shape
carat
color
clarity

Chicago Area High School Teachers - Advice

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Hello. I have a friend from NY, who has 3 years of teaching experience. He is thinking of moving to Chicago and wants to teach in the next school year. He teaches history and is certified by the state of NY. He is open to teaching in the city, but would prefer the burbs. Can anyone let me know how competitive it is to land a job in the burbs or even the city, or what he should do to increase his chances? Are there any websites he should check out? Unfortunately, he does not have any connections, so I am sure that is going to hurt him.

Thanks!
 

Haven

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 15, 2007
Messages
13,166
I teach high school students in a Chicago burb.

The good news: There are a lot of burbs, and you can apply to most schools online.
The bad news: It is extremely competitive in my area (north and northwest suburbs) and unfortunately, history jobs are the most difficult to come by at the moment. (For example, we will get anywhere from 250 to 800 applicants for every one job we post. It sounds crazy, but it's true.)

If your friend googles regional offices of education in Illinois he'll find the various ROEs for Illinois counties. He can search each ROE website for open positions in the county. If I were him, I would spend some time revising my resume and researching the school districts in the area he'd most like to teach. There won't be many job openings at the moment because it's so early in the school year, but getting his resume out there isn't a bad idea.

The good thing about the online application process is that it transfers your data each time you apply to a different district so he won't have to retype his information each time.

Now, does he know where he'd like to teach, as in which suburban area? The northern burbs, western, etc?

Does he have any special qualifications? Is he endorsed to teach reading, bilingual, etc? If so, he can target schools that need his particular qualifications.

Good luck to him! If he finds himself in Chicago and wants to observe some high schools I'd be happy to set him up for observations. Just start a thread and we'll figure it out.
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Thanks Haven, I will be sure to forward your advice along to him. To my knowledge, he has never been to Chicago and really does not know much about the area. I think he is looking for a change and would like more opportunity for his wife (she is in the not for profit sector). He says he would be open to working for CPS, but I would like to see him in a burb. I kinda figured finding a history job would be tough, so I am wondering if working for the CPS would help or hurt him. He is not looking to get in for this school year, but next, so he has time to research. Maybe he should take you up on your offer and visit some schools...I will see what he says.
 

Sabine

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 16, 2007
Messages
3,445
I''m not in Chicago, but I was just wondering if, since he''s looking for next year, he has some time free this year? If so, I would suggest substituting in a few districts, so that he could get a feel for them and get his name out there. When I got my job (in PA), they didn''t even interview other applicants because they already knew me from me subbing.
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Sabine, that is not a bad idea. He is not teaching now, but is working outside of education for the same firm I work for (we work on the same team, though we are states apart). I will be sure to pass along your tip though, because it is a good idea. Thanks!
 

swimmer

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
2,516
Or he could volunteer coach or something?
Subbing sort of depends, it could help and it could hurt, he should ask around. My district does not hire former subs, its sort of like the scarlet letter, and I have heard that around other Boston burbs, once you are seen as a sub, you won't get a job as a teacher. Like Haven, we had over 300 apps for the last History opening at the high school, most urban university areas are saturated with Lib Arts grads. Does he have a masters degree and has he worked out reciprocity from his certification to IL's? Does IL have a state specific test that he should take and pass before applying? All of this and more will be on the IL DOE website as Haven said.

A friend of mine got a job in Chicago, she got certification and took the old resume around from HS to HS talking to principals and got a job offer the second week of the school year after someone left the building screaming (or so she was told). Hopefully he is in that sweet spot of not too much experience to be expensive (3yrs is good) and not too new to not be NCLB compliant, he just needs to hold tight. Someone will die/deliver a baby/etc and he will have a job. Sometimes in urban areas it just takes a few days/weeks into the school year to get the process going. He should look into charter schools too!
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
I just found out my friend has his BA in history & elementary education. Also, he has a MS in curriculum development instructional technology. He is certified to teach history and elementary education. He also has what he calls "permanent certification" meaning that he has passed all state exams & did a video of him teaching, which he passed. Has 3 years of teaching experience and 2 years of sub, for a total of 5 years of experience.

Thanks for the information Swimmer, I will forward to my friend shortly...
 

Haven

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 15, 2007
Messages
13,166
The certification requirements are different in every state. I''m not sure what permanent certification is, never heard of that in IL, but he''ll be able to figure out how to apply for an IL cert if he visits the ISBE website. There are a ton of state exams here in IL, too, and you have to pass them all to be certified here for an initial or a standard cert.

