RESOURCES & JOB SEARCH FOR TEACHERS
Karen PowellCoordinator: Job Search Services
OM 280 ~ 360.650.3240M – F; 8 am – 5 pm
Career Services CenterA unit of Academic & Career Development Services
www.careers.wwu.edu
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 Moodfor Job Search…
2012-13 Graduates…
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
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
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 Computer Scored Narrative Numerical Subjective 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 On-Campus Interviews
o Social Media Links
o Placement File Services
o Peace Corps
o Employment Survey
o 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]