Your Basic Guide to Acing ANY Teacher Interview eBook - 3rd Edition is HERE!

Any opinions ? Has anyone used this before.

 

I just bought it and printed it out. It's 36 pages. Once I read it I'll let you know if it seemed helpful to me.

 

I bought it and read it but did not print the whole thing. I have an interview coming up, so I'll keep you posted ... and tell me what you think also.

 

HI

I'm interested, too. I need a job, LOL. I've had 4 interviews, and know I didn't get at least two of the positions. Haven't heard on the other two.

Patty

 

Has anyone read it yet? Is it worth buying?

 

Ok I guess I’ll chime in since I wrote it

First, let me start by saying that I just emailed Amanda with the latest version that I have been working on for quite some time. Don’t worry…everyone who purchased the old version will be getting a free upgrade.

I believe the new version is a big improvement on the first. Not only does this version take you through all the steps of how to apply and what to include with your application, but I also provide sample resumes, cover letters, philosophy statement etc.

The biggest improvement however, is with the chapter on “common interview questions”. This chapter alone is roughly 35 pages. In the first version I provided the top 25 most common questions with a brief explanation on how to answer interview questions in general. In the new version I provide tips on how to answer each question AND provide a sample answer for each question.

As for whether or not it is worth buying…all I can say is that the feedback from my own website has been very positive and the ebook sells for $17.95 on that site so you are getting a bargain through AtoZ. The way I see it, depending on the teaching position you are applying for, it can been extremely difficult to land a job and you need any extra edge you can get on your competition.

I should know since I recently relocated from NY to FL and had to go through the applying/interviewing process all over again myself. Granted I had an advantage as I sat on interview committees for 5 years while in NY, but nevertheless it can be quite difficult.

Just to give you an idea…at the Lee County job fair (spring 2005) they were not offering a single social studies contract in the ENTIRE county. The job that I currently have in Manatee County, I was 1 of 140 applicants applying for the same position…so believe me I know what it is like from both sides of the table.

Anyway, I honestly think this book will give you a leg up on the competition.

Good luck, and don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Best Wishes,
Adam

 

Adam- although I haven't had the luck of obtaining any interviews. I do feel that the questions were helpful.

 

I'm glad you found the book helpful...I think you'll like the upgrade much better.

Where on Long Island are you looking?

--Adam

P.S. Love the Avatar!

 

I am in Nassau County, so that is my focus, although, I have chosen some parts of Suffolk. Not past Hauppauge though, the commute would be way too long. If I remember correctly, you were way out east? right?


Ahhh... another person with good musical taste

 

Yes, I lived and taught in East Hampton, but I grew up in Nassau (Port Washington).

The Long Island job market for teachers is very competitive. When searching for my replacement last year we had to turn away many good candidates who are and will be great teachers.

Just keep your head up and try to make as many contacts as you can. A good connection will almost always get you an interview. Having a professor or respected colleague that knows you make a phone call or two can go a very looooong way.

Keep at it and I'm sure you'll find something great. If I hear of anything I'll let you know...though I no longer have many connections in Nassau, but you never know

 

Thanks Adam!

 

Adam,

How many years did you teach on LI? Do you miss LI at all?

 

Thanks Amanda!

MissFrizzle, I taught on LI (Springs in East Hampton) for 6 years.

Do I miss LI? Nope. I ride my bike and swim all year round...Ave. temp is 70 degrees...over 350 days of sun/ year, low crime rate, low cost of living (well, anything is low compared to NY), clean, safe, A+ schools, just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S.....I could go on, but here is the kicker...

...we just sold our shack in East Hampton (yes, literally a 3/2, 1200 sf. SHACK) and just bought a 4/3, 2100 sf, 2 car garage, solar heated pool, on a golf course for $150,000 less

Sorry, but you asked

--Adam

P.S. Take a look at my wife's website for more info on where we moved to: http://www.lakewoodranchdreamhomes.com

 

Adam,

I did check out the website. I noticed it's near Bradenton. My grandparents lived not too far away in Venice. It does sound nice. I did look at the website. I'm sold.

Actually, we aren't moving anywhere in the near future, but who Knows.

