answers to your questions

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Home : 2003 : July : 22

answers to your questions
By Connie

Hi,

I live near a major city, so I just made a circle of how far geographicly I would travel for a job and then I applied to every district in that circle (but not the inner city). Most principals won't be available
to accept your resume, so it isn't worth taking it in although I got my first teaching job in my "hometown". I stopped in the board office and asked to just introduce myself to the super. What nerve! He invited me in, gave me a half hour of his time, forwarded my name to a principal and I was hired in August!!!!
My husband and I had to make two major moves and between babies, a

RIF, etc., I have had about seven different jobs! It got harder and harder as I cost more!

I am a very organized and comprehensive person. I would keep news articles of all the interesting things going on in a district and mention them...for example, "I noted that your school received the Blue Ribbon Award from the DOE and felt that I could make a significant contribution to your district." That sort of thing. I made sure that I had names and titles correct. Make sure you have a current copy of your state's directory and double check names. They are probably on line now. New adminstrators come and go. They also tend to be very fussy about their titles, so be sure to get that right.

I was typically hired in early August. Many supers and principals are out of the office now. I forgot that one time I was hired in June and got the phone call just as I was waiting for a taxi to take me to the airport for a big vacation. Timing is everything!

I've been on several interview teams, so I can help a little there from the other side. Despite what the university's say, we didn't have much time to look at portfolios. A concise and well organized one was greatly admired. Dress appropriately, seem humble, DON'T talk about your own kids much (it may seem like your time will be too preoccupied), be very careful to NOT get too comfortable and silly, watch your language (don't use vulgar words- yes- one did as she just laughed her way through the interview), try to put a positive spin on your weaknesses (Let's say you are weak in science- "I have made it my personal goal to learn as much about many scientific topics as I can this year and have been doing a lot of reading on some of my favorite...."). Think about your areas of weakness where you could get hammered and think about how to answer questions in a positive, but honest way.

You'll most likely get asked a lot of questions about how to handle behavior issues, special ed. concerns, etc. Be ready with a good response. Also, be ready with a short but well thought out response if asked to "tell about yourself".

Never, ever talk negatively about anyone or your school. Present yourself as totally upbeat and loving your stage of life. Don't talk money or benefits at the first interview. Primary positions are usually given to those sweet, gentle spirits and the middle school jobs are given to those who look like they can handle tough kids! You may need to morph for your interview.

Hope that helps.