All teachers should have a specialty!
One of my specialties is integrating technology in the classroom. A few years ago I became a Google Educator and an Apple Teacher. I’m currently perfecting interactive read alouds.
Check out why having a speciality is important and then let me know yours!
Also, if you need any support find the perfect school for you, grab The How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook!
Are you looking for the teaching job of your dreams? Check out the video for tips to help you land the teaching job of your dreams. Grab the How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook to get more tips and tools to get the perfect job for you!
Virtual interviews have become more prevalent in the educational world, especially now. I did my first virtual interview in 2015; I was living in Chicago and was hoping to move back to Dallas. So, I started applying to various schools in the Dallas area, and eventually, I snagged an interview and got the job.
During my last job search, I did a few virtual interviews for districts as screeners. The screeners were available for administrators throughout the district, and admin would watch to screen who they wanted to meet in-person. I prepared for my official interview and screener interviews in the same way. Use the following tips to ensure your next virtual experience is a success!
Yes, it’s online, and all the interview panel will be able to see is your top. But, dressing professionally from head to toe helps put you into character. Although it seems like your interview is casual, it’s not. It’s still essential that you look the part. And what happens if you have to stand up?
For me, it’s easy because I’m single with no kids. I only have to mute my television and silence my phone. But most of you have children, pets, or other family members that live with you that would make finding a quiet place much harder. Make your kids go outside, give them a device, or put on their favorite movie. Pets should be out of view, lock the door or give them their favorite treats lol. The adults in your house should be much easier to convince. Should be lol.
The panel needs to be able to see you! Set up where you are facing a window. The back of the computer should face the window. Add more lighting if it’s not a sunny day. If you can’t set up near a window, bring in extra lamps.
One of the advantages of doing a virtual interview is that you can have notes for your talking points nearby. During interviews, I get so nervous I forget things that I want to share. Don’t write paragraphs, but jot down notes to help you remember your talking points. If you grab the How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook, you’ll have answers to the frequently asked questions already planned out.
If this is your first virtual interview, it may make you more nervous than usual. You’ll probably forget important topics you discussed shortly after your meeting. So, during the interview, you’ll want to take notes. Why? Because when you follow up, you’ll want to mention topics that were discussed. For example, if they said they were looking for someone who is a team player and works well with others, then you’ll want to mention that in your follow up letter or email.
The panel will conduct tons of interviews for positions throughout their campus, your job is to stand out and make them remember you.
Virtual interviews may be a new experience for some, but they don’t have to be any more stressful than your typical interview if you’re prepared. Get your FREE Virtual Interview Checklist to prepare for your big day!
Do you love going to job fairs? I know they can be stressful, but they’re the best way to practice your interviewing skills.
A lot of people go into job fairs thinking that they are at the mercy of the employers. If you go into a job fair with a plan, you’ll be in control.
There are three things you must-do if you want to take the lead. How do I know? Because I’ve done it all and secured a position after the fair! Now, check out how you can attend a job fair like a boss!
I’ve never attended a job fair and didn’t know what districts would be there. Sometimes, the organizer was super specific and notified us of the schools that would be in attendance too. But, I’m willing to bet you can at least find the districts.
Next, research each district, and decide which districts fit your needs. You should not meet with every district just because they’re there, it is not a good use of your time, and it’s mentally draining! Find the ones that are a good fit for you! If you need help figuring out what makes a school a good fit, check out my How to Land Your Dream Job Workbook!
Once you find schools that pique your interests, be prepared to tell administrators why you would be a good fit for their campus. Do your research and be as specific as possible!
Schools are going to ask you over and over, “tell me about yourself.” So, make a mini script of what you’ll say. There’s no need to fumble over your basic introduction when you know it’s coming!
Prepare a one-minute introduction that includes your years of experience and your strengths. If you know what schools will be there, tailor your script to each school, let them know why you’re an excellent candidate! You know this question is coming, as Mufasa would say, be prepared!
After you meet with each administrator, take notes of your conversation. You’ll talk with so many people you won’t remember everyone and everything. By taking notes after each informal interview, you’ll not only keep everyone organized; you’ll have specific things to mention when you follow up with the schools of your choice.
There’s a way to make sure you have a successful time at a job fair. Follow the tips above, and you’ll find your email full of requests and your phone blowing up for formal interviews.