 

I just happened upon this website while searching for a teaching job. Would really like to know if anyone found this book helpful. I've all but given up the search for this school year since school starts here on August 7. (I'm also in Bradenton) (Also grew up in Nassau county, by the way) Any thoughts?

 

Hey shortee,

Nice to see another former LI'er around these boards... where were you from in Nassau County... and yes, the e book was very helpful. Now, I just need to get the interview

 

Hi shortee,

Wow, from Nassau County to Manatee County...me too!

Of course, there were many places in between

What are you certified to teach? Since I live and work in Manatee County I will keep my ears open for you. I will also be starting this year as an adjunct professor at MCC, so I will likely make some more connections.

There are a couple of sites you should definitley be paying attention to (if you are not already)
1. http://pats.manatee.k12.fl.us. ~ All Manatee County school board jobs will be posted here

2. www.TeachInFlorida.com. With TeachInFlorida.com you can type in your qualifications and the counties that you are interested in and TeachInFlorida.com will contact you by email when jobs are posted that match your criteria.

Keep you head up and don't get discouraged.

MissFrizzle,

I'm sorry you haven't gotten an interview yet. By the way did you see the post I made about an interesting twist on the typical cover letter? You may find the info valuable...here is that post: http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=22779

Good luck,
Adam

P.S. I think the book is helpful...but then again, I may be a little biased

 

I grew up in Baldwin and then moved to Rockville Center. Went to high school on Manhattan...but all that was many many moons ago.

Adam, I too have been many places in between but now am settled here in East Manatee. My certification is in middle grades English so I'm a bit limited. The biggest problem for me though is my lack of experience. (I'm what they call a career-changer) There really are very few jobs up for grabs in this county in the first place and the ones that are available are going to the more experienced teachers.
I do check both of those websites everyday and I'll keep checking them.

Adam, do you think a person has a better chance of eventually securing a full time teaching position if they are subbing in many schools or if they take a job for a year as assistant teacher in one school? Just wondering.

 

HOw funny. I grew up in Lynbrook and went to school in RVC I'm now in Hicksville.
For such a small island, there sure are a lot of us, aren't there??

What was your previous career? Tell us about it-- what your responsibilities were and what you liked about it-- and we'll find ways for them to translate into teaching. Turn it around and make it a strongpoint!

 

I grew up in Port Washington and now also live in East Manatee. We were real lucky, we sold our shack in East Hampton this summer and bought a plave in River Club for a whole lot less.

Aliceacc is absolutely right, turn your career/life experiences into a plus. I tell people all the time that I hire people with "passion" over "experience" any day of the week. I can teach people how to to teach...what I can not teach someone is how to be passionate...you either have it or you don't.

As for subbing vs. teaching assisstant...there are plusses and minuses for both.

If you are subbing, you can make more connections as you will be in more schools and therefore will have a better chance of learning about potential opennings. However, substitue teaching can be quite difficult and can actually backfire. If you get a reputattion as a sub that does not have good classroom management skills you may be shooting yourself in the foot. Unfortunately, just because someone has difficulty subbing does not mean that they will have difficulty as a full-time teacher with their own classroom. The fact is subbing and teaching are two different jobs. But...that reputation you get as a sub will follow you.

On the other hand, if you are a teacher assisstant you do not make as many contacts, but the ones you make you get to know a whole lot better. You also don't have to worry as much about classroom management.

Therefore, I usually suggest to people to go the TA route, but it really is an individual decision.

The other problem is that you teach middle school English and I am not sure how many TA spots actually fit here. If you go the subbing route, you can stick to a few good schools and get to know them well.

I teach at Haile up on rt 64 and it is a very good school. So is Braden River Middle. In fact, most of the middle schools out east are good.

You may also want to get your 6-12 certification as that will open up more opportunities.

Hope that helps,
Adam

 

I started subbing in this county towards the end of last school year. I subbed at Haile and also at Braden River Middle. (My daughter goes to Haile.) (Son at Lakewood Ranch H.S.) I am on the sub list again for this year.

You're right. There are not really teacher assistant jobs at the middle school level. I'm hoping to become certified in K-6 between now and December and I think that will open up many more possibilities for me. So I will consider a teacher assistant job at an elementary school too.

I'm so glad I happened upon this website...I've already gotten some great ideas from other people's expertise so thank you one and all. And good luck to all of us in the job search.