Is he certified to teach HS? Elementary ed and HS ed certificates are two completely different things in IL. I''m not sure by your post if you mean he''s certified to teach HS history, just checking.

We will hire a substitute if he''s very good, it is not the kiss of death in my school. In fact, I think many teachers get their start in schools around here as either subs or instructional aides.

He will only receive salary scale credit for the three years that he has taught full-time, schools here do not consider substituting experience when determing years. SO, that means he has three years experience in the master''s lane. That can be a bit tough because there is at least a $10,000 pay difference between a BA and a master''s in most salary schedules, so he''ll be more expensive than a young teacher without a master''s. If I were him, I would play up the instructional tech background.

And just a word of warning--if he''s applying to schools in the northern burbs tell him that he should NOT go to submit his apps in person. Schools dislike this. Dept chairs are busy, and when an applicant eschews the desired online application process to walk in in person it does not look good.

Good luck to him!
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Haven - he is going to send me his resume this evening, so I will have better answers for you regarding his background. This will also give me a chance to take a look at it & suggest changes. Maybe I will just post sections of it here, sans personal information for guidance. Thanks so much!
 

Haven

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 15, 2007
Messages
13,166
You''re so sweet to help him out.
Just let me know if he needs help setting up visits in the northern burbs. I''m always happy to help out a fellow educator!
 

AprilBaby

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
13,249
The western suburbs where I live are a great place to teach if you can get in. (DuPage, Kane, Will counties)
 

swimmer

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
2,516
H is so right! He should not show up in person with a resume in the burbs. I was talking about the city. These school systems are very different animals. Also, there really is no such thing as "permanent certification" allowed since NCLB, so hopefully he has kept up with his continuing education credits...mostly he must get on the IL dept of ed website and see how his experience will be counted. My friend who got a job in a very urban middle school had to take another test even though she had been teaching for 10 year and fully certified here in Boston. Its a crazy system, but he can totally beat it. Wasn''t there just an article on how so few men teach at the elementary level and how important that is for young boys with no strong role model? I heard it on NPR. Seemed interesting. Something he could use to his advantage...
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Thanks Haven! I feel so bad for my friend/colleague because he is not happy in the job he has now, so I want to do what I can for him. He just sent me his resume, so I am going to take a look at it and update the thread later. I might take sections and copy/paste to see what everyone thinks, as I am not very familiar with how resumes should be worded for the education world.

Swimmer, I kinda figured you meant walking into a CPS would be OK. Even I had a hunch that walking into a suburbian school could rub people the wrong way. Thanks for the information regarding testing though! I am learning so much myself about the world of education through this thread!
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Okay, here is his resume. I have not tweaked it yet, as I do see many areas for improvement. However, I want to focus on content. I have added XXXXX to his resume to keep some form of confidentiality. His wording seems off. I know that for resumes outside of education, it is not appropriate to use "I" in the context of the resume. I suspect this is also the case for education, but want to double check with all of you first. Not sure if we need to keep all of his honors under education. His objective needs work. I would like to take out his customer service + corporate experience, as they have nothing to do with teaching.



Objective: To secure a professional teaching or administration position at the Elementary or Secondary School level utilizing all of my education, skills, and experiences.

Skills: Teaching at the elementary and secondary level, intermediate computer knowledge and instruction, course development and implementation, coaching, and athletic abilities. I take pride in my ability to communicate to children, co-workers, and superiors in a professional and effective manner. I carry good problem solving and time management skills. Most importantly, I carry a strong work ethic and dedication to education, children, and the community.

Education:
2003: Masters in Education; State University of XXXXX; XXXXXX, New York
2001: Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education and History; State UniversityXXXXXX ; XXXXXXX, New York
1999: Associates Degree in Liberal Studies; XXXXX Community College; XXXXX, New York
1997: Attended XXXXXXX; XXXXXX, New York
Honors: XXXXXXXX Honor Society, Spring 2001
XXXXXX All-Academic Team, Fall 2000
XXXXXXX Commissioner’s List, Fall 2000
XXXXXXX Dean’s List, Fall 2000
Certificate of Merit for Social Studies and Literacy in School Context, Fall 2000
XXXXXXX President’s List, Fall 1999
National Deans List Spring 1999
XXXXXXXX, Spring 1999
XXXXXXx, Presidents List Fall, 1998
Certifications:
XXXX: New York State Teaching Certification, Social Studies 7th-12th. (Permanent Certification)
XXXX: New York State Teaching Certification, Kindergarten - 6th grade. (Permanent Certification)

Teaching Experiences:


2007-2008 XXXXX Central School- XXXXXX
I taught as a Liberian in a long-term capacity from November thru January. I worked with students in Kindergarten thru sixth grade. I took responsibility in creating lesson plans, classroom management, grading and managing the books within the library.

