Ø Individual career counseling sessions
Ø Graduate School Resources - Reference books & homepage links
Ø Library resource materials, videos, and handouts on the job search process
Ø Resume Critique and Mock Interview sessions
Ø Networking Information and Strategies
Ø Resources on our website under Job Search:
· Riv Full-time professional job listings - posted weekly in conjunction with the New Hampshire College and University Council (NHCUC) on JOBLINE.
· Riv Part-time professional job listings – posted weekly
· Employment Positions and Job Search Resources on the Net- Links to: best career websites for job seekers, job listing sites by career/major field, researching employers and industries online (National public and private school directories), resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, local resources (classifieds and job banks), relocation assistance, and networking information on the Net.
· Annual NHCUC Job Fair & other Job Fairs – See our online News/Events link
Ø What is your "dream job"? Where do you want to be 5 years from now?
Ø Visit our “Major Options” web page to explore “Education Major Career Planning Options”
@ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/major/index.html for information that includes career paths, desired skills, sample job titles of Rivier Education degree alumni, sample employers, professional organizations, as well as career and job related web sites.
Ø What skills and activities do you like to perform at work?
Ø What special populations interest you?
Ø What type of employers or industries attracts you? (public, private, self)
Ø What salary levels do you hope to attain?
A. List and assess your strengths and weaknesses - Include the following:
Ø Specific knowledge and skills related to teaching (job-related skills like lesson planning, behavior management, teaching styles, IEP’s, curricular expertise)
Ø Transferable skills gained from work, volunteer, student teaching, and community service positions. (i.e. communication skills, teamwork skills, organizational skills)
Ø Traits which reflect your personality, character, and ability to get along with others
(i.e. dependable, motivator, detail-oriented, responsible, helpful)
Ø Leadership qualities (ie. organizational skills, taking initiative, decision-making)
C. Minimize your weaknesses by presenting them in a positive way
D. Pursue that extra credential, certificate, or field expertise - Consider:
Ø Master of Education
Ø Reading Specialist
Ø Learning Disabilities Specialist
Ø Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities Specialist
Ø Parenting Education
Ø Specialist in the Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (SAIF)
C. Create a Teaching Portfolio - A sample of your very best talents that can include:
Ø Resume
Ø Philosophy of Education
Ø Mission Statement - Can include your skills, strengths, guiding principles, dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others, and future professional goals.
Ø Professional letters of reference
Ø Educational transcripts, coursework samples (special projects or research)
Ø Teaching Certifications and any other relevant certifications or credentials
Ø Awards, honors, publications, and presentations (include brochure)
Ø Certificates of attendance and participation in relevant workshops and seminars
Ø Outstanding supervisory evaluations of your student teaching experience
Ø Letters from parents commending you for your work with their children
Ø Photos of you presenting a classroom teaching activity
Ø A creative lesson plan/activities you developed and presented on a relevant topic
Ø Photos of special activities or mentoring programs (ie. coaching, club advisor)
Ø Examples of motivational activities or progress rewards utilized with students
Ø Other areas of teaching performance evidence: knowledge of subject matter, use of technology, student assessment, classroom management, & multicultural awareness)
Ø Newspaper articles/photos of you as a leader, organizer, team player, or role model
Ø Letters of invitation to share your expertise to train, consult, or mentor others
Ø Letters from school administrators praising your performance
Ø Projects you initiated and implemented
To obtain an interview, you must get through the initial screening process. View the CDC’s online Resume Writing /Cover Letter Guides for Teachers @ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/Getajob.htm
A. Prepare an Outstanding Resume - Most important primary tool of your job search
B. Complete the School District Application - Type neatly, no errors or misspellings
C. Include an Impressive Cover Letter - Tailor it to the specific job vacancy
D. Obtain 3-5 Superb References - Character and teaching ability affirmations.
Ø Professional Reference Letters – Student teaching supervisors, co-teachers, school administrators, Rivier education program directors, faculty members, etc.
