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Dyan - Hello! My name is Dyan and my teaching partner is Emma. We are the authors of SURVIVAL KIT FOR NEW TEACHERS" And the web site BEGINNING TEACHERS TOOLBOX @ www.inspiringteachers.com. We are mentor teachers and are hosting this chat dedication to discussing resumes, applications and interviewing tips.
Rhonda - Dyan, I'm the one who asked you about the questions on an application. Thanks for the info
Dyan - Well, I am going to get started! I hope everyone is having a good week! Any questions?
Dyan - About resumes - it does not need to be extensive, but it should definitely be clear and concise! Principals do not have time to read a wordy resume. ONly put down the most important info!
Dyan - Rhonda - your welcome! We love to help on our "mentor page!" It is fun for us!
London - I just had three screenings today and I'm glad that's over!
Dyan - London - I know how you feel! What kind of questions did they ask - I am sure everyone tonight would benefit from your experiences!
London - It's sooooo hard to tell if the interviewers like you or not since they appear so stone-faced! If you have been through a screening and you don't hear back and you know there's an opening, is it okay to call the administration building?????
Dyan - Be ready to answer essay questions on your application or during your screening interview - for example - Why did you choose to become a teacher? What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses? What is your philosophy of teaching?
Rhonda - Is it vital to bring in a portfolio that explains a lot of the things they are going to ask?
London - Some of the questions were really structured, and other districts had a conversation with me. I DON'T like the structured intervies--it's as if I was being put on the spot---and it doesn't show a sure reflection of who I am!!!
Dyan - London - Yes, it is okay to call the admin and inquire, but make a call only once and you may want to say there have been other job offers, so you are needing to know if there is a future in that district! Be nice and sympathetic that you know they are VERY BUSY!
London - Not one person had their portfolio. They saw to bring it when you have the 2nd step of the interview--or the building interview
London - Okay--that is good advice--thanks.
Dyan - Rhonda - Yes, I would bring a portfolio to every interview, although they may not ask to see it! Make sure to tab the sections that you want to show off the most, as they may ask you to show your favorite part and you don't want to fumble through!
London - I believe that a portfolio is to be used in an interview---to help support your answer to a question. But, not to plop it in thier lap and say "here it is!"
Dyan - It is important to have your portfolios organized and neat as possilbe - that shows what kind of person you are! If you have to search through to find examples of certain things - interviewers get anxious and irritated!
Rhonda - I feel the same way, London. As they ask questions, point to and reflect on an item in it.
Dyan - Yes London - YOu never show the portfolio unless they ask to see it! NEVER!
London - Do most school districts have set salaries?
Dyan - YES!
Dyan - You might want to mention that you have a portfolio upon entering the interview, but never plop it down in front of them! You can ask if you may refer to it if you have a specific item to show to answer a question!
London - That's a good tip.
Emma - Yes, it is helpful for a principal to see an example of a hands-on activity you've done with previous classes if they've just asked you a question about your teaching style.
Rhonda - I graduate June 12th - should I begin now to send out applications?
Dyan - Hello Emma! Everyone, Emma is my teaching partner and co-author of our book SURVIVAL KIT FOR NEW TEACHERS In our book we have an entire chapter dedicated to resumes, interviews, application process, etc... It is entitled "Career Bound!"
London - I've heard you shouldn't have too many photographs--but I do. What so you think?
Emma - The portfolio shows the principal that you are not just talking a good talk, but that you've actually done it!
Rhonda - I have not yet purchased that book, but I plan on it!
London - I will be done in May---I sent my applications out in late Feb.
Emma - Rhonda - Yes! Start contacting districts with whom you are interested in working and ask them to send you an application.
Emma - The application process can take a while - especially if you plan on applying to several different districts.
rebecca - I have many pictures, too, but I also have alot of self reflection.
Dyan - GREAT RHONDA - YOU WON'T BE SORRY!
Emma - To get an application, simply call the district personnel department and ask them to mail you a teaching application.
Emma - Does anyone have any questions about the application/ hiring process?
Dyan - Rebecca - The self reflection will be difficult to share while in an interview, make sure you have pictures and student work examples, lesson plans, etc.. that is easy to see at a glance!
Marcia - YEs, I called a local dist and they sent me the app. It says to contact the schools yourself
Rhonda - I have called some districts. Some require a letter of intent to request an app. What should be included in this type of letter?
