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Rita - Alice Ryan and I are happy to be the moderators of this time
MI/Jo - Does anybody really believe there is a teacher shortage?
Leigh - I keep hearing there is I sure hope so
Leigh - Just 'cause I need a job.
daisygirl - That's what I hear, I'm just not seeing people want to hire new teachers!
Rita - In NY there is a tremendous teacher shortage in certain areas --
vinni - i am a teacher in NYC and we have a shortage of certified teachers
Suzy - I've got 8 years experience, just moved, and am having a hard time
daisygirl - The school where I did my student teaching only wants experienced teachers. How can I get experience if I just graduated from college.
MI/Jo - Alice and Rita...what are some things we can do to make ourselves stand out as top teacher candidates?
Rita - looks like there are alot of NYers -- any recent teacher interview experiences to talk about?
Barb - I have 25 years. The district is splitting and we will have 20 or so extra teachers. Lots of layoffs.
Amy - I've had two interviews so far and have one for next week
Leigh - What sort of questions do they ask at interviews?
MI/Jo - I like daisygirl's question...does subbing count as experience?
Alice - Your resume has to show that you are TOPS!
daisygirl - I had an interview yesterday.
lori - Pointers please
vinni - my last interview was 5 years ago.
MI/Jo - How? what does that resume need?
Alice - Tell what wonderful classroom experiences you created
Amy - I just registered to take the LAST test in July
daisygirl - My resume is nothing great.. What do I need
MI/Jo - What is LAST?
Rita - MI/Jo - to be a top candidate there are probably a lot of things to consider --- Prime probably would be to know how you are different and unique from others - and how you can use those experiencesa and proficiencies to enhance yourr students' learning
Amy - I've been an assistant teacher in private schools for the last two years. I'm looking to go into the public school system although interviewing with independent schools as well
daisygirl - What if my only classroom experience has been my practicum and student teaching
MI/Jo - Key words or phrases that stand out in an resume
Suzy - What are some questions you were asked in your interviews??
Alice - Some candidates list in general terms that they did student teaching
Amy - The LAST is a test you need to take to get NY Certification
MI/Jo - I am one very creative and flexable person. What can I do to prove that?
Alice - You have to convey that you have successful experience - Give details!
Leigh - Like the ExCet here in TX, I guess
Amy - One question I was asked is "What is your management style?"
vinni - i was on a committee of teachers that hired other teachers--we were looking for people that had things out of the ordinary
MI/Jo - How do I sell myself after 8 years of subbing. No one looks at subbing as a positive exp.
daisygirl - I was asked why I really want to teach?
Amy - Others were "Tell about an experience with a particularly difficult child and how you handled it"
Rita - Mi/Jo -- your variety of experiences with students and curriculum are probably the most important - along with certification in multiple areas - from my students' recent experiences are very important, I thinkat least -
MI/Jo - I have had 10 long-terms...am I stuck in a loop?
Amy - I always tell that I love to sing and play guitar with children
lori - If I were to walk into your class during reading, what would I see? is one that I was asked in my interview the other day
Alice - Many states have their own tests, others use ETS' Praxis.
MI/Jo - Yep, I recongnize all of these questions
Barb - What should be included in a letter of application? (Can you tell it has been 20 years since my last interview)?
Alice - MI/Jo Lots of educators value subbing experience.
Amy - Right now I have to send in a sample lesson plan to one public school who is interested showing my involvement with the reading/writing workshop and also an example of home school communication. I need to work on that and send it in ASAP
Alice - MI/Jo Are you conveying your flexibility and creativity?
MI/Jo - Has anybody else had experience with the teacher perciever test?
Rita - MI/Jo - to be a top candidate there are probably a lot of things to consider --- Prime probably would be to know how you are different and unique from others - and how you can use those experiencesa and proficiencies to enhance yourr students' learning
lori - Barb, it has been 19 for me and I sure am rusty.
Amy - Anyone have a good lesson plan for reader's workshop/writer's workshop?