These tips are just the tip of the iceberg; I can help you prepare even further with my How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook! This workbook is a must-have if you’re searching for a new job!
I believe there are three reasons why some teachers who don’t like their school won’t leave. If you’re here, then you’re probably one of the two I can help. The other type of teacher isn’t ready to find a way out.
Check out some reasons why unhappy teachers don’t leave their schools and then grab my free tools to help you get ready for the search.
I used to dread looking for a new job. After a long day at school, the last thing I wanted to do was update my resume and fill out applications. There is a lot of work to do, and it is usually during the busiest time of year for us when positions begin opening up. Going home and doing more work isn’t appealing.
The problem is unless you do the work, you’ll be stuck in the same miserable place next year. You do have the time to get prepared for your search. You have to make some sacrifices and make it a priority.
In my blog post, HOW TEACHERS CAN PREPARE FOR THEIR JOB SEARCH IN 7 DAYS OR LESS I give you tips to make the application process less cumbersome.
I’ve seen so many strong, amazing, and marketable teachers get stuck at schools that they hate because they are afraid of change. I’ve seen and heard every excuse of why some teachers won’t leave a school that is making them unhappy.
Many teachers are fearful that they can end up at a school that is the same or worse than their current school. It’s the same reason why some people stay in bad relationships. They rather have someone, even if they mistreat them then be alone. These teachers will sacrifice their happiness for fear.
What these teachers don’t know is they are now an expert on what schools shouldn’t do. These teachers probably have perfect solutions to problems that many other schools have, and they could use those skills somewhere they’d be appreciated. These teachers are usually some of the best teachers on campus. Many unhappy teachers thrive when they find a school that values them.
Remember, I said there is one group of teachers that I can’t help? These are the teachers. I’m sure you’ve met a teacher or two that complains non-stop about your school but has been there for years. They’ve watched the district change. They’ve seen principals and teachers come and go.
Guys, these teachers aren’t going anywhere. There are some miserable people out there, and some of them are in classrooms. Yes, there are different reasons why some teachers may be unhappy. Depression is real. But, I’m talking about the educators who will take being unhappy over finding something better.
Some of these teachers don’t leave because they know most schools wouldn’t tolerate their nonsense. They know they’re able to get away with things they couldn’t anywhere else. These are the toxic teachers you don’t want to be near.
I’m hoping that you are the teacher that is overwhelmed and thinks they don’t have time to apply to schools, or you are the scared teacher. If you’re one of those teachers, I can help you land your dream job. Check out the resources and blog posts below!
I’m going to keep this intro short and sweet because you have work to do! Applying to schools is a lot of work. Follow the steps below to make it happen seven days or less!
Updating your resume is one of the most time consuming things you will need to do, but we know it is necessary. Your resume is the key to getting you hired at your dream job!
Follow these steps:
Most districts want you to write a statement on your beliefs about education. Some applications will call it a personal statement; others call it your pedagogy about education. I’m sure there are other names, but they are all pretty much the same thing.
I can’t tell you what to write, but I suggest you find the district’s vision or mission statement and align it with your beliefs.
A lot of districts make this optional, but I always submit one. Maybe having a cover letter makes a principal call a candidate who has a cover letter over the one who doesn’t.
Think of a cover letter as another opportunity to flaunt your skills. Don’t make it optional, make this a priority!
Include your strengths and what makes you unique. You can add specific details to it later if you want to customize it for different schools.
Collecting contact information is one of the most tedious things to do. Save yourself some time and write down all the names, emails, phone numbers, and addresses you need. You’ll need contact information for your references, current, and past jobs. Put them on a Google Doc so that you can copy and paste their information.
It’s been a few days since you updated your resume, crafted your statement about education, and created your cover letter. Take this day to make sure there are no errors.
You’re ready! It’s time to get your dream job! For more tips and resources, grab the How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook.
Applying to schools is hard work, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be ready to apply to new positions in a week! Check out the resources below for more tips and tools on how to land your dream job!
One year I felt so defeated, I forgot my value as a teacher. Feeling this way was the opposite of how I should have felt at the beginning of my job search.
The hiring process is all about selling yourself. To sell yourself effectively, you have to be confident. No one wants to hire someone unsure of themselves. No matter why you’re in the market for a new position, you have to search for your new job with confidence. Here are some things I did to help build myself up again!
