Snagging A Sassy Teaching Job

Two million people graduated from college this year and everyone is trying to snag a perfect job.  With having to work part time jobs, study, take exams, commute to school.. it's hard to prepare for a job search.  This article is about landing a teaching position but can be used for any upcoming job interview.  

A little background... I have a bachelor's degree in communication.  I have always wanted to be a teacher, but when I was 17 and standing in line at college to register I went the business route.  I thought teachers don't make any money and sit in a classroom with children all day.  Man! If I would have done more research I could have saved a lot of money!  I worked a desk job for 4 years and hated my life.  I can't say it any nicer.  I went back to school for my masters and completed a masters in early childhood education. 

Here comes the struggle... I interviewed for maybe 50 teaching positions.  I wish I had a video of what I actually said on those interviews because I'm sure it was comical. It took me 3 years to find the perfect teaching position.  Here are some tips I've learned along the way to speed up the process.  

1.  Be persistent

•  Check online sources everyday. Check your state education websites and hiring websites.  I used Effronandassociates.com too.  
• Set a goal for yourself: "Today I will apply for 10 jobs".  Save your data in a word document so you can copy and paste.  This will save time.  
• Teaching job interviews are more common in March-April and July-August. This is when teachers plan or decide on retiring.   

2.  Make a portfolio -  This is expensive to do but I can guarantee you will get positive feedback about it.   A portfolio shows you can be creative and organized. Here are the steps.

• Make a colorful cover.  Put your picture on the front, they'll remember you.  
• Add a general cover letter: "To Human Resource Department"
• Add your resume 
• Then a list of respectful resources 
• A copy of your teaching license
• A sample of lesson plans 
• Any copies of your strengths (letters from cooperating teacher, student data scores, student achievement, your RTI plan, sample newsletters, etc.) 
• Color copy, Add a leather back and frosted clear cover, and black spiraling.  Print off 20-50 to start.
• Send these out everyday in the mail. I would send them to HR offices, principals, teachers I knew.  I would even visit schools and drop them off.  When there is a stack of 1,000 resumes... Your portfolio will stand out and they will pull it to give you an interview.  

  3.  Get a suit-  A nice black, navy, or gray suit that's neatly pressed, lint free, and ready to go.  I can't stress... READY TO GO!  I have been called and interviewed in the same day.  I got my job in a week.  Principals have so much going on, they don't want to spend days interviewing.  If they find the perfect candidate they will give you the job! 

• Black, navy, or gray suit- pants or skirt. 
• Try to wear the school colors in a blouse, tie, or jewelry.  
• Light jewelry and light makeup- but try to do both! This will make you look lively and glamorous
• Wear short heels.  Not flats, not 6 inch.  Fight through the pain 
• Wear your suit jacket in, but feel free to take it off during the interview if you get warm.  
• Get your nails done!  Wear a light pink or nude lip gloss and pop in a mint.  Where do you think they'll be looking?? At your mouth and hands. 
• Smile-  They are hiring a teacher!  

 

4.  Practice, Practice, Practice...

• Have a leather portfolio with a master copy of your portfolio.  Also those printable portfolios.. Have 10 prepared for all attending the interview.  Most of the time they will give them back but be sure everyone has something to look at.  The worst is when multiple teachers are interviewing you and have no resume to look at to ask you questions.  
• Walk in, introduce yourself, shake hands, and look people in the eyes. Pass out those portfolios and remember everyone's name.  When I get called for an interview I ask who will be sitting in the interview and I have the Thank You's made prior to the interview.  I will mail them after.  
• Practice with a friend.. your friends are more nerve wrecking than people you don't know.  

Popular Teacher interview questions

• Describe yourself.    "My name is Alyson Schweinfest.  I have a bachelor's degree in communication and a masters degree in education.  My background in communication has progressed me to become a strong educator by working with children, teaching literacy components, and discussing data with parents. I am creative and enjoy incorporating creativity into my lessons.  In my spare time I love to read.  The last book I read was.. "   Have notes on your lap to help you if you get stuck.  Also have notes on points you want to get across.  There is nothing against this. 
• What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses? 
  Pick a great strength, pick a pointless weakness. "My weakness is trying to incorporate music into my lessons."  SEE!  You're not the music teacher so that's not a bad weakness.  
• What's your classroom management plan?  What's your RTI plan?  You should have these in mind already.  If you don't.. you might be a refresher course.  
• What learning styles will you address?  Verbal, Whole group, hands-on (tactile-kinesthetic), technology, poems, songs, dance, cooperative learning
• Why should we pick you?  You need a really good reason because you need to stand out above the pack.  

I hope these tips help.  Comment if you need any help.  I'd be happy to help because I know the job search is hard.  Happy interviewing and Good Luck!