Job Hunt Frustration, Venting & Support Thread!

Discussion in 'General Education' started by Leaborb192, Jul 7, 2016.

  1. janlee

    janlee Devotee

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    Jun 1, 2017

    As someone who has been on numerous hiring committees (teacher - superintendent) your resume seems to have a lot of "fluff". It more than likely would have been placed in the "call if desperate pile". Give your most relevant info and it should consist of one page.
     
  2. Tulipteacher

    Tulipteacher Companion

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    Jun 1, 2017

    I'm not an admin, so take this with a grain of salt, but I don't think there is a need to include so much detail of what you did as a sub. An admin knows what a sub does.

    I also don't think it's necessary to include the fact that you developed a unit when you student taught. It seems obvious that a student teacher would develop a unit. I don't know how to explain it without sounding mean, and I don't mean it like that. But it sounded to me a little too self-congratulatory and too impressed with yourself for what is a very basic and expected part of teaching. It's like if a person applying to be a cashier said that she knows how to count money.

    So I think you could include a bullet point about student teaching where you say you "created units, collaborated with grade-level colleagues, implemented a classroom management plan, and developed and administered assessments" but not separate the unit plan.
     
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  3. viola_x_wittrockiana

    viola_x_wittrockiana Cohort

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    Jun 1, 2017

    It's a minor error, but you have a misplaced modifier. "Taught prepared lesson plans with fidelity. . ." should read as, "Taught with fidelity prepared lesson plans . . .," because the teaching was the thing with fidelity, not the plans.

    Unless the activity has a clear relevance to teaching/your skills, don't include it. On my resume, I list three groups: the teaching honors society, chairperson on the student activity board, and president of flute club. The activity board makes me useful for helping out with school events and I'm a music teacher, so using leading a music group that does a lot of community education events makes sense. I leave off everything else.
     
  4. swansong1

    swansong1 Virtuoso

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    Jun 1, 2017

    I agree with the "fluff" comment. When I am on a hiring committee, resumes that are longer than one page rarely get more than a cursory review. I want to know the specifics of your relevant experience for the job you are interviewing for. I don't want to read all about how you performed job duties that I am assuming you performed as a part of the job.

    My eyes were also drawn to the years that you didn't state any job experience. We have heard all about Arizona, but there was no mention on your resume.
     
  5. JaySilver21

    JaySilver21 Rookie

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    Jun 5, 2017

    I can relate to many of you here. I graduated last Spring and only interviewed for 2 job openings last Summer. One was the school where I graduated and student-taught. The principle was one of my 8th-grade teachers. I didn't get offered either job. I've applied for numerous more so far this year, but I have yet to receive any calls. I'm paralyzed and in a wheelchair and can't help but wonder if that has played a role.
     
  6. teacherintexas

    teacherintexas Maven

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    Jun 6, 2017

    Since you know the principal, I would reach out and ask how to improve your chances of getting other jobs. I wouldn't ask why you didn't get past jobs, but instead ask what you can change for the future.
     
  7. JaySilver21

    JaySilver21 Rookie

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    Jun 6, 2017

    That's a great suggestion. Thanks!
     
  8. Daisy Faith

    Daisy Faith Guest

    Jun 8, 2017

    google
     
  9. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    Jun 15, 2017

    ,
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
  10. agdamity

    agdamity Fanatic

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    Jun 15, 2017

    Congrats on the job! I do not think males are discriminated against in elementary teaching. I think there are far fewer men who pursue this level. I do know that in my area, people get really excited to have male elementary applicants.
     
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  11. Bunnie

    Bunnie Devotee

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    Jun 15, 2017

    I just think NYS is over saturated with teachers. In my current school my first year there was like 5 male teachers in our small school. My school has a lot of diversity but I know plenty of schools that do not. They look like what you describe it as.
     
  12. Bunnie

    Bunnie Devotee

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    Jun 15, 2017

    And congrats on the job!
     
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  13. teacherintexas

    teacherintexas Maven

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    I think males get hired over females in elementary. At least that's what I've noticed here. It may not be the same everywhere.
     
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  14. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    Jun 16, 2017

    ,
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
  15. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    Jun 16, 2017

    ,
     
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  16. teacherintexas

    teacherintexas Maven

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    Jun 16, 2017

    We had 57 applications for one position here this past month. This is a town of about 3k so I imagine there are more applicants in the neighboring larger towns and cities.
     
  17. Kenz501

    Kenz501 Cohort

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    Jun 16, 2017

    I need some advice that doesn't amount to "drop teaching." Yes, I went in with some very naive ideas. I thought I was going to learn how to be a respected entertainer for kids, like an actor on a kids' show. It was what I wanted my teachers to be as a kid, and I thought that surely the colleges could help me learn how to do that kind of awesome teaching. Well, I was wrong. The program I attended didn't even spend a lot of time on classroom management, and I found out when I was about to graduate that I'm a terrible presenter. I fixed it, now, though, I think. I just let Khan Academy and the Smart Board do a lot of the talking.

    There's another problem, though. I was diagnosed with ASD shortly after obtaining my master's degree, and even with the few tricks I've learned to keep the kids' attention, I can't seem to win their respect. I work at a detention center, and I think they hate me. They've even gone so far as to file formal complaints--grievances--against me to an excessive extent. I told my boss that I view it as a form of harassment, but he told me there really wasn't a lot he could do to stop it. I've been told that I might have to defend myself against their accusations and that enough of them might even cost me my job. I'm not sure what to do.