2006 – 2007 XXXXXX Charter School of XXXXXXXX
I was a Social Studies teacher for fifth thru eighth graders. I work diligently on creating lesson plans. I have a strong ability to supervise exams, homeroom, recess and club responsibilities. My primary goal for any teaching position is to provide a safe and education filled environment while remembering the importance of diversity and individuality within the classroom.
2003- 2006 XXXXXX Institution Teacher/ Teacher Assistant
I taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies position with predominately emotionally disturbed female adolescents. Prior to this position, I filled in for an 8th grade Social Studies sick leave and 9th and 10th grade Social Studies maternity leave. When needed, I was also able to provide my time to other departments within the Institution and assist other professionals.

2002- 2003 Substitute Teacher for various local school districts


1997-2001, 2003: Recreational Director Junior, Senior Counselor, One on One Aide, and Teacher Assistant
XXXXX Camp
XXXXX, New York
I provided supervision of campers with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. I was in charge of the organization and set up of recreational activities, both small and large group settings, purchasing supplies and maintaining communication to parents.
Employment History


2008- Present XXXXX (Corporate job, not education)
I discovered candidates by online searching as well as thru the hiring system. My duties include making the initial contact, reviewing the job descriptions of the vacant positions with the candidates and then explaining the benefit package offered.


1999-2006: Customer Service Associate
XXXXX Food Service
XXXXX Arena
XXXXX, New York
Operation of a concession stand during events and concerts providing quality customer service, cashiering, serving, stocking, and maintaining the area in accordance to the State Department of Health hygiene and safety regulations.
1999-2001: XXXXXX Library SUNY Potsdam
Responsibilities included assisting students finding information for their research papers and classes, a long with stocking and categorizing new materials (i.e. books, magazines and newspapers).

Coaching Experience:

2002- Present: XXXXXX Boys and Girls Traveling Soccer Team
USAI Premier Soccer

Fall 2002 - 2005: XXXXXXX High School, Junior Varsity and Varsity Assistant Girls Soccer

1998-1999: XXXXXX Boys Traveling Soccer
Activities/Interests:
Member of the XXXXXX Soccer Team from 1999 to 2000, XXXXXXX Soccer Team in 1998, and XXXXXXX Community College Soccer Team in 1997. Other interests include coaching, sports, history, and cultural events. Currently taking courses to earn National Certification in Soccer.
 

Haven

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 15, 2007
Messages
13,166
Okay, I'm going to post a generic copy of my resume for you to use as a comparison. The major difference I see are that your friend has a lot of extra information on his resume, and he wrote it in the first person.

I am not an expert on resume writing, however I've sat on a few interview teams and I've never seen a resume written in the first person before.

I would nix the skills, honors, and activities sections from his resume. Also, he has an "i.e." when he should have an "e.g.". These things matter to teachers, trust me.

He'll end up including the skills, honors, and activities information in the online application, anyway.

The formatting didn't transfer, and I have no idea why there are a bunch of "Cs" but here it is:

Haven R. Pricescoper
17 Tangerine Ln. Suburbia, Illinois 12345 ¡ö 123.456.7890 ¡ö [email protected]
OBJECTIVE/DESCRIPTION

To obtain a position as reading specialist in a public high school.

EDUCATION


Master of Education, Reading and Literacy ¨C Reading University, Reading, Illinois
Graduate courses in reading and literacy (33 hours, 4.0 GPA)
Master of Arts in Teaching , Secondary Education ¨C Teacher University, Teacher, Illinois
Graduate courses in secondary English education (32 hours, 3.84 GPA)
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences ¨C University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Major in English and American Literature (36 hours, 3.47 GPA)
Major in Technical Theatre (36 hours, 3.55 GPA)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE


