I have been meaning to post updates here, but there really hasn't been much to write. I started taking a course at UVM (University of Vermont) to use for my license renewal next year. It's an educational psychology class and is only for two weeks, so it's really intense. That's pretty much been my life the past week and will continue for another week after.
The big news is that I have another interview! It is at a private Catholic school, so I'm not sure what my odds are at actually getting a job. However, the father of a friend of mine who knows people there went in and told them how great I am, so that has to help! The interview isn't until Thursday, so I have plenty of time to plan. I'll keep you updated!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Didn't Get the Job
I finally heard from the high school and they decided to hire someone else. The reason was that they wanted someone with more high school experience.
The assistant principal said that I interviewed very well but that someone else was more what they were looking for. I did everything I could and it still wasn't enough. At this point, it doesn't look like I'll actually be teaching next year as there are only a few more jobs posted and I haven't been called for interviews.
To make matters worse, today is my birthday. Happy birthday to me. :(
The assistant principal said that I interviewed very well but that someone else was more what they were looking for. I did everything I could and it still wasn't enough. At this point, it doesn't look like I'll actually be teaching next year as there are only a few more jobs posted and I haven't been called for interviews.
To make matters worse, today is my birthday. Happy birthday to me. :(
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Still No Word
I was supposed to hear about the high school job Friday. I carried my phone with me all day so I could answer it as soon as it rang. I knew that it was really a long shot that I'd get the job, but was still somewhat optimistic. It's a little hard to still believe in oneself after so much rejection, but I thought that maybe all the calls and recommendations from local people would somehow make a difference.
I waited during the whole school day and didn't get a call. Today was the last student day of school, so we had a lot of activities. I kept my phone with me the whole time. The 8th grade graduation was last night, so I had to hang around town until 5:30. At 4:30, I left a message with the Assistant Principal, who was the head of the hiring committee. At this point, I probably won't hear anything until Monday.
Basically, I probably didn't get the job. The failure to hear anything could only mean one of two things: 1. They offered it to someone else and are waiting to hear from that person. 2. They are having a hard time hearing back from references.
I still have a tiny amount of hope left, which is only making all of this harder. There are very few positions posted this year, so if I don't get this one, it doesn't look like I'll get something for next year. A number of positions have even been canceled. Most likely, I have another demeaning year of subbing.
I waited during the whole school day and didn't get a call. Today was the last student day of school, so we had a lot of activities. I kept my phone with me the whole time. The 8th grade graduation was last night, so I had to hang around town until 5:30. At 4:30, I left a message with the Assistant Principal, who was the head of the hiring committee. At this point, I probably won't hear anything until Monday.
Basically, I probably didn't get the job. The failure to hear anything could only mean one of two things: 1. They offered it to someone else and are waiting to hear from that person. 2. They are having a hard time hearing back from references.
I still have a tiny amount of hope left, which is only making all of this harder. There are very few positions posted this year, so if I don't get this one, it doesn't look like I'll get something for next year. A number of positions have even been canceled. Most likely, I have another demeaning year of subbing.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Networking Pro
Yesterday, I hit up as many people at my school as possible to put in a good word for me at the high school. Luckily for me, I am well liked at my school and am very professional. As a result, everyone wants to help me get a job! Apparently, I was not the only one bummed that my position was cut.
I had asked the assistant principal in charge of my evaluation to call some people for me, and yesterday she promised to call the AP ASAP. ;)
I also run a morning program for K-3 with a new teacher who went to the high school. Turns out she has a great relationship with one of the teachers who interviewed me. She promised to give him a call to tell him all the good things she has to say about me.
Lastly, one of the other LA teachers at my school has a friend at the high school. I talked to her yesterday morning and she was excited to call her friend to help me out. I just got an email from her, which said the following:
Hi Mary,
Just want you to know that I put in a good word for you with a LA teacher at [high school]. She was psyched and said that the interview team was very pleased with your interview. I talked with my friend via phone tonight and she promised to pass on the info I gave her today. She definitely liked what she heard about you. It sounds like you did a great job on your own.
Woohoo!! Now, I know that there are about a billion factors that go into who hiring committees end up hiring, but I am totally doing absolutely everything that I can! And I am pleased that my networking seems to be paying off. It also doesn't hurt that I've been on about 15-20 interviews and have become extremely comfortable with the process... If I don't get the job, it will definitely be just the dreaded "experience" piece.