London - Actually--I'm in a 5 year program. I graduated last May. Then in the 5th year you so 6 weeks for student teaching, then take 15 hours of graduate classes (hours toward a Masters) then 14 weeks of intership---plus implementing a research project during your internship. (my project was on nonverbal communication in the classroom) AND finally you finish in May!!!!!!!!!!
rebecca - Is it okay to ask the principal questions during the interview?
Emma - London -- don't get too nervous if you don't get a call until May or June. Most districts have to complete all in-district transfers of veteran teachers before they can hire any new teachers.
Marcia - I wonder is it too early to call schools, and what do I say...I am interested in a position.?
rebecca - London, I am in the same type of program.
Dyan - Rebecca - Yes! You may ask the principal questions, but wait for the right time! They will usually ask you if you have any questions- be prepared with some will thought out ones!
Emma - Rhonda - I'd make it simple and to the point. Include your teaching qualifications & the type of position in which you are interested.
rebecca - What if they do not ask for questions, is it still okay to ask them?
Jeanne - Hi, I have two interviews with principals tomorrow! What kind of questions should I expect?
Emma - Marcia - call the districts to request applications. Schools typically do not see potential teachers until they have been screened by the district.
chelseapaw - good evening all
Marcia - My friend says to ask for the school secretary. Will she be getting allot of people calling and be frustrated by all the calls?
London - I really DON'T want to be one of those people that gets hired 2 days before school starts!!!
Emma - Rebecca - Yes! Before you leave, simply let the principal know that you have some questions you'd like to ask them & would that be okay? Most principals will let you. If one doesn't, I wouldn't want that job anyway!
Marcia - I know my application has to be processed first. I am just asking.
Emma - Marcia - the secretary will most likely refer you to the district personnel department unless you have some sort of a personal relationship with the school and/ or teachers.
Dyan - Jeanne - What makes a good teacher? Describe how you would deal with a student discipline problem? How do you feel about mainstreaming? Descibe a typical day in you classroom?
London - i think the majority of student teachers will be asked questions about classroom mangement and lesson plans.
Marcia - I was thinking of going and volenteering at some schools this summer (year around) to see how they run classes in my area.
Jeanne - I've had an interview already, at a job fair. Classroom management seemed to be a big question they asked me about.
Dyan - Principals also want your philosophy of teaching to match with theirs - integrated learning, hands-on projects vs. textbook based for example! Student centered vs. teacher centered, etc...
Emma - Marcia - I think that is a fantastic idea! You will get to know the principal, secretary, teachers & parents that way. It may be easier to get a job in a school where you've previously volunteered.
Rhonda - At a job fair I too had an interview. The focus was on my ideas for reading/literature.
chelseapaw - Since teaching is considered my "second career" should I list my degrees that I earned prior to going back to school. right now my resume reads under grad infor, mba and the MA in education. should I take off the mba info?
London - If you don't heard from a school after a screening---what does that mean??? What should I do?
Marcia - Can you give an example of what they are looking for about discipline? I have been reading Fred Jones and would like to try using his program.
rebecca - Marcia-I also substituted where I want to teach, hoping that would help.
Dyan - Guys - my screen just went blank! I will have to log off and back on again!
Patty - How would you suggest approaching a school re: volunteering?
Emma - Yes, classroom management is a big concern for principals. Most principals want to know how you plan to deal with student behavior.
Marcia - I ending up meeting someone on a grade_one mail list. We talked and I came in. Now, at another school?
London - That means rules--classroom environment, etc.
Emma - chelseapaw - I'd definitely list the mba info if you are going into secondary economics/history or as a business teacher. This simply adds to your qualifications. If you are going into elementary, it will show the principal that you have earned other degrees, but may not be a factor for hiring purposes.
Marcia - Will they give a specific example and ask how I would handle it.
rebecca - Patty, I just called thee school and asked what to do to volunteer, they were extremely nice about it.
Emma - Patty - I'd call the secretary and let her know that you'd like to come volunteer to help work with students. Many schools need tutors to help with math & reading. You may be required to fill out some background check forms, etc. for safety purposes & may be directed to the district first. Each school/district is different. However, the secretary will know.
London - yes they will give u a situation and ask how you would handle it---other school districts will ask you handle classroom mangmt.
Patty - Okay, thanks.
chelseapaw - emma- i was more concerned that it would hurt more than help, i am presently looking for elem.
Emma - Marcia - most principals will give a specific example such as, "What would you do if one of your students deliberately refused to follow directions?"
