To Whom ...See MoreCan anyone provide some constructive feedback on my cover letter? This is my first time applying for teaching jobs. I have had some friends look at it but they are all poli-sci majors and I'd like feedback from some fellow educators. THANKS
*cover letter* Mary Simpson 7680 Thacher Dr Toano, VA 23168
March 5, 2009
To Whom It May Concern,
I am very interested in applying for the elementary teaching position within the Matthews County School system. I have recently obtained a Vermont teaching license from Saint Michael’s College and am in the process of completing my M.ed. in elementary education with a reading concentration. I have also started the process to obtain my Virginia elementary teaching license by June 2010 so I can teach in my home state.
I am a teacher because I am passionate about helping students become life long learners. This past fall I had the opportunity to illustrate this passion when I interned in a multiage 3rd/4th grade classroom at Allen Brook Elementary in Williston, VT. During this experience I was able to use my strong academic background in education, and creative talents to develop an integrated standards based social studies and literacy unit and other lessons that engaged students in hands on learning. I particularly chose to focus on using maniplatives, art and technology in any lesson I could to accommodate the multiple intelligences of all my students.
I am very interested in a position in your school district because I feel I can provide students with a learning experience that is meaningful to their lives. I believe I can create a learning environment that can achieve this by the enthusiasm I illustrate for being a teacher and the genuine interest I take in each individual student. In addition, by also using responsive classroom methods and making the commitment to seeking out any resource that will help me fulfill each student’s needs and my creative approach to innovative lessons that engage all learners.
Please refer to the completed application I have enclosed that includes my resume and references. I look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can make a positive contribution as a teacher within the Matthews County School system. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Another Job SeekerOn 3/10/10, Leah wrote: > I am not an expert, but I would try to use "I" less
I agree. I recently went to a job fair and when I handed an interviewer my cover letter he looked over it briefly and the first thing he said was that "I" should not be used if possible, especially as the first word.
I finished my program in May. Pennsylvania is a tough place to find a job, but my classmates who moved to Virginia/North Carolina had no problem getting jobs. I am mid 30's, two children, and my husband has a pretty good job, so while I can't easily move, I also am in better shape than many due to my husband's employment. I sub for 2 districts and 1 Catholic school. For the most part, I sub at least 3 days a week, usually more. I like the flexibility that subbing gives me as a mom, but I realize that I could not make a living just subbing if something were to happen.
At any rate, good luck with your program! It's such a great feeling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things work themselves out, I'm sure you will be fine.
On 3/11/10, E.S. wrote: > I am so glad I found this forum! It is strangely > comforting to read everyone's posts about classroom > experiences. I am currently in a one-year program, seeking > both my state teaching certification as well as my Master's > in Teaching at the same time. I have been in the classroom > all year and am also taking 15 credits at night and online. > After all of this, I am just curious what my odds will be > when I graduate. Given the current economy and the hundreds > of CURRENT teachers who are being laid-off, I am starting > to worry that I won't get hired for next Fall even though > I'll have my Master's and 3 years of classroom experience > (I was an Instructional Assistant for 2 years before > beginning this program). I am interested to hear from new > teachers - was it impossible to get hired after your > programs? Is there any advice you would be willing to > share? I am going to send out my applications, resumes and > cover letters in early April, but I want to know if there > is something else I should be doing. > > Thanks in advance for any help you may give me!
Tell me if the following would be an OK answer to give in an interview. If you laugh, tell me -- may mean that I SHOULDN'T give it.
"I have a dynamic presence in the classroom, but I wish I had a bigger build, a deeper voice, and thus a more commanding presence. Fact that I'm male definitely helps, but I wish I had a more natural aire of authority like [cooperating teacher] has."
"Well, my obvious weakness is my inexperience. Though I did my student teaching, I'm still very new to teaching. (big smile now) But I learn quickly!"
With that answer, you're not cutting yourself up and - it's true. But I'd also say I like a part of your suggested answer very much. I'd tweak it to say "I have a medium tone voice and when I student taught, I had to really work to make my voice heard over the playground when I called the children to line up. I wish I had one of those voices that projected more easily - I remember a teacher I had who could project his voice from one end of the hall to the other and when we heard him, we really moved! He never had to say anything twice!"
I wouldn't say "I wish I had a bigger build" - while I understand what you're saying, I've got to say - that doesn't sound good. Nor does a 'more commanding presence' 'Or natural air of authority' sound well. They could hear that and think "Well, we wish you did too and we'll hire someone who does." > > "I have a dynamic presence in the classroom, but I wish I > had a bigger build, a deeper voice, and thus a more > commanding presence. Fact that I'm male definitely helps, > but I wish I had a more natural aire of authority like > [cooperating teacher] has."