Amy - I am actually fresh out of graduate school...just got my Master's
daisygirl - Is there anybody that just finished college. I just graduated and don't know where to start
Amy - So I should have plenty of lesson plans up my sleeve
MI/Jo - Alice, I think so. I show them my lesson plans, pictures, etc.
Barb - Check out Reading With Meaning-it is online to read at Stenhouse. Great ideas.
Rita - Amy - The readinglady.com is a really good resource
Alice - So many questions!! That's why we put answers in a book. Resumes should have education, certification (when it will be granted) experience, special skills, COMPUTER SKILLS, etc. The resume gets you the interview.
Amy - I am not sure if I will end up teaching at a public or private school next year...we will see
Amy - Thank you Rita...I will check out that site !
Linda - How important are portfolios for interviews?
vinni - we looked at teaching portfolios. Most of them contained pictures of kids, sample lessons and kids work. some of the best showed how they used the standards
lori - In my interview, they never asked for a lesson or for my portfolio. I just had my references, resume, certification, and a sample of my newsletter.
Rita - daisygirl - first you have to decide where you want to teach - private or public --- nearby or somewhere else ---
teachK - I have found that portfolios are not that important I didnot have anyane ask to see it
MI/Jo - Most of the places I have been talking to don't want a portfolio. Now what?
Amy - What is Stenhouse?
Rita - Barb - You're totally right --- readinglady.com
MI/Jo - State benchmarks are big here...as I am sure they are in all states
Amy - I have a good resume and I have good experience...but I still am nervous
teachK - get letters of rec from anyone who has seen you in action = that is what they want to see the more principal's ones you have the better off you are
Barb - publishing co. I think www.stenhouse.com
Alice - Linda - portfolios are evidence of what you say in an interview. Sometimes you can refer to an integrated unit or community project and show the page in your portfolio.
daisygirl - Rita, I know i want to teach in a public school, anywhere k-4th, and would like to stay in my home town. If i had to leave i would
Suzy - Many places ask you to teach a lesson as part of the interview process.
Amy - OH, okay Thanks Barb
MI/Jo - Has anyone had to do a mini-lesson as part of the interview?
lori - not me
Amy - Today I went to a school and did a demonstration lesson
Alice - Five of my students (over two years) were hired by a principal because of their portfolios.
teachK - yes = I have I would almost rather have done it in front of kids though - I did mine to imaginary audience
Linda - So is it best to bring something to "show" for the interview??
MI/Jo - Amy, were you told what to teach...grade level, subject?
teachK - have it available linda - but be prepared not to use it though
Amy - I'm hearing lots of good advice here
Rita - daisygirl - do you know any schools that you would like to work in? That's a start ---
Alice - I just talked with a just graduated student who is doing her demo lesson tomorrow at 10:00 am. She is rewriting her lesson plan and making multiple copies. Frequently there are several observes.
Linda - OK thanks.
teachK - I did a lot of research on the district and the school I was interviewing for - it showed them I was interested and knew what I was talking about
Rita - Amy - what happened at your demonstration lesson?
MI/Jo - Thanks for the extra copies tip
daisygirl - Rita--- Yes, I don't live in a huge town. I would work in any of the 13 elementary schools available. The problem is that my principals want experienced teachers
Amy - No, I just came in and read an engaging story and taught the kids a song which was an interactive song. This was PreK/K in an independent school in Harlem
teachK - I know it got me my last job =- but it was a tiny district in a rural area
Linda - Question about the resume-I've taught for 10 years and prior to that 3 as a sub-should my resume go back to subbing?
MI/Jo - teachK, where did you get your info on the school? waht info did you look up and talk about?
Amy - I just did the lesson and met with two teachers in the other preK class. The director of the school was supposed to be there but she missed it because she was visited unexpectedly by several trustees of the school.
Alice - Many districts have websites. State education departments have information about the schools. NYS requires annual REport Cards published on the internet.
Rita - daisygirl - certainly I can understand that as a preference - but there are other issues which might get you in thedoor --- first off getting experience somewhere - even as a substitute in the system may be useful ----
Linda - I've been using the interne to research schools-some have great websites that really give a lot of info-others do not.
