re: HELP

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re: HELP
By CK

Dear Gracen,
First off, calm down! It's scarey, yes, I'm in a similar position. Your best bet is to call the district personnell office and ASK them what they want. That's what I did and they were very helpful (it also
puts your name into their memory bank). Let them know you are currently student teaching in the district and are interested in staying. Ask them what their application procedure is. By me, everything is done via internet, although they also request "paper copy" of my resume and letters, etc.
Be sure to find out if they want "offical transcripts" (those that are sealed by the college)

or if "unofficial" copies are ok at this point.
Let them know that you WILL BE APPLYING for your type (whatever) certificate.
Yes, include letters of recommendation, but they are best from teaching professionals who have seen you in the classroom working with students. Your co-operating teachers and your college supervisor are good. If you can get the principal to come and observe and write a letter, that will hold a lot of weight for some other principals reviewing applicants. Be prepared to also provide "references" with phone numbers. I used the same people who wrote my letters (with their permission, of course!) If these will include teachers, be sure to get their HOME phone numbers rather than just the school's/work phone because if the interviewing school wants to call them during the summer months, the school is closed!
Large bulky portfolios may not be appropriate for initial interviews. Try putting together a smaller version, something which visually/graphically shows what you've done (pictures, pictures, pictures!) If you get a call back, you may wish to bring along a larger sample of your lessons, etc. Portfolios are becoming popular in my area where before they were not.