How To Get A Teaching Job: Getting Started

April is a time when many people are searching for jobs in education. My husband's job situation recently forced me to this position myself, so I would like to share with you a few of my tips. (He got a job here, so I'm staying with my current one. It was a good experience to interview again, though!)

Today's post will discuss resume tips, how to get an interview, how to contact principals, and using technology to stand out.

Electronic Portfolio

• For graduate school, I was required to create a massive electronic portfolio. I think this was a very valuable resource and could also be used by jobseekers. The portfolio was actually a PowerPoint with active hyperlinks and video embedded throughout. You can make your own version by uploading lesson plans and your philosophy of education to Google Docs and linking them to your portfolio. The portfolio can be mailed in on a CD to principals or left after you leave an interview.

Another high-tech option is an interactive resume on the iPad. There was a post someone put out this week on this, and I can't find it again. Anyone else read it? I would love to link it up; I really like this idea. I believe they used some type of book creation app to make a resume. It was completely interactive- you could hand it to an administrator and they could click it to play a clip of you teaching or touch a different area to open your Philosophy of Education.

• A website/blog could also be a great way to communicate what it is really like in your class room
• Facebook Timeline: The 21st Century Resume
• Creative Professional Resume on Prezi

When I first started out, I didn't even know where to begin! Be sure to apply to the district and surrounding areas of where you would like to teach. Email principals directly with a letter of intent.

Here is an example of what I recently used:

Dear Principal,

My name is Ashley Cross, and I am interested in working at your school. I have three years of experience as a first grade teacher. I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

I am very enthusiastic and hard working. I believe in positive classroom management and data-driven instruction. I am continuously refining my craft by implementing research-based strategies into my teaching.

I integrate technology daily into the classroom environment. Some of our recent class projects include: using Google Forms to create online surveys and see our results in graphs in math and creating green screen videos for social studies. I am a leader in the school environment; I work well with teams and independently. This year, I have presented at three conferences including: TN Education State Technology Conference, ****** County District Technology Conference, and the online Teaching Blog Expo. I am also on the district technology committee.

My husband has family that owns a business in the area and we are looking to relocate. I believe I could be an asset to your school. You can see more of my teaching practices in action by visiting the websites listed below.

My paperwork is on file with the county office, and I would like to request an interview with you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Ashley Cross

321-***-****

My Teaching Blog

http://teachinghappilyeverafter.blogspot.com

My Class Website

http://mrscrossfirstgrade.blogspot.com

Co-Author

http://teachingblogaddict.com

If you don't have the technology, put together a portfolio of what you do have. Mine was a big leather scrapbook with page protectors inserted throughout. I included lesson plans, newsletters, pictures of student teaching, volunteer work, awards/accomplishments and extracurricular activities. Even if you are straight out of college, put down everything you were involved in from your practicum to student teaching! Try starting out as a sub to get to know the school.

Future post:

• Preparing for your job interview: How to answer questions, what to wear, what to bring & how to prepare

Please share YOUR pre-job interview tips in the comments! I want to hear from all of you!