Helping You to Get a Job

I have been a teacher for more years than I care to remember. Actually, it is probably close to 30 years. I have some advice for new teachers trying to get a job.

I landed my first teaching job by modeling good teaching. The job was for a first grade class, and there were 3 people being considered for the job. We each had to teach a lesson and were observed by the principal. I put 200% into my lesson, and conquered the job.

I landed my first teaching job because I possess these qualities: I am very resourceful. I know how to get materials that are needed, by going to local businesses and asking for donations. Principals love to know that they are not only getting an excellent teacher, but that they are getting someone who will contribute to the total school environment. They want to know that you are going to go above and beyond your job in the classroom.

Finding a teaching job can be hard, but here is some advice to make it easier...Don't just sell yourself as an instructor of curriculum. Show yourself as a team player, a person who will join committees to enhance the school environment. Show them what volunteering you have done in your community, and bring your outside experiences with you to the classroom. Maybe you ran a fundraiser for the Girl Scouts, or worked at a community center or your church group. Let them know that they are getting someone who will bring innovative ideas to your school, as well.

This post is part of the Teaching Jobs Portal: “How to land a Teacher Job”. What was your journey like to become a teacher? If you’d like to share your experience with other aspiring teachers please see this post for more information

American Education 2009

Many teachers all across the country have the same problem. There is no money to buy them the things they need. Budgets are always tight. It seems the schools can barely supply paper and pencils, let alone update technology, new books, or cool science equipment. That is why I think Donors Choose is such an important site, and a great way to fund today's classrooms. This year many teachers at my school caught on to donorschoose.org. They put on the site items they needed for their classrooms, like teaching games, laptops, digital cameras and books. And believe it or not, there are many generous people out there, who donated to the causes. So many teachers received materials that were purchased by the generosity of others. How cool is that. Thank you Donors choose, for being a creative way for classrooms to get the supplies they need. This has definitely given me hope for the future of education.
This post is part of the MAT@USC Hope for the holidays event. Did you have an experience or witness something in 2009 which gave you hope for the future of American education? If so, please see this post for more information on how to share it.