Amy - I actually want to interview more before accepting any offers (not that I've gotten any yet, have only just started interviewing)
teachK - I knew it was a small school so I looked up API score ( california) and demographics from the state website so I knew what kind of kids were there (50% Hispanic) - I also looked other schools of their size and population and interviewed with them - so they knew I was interested in the school not just a job
Amy - With the new contract in New York City it may be to my best advantage to get a job in a public school...one of the better ones, preferably
daisygirl - Rita--The district really does not look at subbing in a postive light. We have lots of teachers on waviers. In are district its all about who you know
Alice - In your interview, try to get a sense of the administration/principal. School climate is frequently determined by the personalities you meet in the interview.
Rita - teachK - your knowledge about the district and the school probably were very instrumental in your presentation at tyour interview - and perhaps in your initial letter as well ---
lori - OK I'm throwing this out here--I just have found out that one of my references is negative. A system that is interested in me told me so I could get another. I am in shock and quite don't know what to do. I have another reference for this system, but unfortunately this person is listed on all the schools that I have applied to. Is there a way out or am I doomed? This will be my only question since it is a doozy.
Barb - you mentioned a book of tips earlier-what is the title?
Rita - daisygirl - that's no unusual unfortunately --- since you live in the district I'll et you know some people who may be able to help you -- now's the time to ask for their assistance
daisygirl - rita- another problem in our district is that, we have a lot of schools on probation. the state may take over some of these schools. Would it be bad for a new teacher to teach in a probation school
teachK - I also have a grant where the state of california will pay off my loans if I work for a certain tyoe of school for 4 years ( title one) so I told them that I was actually getting paid two thousand more if I worked for their school - let them know that I would want to stay for at least 4 years
MI/Jo - Lori, I had the same experience...two years ago and I am still trying to get out from under it.
Amy - Don't list that person as a reference anymore...that's unfortunate
Rita - lori - be grateful that you discovered this info -- -perhaps you can get some new letters - more recent experiences with people who may be more posittive ---
Amy - I've worked with some difficult head teachers while I was an assistant
Alice - lor- don't give up. Everyone knows that there are matches and mismatches. Be prepared to respond about the negatives, but don't trash that person. Be professional.
MI/Jo - This guy is a superintendent with a rep for doing this stuff, but it sticks
lori - I have been crying for a week because I loved this person. S/he had always complimented my teaching.
MI/Jo - Okay, how do you suggest we handle this?
Alice - Succeeding at Your Interview : A Practical Guide for Teachers. Look on Amazon and search for Brause, Rita.
Linda - lori-could it b a mistake/misunderstanding? Can you contact this person to find out for sure??
Rita - daisygirl - your goal is to teach in a school where you can make a difference, I'd think -- so a school on probation may be delighted to have someone with new ideas join their staff --- Certainly it's not a new teacherr's fault that the school is on probation
Barb - Alice-thanks!
lori - I did contact this person. I didn't want to betray the system because they did not have to tell me this. The person only said that wrote thaat I was a hard worker and would rehire me. They weere pretty vague.
Barb - What information should be in a letter of application-cover letter?
Rita - Barb -- we provide pretty clear informatiion on tihe letter of introduction in our book - Succeeding at Your Interview -- and there are other resources out there as well
Amy - Cover letter--talk about your experience, your strengths, why you are applying to that school. Should be brief--sell yourself
Alice - Barb- Make it clear, short, and PERFECT! Tell they what position you are seeking, mention the school or district in the body of the letter, connect at least one of your qualities to the interest or needs of the distict.
MI/Jo - Rita, could you give the publishers name?
Linda - I've been thinking about cover letters too. Can you put in there some extras that don't fit into resume? Like camples of specific units or special things you've done too?
Amy - My resume and cover letters are good...I get nervous during interviews, though. I feel much more articulate on paper than in person
MI/Jo - In a cover letter is it alright to list continuing class.