I am a para professional in a learning support class. For the past 10 weeks we had a lovely student teacher. It became overly obvious the cooperating teacher liked her. So much so I thought it was mutual. It was very uncomfortable to be in the room with my student (when most of the other students went back to their real class). I'd be in there with my student. I couldn't take the fact he'd text her and she was in the room feet from her. Also he asked her to come in early on parent teacher conference day. I also noticed she went to another part of the city to drop off sports equipment with the teacher after school hours. Turns out the student teacher hated him. Due to his GOD like reputation was fearful of asking for real help. She learned nothing and he apparently flubs all the data on his students. He admitted he BS's his way in the IEP meetings, people think he's god and he was texting her things like "hey hot stuff" (yes I saw his texts she showed me them to prove she was not enjoying him) "Maybe we should take a nap together" and in reference to her boyfriend if he blew her off too maybe she'd hook up with him. She was crying and I felt terrible. (For leaving them alone or not figuring out she was 22 and in a vulnerable situation). Her adviser told her NOT to say nothing. I on the other hand went to our principal with her confession. Her University is following up (thankfully her supervisor suggested this was wrong). He is now e-mailing her to try to meet up, how can he get her recommendation to her and he forgot to give her something. He also was upset when she left and asked me to read her card and said they did things outside the class. Shared a 'real' friendship. I suggested maybe she wanted more of a professional relationship. Apparently this teacher was caught in the act (making out) with a para professional last year and just terrorized the teacher that caught them. (Yes he's married)...
If the proof is adequet (texts, emails, etc), then it shouldn't matter if he is a "god" at the school. The state has the ability (and the responsiblity, in this case) to suspend/revoke his certificate. I think every state has a non- harrassment section for their teacher code-of-conduct.
As for the young teacher, in time she will recover. It's important for her to know, however, that she should ALWAYS report a situation in which she feels threatened or intimidated. Shame on her university advisor for telling her to keep quiet.
On 3/13/10, joy wrote: > Hello- > > I am a para professional in a learning support class. For > the past 10 weeks we had a lovely student teacher. It became > overly obvious the cooperating teacher liked her. So much so > I thought it was mutual. It was very uncomfortable to be in > the room with my student (when most of the other students > went back to their real class). I'd be in there with my > student. > I couldn't take the fact he'd text her and she was in the > room feet from her. Also he asked her to come in early on > parent teacher conference day. I also noticed she went to > another part of the city to drop off sports equipment with > the teacher after school hours. > Turns out the student teacher hated him. Due to his GOD like > reputation was fearful of asking for real help. She learned > nothing and he apparently flubs all the data on his students. > He admitted he BS's his way in the IEP meetings, people > think he's god and he was texting her things like "hey hot > stuff" (yes I saw his texts she showed me them to prove she > was not enjoying him) > "Maybe we should take a nap together" and in reference to > her boyfriend if he blew her off too maybe she'd hook up > with him. She was crying and I felt terrible. > (For leaving them alone or not figuring out she was 22 and > in a vulnerable situation). > Her adviser told her NOT to say nothing. > I on the other hand went to our principal with her > confession. Her University is following up (thankfully her > supervisor suggested this was wrong). > He is now e-mailing her to try to meet up, how can he get > her recommendation to her and he forgot to give her > something. He also was upset when she left and asked me to > read her card and said they did things outside the class. > Shared a 'real' friendship. > I suggested maybe she wanted more of a professional > relationship. > Apparently this teacher was caught in the act (making out) > with a para professional last year and just terrorized the > teacher that caught them. > (Yes he's married)... > > Thoughts - and the young girl is terrorized.
My question is: Is my cooperating teacher right? As the student teacher, I could balance balls on my head and these kids wouldn't care. When I'm an actual teacher, I will have more resources (parents, administration) that I can enforce. But for now, I feel like my cooperating teacher should be in the classroom with me, but she refuses.
My CTs gave me their classrooms right away. But, I insisted they not leave the room or go very far away from my classroom for this reason. I wasn't going to take the brunt of someone who gets injured or falsely accuses me of something I didn't do when I had absolutely no legal back up.
