TheApple

Sell Your Job Skills in Under 15 Seconds

A+ Resumes for Teachers — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:33:00 -0800

With the economy the way it currently is, school districts are receiving teacher resumes from an ever-increasing amount of applicants. Employers are able to be far choosier more now than ever. That is why it is crucial that you make your teaching resume stand out above the rest. It is said that potential employers take approximately 10-15 seconds to scan a resume. You must ensure that you grab their attention and leave them wanting to read on and learn more. Job fairs are fast approaching and it is critical your resume and cover letter stands out, there are tons of job seekers fighting for the same position.

The first item that must catch their eye is your name. If you leave a memorable impression, they will recognize your name down the road when they are finalizing their list of interviews. The second item must be your job title. An employer does not want to have to hunt through a document to try and figure out which
position you are looking to obtain. Make your current or desired job title stand out. Be as specific as possible. If you are seeking the position of Secondary English Teacher or Elementary School Teacher (K-5), then specify this.

Next on the list of attention grabbers is a list of areas of expertise or core competencies. These are the hard or technical skills you use everyday in the classroom to establish an inclusive, enriching, and rewarding learning environment. Focus on methods that allow you to reach out to all students and help them reach their full potential. In addition, highlight up-and-coming teacher trends or teacher buzzwords that you can
relate to and prove your knowledge. For example Bloom’s Taxonomy, Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, Multiculturalism, Technology Integration, Inclusion, etc. Let your areas of expertise shine through, letting the school district know that by hiring you they will be gaining a true asset to their learning community.

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By now 10-15 seconds is probably up. With your eye-catching teacher resume you have made the reader want to know more. However, you must now focus on holding their attention. The next 15 seconds could also make or break your marketability. This is when the role of your professional profile kicks in and
demonstrates that you are indeed the full package and worth another look.

Continue reading on the next page.

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In between your job header and list of areas of expertise should be a succinct profile of yourself. Since you have already caught the reader’s eye and drawn them to your header and list of competencies, it is only natural that they will focus next on your profile. This should be a short paragraph consisting of
approximately 5-8 lines, which highlight your years of experience, relevant personality traits, and innovative
instructional and disciplinary strategies. Take the opportunity to use this space wisely and sum the value you can bring as a teacher. If you have 5+ years of teaching experience, make that your opening line and bold it. If you are a newer teacher, explain how you are dedicated to helping the school community and
each and every student succeed. By showcasing your commitment to the learning community, a potential school district is made aware of your passion and will to help others.

Here is a more general note concerning selling your skills…use the space under each past job position to the fullest. Take the time to describe innovative and effective methods you have used and highlight relevant accomplishments or extracurricular/additional duties. Use bullet points to showcase key information that you want to stand out the most.

By following these simple guidelines, you are sure to stand out above the rest and earn your resume a closer read!

Have a look at these samples, we can definitely help you get noticed in under 15 seconds.

http://resumes-for-teachers.com/teacher-resume-examples.htm

7 Biggest Challenges Teachers Face

TheApple.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:46:00 -0800

Educators have the opportunity to make a huge impact on students, but with that opportunity comes many challenges. Many teachers wish their teacher training programs did a better job of preparing them for these real classroom issues. These seven challenges are the most common challenges that teachers face-- regardless of their location or training. Read these seven challenges and add your own issue. Got a solution? Add it in the article comments to help others. Great educators find ways to get past these challenges and succeed.

Next page: #1 Challenge Teachers Face

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CHALLENGE: Students With Bad Behavior

about Kate Adams, Pre-K teacher, New York State

That first year, she was overwhelmed by the magnitude of her responsibility. She had 20 children in her class, and she felt solely accountable for the welfare, the academic progress, and the social development of each one of them. “At Baby Gap, I was responsible for the denim,” she says.

One of her students had a difficult home life and acted out in class. She would stand on the table, bark at the students and staff, lash out violently, and roll back and forth on the floor, bumping into the other kids. She bit one of the teaching assistants and hit the other students. Ms. Adams says she was so stunned by the student’s behavior she didn’t know what to do or how to help her. She had studied behavior modification plans in college, but this child’s behavior was so severe that the measures she learned about did not seem to apply. She wound up holding the student’s hand practically the whole day to keep her calm and restrain her from harming the other students. The student respected Ms. Adams and never became violent with her.

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Source: Natalie Schwartz, The Teacher Chronicles: Confronting the Demands of Students, Parents, Administrators and Society (Laurelton Media, 2008).

