1. Securing Your First Teaching Position L&C March 2006 Jim Buck, Executive Director Oregon School Personnel Association

2. Overview What are school employers looking for? What will the job market be like? How should I promote my candidacy? What are some tips on résumé writing? How do I complete online applications? What should I expect from a job fair?

3. What Districts Should be Sharing in Their Communications to You : Strong clear messages on the 4 Cs: –Community (culture, core values, etc.) –Colleagues (team, department, etc.) –Compensation (including benefits) –Curriculum (in place or are you to create, refine, etc.?)

4. Note on Compensation & Benefits  Usually not the key variable in employment decisions  Job satisfaction usually not tied to pay  Data on salary/benefits should be available and not difficult to obtain  How information/communication is shared by district indicative of its values

5. What Qualities Employers are Seeking : 1. Effective instructional strategies 2. Flexibility in assignment (HS: multiple endorsement & willingness to coach) 3. Ability to team; a personality that relates well with parents & students 4. Solid work ethic; leadership attributes 5. Technology skills; “cultural competence”

6. Job Market Outlook Oregon districts: stable but very tight fiscal conditions Good attendance from Oregon districts at the Oregon Professional Educator Fair for April 4-5; 75 Oregon agencies there; most interviewing space ever scheduled. Some staff reductions should be offset in part with baby boomer retirements/natural attrition Districts—to minimize costs—will be preferring qualified less experienced teachers Oregon universities produce only about 50% of the teachers newly licensed in Oregon

7. Marketing Oneself  Have reference letters speak to your teaching skills (not just personality)  Highlight academic awards and volunteer activities especially with youth  Prepare a portfolio; know when to share it  Have good questions to ask district reps  Engage in practice interviews

8. Learn District Protocols Who can be contacted (district HR manager, principals, etc.)? Can I contact the district even if there are no posted openings in my area? Will my application be considered for a future opening? Are visits or communications to school staff looked upon favorably?

9. Résumé Tips Keep to 1-2 pages Choose clear visual format Highlight name & headings for quick scanning Use good paper Edit carefully for typos & misspellings No photos of you Use Functional (categories) versus Chronological Style Highlight experiences (not just positions), recognitions and licensing information

10. Résumé Tips (cont.) State objective carefully Include accurate contact info. Use action words to describe your experiences/skills Use bullets for conciseness Examine résumé from three feet away— Do you see your name, the categories, and is it visually appealing?

11. Portfolio Demonstrates use of sound instructional strategies Reveals you’re comfortable with assessment/accountability Contains copies of student products Demonstrates ability to engage wide range of learners Can be scanned easily by interviewers

12. Finding the Match KKnow what you are you looking for PPosition, location, etc. CCheck out district and school culture WWebsite, visits, colleagues, etc. DDoes the district offer the support you’re looking for (training, time, etc.)? AAccept a rejection as being in your interest OObtain interview feedback

13. The “Right” Position A “balanced perspective” 1.Is any position better than none at all? 2.Should I hold out for the assignment I want? 3.Should I limit myself to just a few districts? 4.How long should I wait for a position in the district in which I am interning?

14. The Oregon Professional Educator Fair Held April 4-5, 2006 at the Oregon Convention Center (190+ districts) Register online at www.teachoregon.com and click on OPEF button www.teachoregon.com Determine your purpose in attending: »Survey what opportunities exist and where »Interview and accept offer of employment

15. What to Bring to Career Fairs A positive disposition, professional dress & demeanor Résumé copies for district reps Information necessary to complete application (especially for out of state employers) Knowledge about your targeted districts Interview materials (portfolio, etc.) if you plan to engage in that process

16. Tips Check to make sure contact information is current; notify employers of any changes Check your telephone message. Is it appropriate? Check your email name. Does it represent you professionally? Review letters of reference to ensure they speak to your qualifications (issue of closed vs open file)

17. Contact Information Jim Buck: –oregonfair@verizon.netoregonfair@verizon.net –503-661-5137

18. Online Applications like TeachOregon/EdZapp