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Beginning Teachers Chatboard

help for new teachers

by danny

Mar 7, 2013

Here is a free resource that will help you keep your head above the water.

[link removed]

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Chatboard wisdom: "Please do not teach this myth"

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Mar 9, 2013

All month we'll add to this page when we spot especially helpful and insightful posts, so check back often!

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4 most-requested articles on Differentiation of Instruction

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Mar 20, 2013

Hop over and bookmark the page, then share the link with educators everywhere. The 4 articles are our most requested on Differentiation of Instruction.

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Can anyone help?

by Julie

Mar 26, 2013

I have been looking for a teaching position for 2 years. Here in New Jersey most school districts use an online application called AppliTrack. I must being doing something wrong and not making the "sort" when the districts go through the online applications, because I have never been called for an interview when using the online application. Howeve...See More

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DOC What are you putting on the AppliTracks? Make sure you have all of your certifications scanned on, a solid resume, eloquent cover letter and any other pertinent information. I use AppliTrack to find my people and the first thing I check is Certifications, then resume, then I try to piece together this person's professional career. I ask myself the ...See MoreWhat are you putting on the AppliTracks? Make sure you have all of your certifications scanned on, a solid resume, eloquent cover letter and any other pertinent information. I use AppliTrack to find my people and the first thing I check is Certifications, then resume, then I try to piece together this person's professional career. I ask myself the question, "What can this person do for me?" I don't agree that middle aged woman have no chance. That is just negativity. My suggestions to you are #1- become highly qualified or get certified in 2 of the important areas. LA, Math and Science. You can fill more positions. #2- Make sure you are technologically savvy. This is where many experienced applicants fall short. The fresh out of college applicants are technologically savvy. #3 Be willing to take any job to get your foot in the door. #4 Don't appear to be high- maintanence. If you are special, prove it AFTER you get the job. Good luck!