Emma - Chelseapaw - will your teaching degree be a Masters?
chelseapaw - I have a masters in teaching, completed about a year ago, thats in addition to MBA
Jeanne - I didn't really know how to respond to that question when the principal asked me. To me, its a tough call. Discipline kind of depends on the personality of the student.
Marcia - Sometimes it would be hard to know what to say in a specific situation, if you didn't know the school policy
dyan - Great tip - remember to send a thank you note to the principal and/or distict person that interviews you - it endears you in thier minds! Very important - make sure to get their name before leaving the interview!
Emma - The MBA shouldn't hurt you then. Some districts will hire teachers with a BA over teachers with a Masters because they don't get as much of a salary. However, some school districts actively recruit Masters level teachers to show that they have very qualified instructors. My advice would be to contact a teacher within the district and find out what their policy is.
dyan - Marcia- you need to go on your best judgement based on the situation! Think back to your student teaching - how did your mentor handle those situations. Your teaching and management style will show in your answer and that is what they are looking for!
chelseapaw - thanks emma- i will do that
Marcia - Likd" from my past expericence,
Emma - Marcia - I only got part of your message...say again?
Marcia - I got bumped
Emma - Hello cecilia!
Marcia - "like from my past experience, I would"
Patty - Emma & Dyan --- If you were able to choose, would you get your credential while you are doing your first two years of teaching? Or, would you wait -- get your credential, then get your first teaching job?
dyan - Marcia- I think you are on the right track - yes, from your past experience or from what ideas and attitudes you've developed from your student teaching experience!
chelseapaw - Question- i have subbed for the same teacher twice a month since the beginning of the school year, should i ask her for a letter of recommendation?
dyan - I would definitely get my credential first! Teaching is too overwhelming your first year, to have to deal with school credentialling as well!
Emma - I think that I would get my credentials first and then get my first teaching job. There is so much to learn & know before you ever walk into a classroom! Unfortunately, quick training programs do not provide the necessary knowledge to help you get a good start in teaching.
cecilia - hi
Emma - Chelseapaw - Definitely! Also, have you gotten to know any other teachers or the principal in that school? How about the secretary? Let these people know that you want to get a teaching job in the district (if you do) and oftentimes they can help you get in the door!
dyan - chel - yes, you could get a letter from her, although she hasn't actually seen you teaching, she could comment on your organization skill, and whether you finished the lesson plans etc...
cecilia - hello!
cecilia - Yoo Hoo
Emma - Hello cecilia. Have you started filling out applications yet?
Marcia - I taught at a private school here in California. I don't have a credential, but have gone back to school. I will try to get in with emergency credentials.
cecilia - not yet
Marcia - I know many teachers resent those with emergency credentials. It is tough here in California. They can't get enought teachers.
Marcia - There is no such thing as "getting a sub" there aren't any.
Rhonda - Thanks for the info, I've got to run. Good night and much success!
dyan - I honestly had no idea what teachers in my building had emergency credentials or not! Don't worry about that!
dyan - Good night, Rhonda!
Rhonda - Good night Dyan!
Emma - Marcia - I have know several teachers who have done that. You should be in a better position because you have taught in private school.
chelseapaw - Marcia i am available but the commute is too long- CT
Emma - Good night Rhonda & Good luck!
Marcia - From what I have read here in some replies, a teacher with emergency cred. is not very well appreciated.
Marcia - I got a raving recommendation from the director.
dyan - Any teacher who is teaching, dedicated and doing a good job is appreciated, Marcia, no one cares how you got your credential!
Jeanne - The application packet for the county I really want to teach in says to list five references, including the principal and superintendant you are currently working under. Well, I'm student teaching at a very large high school, and the principal doesn't know me from the man in the moon. And, I don't know the superintendant either. What should I do about that?
Emma - Jeanne - I'd call the district personnel dept. and ask them what you should do. If they still require it even though you are student teaching, request a meeting with the principal and ask him/her if they'd be willing to observe you one day in the classroom. They will talk to your supervising teacher & will be able to make comments after observing you. As far as the superintendant goes, I have no clue. I've never seen that one before.
dyan - Jeanne - list them anyway! Chances are that no one will ever call them! I would try to list more than 5 references, so that you have plenty that do know you and your quality of work!
Marcia - I ran across that same problem. Getting 'professional references'. I teach sunday school. I am going to have the director write a reference and list the school as a 'private' one.
Emma - You can also list your student teacher professor & supervising teacher as professional resources.
rebecca - Jeanne- I filled out an application that said the same thing, my principal said not to worry about the superintendant, but that is here.
