RESOURCES & JOB SEARCH FOR TEACHERS

Career Services Center

A unit of Academic & Career Development Services

www.careers.wwu.edu

Karen Powell

Coordinator: Job Search Services

OM 280 ~ 360.650.3240

M – F; 8 am – 5 pm

Program Overview

•

Schedule

▫ ▫ ▫ 8:30-10:15— Welcome! Job Search is in the Air 10:30-11:45—General Certification Information 11:45-12:45—Lunch on your own!

▫ ▫ ▫ 12:45-2:00—Interview Practice Sessions 2:10-3:10—Administrators’ Panel 3:10-3:30—Networking •

Handouts

▫ 2014 Job Search Handbook ▫ ▫ Education Job Search & √ List Elevator Speech/Mini-Resume Cards

Job Search is in the Air…

◦ The Teaching Market ◦ Job Search Process ◦ Networking ◦ References ◦ Strengths Talk/Elevator Speech ◦ Career Services Center (CSC) Benefits!

◦ Paperwork tips ◦ Upcoming Events

Getting in the Mood

for Job Search…

2012-13 Graduates…

• • • •

JOBS IN AT LEAST:

3 Countries: Chile, Mexico & US 7 States: AZ, CA, CO, HI, NV, WA & WI Private & Public Schools 46 Districts in Washington State

FINDING POSITIONS IN DESIGNATED AREAS OF:

◦ ELED, ECE, ESL, SPED, Reading, ECE SPED ◦ Spanish, Visual Arts, Mathematics, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, German, Middle Level Humanities

Job Search Process

for Districts

Most districts ask for: ◦ ◦ ◦ Online Application 3 Reference Letters 3 Reference Forms ◦ ◦ Resume Cover Letter/Letter of Application Some ask for: ◦ ◦ Statement of Purpose Essay to Prompt ◦ Answers to Questions Exceptions: ◦ ◦ ◦ A few are not online Some only take letters or forms Other Variations

Read the fine print!

Job Search Tips…

◦ Make the most of EVERY opening-perfect paperwork, research, network ◦ Use multiple approaches to search for jobs ◦ Make every contact count: be Professional ◦

Dress like the principal!

◦ It’s a job to search for jobs: putting time and energy into each application will give results!

Job Search Process

for Teachers

◦ Network to learn about process in different districts ◦ Identify and gather references ◦ List skills and strengths: record examples ◦ Prepare paperwork: Resume, Cover Letters, Applications ◦ Sign up for Viking CareerLink and other tools ◦ Solidify target locations and begin searching openings

Network: LinkedIn for Teachers

◦ A professional networking tool compared to Facebook, but used by professionals to network with others in areas of interest ◦ Districts are using this tool increasingly, as are companies in other fields

Steps to establishing a LinkedIn account:

◦ Build a professional profile ◦ Develop Connections ◦ Join Groups ◦ Research where fellow alumni are working in your field ◦ Follow districts in which you are interested ◦ http://www.wwu.edu/careers/social_media_andnetworking.shtml

References

   Who should you get to write your references?

  Arrange observations early Principals trust other principals & others who’ve observed your teaching Two Types of References: Letters & Forms 

Reference Letters

vs.

Forms

   Evaluated Individually Narrative Subjective Computer Scored Numerical Objective Some considerations…   Over summer & holidays After break or substituting

Know Your Strengths…

◦

Identify your teaching skills and abilities

◦ i.e. Assessment, Management, Instruction ◦

What makes you stand out?

◦ Customer service experience ◦ Exceptional organization ◦ Travel/Language acquisition ◦ Coaching abilities ◦

Record Examples on Index Cards

◦

http://www.aaee.org/

What is the Elevator Speech?

◦ Brief 30 to 60 second “speech” describing who you are and the value you bring ◦ Ability to describe yourself to potential employer in time limited and accidental meeting such as elevator ride ◦ Brief description is essential part of networking ◦ Say who you are, what you do, what you are interested in doing and how you can be a resource to your contacts ◦ Use this presentation at a career fair, introducing yourself in an interview, or today!

Paperwork Overview

◦ Target your information to the job notice ◦ Highlight qualities that help you stand out ◦ Think about past positions and how they relate to the job & to what you know about the district ◦ Enrich your resume, cover letter & interviewing by providing examples based on desired qualities

Two common reasons for elimination: incomplete applications or errors in the resume or cover letter

Formatting Tips

◦ Be brief, easy to read, plenty of white space – style and appearance DO count ◦ Generally: Keep Resume & Cover Letter to 1 page ◦ Be consistent in style and punctuation ◦ Don’t include personal information ◦ Use good quality paper & printer ◦ Proofread, edit, have someone else proofread, edit, proofread, edit...

◦ Use Optimal Resume for a beautiful presentation & easy storage

Diversify the Job Search…

◦ Viking CareerLink: www.wwu.edu/careers ◦ CSC: Apply, Job Search, How to Find a Job… ◦ Watch for Districts interviewing on campus ◦ Check your favorite districts websites ◦ Public Schools Personnel Coop.: https://pspcjobs.hrmplus.net/Home.aspx

◦ OSPI-links to District & Other Websites ◦ http://www.k12.wa.us/ ◦ http://www.k12.wa.us/employment/K12opportunities.aspx

◦ http://www.k12.wa.us/PrivateEd/PrivateSchools/default.aspx

◦ See Out of State Resources at www.wwu.edu/careers , Job Search, on-line resources

Upcoming Events…

•

Career Services Center:

April 16, 2014, 1:00-6:00 p.m.: Everett Public Schools Interviewing Practice (sign-up on VCL) • April 24, 2014, 11:00-3:00: WWU Spring Career Fair http://www.wwu.edu/careers/careerfair_specialevents.shtml

Workshops offered in Old Main 280, register at

www.wwu.edu/careers : • • April 15, 2014, 3:00 & 4:00: Last Minute Resume Check/Review April 22, 2014, 3:00 & 4:00: Last Minute Resume Check/Review • • • April 30, 2014, 4:30-5:30: Resume & Cover Letter Writing for Teachers May 6, 2014, 4:30-5:30: Job Search Strategies for Teachers May 14, 2014, 4:30-5:30: Interviewing Techniques for Teachers •

Other Events to watch for:

• April 15-16, 2014: Oregon Professional Educator Fair, Portland, OR https://www.oregonedfair.com/ Karen Powell ~ Career Services Center, OM 280 ~ (360) 650-3240

WWU CSC Resources

o Viking CareerLink o Individual Counseling o Mock Interviews o Optimal Resume o Career Fairs/Special Events o Job Search Links o o o o o o On-Campus Interviews Social Media Links Placement File Services Peace Corps Employment Survey Quarterly Workshops

Six months free service post-grad!

www.wwu.edu/careers

Old Main 280 ~ (360) 650-3240

ENJOY THE DAY!

• • • •

Ask Questions Take Notes Introduce Yourself Have Fun!

Karen Powell ~ Career Services Center OM 280 ~ (360) 650-3240 [email protected]