I had asked the assistant principal in charge of my evaluation to call some people for me, and yesterday she promised to call the AP ASAP. ;)
I also run a morning program for K-3 with a new teacher who went to the high school. Turns out she has a great relationship with one of the teachers who interviewed me. She promised to give him a call to tell him all the good things she has to say about me.
Lastly, one of the other LA teachers at my school has a friend at the high school. I talked to her yesterday morning and she was excited to call her friend to help me out. I just got an email from her, which said the following:
Hi Mary,
Just want you to know that I put in a good word for you with a LA teacher at [high school]. She was psyched and said that the interview team was very pleased with your interview. I talked with my friend via phone tonight and she promised to pass on the info I gave her today. She definitely liked what she heard about you. It sounds like you did a great job on your own.
Woohoo!! Now, I know that there are about a billion factors that go into who hiring committees end up hiring, but I am totally doing absolutely everything that I can! And I am pleased that my networking seems to be paying off. It also doesn't hurt that I've been on about 15-20 interviews and have become extremely comfortable with the process... If I don't get the job, it will definitely be just the dreaded "experience" piece.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Well Evaluated
I had my end of year evaluation meeting today. Apparently I've been doing everything really well! I know that I've been doing my best and have always tried to cover all of my bases, but it definitely feels pretty good to hear it!
Once the administrator who is in charge of my evaluations types up my final evaluation, I'll have something good to add to my teaching portfolio. Having people agree that I'm a great teacher, should help me get a job. If it doesn't, then I really don't know what schools are looking for...
Once the administrator who is in charge of my evaluations types up my final evaluation, I'll have something good to add to my teaching portfolio. Having people agree that I'm a great teacher, should help me get a job. If it doesn't, then I really don't know what schools are looking for...
Thursday, June 3, 2010
First Interview Down
I had my first interview of the season today. It was at the high school in the supervisory union where I currently teach.
The interview went pretty well. There were a few questions that I probably could have answered more concisely, but I got to the point eventually and I always repeat the main points of my answer at the end. I figure, if that's what one should do in an essay, I should do it for interview questions.
They didn't ask me any questions that really threw me and I wasn't nervous, which are all good things. Basically, the interview went as well as it could have. I still am not convinced that I'll get the job, though. There are so many qualified people interviewing that I have a hard time believing anyone would really put me at the top of a list.
Also, they aren't going to have second interviews. This was it. So, I hope I made a really good impression and that I said all the things they wanted me to say.
So let's all keep our fingers crossed!
The interview went pretty well. There were a few questions that I probably could have answered more concisely, but I got to the point eventually and I always repeat the main points of my answer at the end. I figure, if that's what one should do in an essay, I should do it for interview questions.
They didn't ask me any questions that really threw me and I wasn't nervous, which are all good things. Basically, the interview went as well as it could have. I still am not convinced that I'll get the job, though. There are so many qualified people interviewing that I have a hard time believing anyone would really put me at the top of a list.
Also, they aren't going to have second interviews. This was it. So, I hope I made a really good impression and that I said all the things they wanted me to say.
So let's all keep our fingers crossed!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
First Interview of the Season
I finally got a call for an interview! Let the celebrations and hurried planning begin! I'm one of those anal interviewers who over-plans. I prep myself with practice questions and make sure that all of my portfolio stuff is up to date and easily managed.
As for the portfolio, I hadn't updated it for this year yet. I had been thinking about putting something together, but was so discouraged by the lack of interviews that I just put it off. So, I now need to scramble to get something together for Thursday.
What I typically bring is a short portfolio with some specific highlights. I bring extra copies so those interested can keep one. I include some lesson plans, examples of student work, recommendation letters, teaching philosophy statement, my license, and a couple additional statements about teaching. I might add in my transcripts just because I got really good grades.
I think I'll be ready for the interview. I had been interviewing a bunch last year and had become super used to the process. I doubt it will be too difficult to get back into it, but the first one of the season is always a little rough. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it goes...
As for the portfolio, I hadn't updated it for this year yet. I had been thinking about putting something together, but was so discouraged by the lack of interviews that I just put it off. So, I now need to scramble to get something together for Thursday.
What I typically bring is a short portfolio with some specific highlights. I bring extra copies so those interested can keep one. I include some lesson plans, examples of student work, recommendation letters, teaching philosophy statement, my license, and a couple additional statements about teaching. I might add in my transcripts just because I got really good grades.
I think I'll be ready for the interview. I had been interviewing a bunch last year and had become super used to the process. I doubt it will be too difficult to get back into it, but the first one of the season is always a little rough. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it goes...
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