How to Handle Bad Behavior

Every student is unique and thus every behavior problem requires a unique approach. It's hard to say that a teaching training program would have prepared this teacher for a barking student, so her quick and calm thinking did the trick.

TheApple can help you learn more about dealing with bad behavior.

Next page: #2 Challenge Teachers Face

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CHALLENGE: Unhealthy Environment

from Annette Simmons, Kindermusik Educator

I have been a NYC educator for over 20 years, currently on leave after the birth of my child. I can't say enough how frustrating it is to be exposed to unnecessary illnesses due to the lack of consideration of the parents and the non-existent/enforced policies of administration regarding sick children in school. With the H1N1 virus, now a pandemic, I feel more strongly than ever that clear definitive rules and consequences need to be put in place regarding parents compliance in regards to child attendance. I therefore also believe that the 'perfect attendance' award should be modified as for some students this is the only award they can aspire to and so come to school regardless of the endangerment of others.

How to Stay Healthy at School

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If teachers don't stay healthy, learning won't be all it can and should be. TheApple has compiled tips to help educators stay well:

Avoiding an Ulcer and Other Health Problems

How to Stay Healthy (Germy Paper Can Make You Ill)

A Little Swine Flu To Go With Your Learning?

A Simple Blueprint for Stress Relief

65 Things You Should Do Right Now To Avoid Burnout

50 Quick Ways to Reduce School Stress

25 Tips for Less Stress

Next page: #3 Challenge Teachers Face

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CHALLENGE: Out of Touch Policy Makers

from Katie L., Los Angeles, CA

My gripe as a public school teacher may be systemic in any large district, and that is district politics. My classroom is overseen by a principal who is overseen by a local 'mini-district', that is overseen by a very large centralized district. People who are very far removed from my classroom hand down policies that frequently do not suit the needs of my students. On numerous occasions the policies have been nepotistic in origin and lined the pockets of bureaucrats without necessarily serving the educations of students.

My biggest gripe is an offshoot of district politics. People are selected for positions of authority and power with very limited oversight. Sometimes the worst offenders are directly overseen by their friends who protect their positions despite the negative impact they have on communities. This impacts inner city schools most greatly because the parents and community do not always have the resources necessary to get 'lemon principals*' removed. In more affluent neighborhoods, parents have access and means to force the district to remove these 'lemons'. My school was working towards raising student success with a school based management system that was collaborative in nature. The principal was promoted to a larger school and was followed by two principals (who) turned collaboration into top down management. Subsequently our school has fallen into Program Improvement Status and continues to fall. The current principal is overseen by her administrative mentor/friend.

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As a body of work, I love teaching. The day to day interactions with my students, co-workers, and community have mostly been extraordinary. My public school is considered inner city and I've heard colleagues complaining about the community being very trying. Because I work with the children of this community, I always try and remember that a major part of my job is educating them so that they can improve and re-create the community into a more prosperous, healthy, vibrant place.

How to Handle Out of Touch Policy Makers

There isn't much teachers can control when who's in control isn't leading appropriately. What teachers can do is continue to influence change. Take an active role in the PTA, go to school board meetings, document all interactions with heads of schools. Every profession has seen bad management, and removing a string of bad bosses can be a long process. To ensure thing continue to run smoothly, teachers should do all they can to remain at the height of their achievement with students.

Next page: #4 Challenge Teachers Face

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CHALLENGE: Difficult Parents

from Michael Duncan, third grade teacher, California

In his first year, a student was transferred into his class because the student’s mother did not like the previous two teachers he was assigned to that year. The student’s mother would leave 20-minute phone messages on his voice mail every day; listening to them would consume his entire free period. In addition to the barrage of phone messages, she frequently requested conferences or appeared without an appointment. He would walk into his classroom to find her sitting there waiting for him.

Source: Natalie Schwartz, The Teacher Chronicles: Confronting the Demands of Students, Parents, Administrators and Society (Laurelton Media, 2008).

How to Work With Parents

Parents can be the best resource to improve student behavior and learning. But just like students, all parents are unique. Figuring how to get the most out of parents can be a trial and error process. However, there are approaches that yield better results faster.

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TheApple has put together our most popular resources for working with parents. Knowing what parents are thinking and expecting can help teachers be prepared and successful.