Rita - Amy, I agree the leltter needs to be brief - and highlight something which will cause the district to lookl further --- most important --- make sure there are no spelling errors - that's fatal to any correspondence with a school
Alice - Amy - you're right. Most candidates don't sell themselves. Convey that you will be a wonderful asset to the school. Always be accurate - no exaggerations,.
Amy - But I think that's because I was out of practice with interviews. Sometimes it's helpful to go on some interviews with schools that you are not necessarily that interested in just to get experience interviewing.
MI/Jo - I keep hearing "sell yourself" what does that look like and sound like?
Alice - Linda, don't make it too long. Just enough information to get the reader to turn to your resume.
Rita - MI/Jo - I'm not sure what you mean by continuing class --
Linda - If you know that the school emphasizes technology then mention your own expereinces using tech, right?
MI/Jo - Keeping up to date on new techinques, adding credit hours to certificat, etc.
Amy - "Sell yourself" means tell them why they should hire you in as positive and unassuming manner as possible. Demonstrate your strengths and let them decide that you would be an asset
Alice - MI/Jo It sounds like "developed an unit integrating math, science and social studies in which the students...."
daisygirl - Rita-you don't think that teaching in a probation school is bad for me as a new teacher.
Rita - Linda - that's a great idea --- and the only way you get to know what the school is valuing is by doing research--- visiting the school's website, checking the district's policies , etc.
MI/Jo - daisygirl, if it were me, I would take the challenge!
Alice - Linda, yes. Technology is in demand everywhere. Districts want new teachers to bring in newer skills.
Amy - I always do research and get a sense of the school before writing a cover letter. I want to know what how they advertise themselves so I could see if it would be a good match
MI/Jo - Amy and Alice, I am doing that so I am on the right track
daisygirl - everybody-can you please give me some insight on why you want to teach. This came up in an interview and I did not really know how to verbalize it
Rita - daisygirl - What precisely is a probation school? I was thinking you were referring to a school on probation -- but I'm not sure - please help me
MI/Jo - I want to teach because, I believe I can make the world better, one child at a time.
Alice - IN NYC the troubled schools (SURR) are where the jobs are and where the challenges are. They
daisygirl - rita-well, they are thinking about closing 3 schools in are district because they are not meeting the standards
Amy - Tell them you are enthusiastic, organized, etc. Also be specific and give specific examples of things you've done in the classroom that show your strengths Always give examples
Linda - any tips on researching schools besieds the internet?
Alice - Linda, your local library probably has school board agendas, school newspapers, etc. Read your local newspapers and talk to everyone.
MI/Jo - Call someone you know within the district and ask questions. That helped me last spring. I wa not hired, but the P called back with some tips for this year.
daisygirl - What do you do when you know there will be opening at a certain school, but they just are not posting jobs.
daisygirl - mi/jo-Thanks for you insight. I agree. I want to make a difference
MI/Jo - I apply anyway just to let them know I am interested
Alice - daisygirl - contact them asap. And ask questions. This early lead gives you time to research the school.
Rita - daisygirl - there's only so much you can do --- you never know if an insider already has the job locked in --- even if there is an ad -- but you need to make sure they are aware of your availability and your strengths - so they can make an informed decision ----- don't expect all decision to be fair, though, unfortunately
Amy - Send a thank you letter if possible after an interview telling them you're interested and recapping a highlight of the interview. I actually didn't do that on my last interview. Oh, well. Broke my own rule
Barb - I want to teach because there is nothing more satisfying than watching the lightbulb come on in a child's mind and the hand wave in the air to ask another question or share an insite.
Barb - I want to teach because there is nothing more satisfying than watching the lightbulb come on in a child's mind and the hand wave in the air to ask another question or share an insite.
daisygirl - Alice-I've done this. This is occurring at the school i did my studnet teaching at. the principal told me i did a great job and wrote me an excellent letter of recommendation
Alice - What great advice is being shared here! Any other types of screening experiences?
MI/Jo - Has anyone been through the teacher perciever?
