Teaching Jobs

Paperwork

The number one rule in applying for teaching jobs is to apply just as the advertisement states. If the district accepts only online materials, then submit online. If they require a paper application, cover letter, and resume, then complete and mail in a timely manner. If the application requires a hand-written paragraph, then write it, legibly, by hand. If they request typed material only, then word process. Your reputation as a professional is built by the first communications you have with the employer. People who make good first impressions get the interviews.

Resume

A resume is you-at-a-glance. A resume must always have your most current contact information, and must be free of any grammar or spelling errors. A new teacher's resume should be 1 to 2 pages, and a veteran's resume may be 2 to 3 pages. Be succinct and organized. Put the following on your resume:

1. A clear statement of your certification - the grades and subjects for which you have earned certification.
2. Your college-level education, from most recent to earliest. Include majors, minors.
3. Your teaching experience, and for new teachers this includes field experiences and student teaching. Put the most recent experience first.
4. Other related experience / jobs - working as a camp counselor, or orientation guide on your college campus relates to teaching. Include other jobs you have held, especially if you held them for a length of time. Example: being a bank teller for four summers tells the future employer that your past employer re-hired you each summer, an indication of good work skills.
5. Awards / special skills - might include speaking a foreign language or having advanced computer skills. Include limited college awards but not high school, unless the high school award relates to your teaching (being an award-winning cheerleader may help you become a cheerleading coach).
6. References - list people whom the employer can contact, or write that your credentials file will be sent by your college career center.

Cover letter

When you send a resume to a school district, it should always be accompanied by a cover letter. If sent electronically, the cover letter may be the accompanying email. A cover letter is one-page ONLY, and includes the following:

1. An introductory paragraph that states which position you are applying for, how you found the position, and that clearly states your teacher certification/licensure status.
2. A second paragraph where you sell yourself and say something that makes you stand out from any other applicants.
3. A final paragraph that states that you have submitted all paperwork required, and that says why you are interested in this district.
4. You must sign your cover letter legibly. If a teacher can't write his/her name legibly, then how will students be able to read the teacher's writing on the board or on graded papers?

Portfolio

The portfolio that you made for student teaching, or to qualify for graduation is NOT the same as a teaching interview portfolio. The teaching interview portfolio has only about six items, and you use it as a visual aid when answering questions. Your portfolio should be neatly organized in a very nice binder, leather-looking, and should be light to handle and show. Put the following in your portfolio:

1. A lesson plan
2. A sample parent letter
3. A classroom management plan
4. A sample syllabus, unit plan, or parent newsletter about curriculum (2 pages)
5. One or two samples of student work, with names removed
6. A few pictures of students working on activities you designed, your organized classroom, etc.