So, I finished my first year of teaching last year. (K-8 Music) It was very hard. There are some things that will be better next year, but some stuff I think will stay hard --OK Cue VENTING you don't have to read this part if you don't want to -- including the fact that I could easily be working full time at the school that hired me...but on top of that they make me travel and teach another almost 100 kids at another school. argh. Every day I have to pick up and teach at this other school for the last block. It's just silly. And it takes so much time out of my day, I have to clean up there, and it's very hard to leave because the teacher I share the room with there is a chatterbox and then get back to my original school to pick up and I can barely do after school choir but if I don't there just ISN'T a choir for the lower grades. I can't hunt down kids after school for district ensembles I'm required to recruit for because I'm NOT THERE after school. By the time I get back kids have mostly left. It's ridiculous. I'm supposed to and *want* to build up a program at this 450 kid school but I'm not even there for the full day. And I thought that the principal and my supervisor were pretty committed to having that not happen again this year but as it turns out my schedule is the same. :'( -- OK you can read again -- But, aside from that, one thing I think adds to the stress on a day to day level for me is that really, I grew up in the country, an EXTREMELY rural area. (And yeah teachers there definitely travel between little schools but not during the school day!) I also went to college in Maine, again pretty rural. Where I am now is more urban than I've ever experienced, and the CITY (not town) I'm teaching in is extremely densely populated, one of the most dense in the country. I think that my happiness level would go way up if I could go back to the country. It's just a different culture in rural areas and I miss it so much. We did not have a contract at all last year at my school so I have not signed one...I did basically give everyone the impression that I was coming back and really, I see no job openings right now that look like what I'm looking for. What I'm wondering is how the heck do you apply for jobs when you already have one? I don't want people looking at my app to contact my employer because I would just feel so awkward having them know that I'm looking around elsewhere. But it's not that I'm on bad terms with my employer. I love my supervisor actually, he's great. I don't know what to do about references...I am now connected with people who would be *much* better references than what I had last summer but again, I would have to ask them and therefore imply that I was looking at leaving....can I ask fellow teachers for references? I mean people I trust and already kind of know that I'm not planning on staying for more than another year? But, I know that people move jobs in their careers, in fact some of my friends have (I'll need to ask them also), so how do they do it? What are some steps for this kind of job hunting I should keep in mind? Thanks!
I recently accepted a position at another school. Generally, a school will not call your references until you come in for an interview. However, I do know of situations where it has happened before. If you are worried about someone calling your references prior to an interview (in case it happens), you could put some teachers you work with you trust won't let the word out that you are job searching. You could also put your previous cooperating teacher or someone who observed you while you were student teaching. At the school where I recently accepted a position, I had not put my current P down, and they said they wanted to speak with her for a reference. I explained to them that I didn't want to jeopardize my position with my current district and that was why I did not put her down. They then told me that they were prepared to make me an offer as soon as they spoke with her. From there, I then called my P and explained to her the situation, and she was more than understanding and gave me an excellent reference. Do you think that if you were at the point of being given an offer that your current P would understand and give you a good reference? In my experiences, schools have been pretty understanding about not contacting a current supervisor unless they were prepared to make an offer.
Thanks for your reply!! Imagining that scenario...heh...I think they'd be pretty taken by surprise!.... And my supervisor would be really disappointed...he is the one who hired me. He is very excited about our team of music teachers and always tells me how glad he is I'm on board. (shiiiit) But, honestly, I will teach there next year at most and then, bless their hearts, but I'm definitely out. So I guess I'd have to face the music at some point! (pun?) It is really good to know, what you said about them calling references. Thank you
I've never had a job call my references unless they were mostly sure they were going to hire me - usually after the interview. If you don't have a contract, you legally don't have to let them know by a certain date, but I would try to let them know as soon as you have another position just out of courtesy.
You can always look to leave, but a friend of mine who did just that will tell you the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I hope that this year is a better year for you! If you do find jobs and start interviewing, I'd follow sc's advice on the whole principal thing. Good luck!!