Suburban High School, Suburbia, Illinois
Teacher 8/2006 ¨C Present
Create, develop, and teach reading curriculum to at-risk student population in need of reading intervention; teach literature courses to all grade levels; Head Coach of Speech and Debate Team; serve on Reading Committee, an ongoing initiative to improve content area literacy across the school; serve on Communications Committee, an initiative to redesign and publish the school¡¯s emergency action plans; created and implemented incoming freshman Summer Bridges program for at-risk incoming freshman; developed, proposed, and successfully integrated new reading program for the entire school.
Teacher, Summer Session 6/2005 ¨C 7/2005
Taught ninth through twelfth grade students creative writing, grammar and composition; developed class curriculum based on departmental goals and students¡¯ individual needs.
Student Teacher 3/2005 ¨C 5/2005
Taught students in freshman and junior honors English classes for one quarter.
Big Ten University Center for Talent Development, Anytown, Illinois
Teacher 1/2004 ¨C Present
Create course curriculum and teach gifted sixth through eighth grade students Etymology, and third through fourth grade students Kings and Queens of the Ancient World, in the Saturday Enrichment Program; incorporate literature, writing activities, various games, and long-term projects to deepen student involvement with, and interest in, course content.
Community College, Anytown, Illinois
Instructor of English 8/2004 ¨C 6/2006
Taught students in the developmental English program; created course curriculum and taught using a highly flexible syllabus geared for students with a wide range of skills and backgrounds; incorporate technology as a means of developing computer skills and enriching course content; served on textbook search committee, which implemented the creation of a resource library and resource website for developmental English instructors.
Religious School, Anytown, Illinois
Religious School Teacher 2002 ¨C 2005
Developed curriculum and taught fourth, eighth, and ninth grade students comparative world religions; fostered a strong classroom community by facilitating engaging and relevant class discussions.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Religious School, Anytown, Illinois
School Administrator 6/2002 ¨C 8/2004
Assist Educator in all aspects of running a successful religious school program, from the registration process to curriculum planning; manage part-time staff of teachers and specialists; plan and design programming and school-related events; communicate with parents via phone, email, and in-person.
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Haven, thank you. Your resume and comments confirmed what I was thinking as well. Now more than ever, I am convinced that the structure/content of my colleague''s resume could be one of the reasons why he has not been getting interviews. I have a few ideas and will get to work on his new resume & then post to this thread for peer review.

Oh yeah, that i.e. vs e.g., rule...what was that again!? I always get those two turned around. From what I can remember, one of them represents "that is."
 

swimmer

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
2,516
He needs to keep it to one page and use some action verbs...diligently worked on lesson plans? I snorted. Yes, but what was he teaching, that is unclear. He must include his objective like Haven demonstrated, and of course a clearly written cover letter that explains why he left teaching and covers why he moved around so very much with age groups and demographics. Who cares obscure academic honors from undergrad? That is like putting your SAT scores on something after college, additionally, his transcripts will be in with the resume usually.

I''m a dept chair...his cv would be in the bin for awkward phraseology and lack of meaningful details long before I found out he was a soccer coach...which could totally get him on a short list somewhere.

Haven looks awesome on paper, very clear, prioritized, and that is a totally standard education type of resume. I saw another dept chair discard a great candidate''s resume recently because it was printed on pink paper and the applicant had made a large letterhead out of her name. Fine by me, weird, but fine since she had great degrees/experience. But he wanted nothing to do with her resume format, and that cost her an interview.

Omie, your friend owes you enormously for helping him out so much!
 

pennquaker09

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Nov 2, 2007
Messages
1,943
Date: 9/10/2008 10:21:07 PM
Author: swimmer
He needs to keep it to one page and use some action verbs...diligently worked on lesson plans? I snorted. Yes, but what was he teaching, that is unclear. He must include his objective like Haven demonstrated, and of course a clearly written cover letter that explains why he left teaching and covers why he moved around so very much with age groups and demographics. Who cares obscure academic honors from undergrad? That is like putting your SAT scores on something after college, additionally, his transcripts will be in with the resume usually.


I''m a dept chair...his cv would be in the bin for awkward phraseology and lack of meaningful details long before I found out he was a soccer coach...which could totally get him on a short list somewhere.


Haven looks awesome on paper, very clear, prioritized, and that is a totally standard education type of resume. I saw another dept chair discard a great candidate''s resume recently because it was printed on pink paper and the applicant had made a large letterhead out of her name. Fine by me, weird, but fine since she had great degrees/experience. But he wanted nothing to do with her resume format, and that cost her an interview.