One of my strengths has always been classroom management. I do an excellent job of keeping behavior issues to a minimum. A few years into teaching, guided reading became another strength of mine, I enjoy being able to fill in student gaps. I think every few years, I add something to my list. I think I’m pretty good at other things, but these are things that I can do in my sleep.
If you’re struggling with recognizing your strengths, look over your last observation. I can almost guarantee your appraiser complimented your strengths in your evaluations. When you’re in your interviews or writing cover letters, these are things you want to mention.
I was not a good teacher my first year. I worked hard, probably too much. I didn’t know what I was doing. Tasks that took me days to do would take me hours to do now. I have improved in so many areas, and I sometimes laugh at how bad I was during my first few years.
Being reflective and seeing how much you have grown, shows you in black and white, that you are better than you were before. A lot of times, where you see the most growth becomes a strength.
When you’re in an interview, you can share how you overcame obstacles or how you’re always trying to improve your craft. Sure, somethings still may need some improvement, but you’re heading in the right direction.
At one point in my career, I was really into technology. I wanted to learn how to integrate technology so much I searched for as many trainings as I could to become an expert. I became a Google Certified Educator (I think it’s expired now) and an Apple Teacher. I showed that I was passionate about technology integration, and this is what made a lot of schools interested in me.
What do you do in your classroom that shows your creativity and passion? What do you do that makes your students love coming to your class? The answers to those questions are what make you unique.
Get out your notebooks and get ready to write all about why you are an amazing teacher. Whatever the reason why you’re looking for a job, remember that you have value and experience that isn’t like anyone else. Use what you write down and make them selling points when you go to your interview!
If you’re looking for more ways to build your confidence and prepare for your job search, check out my How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook, it includes tips and tools to help you become fully prepared to find your dream job!
How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook
The Free Mock Lesson Preparation Guide
The Free Teacher Interview Cheat Sheet
How Teachers Can Rock Their Mock Lessons
I can’t be the only teacher that loves job fairs! I’ve never gotten a job at a fair, but they have always given me opportunities to get my next position. Think about this; a lot of people hate the job-hunting process. Why? Because a lot of people aren’t confident during their search. If you practice something long enough, you become better. You should have that mindset when searching for a new job. The only way you’ll perform strongly at your interviews is if you practice. Job fairs are the perfect opportunity to get better.
How often is it appropriate to talk about yourself for an entire conversation? Lol. Well, guess where you can do it? At a job fair! Most of us enjoy talking about ourselves and duh… that’s what job fairs and interviews are all about, selling yourself. I think it is safe to say that most of the people you talk to aren’t interested in hiring you. So, use this as an opportunity to build your confidence and make yourself more comfortable answering interview questions. Listen to the questions they ask, write them down, and work on answers that will show your strengths. If you need further help preparing for your interview, grab my free Virtual Interview Checklist.
During my last job hunt, I was only interested in two school districts. At the time, both districts were (and still are) the highest paying districts in the Dallas area.
When I met with representatives from my current district, I got a great vibe. The administrators were friendly and interested in getting to know me, I felt super encouraged to keep in touch with them after the fair.
When I visited the other district, I got the complete opposite feeling. I didn’t feel welcomed. I didn’t feel like they were interested in me. I didn’t like their representatives. I knew after that job fair that they were no longer an option for me. So, I stopped pursuing them.
I could only imagine how much time I would have wasted trying to get interviews with that district if I haven’t gone to the fair. Once I found out that the district wasn’t for me, it saved me so much time and energy. I spent the rest of my search focused on the other district. I was even able to narrow down exactly the schools where I wanted to work! Believe it or not, I was hired at one of the schools of my choice. I
f you want to learn how I picked my dream school, Check out my How to Land Your Dream Job Guide. I outline and everything I did in the guide so that you can find the teaching job of your dreams!
Some people expect to walk into a job fair and snag a job on the spot. I would feel leery if a school hired me after speaking with me for 15 minutes now (that’s another story). I think a job fair is a way to build a relationship with administrators. The secret to finding success at a job fair is what you do after the fair. Principals meet with so many people at job fairs, and you’ll need a way to stand out.
If you got a good feeling or had a good conversation with a principal follow up immediately. If they were equally interested, you’ll get an opportunity to meet with them at their school, and this will give you better chance of landing the job.