**sigh** I do get what you're saying Leigh...I mean though I've only had one job, I can understand how every job has its downsides and upsides. I try to be really...I'm trying to really analyze my feelings and see all angles. I'm 24 though and young and definitely don't know everything only how I feel So here's an honest assessment of how I feel: I'm looking around only for part-time jobs. The only way I could *possibly* see switching jobs right after my first year of teaching and not just have it be my first year all over again is if it was part-time so that I could adjust. *If* I even were offered a part-time job through just applying online (this was compLETEly unsuccessful for me the first time around, I got my job through subbing) I would only switch if it was REALLY REALLY REALLY promising. So, I foresee that I will not actually be getting a new job right now, but I feel like it's ok to practice applying because ultimately, as I said: It's not completely just being unhappy with the school (although, I have been really disappointed by my principal and vice principal. They are...I don't want to speak badly of people, but, the best word for them is disappointing. And my school is tough and traveling during the day everyday is tough.) It's that I know that I do not want to live my life in a city. It's not for me. I'm living with my boyfriend, and it's not for him either. I want to stay with him and make a life closer to home (in the country.) So, knowing that, it's hard to sit here and go "ok, I'll just stay in this job for another year"...a year feels like such a long time and this last one was so hard I don't want to go through that again...I feel like my excitement was just crushed around December/January and I spent the rest of the year trying to recover. I mean I have been going to counseling and stuff. I can't imagine going through that again. I want someone to tell me it won't happen again On the other hand I'm also trying to think of it like: this year I know the kids, and they know me, I have a better sense of what to plan. I can improve my teaching skills a lot and get some great stuff to use for applications for new jobs. I should put in motion the projects I've been thinking might be really cool for my middle schoolers. This coming year I will continue to grow as a teacher and the skills I learn I can definitely take to a new job. I wonder what your friend's experience was? I don't suppose you could tell me a little about that?
I'm not telling you to give up...just telling you that restarting in another place isn't always the dream we hope for. My friend left my school teaching 4/5 sped and went to another school closer to home (literally a 5 min drive) teaching sped to 6th and 7th grade. She had a really hard time with the transition, but it was also because she had been at our school for a while. She also has 2 kids. She stuck it out and is finally happier in her new school, but it took several years to feel that way for her. On the other hand, I can tell you from experience (I have bounced around a lot of grades) that the second year in a position is much easier than the first. You know more about the school and your responsibilities, the kids, etc. It sounds to me like a move for you is inevitable, it's just a matter of timing. And trust me when I say your health is always the most important thing...I learned that the hard way!
My soul would die in a city, so I understand. Get out of there! I was just very honest with my former administration about what I wanted (and they couldn't provide), and they were happy to write reference letters and provide very positive reference calls. They were good people, not at all like some of the vindictive peope I've read about on A to Z. I would recommend sharing that you're unhappy in the city as they'll be less likely to be annoyed or offended. Best wishes!
Awww Willow just from your post I like you. You are a good person and there have been times when I have felt the same. You have to do what is best for you. It certainly doesn't hurt to keep looking for an opportunity that is best for you. I am licensed but right now have job as a TA. Of course my principal knows that I am looking for a higher level position, but I still feel bad about looking "behind his back." You have quite a bit to think about but you will get there
Hey guys! So, I've relaxed some this summer, went to a music camp my boyfriend was teaching at and on our 4 hour long drive home through the beautiful country side had a long chat about where we would like to move to if there were job openings to be had everywhere. We honed in on one area in particular and today I was perusing through schoolspring as usual and lo-and-behold, there is a job opening in that area. So I'm like, ok, I think I should just apply. Doesn't mean anything. I asked the colleague who teaches music at the second school that I teach at to be a reference, which was slightly awkward but he said yes... I would love some cover letter writing tips because honestly, when I was applying to jobs before I got my current job, I applied to like 30 places with no luck. I got my current job through subbing, being an aid, getting to know people, and then luckily there was a job opening... Thanks for your support! Much love, Willow
Good luck! Post your cover letter (without identifying info) and everyone would be happy to take a look at it!
Thanks Leigh I have to submit the app today so, here's a draft of the cover letter..... Dear Mr. ____: I am submitting this application to be considered for the Elementary General Music Position in the ABC Regional School District in response to your posting on Schoolspring. I believe I would be a qualified candidate for this position as I have experience teaching in rural settings and to a variety of students in urban settings. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Clarinet Performance at the University of Maine, and I have an Initial Massachusetts State License in Music: Vocal/Instrumental/General for K-12. In the summer of 2012, I completed my Level II certification in the Kodaly Method through the _____ Conservatory and through _____ College. The Kodaly Institute is a very musically rigorous program that guides teachers in music instruction that reaches students sequentially, through physical, visual, and aural means. It is ideal for students of different learning styles. Teachers also learn to use varied materials such as folk songs from many different cultures and art music. The Kodaly Method is what I draw from for most of my teaching. Through my experiences at the Kodaly Music Institute, I learned a lot about vocal development and teaching appropriate pedagogy, especially to children. I am devoted to helping my students become healthy and active singers and music makers in and outside the classroom. My student teaching was in Rural Town, Maine and included K-8 general music and choir. I just completed my first year of teaching at the KSchool and ASchool Schools in TOWN, STATE, where I taught K-8 general music, middle school choir, and 4-6th grade after-school choir. I feel I had a very rich experience this year as both of these schools have a wide variety of students. The ASchool has a special program for ESL students, and KSchool has programs for TOWN students who have behavioral needs, as well as those with physical and mental disabilities. I taught specific classes for these students and also had them included in my general education classes. I learned a lot of classroom management strategies and ways to include different learners. I have included a copy of my resume for you to review, and I look forward to following up with you soon regarding this position. