Keeping Your Head Up

I found out I didn't get the job.  The teacher that I work with now, the Impact Teacher, for the lower grades, got it. I am happy for her.  Now I need to focus on Bonita and keep my fingers crossed.  It was good experience.  I should be more comforatable here in a couple days now when I start the process all over again. 

So it starts...again.

Interview, wait, second interview, wait.  I still ahve the job I had this year next year if I don't get full time, so I am covered, but I would enjoy starting my life sooner rather than later.

If this has happened to you, keep your head up.  I am.

"The will to preservere is often the difference between failure and success." - David Sarnoff

Multiple Offers...or Opportunities

Now what about contracts?...

I find out if I get the Anaheim job on Friday, but Thursday I have an interview with the district I would really like to work in.   Wdat do I do about that?  Thinking positively, if I get the job I have to sign a contract.  But what if I get a call in two weeks saying I also got the other job? Then what?  That's the perdicament I'm in right now.  Once I sign a contract I can onlyget out fo it IF the district okays it and they only do that if they have a close second they want as well.  I also don't want to be seen as that kind of person, but this is life, moving included.

I decided this.  I am not going to worry.

If I get the job I will be exstatic, if I do not it was a great experience.
If I end up getting both, I will worry then.  For now I am going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for a new beginning next year...either way.

Fingers crossed, breath held.

The Waiting Game

Don't be discouraged when you do not hear back immediately after an interview.  Sometimes they may get right back to you, and they try, but there are so many applicants that sometimes its too much to process in a short amount of time. Remeber, even if you do not get a call back,, it was great EXPERIENCE!  You'll be that much better next time, more prepared, less nervous, etc.

The final interview and wait is the worst, I would know.  I had my second/final interview for a full time position last Thursday, May24 and they are holding interviews through this week and wont get back to use until next Thursday or Friday, June 7th or 8th.  It's much too long for my liking, but I'm staying positive.  Wish me luck!

Common Interview Questions

Common Interview Questions/Prompts I have Come Across in Interviews:

- Describe yourself as a community member.
- Describe your work ethic.
- Describe you classroom managment style.
- Describe how you have previously handled a behavior problme in your classroom.
- Describe the steps in an effective lesson plan.

- What led you to this profession?
- What expereince do you have with children?
- What is your best quality?
- What is the quality you plan to improve upon while working at this district? How?

- How would you communicate with felllow teachers and administrators? E-mail, phone, face-to-face?

- Have you ever taken adivce from a supervisor or principal to improve your teaching? If so, what?

They almost ALWAYS end with:
Tell us a little about yourself we don't already know.

Interviewing

The interview porcess is integral is finding a teaching job this day and age. 

Numerous hopefuls apply and the fact that you made the interviews is big.  But the interview is bigger.  Most districts hold at least two rounds.  The first interview is important, its the first impression they will continually refer to. 

First things first, relax! You should be nervous, but don't show it, many interviewers see it as a sign of weakness.  They will often stay quiet at the end of a questions and allow you to nervouse talk yourself out of a job.  They learn that tactic when going through training.  Be aware.  When your answer is suitible, stop, they will eventually move on.  Be confident in your answers and in yourself. 

Be professional, but smile and show your personality.  It is the only thing that sets you apart.  On paper we all look the same! 

I will continue at a different time with common interview questions and the ever dreaded waiting game.

Applications_The Beginning

Teaching is an impacted profession at this time. As a result the application and interview process has become much more competitive. I have learned a few things that have helped me in my job search. Here are a few tips: - Make sure your letter of introduction encompasses what the district you're applying for gives value. - Make sure your resume is error free and as thorough as it can be without going over two pages, they stop reading. - Take care to get letters of recommendation from immediate supervisors whenever possible. - Sell yourself. I know it's hard and most of us grew up being told to be modest, but now is not the time. Think about it and be confident when asked about your strengths. - Always be as neat as possible and organized on an application. These are just a few pointers, but I'll explain more and give you experiences behind these pointers soon.