Jeanne - I thought it was kind of weird. I have an interview with a principal from that system tomorrow, so I'll ask him then. His system is about 5 hours from where I'm student teaching, so I doubt he will want to come observe me!
dyan - Also, ask your cooperating professors - they know your work habits, etc..
Emma - Jeanne - I meant the principal of the school where you are student teaching.
Marcia - What about teachers you have worked with in other situations? I work for Head Start now, My supervising teacher said she would write a reference?
dyan - Marcia- great idea! Supervising teachers are perfect for references!
Emma - Marcia - Yes, that would be a good professional reference. Any teachers who have worked with you, or who know you well would be good professional resources.
Jeanne - It has a space for my cooperating teacher and university supervisor. I've got another good reference, because I was a tutor in the math lab at my college. But, I don't know where to put that on my application, because all of the spaces for references have specific titles.
Emma - I doubt they're going to check or care that the reference has that particular title.
Marcia - What was the name of the book you quoted at the beginning of the chat? I missed part of it.
dyan - Jeanne - you can attach a seperate page of references, I did and my principals really appreciated it - neatly typed out with thier title and relationship to you and all of their info!
Jeanne - I suppose I will just ask the principal tomorrow. I can't be the first applicant to come across this problem.
Emma - Marcia - The title of the book is Survival Kit for New Teachers.
dyan - Our book is SURVIVAL KIT FOR NEW TEACHERS: A USER FRIENDLY HANDBOOK!
Marcia - Who is the author? Is it sold at Amazon?
dyan - Everyone feel free to visit our web site for great tips for new and student teachers @ www.inspiringteachers.com!
Emma - Jeanne - I remember when I filled out my first application. There were several sections that didn't even relate to me because I had never taught before. I was told to leave those blank or write N/A. The district will recognize that you are a new teacher.
Marcia - great!
dyan - Marcia - the authors are Dyan Hershman and Emma McDonald - Yes we do sell on Amazon.com, but also directly on our web site!
Emma - Marcia - Dyan and I are the authors of Survival Kit for New Teachers and you can get it on our web site for cheaper than on Amazon.
Marcia - ok
Emma - Look at us! Dyan & I think too much alike. We keep answering the same questions at the same time!
Emma - LOL ! :)
dyan - Does anyone have any other questions?
Marcia - with only four of us in the room, it is easy to get a word in...
chelseapaw - not at the monent but thanks for the session it was really helpful.
Patty - Yes, thanks for the tips!
Jeanne - Thank you very much for your help! I have felt inadequate because there are sections I can't fill out. This makes me feel better to know that's not unusual!
rebecca - Thank you so much... this has been very helpfu.
Emma - Well, everyone, my toddler is anxious to get to bed (i.e. - screaming his head off!), so I need to get going. Any other questions before I have to log off? Be sure to visit our site, Beginning Teachers Tool Box at http://www.inspiringteachers.com We're here to help with anything you need!
dyan - Great! Feel free to join us next month! Our mission is to make life easier for new and student teachers!
Marcia - Thanks, this has been the first time I could join the chats. I usually work late. But it is spring break. Thanks again for answering questions
Jeanne - What kind of questions would you ask the principal during your interview?
dyan - Jeanne - What is your vision for the school? How do your grade levels/departments support each other? In what ways does the district provide support for the staff and students in this school? Please describe the demographics of your school? How active is parent involvement?
Emma - Definitely ask the principal what their philosophy of teaching is, their vision & mission for the school, what is the level of parental involvement, describe the demographics of the school - i.e. diversity of classrooms, how are new teachers supported?
rebecca - Those are good questions, some I had not thought of!
dyan - Nice job Emma! :)
Jeanne - Thank you! I can never think of anything good to ask! LOL
Patty - Are you two really the same person?
dyan - One would think so ! We are best friends and teaching partners!
Emma - Also be sure to ask the principal about the overall morale of the school and relations between teachers - is it a "clickish" group or are they open to newcomers. All of these things will directly affect you and whether or not you are supported & have success teaching in that particular school.
Patty - Good match!
Emma - It seems that we both have the same thoughts at the same time! :)
dyan - Well all, I am off to watch ER! Join us next month - we love to help you guys and gals!
dyan - Have a good night all - and good luck!
Emma - Good luck everyone and feel free to e-mail us anytime through our Ask The Mentor section on our web site! We are here to help!
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