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Willow blanketyblank! So, I read that you should gear your cover letter to what people say in the ad for the job but what I've found at least in music ed job postings they say LITTLE TO NOTHING at all. Like for this posting it says it's a General Music job, teachers must have skills in subject area and want to teach kids. (DURRR) I had to call and find out the grades (K-6) and that it is a two school job. But the schools are on the same campus, so pretty ideal if you're going to be traveling (unlike where I currently am) I have a theory that this is often because it's principals who will be processing the applications and they don't really know what to say about what they want in a music teacher. The distinctive thing that I REALLY like about this job, like I said, is the area, and that it is rural. I'm also already involved in the musical scene over there because I play gigs there as much as I can, they have lovely venues, and I know the local musicians. I play for community dances (contra dances) and digging through their website I found a handbook to one of their Elementary Schools which I skimmed. They use Responsive Classroom as a social curriculum (I know nothing about this except that apparently they use this at one of the schools that I teach at now...don't know what it is though, will look it up) and it talked about teamwork. Well I love folk dance and teaching folk dance, I feel that it is community building and FUN and I don't know if I should mention that? Though I feel the letter is pretty long as it is...gaah. OK, so, should I find a way to include this stuff (being a musician in the area/folk dance/I grew up in a rural place and I get the vibe )? Is this more the kind of thing I would talk about in an interview? Anything I should leave out of the letter? Gosh this is a long post, sorry about that. Little miss anxiety over here
Your cover sees to reiterate what your resume covers. Instead, you should paint a picture of who you are as a teacher, what drives you, how you've made differences for kids...include an anecdote to show some of this.
Thanks czacza! OK, I've been looking at the letter all day...here's what I've got so far Dear Mr. : I am submitting this application to be considered for the Elementary General Music Position in the ABC Regional School District in response to your posting on Schoolspring. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Clarinet Performance at the University of Maine, and I have an Initial Massachusetts State License in Music: Vocal/Instrumental/General for K-12. I believe I would be a qualified candidate for this position as I have experience teaching and living in rural settings. I understand the importance of having a strong community in a small town, and believe that I can foster this by building community in my music classroom through inclusive music making and dance. After finishing student teaching in Rural Town, State, I completed my first year of teaching at the KSchool and ASchool Schools in City, State, where I taught K-8 general music, middle school choir, and 4-6th grade after-school choir. I feel I had a very rich experience this year, as both of these schools have a wide variety of students. The ASchool has a special program for ESL students, and KSchool has programs for City students who have behavioral needs, as well as those with physical and mental disabilities. I taught specific classes for these students and also had them included in my general education classes. My concerts at the KSchool School were the first concerts they had which included all of the students in the school. This was a big change for them but I felt it was wonderfully positive and successful, and welcomed by the community. Most of my teaching draws heavily from the Kodaly Method, and in the summer of 2012, I completed my Level II certification in the Kodaly Method through the ABC Conservatory and through _____ College. The Kodaly Institute is a very musically rigorous program that guides teachers in music instruction that reaches students sequentially, through physical, visual, and aural means. It is ideal for students of different learning styles. Teachers also learn to use varied materials such as folk songs from many different cultures and art music. Through my experiences at the Kodaly Music Institute, I learned a lot about vocal development and teaching appropriate pedagogy, especially to children. I am devoted to helping my students become healthy and active singers and music makers in and outside the classroom. I have included a copy of my resume for you to review, and I look forward to following up with you soon regarding this position. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, ME! Suggestions are welcome!
I went through your letter quickly and changed some of the wording to make things a little more succinct. I also eliminated some words. HTH
Hi! I agree with all the advice that has been given. I got more interviews once I pared down my cover letter. In fact, mine is just 3 very short paragraphs. I have an example of a specific activity/situation that helped one of my students in it. I think it's important to do that to demonstrate the real you. There was someone on this board last year who was a super writer and editor--may have been an English teacher--but I can't remember who it was! No offense to those who have posted, as I said they have given great advice. If I have time later I will go thru my old posts and see if I can find it. This person helped me to edit mine. I wish you the best! You sound like a fantastic teacher and person. I am sure that you can find something else. It's true that the grass isn't always greener, but if you are truly unhappy it may be time to take that leap. :thumb:
Thanks Rainbow So, I showed the letter to a teacher friend of mine who gave me some tips and I changed it a lot from this draft. I tried to include more stuff about the school system itself... It is shorter now too. I agree with you shorter is better... Should I follow it up with a quick phone call or something later? I have yet for a paper/online application to actually be successful in getting me anywhere so...I'm curious what others did that worked!! Coincidentally tomorrow I'm going to a music event that's like 7 miles from where the school is so I think I'll swing by and just see what it looks like over there lol But otherwise I don't really want to think about it anymore because now I'm all scared at what I've done!!!!! applying to a job when I already have one...and not telling anyone. boy...scary
