sites. • Review “Succeeding at a Teacher Recruiting Fair” presentation available in the Teacher Resources link. • Be ready to interview on the spot. • Dress professionally

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Network • Knowing someone can be very helpful. • You can start at your own child’s school. • Meet the principal. Take a copy of your resume and introduce yourself. • Substitute, volunteer and make yourself known at the schools in your area. • Make friends with the secretary and other teachers. Tell them you are looking for a position and ask them to let you know if they hear of any future available positions.

Application • Fill out the ENTIRE application using blue/black pen. • Write legibly. If it is an online application be sure you can word everything so it fits in the allowable space. • If there is a short essay, at least start it in the appropriate space (avoid attachment). • At least one or two of your references should be in the educational field.

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Portfolio • A physical portfolio can be beneficial. You can actually use it to speak from during the interview. • Sample portfolio contents • • • • • • •

Resume Certification Certificate Statement of Philosophy Sample Lesson Plans Sample Lesson Planner Pages Lesson Material Samples Pictures (If you have them)

• • • • •

Official Transcript Evaluations Reference List Recommendation Letters Praxis Test Results

Interview • Stick with the traditional message on your voicemail. • Accept the interview within twenty-four hours. • Be kind on the phone. • Ask if there is anything special you need to bring to the interview. • Bring extra copies of your resume and your portfolio.

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Interview • Do your homework! You have earned a degree from an online university. • Now use the Internet to find out everything you can learn about the school and the district where you will interview.

Interview • Arrive fifteen to twenty minutes early. • Be nice to the receptionist or secretary. • Smile during the interview. • Say something kind about the district that is specific. • Even if people do not introduce themselves with a handshake, extend your hand to everyone and make eye contact… it matters in the long run!

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Know the State’s Policies & Procedures • Be as familiar as possible with the state curriculum/standard course of study for the grade or subjects you are applying to teach. • The state departments of education can be found online. Use Google to find your state’s department of education.

Preparation • Prepare some responses to possible interview questions. • Practice the answers in front of a mirror. • Talking out loud about things you could be asked will help you in the interview.

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Hypothetically Speaking • Prepare for hypothetical questions what you would do in a given situation. • Think of things that could happen in a classroom - how would you handle it? • Include situations with students, fellow teachers and parents.

Questions from a Real Interview 1. Outline a lesson plan on how to introduce a new concept to the class and how you would integrate and encourage critical thinking skills during the lesson development.

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Think before you speak 2. How would you utilize a Paraprofessional in your classroom? (Be ready even if you are not a primary teacher)

Take a deep breath 3. Outline your classroom management plan and positive discipline plan including examples from past experience. How would you handle a very disruptive student?

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Sit up straight and feel your professionalism 4. Explain your education, credential and prior experience as it relates to elementary teaching. Be ready to tell why a degree from WGU is valuable.

Smile as you look at each interviewer 5. Give an example of one area you struggle with in the classroom and list the steps you have taken to over come this weakness.

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Articulate - they are expecting you to be a role model 6. Give an example of one area of strength in the classroom and how you could share this strength with co-workers.

Avoid filler language or nervous habits 7. Why do you want to work for our district? What positive contribution could you make to our district?

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Again…Breathe 8. Discuss how you would adapt and develop your lesson presentations in order to meet the needs of ELL students. Include changes you would make in the classroom environment that would support ELL students language development.

Mock Interview •Have another teacher or another candidate (Cheryl Luton, Teacher College Alumni Mentor is also available) to conduct a mock interview with you.

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Electronic Placement File • Make to sure to register with the WGU Education Placement Center at http://wgu.credentialfiles.com to create an official university placement file. • Many school districts will require them as part of the hiring and application process.

Good luck! Keep us informed of your progress. • Be sure to let us know when you receive a position so we can celebrate with you. • Update your alumni profile. • Blog about your new position—it’s encouraging to others!

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