On 4/04/10, East End Long Islander wrote: > I do NOT think your cooperating teacher should leave you alone in > the room, except for short periods to conduct other classroom > related business (photocopying, meeting with parents or other > staff) or, of course, if "nature" calls. She/he needs to be > there to observe your work, make recommendations for > improvement, and even, perhaps, to step in to help when > absolutely necessary. Some teachers may be afraid they'd > interfere and want to avoid the temptation, but where IS that > teacher if not in the room with you? If you are having problems > with one period, ASK him/her to come in and make suggestions on > how to get around the difficulties you are having. You're NOT > her substitute; you're a STUDENT TEACHER. > > I also think it's illegal for you to be left alone for extended > periods of time without a licensed teacher in the room. But I > wouldn't bring THAT up, except with your college mentor, perhaps
On 3/15/10, Sam wrote: > My cooperating teacher leaves me alone with the kids for > full periods. She says it's the only way I'll learn how to > manage my own classroom. This is fine for the first two > periods I teach, but the third is a disaster. The kids talk > back horribly, and refuse to participate. If I demand quiet, > they laugh and say that I'm not the real teacher. I feel > like this is out of my hands...I've tried everything. I've > assigned detentions (which they rarely show up for), I've > spoken with problem kids after class, everything. > > My question is: Is my cooperating teacher right? As the > student teacher, I could balance balls on my head and these > kids wouldn't care. When I'm an actual teacher, I will have > more resources (parents, administration) that I can enforce. > But for now, I feel like my cooperating teacher should be in > the classroom with me, but she refuses.
2) "Now we can't hire you; you are too expensive" is crap. Good principals want more educated people educating their students.
3) You can specialize in a high need area-- i.e. special education, ESL-- and make yourself more marketable
4) Teaching full time and going to school isn't ideal
5) Very few new teachers will be hired next year anyway, so take the time to get an MA; classes and subbing works out fine. You can skip the days you need to as a sub.
6) Yes some employers pay for it, but there is no guarantee of that; so do it now and be done with it.
> On 3/17/10, sam wrote: >> I have heard both sides the first one being that to start >> teaching with your Bachelors degree first (get your foot in >> the door, plus you cost less for a district to hire you. I >> have also heard get your Masters first sets you apart from >> everyone in this tight competitive job market in Ohio. I am >> going for Early Childhood. I would be fine with going the >> extra mile and getting my Masters degree right away if it >> wound not hurt my chances of being hired as a first time >> teacher as I hear (they do cost more to hire).What do you >> guys think???? I am so confused?? > > > I first started my teaching in IL six years ago. I faced the > same dilemma. People were telling me not to do get my > Master's because I would be more expensive to hire, etc. > Sounds like the same arguments you hear. I am glad that I > didn't listen to this and earned my Master's. I believe it > did set me apart and it helped me financially as a teacher. I > see my colleagues that only have a Bachelor's degree > struggling financially, and then having to go to school and > teach - not an ideal situation. > > Best of luck to you!
Now, I am enrolled in a Masters program and all the units I earn from this will push me over to the highest paying column on our salary schedule. So with the same degree, I will get paid $4,000 more than them.
So, from my perspective, it is better to wait! It would take them earning 30 more post-Masters units to catch up. Without enrolling in a PhD program, that is tough to do. I recommend researching your districts of interests and their salary schedules. That's what I did and that is why I took the two extra classes in my credential year; I knew they would get me to the 30 unit mark, which made a difference in many of my surrounding districts.
Across America, young people are thinking and talking about equality. From the environmental justice movement to the trial of the Jena 6, young people continue to come out in force, speaking their minds and making their voices heard on the issues they believe in. The National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights (NCRCR) is interested in hearing what today's youth have to say about the question, "What does equality mean to you?" To that end, NCRCR seeks your assistance in reaching out to young people to let them know about our exciting essay and visual media contest.
The concept of legal equality - the principle under which each person or group is subject to the same laws - remains a cornerstone of American life. Through legal and legislative battles over race, gender, orientation, the environment, health, education, age, housing, immigration, and disability issues, the struggle for equality continues. NCRCR invites young people between the ages of 14 and 18, to answer the question, "What does equality mean to you?" Participants can enter the contest in one of two ways - by sending an essay of no more than 750 words, or submitting a visual media entry, such as an original photograph, drawing, or cartoon. Contest judges include Grammy winner Alicia Keys, Congressman Meeks, Congressman Ellison, and comedian Margaret Cho. Please go to [link removed].
We appreciate your support and assistance in distributing information about this contest to students.