 

What grade is your daughter going into?

 

Oh, if you are thinking about going into elementary ed and you can get a TA position at let's say Braden River Elementary, I would say take that job over subbing. That's a very good school and you are bound to make many very good contacts.

 

okay, i'll look into that. Gene Witt, Freedom and McNeal are also excellent...and nearby. Adam, my daughter is starting 7th grade at Haile. What do you teach there?

 

Adam, is your book re: acing interviews in print or only as a download? I'd like to get it asap but we just got a new computer and haven't hooked up the printer yet.

 

Yes, those are all very good schools.

I teach 8th grade social studies (Typhoon Team). I might have her next year

About the ebook...yes, at this point it is only available as a downloadable ebook...sorry

 

Wow...just got an offer for a long term sub position for middle school dropout prevention class. Anyone have any thoughts? Does this sound like a good idea or not? Not sure if it's the best thing for someone like me with no real teaching experience. Appreciate anyone's comments.

 

It sounds challenging,,, and that's not a bad thing. You have to try to inspire these kids!! Good Luck.. I say go for it.

 

I wonder though, why would a principal want to hire me as a long term sub in an area I'm NOT certified in when he also needs a permanent teacher in what I AM certified in. Hmmm...I'm just wondering if I should hold out for something permanent...surprisingly a few openings are still coming up on the board even though school starts on 8/7. (In fact, a 6th grade language arts position just opened up at Haile today, Adam. I just applied online and will stop by with my resume on Monday morning too...wish me luck!!!)

 

probably because it is a very difficult position to fill.

Where is the middle school dropput prevention class? This might be quite a challenge, but then again it can also be extremely rewarding. Just think, you are actually preventing kids from dropping out of school. Plus, that is great experience to have under your belt.

Just to give you heads up...Monday is our first day back. We have a breakfast off campus at 8:15 - ?. We then have a faculty meeting from 10:30-12:30. After that teachers have the afternoon to work in their rooms. Not sure if you were hoping to be able to meet any admins when you drop off your resume (you may not get past the front desk, but you never know). If so, you may want to hold off unitl the afternoon...just an idea.

Also, the way things work in Manatee County, once the schools have finalized their attendance (I believe the first week or two), the county determines if the school is eligible for another "teaching unit". They base the number of teachers on what they estimate the attendance to be, but sometimes they are wrong. Last year we added a couple of teachers after the first quarter. So don't give up hope once school has started.

--Adam

p.s. stop by and say "hi"

 

The dropout prevention class is at Nolan. Seems like an excellent school. Thanks for the heads up about Monday's schedule. I'll try to wait until the afternoon to stop by instead. I will stop by to meet you. If I don't catch you then I'll look for you at schedule pick up on the 3rd.

 

Oh, yeah...by the way, Adam, my name is Randi Henshaw...people just call me "shortee." I'll look for you tomorrow afternoon. And if you need any help setting your class up...glad to help.

 

Thanks for the offer to help set up my room, but they actually give us 2 full days plus a couple of half days to do so this week...which is really nice, so I should be fine.

I'll be in my room all day wed. & thur. if you want to stop by.

Did you get a chance to drop off your resume? Get an interview?

Good luck,
Adam

 

I did not. I actually had another interview I had to go to so I slipped it in the mail instead. Hopefully it will get there today. Will you be there on Thursday night for schedule pickup?

 

If you haven't bought this guide yet, whip out your credit card and do it now! This guide got me my job! Yep get me the job. I reviewed it until I was blue in the face, wrote my own answers to the suggested questions and I really impressed the interveiw panel soley because I did what AWaxler said. It was the first interview for at teaching job and I got it. I live in MI and Social Studies/History Jobs are hard to come by, I got it based soley on my impressive interveiw.

So get this guide! You will not be sorry!

 

Based on the rave reviews from members of atoz, I just purchased the "secrets to acing the interview" e-book.
Wish me luck!!

 

I just downloaded this book and printed it. I think it's going to be helpful. I have 3 interviews in a few weeks in Alabama. I currently teach in St. Louis. I hope to ACE the interviews! Thanks, Waxler!

 

Your welcome...let me know if you have any questions...

--Adam