Ø Personal Reference Letters - Previous employers, community leaders, etc.
View the CDC’s online Job Searching for Teachers guide @ www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/Getajob.htm
A. Networking - Talk to anyone and everyone regarding job contacts and vacancies
Ø More people obtain jobs by networking than using conventional job search methods
Ø Ask employees and administrators where you’ve student taught, volunteered, or worked, about job openings in their organizations. Ask for key contact referrals at other organizations of interest as well.
Ø Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest as a way to learn more about their job, educational background, career path to current position, industry pros and cons, and to obtain referrals that broaden your networking base. See the CDC’s online Informational Interview guide @ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/talk.html
Ø Ask friends, relatives, professors, and community members if they can refer you to contacts with hiring power or have information about vacancies in your desired field.
Ø Join national and local professional associations to develop a professional support network and obtain current employment information through journals and newsletters.
· American Federation of Teachers- www.aft.org/
· National Education Association- www.nea.org/
· National Association for the Education of Young Children - www.naeyc.org
· The Council for Exceptional Children- www.cec.sped.org/
· American Association of School Administrators-www.aasa.org/
· Association of Cooperative Educators-www.wisc.edu/uwcc/ace.html
· Association of Teacher Educators- www.ate1.org
· Association of Childhood Education International-www.udel.edu/bateman/acei/
·
American
Association for Employment in Education-
www.aaee.org
* Great
Employment Resources
· American Association for Higher Education - www.aahe.org
· National Council of Teachers of English- www.ncte.org/
· National Science Teachers Association - www.nsta.org
· National Council of Teachers of Mathematics- www.nctm.org
· Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education- www.aace.org
· American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages- www.actfl.org
· Coalition of Essential Schools - www.essentialschools.org/
· The National Council for Social Studies-www.ncss.org
Ø Make a list of school districts and specific schools that interest you (public, private,etc.)
Ø Prioritize the list, placing your first choices at the top
Ø Set up a schedule of in person visits (cold calls) to the schools on your list
Ø Ask to speak with the principal, personnel director, or anyone on the hiring panel. If you are granted an informal visit with someone who has hiring power, be prepared to explain your intentions. For example:
“My name is ______ and I’m seeking a teaching position. I’m interested in your school (or school district) because of it’s excellent reputation regarding ___________. When positions become available, I plan to apply for them. In the meantime, I was hoping to personally meet you and learn more about your school (or school district).
Remember, administrators are impressed by candidates who have taken the initiative to introduce themselves and visit their schools. It also helps to them to connect faces with names on an application, another way to market yourself and your skills.
Ø Research Employers Online @ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/companies.htm Lists National Public and Private School Directories
Ø Job Postings Online – Visit the CDC’c Job Search web page
@ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/Getajob.htm - Links of particular interest include:
· NHCUC Jobline
· Job Sites Listed by Career/Major Field
· Local Resources
Ø Local State Departments of Education websites :
· New Hampshire Department of Education – www.state.nh.us/doe/
· Massachusetts Department of Education – www.doe.mass.edu/
Ø Local schools and school district websites:
· Massachusetts School and District Profiles –http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/
· NH School District Profiles - http://www.measuredprogress.org/nhprofile/
· New Hampshire Schools (public and private) –http://www.ed.state.nh.us/NHPublicSchools/nh1.htm
· New Hampshire Schools on the Internet –http://www.state.nh.us/educate/k12.html
Ø State Licensure and Certification Guidelines – www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu/aaee/certoffice.html
View the CDC’s online Interviewing Skills for Teachers guide @ www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/Getajob.htm
Ø State Schools Directory – Regina Library - CDC has NH State School Directory
Ø Individual School directories or handbooks – available at each school
Ø School Profiles accessed through State Department of Education websites
Ø What is the level and type of parent involvement at this school?
Ø What kinds of new or innovative educational programs have you implemented recently?
Ø How do administrators offer teachers support if the need arises?
Ø When will you be notifying candidates of your decision?