what do you all think about including professional affiliations on your resume? I originally had them, but am thinking about dumping them-- I mean....does anyone on an interview panel really care that I am in NEA, State Educators' Association, or NSTA?
I would think it is probably best to leave them out. And if you do include them, make sure you list them closer to the end of your resume, after your experience, education, and professional development.
My affiliations are what GOT me a part-time job in a public library. It was down to me and another candidate. When I asked the head librarian why I got picked, she said that it came down to the fact that I was a member of the ALA and the other candidate wasn't. She said they were impressed that I cared enough about my field to be a member. And it was because of that job that I got my career job. Maybe not the NEA so much... we have no choice in my district as to whether or not we want to join... it automatically comes out of our paychecks, so it's kind of ho hum. But if there are more speciifc organizations that you could join, that could help boost that section up a bit. Are you a member of any national reading organization or maybe a math teaching organization? Look into those. Good luck!
If you have the space, I say keep them. I think they show professional development and that you are part of a community. If you don't have a lot of room to spare, keep the ones that you think are more relevant to that particular school/district.
