Teaching and Learning Institute It is not unusual for school districts to receive hundreds of applications for every teaching vacancy. Unprofessional, mistake filled paperwork is the quickest way to eliminate yourself from being further considered. We are pleased to offer this Power Point presentation which contains tips for preparing a high interest, employment gaining Cover Letter, Resume and Application. We wish you success in your efforts to either secure your first teaching position or upgrade your current position. Be sure to check out our FREE review offer at the end of this presentation.

“What you always wanted to know about securing a teaching position… (but maybe no one told you yet).” Presentation prepared by: Ralph P. Kerr Ed.D Copyright TLI Inc. (Teaching and Learning Institute)

Overview of this presentation … 1. Cover Letter writing 2. Crafting a interest generating Resume 3. Completing an acceptable application.

Cover Letter General thoughts… Find out who you are writing to(Check the web site) One page is ample Make your letter grammatically correct (ask a friend to proof your letter) Emphasis the strong points from your resume that you feel make you a great fit for the position you are applying for Follow up to make sure your file is complete (A telephone call will give you the answer)

Resume Should always be typed Never exceed two (2) pages Should include… Name Address and phone number, including cell phone Brief statement (sentence) of educational philosophy Undergraduate and Graduate information Student teaching / teaching experience Other related experiences Personal interests, hobbies, etc. Complete References

Common mistakes made in Cover Letters and Resumes (these are taken from actual materials received) Incorrect address- when sending out multiple letters, city name is changed but not school district name. Misspelling - Superintendant, stuedents, leaning (meant learning), proffessional activies Run on sentences – “My love of teaching and teaching experience has formed a strong foundation from which to build upon as an administrator and I feel I am very ready for the move from the classroom to administrator as a building level principal.”

Common mistakes in Cover Letters and Resumes (cont’d) (these are taken from actual materials received) Incomplete reference information (585) ___________ (no phone number) Incomplete sentences – “… utilize environmentally friendly business practices and.” Conflicting information – (In opening sentence) “I am interested in the current Elementary Building Principal vacancy.” (In closing sentence of same letter) “I will be a valuable asset to your high school.”

Application ( Make a copy of the blank application before you begin.) Word processed vs. Handwritten Word processed…do not make mistakes and then white out (reprint)… needs to look clean and clear Handwritten…use the same color ink pen throughout …do not make mistakes (redo) Complete all information Keep “philosophy statement” in application Double check to make sure application is complete Don’t note, “See resume” complete information as requested on application

References “Furnished on request” ? No Way! Employers will not take the time to call you for your references. Don’t give them an excuse not to further consider you as a candidate.

Interview Process Time – arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Attire – appropriate business, not casual Preparation – check out the district web site for information Committee Composition – know who will you will be interviewing with. Potential Questions to ask Interviewer(s) – always have a question or two ready, a curriculum related question is very impressive. e.g. What collaboration is currently occurring between departments to help students achieve academic standards? Interview Follow up – have a thank-you note ready for mailing immediately after the interview. (Less than 1/3 of all interviewees do this. It sets you apart from others)

TLI’s Free Offer to You! Submit your Cover Letter and Resume for review and feedback. Send materials to: TLI Inc. P. O. Box 32 Houghton, NY or