Alice - Some districts accept only e-mailed resumes. Any experience with that?
Rita - daisygirl - perhaps you can ask the priincipal to advise you of any teaching positions --- any in nearby schhols --- as a subtle way to get him./her to contemplate you for that school as well as others-
MI/Jo - Yes, it drives me nuts...half the time the district is down and can't accept the stuff.
Alice - Rita, some of these questions relate to Chapter 4 in Succeeding... Your Application Documents.
daisygirl - Rita-Good advice
Amy - Good night...good luck, everyone
Rita - I've heard of districts that encourage applications only through email -- and discourage all other forms --- yet the individual principals seek to be contacted individually
Linda - my dad is pals with one of the county boards I'm interested in, should I use that "connection" and how to do it tactfully??
MI/Jo - I like Rita's idea about asking the principal for other jobs
Alice - There is nothing as strong as personal contact.
Rita - There are so many good ideas being shared here - this is a great group -
daisygirl - In an interview is it a great idea to share professional organizations that you are in. Sorry for the crazy question, I am kinda new at this
MI/Jo - Linda, use it very carefully and with great dicrestion.
MI/Jo - Yes, I have gotten a couple of interviews due my memebership in Phi Delta Kappa
MI/Jo - Join a professional organization is helpful
Alice - Linda, use all contacts. You will be judged on your qualifications and your "fit" for the school, but without the contact... no possibility of an interview.
Rita - Linda -- ask you dad to help you make contact with his friend -- who probably will be delighted to help his friend -- and is probably in a good position to talk a little about you from first hand experience in the best of all possible worlds---
Rita - MII/Jo - how did you get those interviews through Phi Delta Kappa?
Alice - Contacts (Networking) is an appropriate job search activity. It doesn't mean anything unfair.
Linda - thanks for your input. I almost feel like I'm "using" my dad...but you're right it's only a first step, right?
MI/Jo - Two of the members called me because they know I am looking for work. I was not hired because of relatives and coaching needs
Barb - I have been a parent participant on an interview committee for a teacher in my children's district. On thing they look for in the interview is many student centered examples. Instead of "I would.." or "in my classroom.." center you answers around student behavior/outcomes.
Alice - Linda, Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a teaching position. Someone's sister perhaps just heard of an imminent opening.
Rita - daisygirl - being a member of a professional organization should indicate to a school that you are a serious professiional -- If that's true about you -- and that's the type of professional setting you are seeking -- then you are offering a clear indication of your values - and implicitly indicatign that thtat's a valuye you are looking for in a school district as well
MI/Jo - I live in an area with 10 teacher colleges within 40 miles. Many teachers pass their class on to family hires when they retire.
daisygirl - Is it typical for the school districts in your area to wait and hire at the very end of summer. That's the trend my school seems to have
Rita - Barb - that's very interesting - about the focus on students being evidenced in your statements at the interview ---
MI/Jo - Several of the districts I talked with told me the week before school would be hiring time.
Linda - I have to be a little careful because I do not want the district I'm current;ly teaching at to know I'm looking...
daisygirl - As a new teacher, I really don't want to wait so late. I need to get things for my classroom
Alice - MI/Jo That's unfortunate, but there are many factors. Sometimes its the budget process that holds up hiring. What a loss of prep time for the new teacher and the class.
Barb - I have begun to think differently about how I will phrase my answers and examples I can give. it has been an eye opening experience, and helpful.
MI/Jo - daisygirl, try to prep for the grades and subjects you want to teach...
daisygirl - Well, I just don't want to buy a lot of stuff and end up not havig a job
MI/Jo - Barb, I do have to think about how I answer questions too. I not always as reflective as I should be.
Rita - the reality is that schools hire at all times of the year -- ideally you would know now for September -- but I know I got my first teaching position early in SEptembe r- 5 days before the kids came -- so I ws working all summer trying to think of general teaching activities - and gathering materials from all over --- just in case
Alice - Barb, We suggest to our candidates to think and rethink responses to typical questions. In Succeeding we provide chapters in which you develop answers that represent you professionally.