    I'm 30 years old, several thousand dollars in student loan debt (I'll probably never be able to afford a house), and pretty much on square one with teaching. No matter how much advice I get, I can't seem to master classroom management. I have behavior problems even though an officer is in the room with me. I don't think I can do this anymore. I need a hug, but I'll settle for a slap in the face. They say it takes a "special kind of person" to be a teacher; if that's the case, why do they allow anyone to get the degree? Do you know how frustrating it is to have a job that you can't do?
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2017
  18. phillyteacher

    phillyteacher Comrade

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    Jun 16, 2017

    Kenz501, I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I think try to find a different teaching job before you write it off entirely. Maybe a different setting and grade level will give you space to improve your classroom management and find more enjoyment in the profession.
     
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  19. teacherintexas

    teacherintexas Maven

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    Jun 16, 2017

    You are in a tough behavior management situation. Have you applied to "easier" positions?
     
  20. Pi-R-Squared

    Pi-R-Squared Connoisseur

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    Jun 17, 2017

    You got that right! And it's different teaching middle school or at high school! I'm starting my fifth year at a new school this year. Spent 3 at middle school and 1 at a high school. Gotta keep working on management!
     
  21. Pi-R-Squared

    Pi-R-Squared Connoisseur

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    Jun 17, 2017

    You got that right! And it's different teaching middle school or at high school! I'm starting my fifth year at a new school this year. Spent 3 at middle school and 1 at a high school. Gotta keep working on management!
     
  22. bella84

    bella84 Aficionado

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    Jun 17, 2017

    I think it depends where you go to college, in all honesty. My school focused very heavily on classroom management and not enough on instructional methods, in my opinion. I have never struggled with management, but I have experienced feelings of being woefully unprepared for teaching math, reading, and writing during my time as an elementary school teacher.
     
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  23. teacherintexas

    teacherintexas Maven

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    I disagree. I have certainly learned a lot while teaching, but I had been taught classroom management in college.
     
  24. Kenz501

    Kenz501 Cohort

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    Jun 17, 2017

    Classroom management wasn't really heavily emphasized for secondary education majors where I went to school. Maybe it was different for elementary majors, but I find that I'm lacking key things, and without them, content knowledge is nearly worthless. For instance, the students won't know how much you know if you can't get them to sit still and pay attention. It's sometimes an uphill struggle for success.
     
  25. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    ,
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
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  26. Pi-R-Squared

    Pi-R-Squared Connoisseur

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    Jun 18, 2017

    Nothing beats experience because you need to be in those shoes when situations occur. And, what could work today won't work the next. Classroom mgt is very tough! I thought I had it down pat in middle school. Then I went into a high school and I felt like a total failure all year! This year, I have a chance to turn it around.
     
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  27. Pi-R-Squared

    Pi-R-Squared Connoisseur

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    Jun 18, 2017

     
  28. teacherintexas

    teacherintexas Maven

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    The class that taught me the most was required for secondary teachers as well. I did go to a college known for producing good teachers and at least at the time I attended, was considered innovative. But not all colleges are created equal.
     
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  29. Kenz501

    Kenz501 Cohort

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    Jun 21, 2017

    Really, I think I work better with students one-on-one. I wouldn't mind working for a tutoring center, but those jobs are hard to come by. Plus, they don't pay as well as I could make if I just worked for myself. I'm not bad at tutoring students. It is easier than managing a whole class, but I wish I knew how to market my services to people in the area. My Facebook business page has only gotten a few views, and the other online ads I've put up haven't really yielded much in way of results.
     
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  30. Kenz501

    Kenz501 Cohort

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    I think I'm going to just try to grow my tutoring clientele. Does anyone have any suggestions? I prefer working from home and tutoring online, but I'm having trouble getting customers, maybe due to not really knowing where or how to advertise.
     
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  31. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    ,
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
  32. teachmemath

    teachmemath Companion

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    Jul 20, 2017

    Hey everybody I am back again
    Unfortunately I didn't get the position I asked advice about before.
    So now i am back on the job search
    I just have a question.....how do you deal with the question...So, tell me about yourself?
    what route should i go with this? Should i ask back, what would you like to know?
     
  33. consciousteach

    consciousteach Rookie

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    Jul 20, 2017

    When I got asked that question (every interview this summer), I always started with my name, then where I'm from, then my degree. From there I say where I'm working and I list my duties . Then I go to my previous employment. For the most part, it was basically me reading my resume without looking at it. Of course it was not verbatim, but it was something close to it.
    So,
    I am.... I am from ...... I have a BA/BS..... I currently work as a .... My duties are... and... and...
    Prior to that I worked at... My duties there were.....and...and...

    It soon became second nature to me. No interviewer has ever reacted negatively to it. I will also say that be prepared to answer the question: tell us information about yourself not on your resume. They want to know about you as a person.
     
  34. mckbearcat48

    mckbearcat48 Cohort

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    Jul 20, 2017

    Welp,

    I may be back in this thread sooner than I would have liked. Possible school closing that could leave me...well, ya know. I have one lead left at that district I can't quite get into...
     
  35. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    Jul 30, 2017

    ,
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
  36. mckbearcat48

    mckbearcat48 Cohort

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    Jul 31, 2017

    The good news is that my school survived and will open on time. I made the "finals" a few times on interviews at other schools, but couldn't beat out a RIF teacher for one position and got a rejection letter that the other district was not filling the advertised position. That was an odd letter...."We are impressed with your qualifications and experience (total lie), but the board has recommended to not offer the position to anyone at this time."
     
  37. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    ,
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
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  38. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    ,
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
  39. Daniellya

    Daniellya Rookie

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    I thought you got a job back in Arizona. Did it fall through?
     
  40. Leaborb192

    Leaborb192 Enthusiast

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    ,
     
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