10 Things Parents Don't Tell Teachers

Connecting With Parents

Disinterested Parents

Making Parents Allies & Helpers

How to Create Partnerships With Parents & Families

The View of a Teacher & Parent

Holding an Effective ESL Meeting

Next page: #5 Challenge Teachers Face

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CHALLENGE: Office Politics

from Cynthia Collins, middle school teacher, California

After two years of teaching at the school, she thought she was performing well and was on track to receive tenure. She had paid her dues by teaching five different subjects at different grade levels and was hoping to focus on sixth grade language arts and history in her third year. But the principal handed her a schedule that was completely scattered, yet again. Disappointed with her schedule, she approached the principal to ask him if she could focus on teaching sixth grade. He informed her that 2,000 candidates apply for teaching positions at the school each year and advised her to be happy she had a job.

“It was a slap in the face,” she says. “I didn’t even come in confrontational.” He also warned her, “You’re not tenured yet, and you better watch yourself.” The principal indicated in Ms. Collins’ review that she didn’t collaborate with the other sixth grade teachers. He said the other sixth grade teachers informed him that she refused to sit with them at lunch while they collaborate. He failed to acknowledge that she had a different lunch period than the rest of the sixth grade teachers due to her erratic schedule. Ms. Collins believes one of the sixth grade teachers told the principal Ms. Collins was uncooperative because the teacher wanted her friend to obtain the position that Ms. Collins was pursuing.

Source: Natalie Schwartz, The Teacher Chronicles: Confronting the Demands of Students, Parents, Administrators and Society (Laurelton Media, 2008).

How to Thrive at School

TheApple has a wealth of resources to help teachers stay positive, make the most of collaboration, and securing your teaching job.

Five Ways to Stay Positive in Negativity

10 Ways to Make Yourself Unfireable

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7 Tips to Make Teacher Collaboration Time Productive

5 Tips for Bonding With New Teaching Colleagues

9 Reasons to Quit Teaching and 10 Reasons to Stay

10 Resolutions for a Great School Year

Unwritten Rules Every Teacher Should Know

5 Things I Would Change about Education

10 Things a Teacher Should Never Do

What is a "Good School"?

But Wait, That Wasn’t In My Job Description!

Next page: #6 Challenge Teachers Face

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CHALLENGE: Lack of Time

Ask any teacher and they'll be happy to tell you the long list of things they don't have enough in the school day to accomplish. Classes are short, classes are large, and teachers get frustrated as they try to fit in important lessons and activities in each period. Aside from tasks outside of teaching, like planning, collaborative work, making copies and returning parent phone calls, many teachers will tell you that their schedules sometimes don't allow time to squeeze in going to the bathroom!

"If you are a new teacher, you have to understand creating all your lesson plans, class materials, learning activities, and correlate them back to state standards, and they do this for every course prep they have! It is easy to see why so many teachers “drop out” within the first two years of teaching." Don Keeler, Chief Technology of Lumen Software goes on to say, "NCLB is a good initiative. We needed, and still need accountability in education, no question. However the added time requirements (decrease in instruction time caused by this) created from this are an obstacle."

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Making the Most of Time

It's important to not let the little things that don't impact learning slow a teacher down. Here are some tips from the experts:

You Are Probably Too Busy to Read This

Five Ways to Be an Efficient Teacher

Two Quick Tips to Save Time Grading Papers

15 Ways For Teachers to Get Organized

15 Tools to Help You Go Paperless

Next page:
#7 Challenge Teachers Face

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CHALLENGE: Emotional Stress

Samantha Parker, high school teacher, New Jersey

She served as an advisor to a student club in which students discuss and address social issues. At one meeting, students were talking about self-esteem issues, and a few of the students disclosed that they engaged in cutting—they intentionally inflicted cuts on themselves to relieve their emotional pain and frustrations. Suddenly overcome with a deep sense of responsibility for these students, she faced an internal conflict about what she should do with the information she had just learned about them. She did not want to cross the line between professionalism and friendship, nor did she want to betray her students’ trust by calling their parents. But she felt compelled to protect them in some way. “I can’t forget the feeling I had, not knowing whether these students were safe that night,” she says.

Source: Natalie Schwartz, The Teacher Chronicles: Confronting the Demands of Students, Parents, Administrators and Society (Laurelton Media, 2008).

Dealing With Stress

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Teachers deal not just with career stress, but the duress of their students, too. Teachers have a huge support system in place to deal with situations like the one above, so be sure to know what your legal obligations are to protect your students.

Here are some must-read tips to help alleviate stress and help students:

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: Mandatory Reporting Facts

Teaching Social Skills in the Classroom

What Do I Do With These Kids?