On 4/02/13, Julie wrote: > Does anyone have any tricks or know what the AppliTrack system > scans for? > > > > > > On 3/30/13, not a good fit wrote: >> I can't move either; my house is "underwater," and my kids' dad >> lives in this area so I want it be be convenient for my young >> adult children to spend time with both parents. >> The job situation is very depressing, as you all know. School >> districts are still trying to cut back on positions for next >> year. The constant stress is getting hard to take. Just trying to >> keep a positive attitude, thinking of taking up meditation to >> learn to transcend the immediate reality and find some > tranquility. >> >> >> On 3/30/13, J wrote: >>> I don't have good references from subbing. Just don't have >>> the relationships. Can you move states? NC, Arizona? I >>> can't move because of my husband's job. >>> >>> On 3/30/13, J wrote: >>>> I think it is hopeless for white women over 40. >>>> Especially overweight women >>>> like me. Skinny blondes are getting the jobs. The >>>> districts pay a reduced group rate for insurance. I >>>> don't think 1 insurance will make a difference. I would >>>> go to nursing school if I didn't have kids coming up >>>> for college in a few years. No financial aid except >>>> loans once a person has a degree or two degrees. I >>>> don't need more debt. Thankfully my husband has a >>>> living wage job. >>>> >>>> On 3/29/13, Julie wrote: >>>>> I waited a long time, and worked very hard to obtain >>>>> my teaching degree. There must be a way around this ( >>>>> you are right these are the people getting the jobs). >>>>> What do you think if I worked into my next interview >>>>> that I do not need health insurance? Will dollar >>>>> signs make them overlook I am a middle age woman? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 3/29/13, J wrote: >>>>>> Here are who are getting the teaching jobs everywhere: >>>>>> >>>>>> 1. men 2. minorities 3. young 22 year old kids >>>>>> fresh out of college 4. relatives/friends of >>>>>> someone in the district 5. graduates of the >>>>>> district schools >>>>>> >>>>>> Middle aged white women don't have a chance. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 3/28/13, "not a good fit" wrote: >>>>>>> I too am a mature teacher and the last two times >>>>>>> thaatI had an interview I was told that I did >>>>>>> well in the interview, but someone else was >>>>>>> chosen that was considered "a better >>>>>>> fit" for the position. When I politely ask >>>>>>> for some feedback that would help me better >>>>>>> convey my strengths, etc. in the interview, they >>>>>>> refuse to answer, saying that it is >>>>>>> "confidential." So frustrating!!!!!How >>>>>>> can you improve theyw ay you present yourself if >>>>>>> they will not tell you what was lacking? Unless >>>>>>> it is something that you cannot change sueh as >>>>>>> age. You are left to conclude that they wanted >>>>>>> someone younger or someone's friend or relative >>>>>>> for the job. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 3/28/13, Julie wrote: >>>>>>>> The few interviews I have been on were obtained >>>>>>>> when the district requested paper resumes. My >>>>>>>> first few interviews I will admit I was >>>>>>>> extremely nervous and I know my nerves were >>>>>>>> obvious to the administrators. I am more >>>>>>>> confident now, and my nerves are not an issue. >>>>>>>> What seems to be an issue is my age for some >>>>>>>> reason. I say this because someone at some >>>>>>>> point during the interview brings up my age. >>>>>>>> They do it tactfully, for example a question >>>>>>>> may be "Why now"? I turn this to be >>>>>>>> to my benefit, and explain that my goal has >>>>>>>> always been to be a teacher, unfortunately my >>>>>>>> life's journey has had a few bumps in the road. >>>>>>>> Then go into that my maturity and life >>>>>>>> experience is an asset...etc. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I would never decline any interview. I can not >>>>>>>> understand why districts would hire right out >>>>>>>> of college teachers with no life experience >>>>>>>> over a mature teacher. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I was recently told that age does play a role, >>>>>>>> due to health insurance. Do not know if this is >>>>>>>> true or not but that is what I have been told. >>>>>>>> I was planning on my next interview to gently >>>>>>>> bring up that I am not in need of health >>>>>>>> insurance. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Thanks Julie >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 3/27/13, Vet Teacher wrote: >>>>>>>>> On 3/26/13, Julie wrote: >>>>>>>>>> I have been looking for a teaching position >>>>>>>>>> for 2 years. Here in New Jersey most school >>>>>>>>>> districts use an online application called >>>>>>>>>> AppliTrack. I must being doing something >>>>>>>>>> wrong and not making the "sort" >>>>>>>>>> when the districts go through the online >>>>>>>>>> applications, because I have never been >>>>>>>>>> called for an interview when using the >>>>>>>>>> online application. However, the few >>>>>>>>>> districts that still use the mail in resume >>>>>>>>>> I usually get called in for an interview. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Does anyone have any advice as to how to >>>>>>>>>> get my online applicationt to make the >>>>>>>>>> district's sort? I have googled information >>>>>>>>>> on this and have added the buzz words and >>>>>>>>>> have gotten rid of bold print, etc. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Any advice would be appreciated. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Thank you, Julie >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> If you're getting some interviews, what's >>>>>>>>> happened at those interviews? I'd suggest a >>>>>>>>> two-pronged approach here - getting your >>>>>>>>> resume to be more widely distributed is one >>>>>>>>> approach but once you land an interview, do >>>>>>>>> you get called back for a second and if not >>>>>>>>> why not? Did you decline a second interview?

Apr 12, 2013

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Julie DOC

I have a solid resume and cover letter. I have had it read by administrators and they told me they are solid. The problem with Highly Qualified is you need to have worked somewhere. Yes, I have met the criteria of Highly Qualified but do not yet have work experience to be called Highly Qualified. I even called the state of NJ, and it i...See MoreDOC

I have a solid resume and cover letter. I have had it read by administrators and they told me they are solid. The problem with Highly Qualified is you need to have worked somewhere. Yes, I have met the criteria of Highly Qualified but do not yet have work experience to be called Highly Qualified. I even called the state of NJ, and it is a catch 22.

I do not think every hiring professional is as diligent as you. I do believe many click through the sorting process and do not read the resume and cover letters attached until they get to a few.

What sorting process do you use? How can I make my application get through the sorting of applicants?