Many thanks,
Aparna P. Mohla The National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights __
The National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights (NCRCR) is a non-partisan movement working to ensure that our courts protect and preserve equal justice, fairness, and opportunity. We achieve these goals through raising awareness, outreach, and building alliances. Recognizing how little information about the status of civil rights in the courts is reaching people across the country, NCRCR is focusing on public education and outreach, finding ways to get the message out about the impact of court rulings on ourneighborhoods, our schools, our opportunities and our rights.
-- Naoma Nagahawatte Director National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights New York Lawyers for the Public Interest 151 West 30th Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212.244.4664 Fax: 212.244.4570 [link removed]
So how do independent students do it? i know a maj...See MoreSo this question is one that has been plaguing my sleep for many months now. I will start student teaching next fall and i am starting to wonder how to pay for it all. I am talking about how to pay for rent, food, other living expenses if i am working a volunteer job that does not pay me.
So how do independent students do it? i know a majority of the students who student teach, live with their parents but if my parents are not alive then how do i pay for everything? A weekend job is not going to cover all of my expenses.
Can someone take out a personal loan of say 5,000 dollars to pay for personal expenses?
...See MoreI student taught 2 years ago without working, and it wasn't easy. My program required a year's worth of student teaching, and I didn't work during the entire time. I lived with my parents, which helped a lot, but I paid for all of my expenses except paying for rent (since I didn't have any rent to pay). Here are some tips to help you out:
1. Work as much as you can from now until when you start to student teach. If you can manage to find a 2nd job to make more money, do it. If you don't already have a job, start applying NOW. Don't wait until your semester is over to start looking for summer work.
2. Save as much money as you possibly can. Start this RIGHT NOW! When friends call and ask if you want to go out, see if you can do something cheaper. Since it's starting to get nice outside, do outdoor activities. Go on hikes in local parks, bike rides, rollerblade, etc. Don't spend money by going out to eat. Cook meals at home. You can find some easy recipes on Kraft.com. If you're getting together with friends, you could each bring a dish to share for dinner, save money, and still be able to enjoy each other's company. Also, do Google searches for online coupons for food and clothes. Use coupons everywhere! It doesn't make you look cheap, it makes you look smart for saving your money.
3. If you don't have a roommate, see if you can find one. Also, if your lease is going to expire, look for a cheaper (but still safe) place to live.
4. Really look at where you spend your money and put yourself on a budget. This will help you cut out unnecessary expenses and save money in the long term.
5. Use your library. Instead of buying books from a bookstore, check them out from the library. Also, many libraries allow you to rent DVD's for free.
6. You'll probably need to buy more professional clothes for student teaching. Look for sales at various stores, and don't think you need to shop at the pricey stores. Kohl's has good clothes for work and they have wonderful sales. JCPenny also has good work clothes and good sales. Old Navy usually has good prices on casual clothes. Learn to shop the sales!
7. If you don't receive Financial Aid already, see if you qualify. Talk to your Financial Aid office at your university.
Good luck, and remember, the sooner you start saving money, the more money you will have for the time when you are student teaching!
I have to agree with the post by Pam. Saving as much as you can now is key. I also will be starting my student teaching this Fall. I won't be able to work for the entire year because the program incoporates student teaching and master's courses. I'm an independent student as well, so I pay my own rent, utilities, car, etc. I'm a bit worried on how I'll make it during this whole experience, but I've been saving like crazy. I've really cut back on going out with friends and eating out. Instead I have my friends over and we make it a pot luck so each person brings a dish. They all know why I'm being frugal so they understand and respect my new lifestyle. I'm sure your friends will too. On days when I feel like I really need to go out I "only" go to happy hours. You get a real bang for your buck. I don't know if this is an option for you, but student loans are WAY better than personal loans. For starters student loans have a lower interest rate then some personal loans and you get 10-25 years to pay it back. Keep in mind the government's new IBR (Income Based Repayment). Its a student loan repayment plan that forgives the loan of teachers and other public service workers after they've paid on their student loan for 10 years (120 payments). I hope this helps, you can do it!
On 3/28/10, Logistics wrote: > So this question is one that has been plaguing my sleep for > many months now. I will start student teaching next fall > and i am starting to wonder how to pay for it all. I am > talking about how to pay for rent, food, other living > expenses if i am working a volunteer job that does not pay > me. > > So how do independent students do it? i know a majority of > the students who student teach, live with their parents but > if my parents are not alive then how do i pay for > everything? A weekend job is not going to cover all of my > expenses. > > Can someone take out a personal loan of say 5,000 dollars > to pay for personal expenses? > > Thanks all, Rachel