Mean Girls and Relational Aggression

How to Deal With Bullying

How to: Help Your Students Deal with Grief and Loss

What You Can Do for Students Living in Poverty

Managing Violent and Explosive Behavior in Young Children

How to Let Students Know You Care

Tips for Working With Children Who Are Shy

50 Quick Ways to Reduce School Stress

25 Tips for Less Stress

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10 Qualities of a Great Teacher

Teaching.Org — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:06:00 -0800

A great teacher is one a student remembers and cherishes forever. Teachers have long-lasting impact on the lives of their students, and the greatest teachers inspire students toward greatness. To be successful, a great teacher must have these 10 qualities:

Read the list now>>

Top 10 Qualities of a Great Teacher

Teaching.Org — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:57:00 -0800

1. An Engaging Personality and Teaching Style

A great teacher is very engaging and holds the attention of students in all discussions.

Next page: #2

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2. Clear Objectives for Lessons

A great teacher establishes clear objectives for each lesson and works to meet those specific objectives during each class.

Next page: #3

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3. Effective Discipline Skills

A great teacher has effective discipline skills and can promote positive behaviors and change in the classroom.

Next page: #4

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4. Good Classroom Management Skills

A great teacher has good classroom management skills and can ensure good student behavior, effective study and work habits, and an overall sense of respect in the classroom.

Next page: #5

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5. Good Communication with Parents

A great teacher maintains open communication with parents and keeps them informed of what is going on in the classroom as far as curriculum, discipline, and other issues. They make themselves available for phone calls, meetings, and email.

Next page: #6

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6. High Expectations

A great teacher has high expectations of their students and encourages everyone to always work at their best level.

Next page: #7

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7. Knowledge of Curriculum and Standards

A great teacher has thorough knowledge of the school's curriculum and other standards they must uphold in the classroom. They ensure their teaching meets those standards.

Next page: #8

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8. Knowledge of Subject Matter

A great teacher has incredible knowledge of the subject matter they are teaching. They are prepared to answer questions and keep the material interesting for the students.

Next page: #9

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9. Passion for Children and Teaching

A great teacher is passionate about teaching and working with children. They are excited about influencing students' lives and understand the impact they have.

Next page: #10

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10. Strong Rapport with Students

A great teacher develops a strong rapport with students and establishes trusting relationships.

Copyright Reserved by Teaching.Org

Related Articles:

15 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Becoming a Teacher

9 Reasons to Quit Teaching and 10 Reasons to Stay

15 Reasons Teachers Are Great

Google-Stalk Your Way to a New Teaching Job

Tania Khadder | Monster — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:27:00 -0700

The internet has made stalkers out of all of us. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

But instead of stalking your ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend, consider using your newfound detective skills for more productive (i.e. less emotionally jarring) purposes, like snagging the job of your dreams.

Interested in a company and need to find a person to contact? Google away. Trying to suss out the guy who’s interviewing you next week? Facebook him!

Within minutes, you can find out where he's from, how to reach him, where he's worked in the past, and – perhaps most importantly – what his favorite movie is. The more you know about him, the better your ability to sell yourself.

We’re not suggesting you cultivate an entirely false personality to match your interviewer -- that would be disingenuous and would surely come back to bite you.

Become a Teacher: Do you need a degree to get the job? Find out more.

But knowing a bit more about someone can help you find points of commonality you might otherwise have missed. If you find out they went to your alma mater, you can ever-so-subtly work that into the conversation in an interview. Or maybe you share the same taste in music? Find an appropriate way to bring it up. We all know that getting hired has a lot to do with likeability. And fair or not, people generally like other people who are similar to them. Why miss out on an opportunity to highlight these similarities?

Are you ready to do some in-depth detective work? Luckily, you've got an extremely powerful investigative tool right at your fingertips. Abuse it wisely!

Next Page: Start with Google Stalking →

*Disclaimer: These tips were designed to help you stalk in the most legal, non-creepy way. We do not encourage or condone harassment, obsessive behavior or any kind of physical stalking.

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Google

What did people do before Google? They used encyclopedias. And fold-out maps.

They also had a lot less information on potential employers.

Embrace this search engine giant. For jobseekers, it's an absolute godsend.

Maybe you already know the name of the person who’ll be interviewing you and you just want to know a little more about them before the face-to-face interrogation. Or perhaps you want to send someone your resume and cover letter but need to track down contact details and some background information.

If Googling your person of interest is limited to a simple full name search, you’re missing out on lots of prime stalking potential. Try adding other relevant keywords to maximize your results. Where did they go to college? Where do they live? Where have they worked? By adding these items to the search terms, you’ll likely get more relevant results.