On 4/12/13, DOC wrote: > What are you putting on the AppliTracks? Make sure you have all of > your certifications scanned on, a solid resume, eloquent cover letter > and any other pertinent information. I use AppliTrack to find my > people and the first thing I check is Certifications, then resume, > then I try to piece together this person's professional career. I ask > myself the question, "What can this person do for me?" I don't agree > that middle aged woman have no chance. That is just negativity. My > suggestions to you are #1- become highly qualified or get certified in > 2 of the important areas. LA, Math and Science. You can fill more > positions. #2- Make sure you are technologically savvy. This is > where many experienced applicants fall short. The fresh out of > college applicants are technologically savvy. #3 Be willing to take > any job to get your foot in the door. #4 Don't appear to be high- > maintanence. If you are special, prove it AFTER you get the job. > Good luck! > > On 4/02/13, Julie wrote: >> Does anyone have any tricks or know what the AppliTrack system >> scans for? >> >> >> >> >> >> On 3/30/13, not a good fit wrote: >>> I can't move either; my house is "underwater," and my kids' dad >>> lives in this area so I want it be be convenient for my young >>> adult children to spend time with both parents. >>> The job situation is very depressing, as you all know. School >>> districts are still trying to cut back on positions for next >>> year. The constant stress is getting hard to take. Just trying to >>> keep a positive attitude, thinking of taking up meditation to >>> learn to transcend the immediate reality and find some >> tranquility. >>> >>> >>> On 3/30/13, J wrote: >>>> I don't have good references from subbing. Just don't have >>>> the relationships. Can you move states? NC, Arizona? I >>>> can't move because of my husband's job. >>>> >>>> On 3/30/13, J wrote: >>>>> I think it is hopeless for white women over 40. >>>>> Especially overweight women >>>>> like me. Skinny blondes are getting the jobs. The >>>>> districts pay a reduced group rate for insurance. I >>>>> don't think 1 insurance will make a difference. I would >>>>> go to nursing school if I didn't have kids coming up >>>>> for college in a few years. No financial aid except >>>>> loans once a person has a degree or two degrees. I >>>>> don't need more debt. Thankfully my husband has a >>>>> living wage job. >>>>> >>>>> On 3/29/13, Julie wrote: >>>>>> I waited a long time, and worked very hard to obtain >>>>>> my teaching degree. There must be a way around this ( >>>>>> you are right these are the people getting the jobs). >>>>>> What do you think if I worked into my next interview >>>>>> that I do not need health insurance? Will dollar >>>>>> signs make them overlook I am a middle age woman? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 3/29/13, J wrote: >>>>>>> Here are who are getting the teaching jobs everywhere: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 1. men 2. minorities 3. young 22 year old kids >>>>>>> fresh out of college 4. relatives/friends of >>>>>>> someone in the district 5. graduates of the >>>>>>> district schools >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Middle aged white women don't have a chance. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 3/28/13, "not a good fit" wrote: >>>>>>>> I too am a mature teacher and the last two times >>>>>>>> thaatI had an interview I was told that I did >>>>>>>> well in the interview, but someone else was >>>>>>>> chosen that was considered "a better >>>>>>>> fit" for the position. When I politely ask >>>>>>>> for some feedback that would help me better >>>>>>>> convey my strengths, etc. in the interview, they >>>>>>>> refuse to answer, saying that it is >>>>>>>> "confidential." So frustrating!!!!!How >>>>>>>> can you improve theyw ay you present yourself if >>>>>>>> they will not tell you what was lacking? Unless >>>>>>>> it is something that you cannot change sueh as >>>>>>>> age. You are left to conclude that they wanted >>>>>>>> someone younger or someone's friend or relative >>>>>>>> for the job. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 3/28/13, Julie wrote: >>>>>>>>> The few interviews I have been on were obtained >>>>>>>>> when the district requested paper resumes. My >>>>>>>>> first few interviews I will admit I was >>>>>>>>> extremely nervous and I know my nerves were >>>>>>>>> obvious to the administrators. I am more >>>>>>>>> confident now, and my nerves are not an issue. >>>>>>>>> What seems to be an issue is my age for some >>>>>>>>> reason. I say this because someone at some >>>>>>>>> point during the interview brings up my age. >>>>>>>>> They do it tactfully, for example a question >>>>>>>>> may be "Why now"? I turn this to be >>>>>>>>> to my benefit, and explain that my goal has >>>>>>>>> always been to be a teacher, unfortunately my >>>>>>>>> life's journey has had a few bumps in the road. >>>>>>>>> Then go into that my maturity and life >>>>>>>>> experience is an asset...etc. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I would never decline any interview. I can not >>>>>>>>> understand why districts would hire right out >>>>>>>>> of college teachers with no life experience >>>>>>>>> over a mature teacher. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I was recently told that age does play a role, >>>>>>>>> due to health insurance. Do not know if this is >>>>>>>>> true or not but that is what I have been told. >>>>>>>>> I was planning on my next interview to gently >>>>>>>>> bring up that I am not in need of health >>>>>>>>> insurance. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Thanks Julie >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 3/27/13, Vet Teacher wrote: >>>>>>>>>> On 3/26/13, Julie wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> I have been looking for a teaching position >>>>>>>>>>> for 2 years. Here in New Jersey most school >>>>>>>>>>> districts use an online application called >>>>>>>>>>> AppliTrack. I must being doing something >>>>>>>>>>> wrong and not making the "sort" >>>>>>>>>>> when the districts go through the online >>>>>>>>>>> applications, because I have never been >>>>>>>>>>> called for an interview when using the >>>>>>>>>>> online application. However, the few >>>>>>>>>>> districts that still use the mail in resume >>>>>>>>>>> I usually get called in for an interview. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Does anyone have any advice as to how to >>>>>>>>>>> get my online applicationt to make the >>>>>>>>>>> district's sort? I have googled information >>>>>>>>>>> on this and have added the buzz words and >>>>>>>>>>> have gotten rid of bold print, etc. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Any advice would be appreciated. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Thank you, Julie >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> If you're getting some interviews, what's >>>>>>>>>> happened at those interviews? I'd suggest a >>>>>>>>>> two-pronged approach here - getting your >>>>>>>>>> resume to be more widely distributed is one >>>>>>>>>> approach but once you land an interview, do >>>>>>>>>> you get called back for a second and if not >>>>>>>>>> why not? Did you decline a second interview?