MI/Jo - You will use the stuff subbing, if that is what you end up doing.
MI/Jo - Alice, is it appro. to ask schools what the ideal candidate is quailifed to do?
Barb - I do great if I have time (and am not in a stressful situation) to think through responses. The more I plan for possible questions, the better I feel about my answers.
daisygirl - What type of questions should I ask when a principal asks me if I have any questions
MI/Jo - Barb, I am with you on the time thing. I have been collecting questions and writing answers to them for practice...makes me think things through
Alice - MI/Jo And subbing is valued by many districts. You have to be flexible and responsive to students. Subbing is a strong credential. Be sure to include it on your resume - how many days (if lots) in a school.
daisygirl - Is there a website that can give you possible questions that a principal may ask
MI/Jo - daisygirl..yes. teachers.net has some
Alice - Barb - sounds like Practice, practice, practice!
Rita - Mi/Jo- Alice and I - along with Christine Donohue wrote about how to be very systematic in your preparation for the interview --- thinking carefully what you want to make sure you let them know --- and also what you would just as soon avoid addressing --- this stance is really important -- particularly if you want to "be in charge" and get the most out of your interview (also viewed as succeeding!) - as Alice has been suggesting very clearly as well
daisygirl - I've been on that one and it's excellent. Just curious about any others
MI/Jo - Alice, how do I highlight subbing in a positive manner? I have 10 long-terms to my credit.
Barb - If I didn't know already, I would want to know about curriculum approacher-Readers/Writers workshop or basal, class sizes, math approaches, etc.
Alice - daisygirl= let your question(s) show that you know something about the school and its interests. No money, vacation questions.
Rita - daisygirl and MI/Jo -- it's not only the question that is important -0 -- it's how you respond that's really the important issue ---
Linda - Will interviewers ask why you are leaving a current position? If so, how would you answer that?
Rita - We/ve had some really great ideas shared here tonight -- I've had great fun ---- have you, Alice? everyone else?
Barb - Give it a positive spin-You want a new challenge, etc. Never talk down your old position.
Rita - Linda --- yes, --- never talk about the problems at a place --- tallk about your desire to connect with something unique at that site for example
MI/Jo - Linda, when they ask why I want to leave subbing, I say I want to see my own group of students grow intellectually and socially
Alice - MI/Jo - Subbing is Professional Experience. Indicate the range of grades, subjects and activities. Have certain teachers or schools called you back repeatedly? That's a positive recommendation. Let people know you are the chosen sub.
daisygirl - I know right now they have some opening that are okay. They are not my really top schools I would like to be at. Let's say I was offered a job, should i take one so soon, or possibly wait for a better school?
MI/Jo - In my area subbing is not viewed as a positvie
Rita - Alice -those are great ideas to respond to an inquiry about the extensive subbing experience
Barb - As a classroom teacher, I have written a recommendation for a substitute who was really outstanding.
MI/Jo - Once a sub always a sub...in fact I was told they would never hire me 'cos I am too good as a sub
Alice - I can't believe an hour has gone by. So much good information! Great people willing to share their knowledge and experiences.
Rita - subbing is viewed differently in each setting --- and the view is constantly changing --- Try to indicate how you've learned about the grades you are best at --- for example
MI/Jo - Barb, I have several recommends all good
Linda - thanks all & good night!
daisygirl - mi/jo-subbing is not excepted in my area
Rita - Hope we helped some people tonight -- Good night, Alice - and everyone else
MI/Jo - Rita, I tried 3rd and loved it! That was something I never I thought I would say
Barb - Use them with your credentials and other letters of recommendation.
Alice - I stop into the student teacher chat room meetings periodically. Perhaps we'll meet there again.
Barb - Thank you Rita and Alice.
MI/Jo - Bye, Barb. Good Luck
daisygirl - This was a helpful experience! I just wish I could get more insight
Alice - Good night, Rita, Good night all. and FINDING a job is hard and professional work. Good Luck to all.
