Celebrating Your Successful Journey Preparing for the Next Steps

CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve completed... A program that prepares you to teach literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, PE, etc. A program that modeled how to create a safe classroom that engages students in learning. Field experiences at a variety of levels including a comprehensive preparatory advanced practicum in the school where you will student teach. Many discussions and assignments that required you to think about the students you will teach and how to meet their needs through a student-centered, culturally relevant approach. A program that modeled many best practices for you—both at WSU and in partner school classrooms.

What’s next? Student teaching The edTPA Applying for a job! Graduation!! Employment!!!

Student Teaching All-day placement from when your teacher returns to school to the end of the WSU semester (just as if you are a school employee). You’ll work the same hours at school as your cooperating teacher (or more!). You’ll need to work hard to quickly be able to take over some lessons (in the area of the edTPA) so you can do it successfully. Remember that knowledge of the students, class, and curriculum are critical so you can have rich, deep and detailed responses. Remember that you are in a prolonged job interview; you want your teacher, supervisor, and building principal to all see how good you are. Be the professional you want to be!

Find a job? With edTPA and student teaching too? Know that the job market is improving and that new teachers are being hired because of their knowledge and skill with the new expectations and standards. Most jobs begin to come open in Washington after April 25, though some are earlier. If you finish in December, you can get experience (and known) through substituting. Plan to attend the career fair in Spokane or Tacoma. Check district websites for the position listings. All public Washington job listings can be found at: wateach.net and College of Education Undergraduate Studies Facebook page.

Applying for a Job There are four parts to the application: Letter of Application/Interest Resume Application form Letters of Recommendation If you wish to see samples of letters of application or resumes, simply do an internet search for sample cover letter for teaching or sample resumes for teaching. Also, look at the Job Search Handbook that we give you.

Letters of Application/Interest Read the job listing closely to see what they want. Once you know, respond to it in your letter. In your letter, tell them: The job (and position number off listing) for which you are applying. Why you are interested in this particular position and district (show you know something about them) What unique background and skills you bring to the job; that is, what sets you apart from other applicants? What is your philosophy of teaching? What approach will you use that will serve to help all students learn and grow? What else, beyond the position requirements, are you interested in helping with or willing to do in that school or district?

Resume Tips Recognize that your resume will likely be shorter than an experienced applicant and that’s okay (2 pages maximum). Include your: Contact information Objective (Seeking a challenging position in…) Education (degrees and certifications) Education-related experiences (student teaching, practicum, volunteering, coaching, tutoring, etc.) Other work experiences Honors and awards References should be on the application form.

More on resumes... For each item of work experience, make sure you briefly explain the responsibilities you had. The resume should have some overlap with the letter of application. The letter shows your passion and interest in the job, the resume shows your qualifications, experiences, and skills. Do not “pad” your resume to make it longer. Do show it to your teacher to see if you have missed anything you should include from student teaching.

Application Forms Applications will vary by district but almost all ask for similar things: Your qualifications (transcript, GPA, degree area, certifications, experience). What skills/experiences you have with certain types of curriculum or students. A listing of your various experiences with certain types of curriculum.

Letters of Recommendation You need at least 3 letters of recommendation. (People who have seen you work with students). Who should you ask? Cooperating teacher(s) Student teaching supervisor Building principal Most districts will allow for a few more letters. Make it as easy as possible for them to write for you! If you have concerns about a letter of recommendation, talk to your supervisor or contact Chris Sodorff for advice.

The Interview Remember that if you have made the interview, they are interested in you. You may be interviewed by an HR Director, a principal, or a hiring team (administrators, teachers, parents) You may be asked to do a writing sample. You may be asked to teach a lesson to a small group of students. This will all be told to you, but if it is not, then ask!

Expectations of New Teachers That you have initiative and don’t need to always be told what to do. That you are ready (with some orientation and mentoring) to run your own classroom. That you come with the ability to collaborate. That you know what ProTeach and TPEP are. That you will be a positive force for children and their families. That you will continue to grow and improve as a professional.

And Finally... Remember that... You are still in the program while you are student teaching. It’s the final program step for you. Teaching is a “lifelong learning” profession. You will continue to go to school, work with peers and study your practice, and continue to grow and improve—just as your students do. We have taught you to collaborate and not work in isolation. In this era, no teacher can afford to work alone. We are still here for you. We are just a phone call, , Skype conference, or social network link away. Ask for help if you need it.

CONGRATULATIONS! WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU— GO FORTH AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!