Omie, your friend owes you enormously for helping him out so much!

I agree with everything above.
 

Haven

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 15, 2007
Messages
13,166
Swimmer--I''ve heard that you shouldn''t type your name in bold or large font on your resume several times before, as well. I keep mine the same size as the rest of my resume, just in case.

And I know this is a thread jack, but I would love to hear any tips for improving my own resume if you have them! I''m not looking for a new job, but you never know . . .

Omie--

e.g. stands for "exempli gratia" which means "for example".
i.e. stands for "id est" which means "that is".

Use e.g. when you provide an example to illustrate what you''re talking about. Use i.e. when you are explaining or rewording the infomation.

You are so kind to help your friend.
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Date: 9/10/2008 10:21:07 PM
Author: swimmer
He needs to keep it to one page and use some action verbs...diligently worked on lesson plans? I snorted. Yes, but what was he teaching, that is unclear. He must include his objective like Haven demonstrated, and of course a clearly written cover letter that explains why he left teaching and covers why he moved around so very much with age groups and demographics. Who cares obscure academic honors from undergrad? That is like putting your SAT scores on something after college, additionally, his transcripts will be in with the resume usually.

I''m a dept chair...his cv would be in the bin for awkward phraseology and lack of meaningful details long before I found out he was a soccer coach...which could totally get him on a short list somewhere.

Haven looks awesome on paper, very clear, prioritized, and that is a totally standard education type of resume. I saw another dept chair discard a great candidate''s resume recently because it was printed on pink paper and the applicant had made a large letterhead out of her name. Fine by me, weird, but fine since she had great degrees/experience. But he wanted nothing to do with her resume format, and that cost her an interview.

Omie, your friend owes you enormously for helping him out so much!

Thank you Swimmer for your comments! The only thing my friend has going for him is that he uses white paper for his resume!

So far, I have made basic changes to his resume by removing his honors, unrelated teaching experience, and tweaking his margins (i.e., his margins ranged from .8 - 1.30, which was very odd to me). The next step is to revise wording in his resume (e.g., removing pronouns). What would you suggest in terms of font style and size? Right now, I am using Times New Roman 10?

Haven, though I am not in education, I do agree with Swimmer. Your resume is very easy to follow and your wording is great!

I will try posting a first draft of my friend''s resume sometime today. Thanks for all of your help thus far! :)
 

Hudson_Hawk

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
10,541
Hi!
Is he 100% set on teaching? My company, a publishing company, has an office out there and they often hire teachers as editors and sales reps. If he''s looking for something to do while he gets certified in Chicago, that might be a good idea.
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Hudson, not a bad idea, I will pass along your idea to him!
 

omieluv

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
2,146
Okay, I here is my first pass at his resume.

Thus far, I have:
*Formatted his name and contact information to mirror Haven's resume.
*Pattered his education section to mirror Haven's, though I still do need him to provide me with GPA and credit hour information.
*Removed his honors, skills, and activities sections, while also deleting experiences unrelated to education.
*Moved substitute teaching and teaching assistant experience has from his Teaching Experience section to Related Experience section.
*Placed his coaching experience at the end of his resume.
*Removed his "I's" and "My's"

Questions I have:
*Should I remove the Certification section?
*What font type & size should I use. I am currently using Times New Roman 10pt.
*How do you feel about me pulling substitute and teacher aid expereince out of teaching experience section?
*Where do you think his coaching section should be, not sure at the end is best place?
*Should his associates degree be removed?

Next Steps:
*Please provide suggestions regarding wording of actual job duties.
*How much more information for job duties is needed?
*Need to think about cover letter, does anyone have a good template for education?


John Doe
1 Pricescope Rd.; Pricescope, PS 12345; (555) 555-5555; [email protected]

OBJECTIVE

To secure a professional teaching or administration position at the Elementary or Secondary School level.

EDUCATION

Masters in Education; State University of Albany; Albany, NY; 2003
Graduate courses in XXXX (XX hours, XX GPA)

Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education and History; State University of Potsdam; Potsdam, NY; 1999
Major in XXXX (XX hours, XXX GPA); Major in XXXX (XX hours, XXX GPA)

Associates Degree in Liberal Studies; Hudson Valley Community College; Troy, NY; 1999

CERTIFICATION

New York State Teaching Certification, Social Studies 7th-12th. (Permanent Certification); 2003
New York State Teaching Certification, Kindergarten - 6th grade. (Permanent Certification); 2001

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Any School - anytown, NY
Librarian; 2007-2008
Worked with students in Kindergarten thru sixth grade by creating lesson plans, managing the classroom, grading papers, and managing books within the library.