Apr 17, 2013

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Interviewing for the first time in 10 years. Need advice!

by Carol

Apr 1, 2013

I was hired in the school I student taught in and recruited by a principal who went to college with me, so have not done a lot of interviewing for teaching postions! Can you please give me some idea of what questions they ask?

Many thanks, Carol

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Leah Hi Carol, You may find the following article helpful:

Apr 1, 2013

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pixie This may sound like a no-brainer, but be prepared for the old standby, tell me a little about yours elf. Have a brief infomercial practiced and ready. Prepare a mini-portfolio in a pocket folder that you can leave with the interviewer. Good luck!

n 4/01/13, Carol wrote: > I was hired in the school I student taught in and recruited > ...See More

Apr 2, 2013

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Can one with an arrest record but no convictions be a teach?

by Vincent Tran

Apr 3, 2013

my only desire is to be a math teacher but have been arrested (not convicted) several times. My former principal said it would be difficult for a school to accept me. Is this true, and if so, is there anyway around it so i can teach some kids some math?

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Telling Time

by Bristol

Apr 13, 2013

I made a cool little song for remembering the short hand, long hand, and face of the clock!

Short Hours Long Minutes The clock Is Calleed The Face!

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Earth Day!There's still time to make it effective,meaningful

by Teachers.Net Gazette

Apr 21, 2013

Earth Day Lessons, Printables & Activities! Click below, and be sure to share the link with colleagues.

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resume

by Jan

Apr 23, 2013

I've taught for a total of 7 years within a couple of districts; resigned due to many personal/family issues. As these issues resolved I took a para position for the remainder of this current school year. Should I included this para position or omit it on my resumes and applications if I am trying for a teaching position?

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not an expert, but I would think it would be better to list the para position than to have a gap on your resume. Also, it shows your commitment to staying in the classroom. Just my opinion.

On 4/23/13, Jan wrote: > I've taught for a total of 7 years within a couple of > districts; resigned due to many personal/family issues. As > these issues resolv...See More

Apr 23, 2013

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Sara On 4/23/13, Jan wrote: > I've taught for a total of 7 years within a couple of > districts; resigned due to many personal/family issues. As > these issues resolved I took a para position for the > remainder of this current school year. Should I included > this para position or omit it on my resumes and > applications if I am tryi...See More

Apr 26, 2013

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Do Teachers Contribute to End-of-Year Syndrome?

by Teachers.Net Gazette

May 1, 2013

Schools are preparing for summer breaks and teachers are lamenting that students have become more active, less attentive, and more difficult to motivate. Teachers.Net asked educators to respond to the question, “Do teachers contribute to students’ end of year syndrome?”

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