Hello! I am Tom Mitchell, Founder and Education Job Coach for Teacher Express.
How do school districts select individuals for teaching positions? What are they looking for?
These are very common questions asked by applicants for teaching positions, especially those who have not yet been invited to participate in interviews. Sometimes, applicants submit dozens of applications that are screened out before the process even gets started. Or, so it seems.
Listen, this is a very competitive field, and it has been for decades. As long as I can remember, there have been more graduates with certificates than job vacancies. Even when I first began, I typed 66 applications my first summer after graduation and I was invited to three interviews! I felt lucky to get that many!
If you are not getting interviews, do not take it personally. Its not you - its your application materials. The school district officials probably do not know who you are, but they react to what they SEE (and do not see) in your cover letter and resume. They have very clear objectives they are trying to achieve, and that leads them to focus on their search for certain academic, experiential, professional and social characteristics that they believe may combine in an individual to be a great match for the position they need to fill.
That said, you are encouraged to be critical of your application documents. What DO they communicate? How well do they describe you? Would they pass the "10-Second Test?" (Please read my post, Applying Online, for an explanation). Although every district seeks to achieve its priority goals, and those goals vary, generally speaking, individuals who are selected for positions often share similar qualities.
Consider this profile:
* Bright and capable of learning new responsibilities quickly
* Friendly and sociable; interesting and enjoys the company of others
* Communicates well (reading, writing, speaking and listening)
* Sincerely interested in young people (record of participation proves it)
* Projects a promise for personal responsibility and commitment
*Demonstrates understanding and consistent use of best practices
* Impressive academic and/or experiential training in the subject or field
* Promises to be a loyal and contributing team member
* Great harmony between individual and district values, goals, and mission
* Deeply committed to excellence; high expectations of self and others
*Accepts responsibility for student success and growth
* Advocates and promotes students’ self-worth and dignity
Do you have each of these qualities? Let me ask you this. How well do your application documents COMMUNICATE these qualities to the panel reviewing the applications?
If they effectively present your best qualities, then you'll get interviews. If they don't, you won't. Your cover letter and your resume must speak for you when you are not in the room and they must convey the WOW factor quickly. If you are not getting the results you deserve, then your documents must be revised.
We can do that. For more details or to plan your strategy, call the Coach and be sure to purchase your copy of Pathway to Teaching today!