Charter School of anytown; anytown, NY
Social Studies Teacher; 2006 – 2007
Provided a safe and education filled environment while remembering the importance of diversity and individuality within the classroom. Taught fifth thru eighth graders by creating lesson plans, supervising exams, managing homeroom, recess and club responsibilities.

Religions Institution Teacher/ Teacher Assistant; City, State
Social Studies Teacher; 2006 – 2007
Taught 7th and 8th grade social studies with predominately emotionally disturbed female adolescents. Provided assistance to other departments within the Institution and assist other professionals.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Religious Institution
Teaching Assistant; XXXX-XXXX; City, State
Filled in for an 8th grade Social Studies sick leave and 9th and 10th grade Social Studies maternity leave.

Substitute Teacher for various local school districts; 2002- 2003

Religious Camp; anytown, NY
Recreational Director Junior, Senior Counselor, One on One Aide, and Teacher Assistant; 1997-2001, 2003

Provided supervision of campers with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. Managed the organization and set up of recreational activities (i.e., small and large group settings). Purchased supplies and maintained communication with parents.

F.W. Crumb Library (SUNY); anytown, NY
Librarian; 1999-2001

Assisted students with finding information for their research papers and classes; stocked and categorized new materials (e.g., books, magazines and newspapers).

COACHING EXPERIENCE
XXXXXXXX Boys and Girls Traveling Soccer Team - USAI Premier Soccer; 2002- Present
Religious High School, Junior Varsity and Varsity Assistant Girls Soccer; 2002 - 2005
XXXXXXXX Boys Traveling Soccer; 1998-1999

 

swimmer

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
2,516
Sorry I missed this before!!!! Even sorrier that I don''t know how to edit within a quote!
Don''t bother with GPA as he is going to need to include transcripts. Honor Society stuff like that is good in bullet points on the bottom if he was a rockstar. If gpa under 3, don''t advertise. Font is fine, keep subbing, keep in all education.

His wording is terrible. Action verbs, not repeated, it sounds like his first job listed that he just sat around. How does one manage a book? "stay there dictionaries!" thru is not a word. His job descriptions just crack me up.

"Provided a safe and education filled environment while remembering the importance of diversity and individuality within the classroom. Taught fifth thru eighth graders by creating lesson plans, supervising exams, managing homeroom, recess and club responsibilities"

Um, its supposed to be safe! what does he mean by the second point? Every teacher does lesson plans, its like saying he was breathing, exams? what? I still don''t know what he was teaching!
How about: In an economically and ethnically diverse classroom, created a positive learning environment for actively exploring the modern world history (I just picked something). Through carefully structured debates, field trips, during recess, and after school activities fostered respect and encouraged personal responsibility in 5th through 8th grade students.
Now I''m just making crap up, but his descriptors are so lame. What did he do? Why does he want to teach if what he is picking out as the most important aspects of teaching are so not-interesting or important.

"Taught 7th and 8th grade social studies with predominately emotionally disturbed female adolescents. Provided assistance to other departments within the Institution and assist other professionals."
So, he assists? He taught with emotionally disturbed teenage girls? Must have been awesome department meetings.
32.gif
What does he want to share about his time there? His experience working with kids on 504s is key, all of the outside stuff that Charter Schools require, also imp. What areas of Social Studies is he familiar with? Psych, Sociology, Econ, US hist, world?

Mostly in his cover letter he has to touch on why he left so many diff jobs...and why he would stay wherever he gets hired.

Good luck to him, and man, you are earning some good Karma lady!
 

swimmer

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
2,516
Date: 9/11/2008 1:46:55 PM
Author: Haven
Swimmer--I''ve heard that you shouldn''t type your name in bold or large font on your resume several times before, as well. I keep mine the same size as the rest of my resume, just in case.


And I know this is a thread jack, but I would love to hear any tips for improving my own resume if you have them! I''m not looking for a new job, but you never know . . .

Haven, can I hire you? Way to use action verbs and explain the important stuff you are doing. Way to implement a new reading program, and how imperative is a freshman orientation program?!? So key! Keep up the awesome work lady, and lmk if you want to teach in Boston anytime.
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
Be a part of the community Get 3 HCA Results
Top