Don’t dread your next job fair! Use it as an opportunity to practice your interviewing skills! You should leave the fair more confident than when you arrived. Use this experience also to see if you will mesh well with the schools you think will be a good match. On paper, some schools and districts seem like a good fit. When you meet with them, you’ll either change your mind or continue pursuing them. I’ve never been offered a job at a job fair, but I have had additional interviews that led to employment with the district of my choice.
In 2018, I was looking for a new job. Although it had only been a few years since my last interview, I felt like the interview process had become more intense. Several schools wanted multiple interviews and something new for me, a mock lesson. Some schools allowed me to do a lesson of my choice, while others made me choose or do a specific lesson that the school wanted.
I realized then that the interview process wasn’t going to be as easy as it had been in the past. If you’re here, then you can probably relate. In this blog post, I want to give you some quick tips on how to make sure your mock lesson will be the bomb! For more tips, check out my freebie, The Mock Lesson Preparation Guide.
If you’re lucky, the administrator will let you pick the lesson you want to teach. Just in case, have two go-to lessons that you can present. Pick lessons that will show your strengths. If you’re better at teaching decimals than fractions, then pick decimals. You want to pick something that is challenging enough for the students and something you understand enough to break it down and explain it even deeper if needed.
My mock lessons have never been longer than 15 minutes, so pick something that is at least 15 minutes. Later, shorten them or extend them if you get time constraints.
Even if you don’t get to pick the lesson you’ll teach, make sure you make it as engaging as possible. If you’re applying for math positions, keep counters, clocks, fraction strips, etc. on deck. For reading, make sure you have tools you can use, too, like graphic organizers, books, whiteboards, etc. Have all these things handy, so if a school wants you to present a lesson, you’ll have what you need to make your presentation more engaging.
After your lesson, your interview panel is more than likely going to ask, “what will you do with the students who didn’t get it and those that did?” If you want to stand out, create activities that you would do to meet the needs of all students, and be prepared to share it with the panel.
So, you could use a choice menu as an extension for the learners who mastered that objective. Come up with a small group activity to reteach the objectives to the students who did not meet mastery. Make sure your reteach activity is different than the lesson you presented!
The interview panel probably won’t expect you to have additional learning experiences planned and ready to present. Going this extra mile shows that you’ve taken the time to prepare, and that differentiation is essential in your classroom.
Mock lessons can be intimidating if you aren’t ready. Even if you don’t get to pick what you’ll present, there are ways you can still prepare. The Mock Lesson Guide gives more tips to help you develop what you need for this portion of the interview. In my experience, I am more confident during my interview if I’m as prepared as possible! Get your free guide now!
At some point, most of us will decide to leave our current school. It could be on good terms or bad; either way, preparing for your new position sooner than later will put you in a great place when it is time for you to start applying to schools. To be a top candidate, you need to have a few things on hand to stand out and to show the interview panel how awesome you are. Check out the three things you can do right now to prepare for your transition.
Your classroom observations are an excellent way to show that you’re an effective teacher. When you go to interviews, you can use them as evidence to show what you do in class works. The interview panel will more likely think you. For your weaknesses or grows, explain how what you’ve done to turn them into strengths. For example, if one of your evaluations said that you need to differentiate your instruction. Show what you’ve done to improve your grows.
In interviews, I would tell the principals how growing students was a strength of mine. I would say to them how I would get them to grow and how long it took, but I didn’t have proof. During my last job search, I brought my data with me to interviews, and it made me more confident and credible. When you print off your data, remove student identifiers, you want to keep your students’ personal information confidential.
Nowadays, many administrators want teachers to deliver a mock lesson to give them an idea of their teaching ability. Some schools let you pick the lesson you want to teach. So, it is essential to keep a handful of lessons that you can present to the interview panel. They should be lessons that you can do in your sleep. Pick lessons that are interactive, engaging, and use manipulatives!
Whether you have months left at your school or weeks, you can start preparing your departure now. Collect your evaluations to show your potential new school your strengths. It is also a great way to show how you take feedback and apply it. Gather your best lesson plans and be prepared to share them. If you get to pick what mock lesson you can present, you will be prepared. Finally, save that data! You worked hard all school year, so show it off!
Looking for more tips? Grab the How to Land Your Dream Teaching Job Workbook to not only get more tips, but to also get the tools you need to prepare to change jobs. Even if you’re months away from applying to a new position, get started now!