Here are some other Google tips:

• Make sure you search their full name in quotation marks: “John Doe”

• Try searching for possible alternative names, usernames, and nicknames. You can sometimes find their favorite username by finding them on Facebook, then using the beginning of the email address listed. So, if John Doe’s email address is johnnydoeeyes@gmail.com, search for: johnnydoeeyes and see what comes up.

• If you know where they work or went to college, look for any mention of them on that particular site. So let’s say they work for Apple. You would google: site:apple.com “john doe”.

• If you know where John Doe works, you can easily figure out his email address. Let's say, once again, that he works at Apple. Search: “john doe” email, @apple.com. You may want to try various name combinations (i.e. first initial plus last name, or last name first)

• If a page has come up in your search but it is no longer available, try hitting “Cache” — often that will bring up the expired page.

• Don’t forget to try Google Images: this is especially useful if you’re unsure of the gender of your person of interest.

Next Page: Facebook Stalking Is Such Fun! →

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Facebook

While it can be an incredibly useful tool for tracking people down, Facebook can also be incredibly useless – it all depends on a person’s privacy settings.

The first step is to search the person in question's name. Make sure you try any nicknames, in addition to their full name.

You may get several people with the same name (and you may or may not know what they actually should look like). Try narrowing it down using networks. If you know they live in Los Angeles, set the network appropriately and see what comes up.

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Other tips for optimizing your Facebook search:

• When you find your “stalkee,” you may be able to get into their profile page right away. If you can’t, try changing your network to match theirs – they may have set their profile to only allow access to people in their network. You can only do this a few times, so make sure this person is truly stalk-worthy.

• Alternatively, you can set up a fake profile solely for the purpose of modifying your network where necessary and view their profile that way.

• Still can’t get onto their profile? Check to see if you know any of their friends. If you do, invite that person to be your friend. Once they accept, you may be able to find information on your stalkee in your mutual friend’s feed. For example, you can look for any wall posts your stalkee might have left on their page.

• Want to know who’s stalking you? Try the new Facebook application that allegedly gives you a ranked list of your “stalkers.” Whether or not it actually legitimately tracks who visits your profile — or simply how many times they’ve commented, messaged, tagged, etc –- is still up in the air.

• Want to know what your friends can and can’t see? Go to your privacy settings, type in the name of your friend and view your profile just as they see it.

Next Page: Tweet Stalk Your Prey →

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Twitter

Twitter may not reveal the information you’re looking for in the most organized, upfront way (a la Facebook), but following someone over time can give you a very intimate glimpse into their daily life and personal character.

If you know how to use it, Twitter can be a very fruitful stalking tool.

One of Twitter's greatest assets is that it has made it perfectly acceptable to "follow" strangers without seeming creepy –- especially if they are visibly part of your industry. (For more on how to use Twitter, go here).

Once you're following your person of interest, you can "retweet" their tweets, or reply to their tweets if they are of interest to you. An appropriate retweet would be responding to an article in your industry. An inappropriate retweet would be responding to that person’s tweet on how much they love their wife or what they had for breakfast. Keep it professional or you’ll earn a reputation for being creepy.

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Someone I know scored a writing gig by following the editor of the target publication for a few months. From time to time, and where appropriate, she would reply to the editor’s tweets with links to her own articles. She was simultaneously emailing the editor, pitching story ideas and requesting an interview. Eventually, the editor agreed to meet her and she got the job. Not bad for a few tweets.

Twitter is also helpful because, unlike Facebook, it allows you to follow people without their consent or reciprocation. And now, thanks to the new app Tweet Stalk, you can follow people without them even knowing.

Finally, Twitter can be used to track down leads. You can search for the name of the company you’re interested in to see if anyone in the Twitterverse is affiliated with it. Once you find them, begin following and ask if they have contacts. They may ignore you altogether, but they might just help you out. Either way, there’s no risk in trying.

Next Page: Two More Stalking Tools →

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LinkedIn

This professional networking tool can be a fantastic stalking tool. For example, you’re looking for a contact at XYZ company. You search that company on LinkedIn and find names of relevant hiring managers.

Using the tools we showed you in the Google section of the article, you may be able to find said hiring manager’s email address. Now you can email them directly regarding the position — which means that instead of getting lost in the internet abyss, your resume might actually be seen.

You may also be able to use your own LinkedIn network to track down leads. Check to see who your connections’ connections are. If you see anything interesting, ask for an introduction. Too shy? Nonsense! There's no room for shame in a job hunt.

Become a Teacher: Do you need a degree to get the job? Find out more.

Jigsaw.com

Got some money to spend? For $250 a year, you can get access to up to 250 business cards (out of 14 million) on Jigsaw.com. How does it work? Members share data from business cards they’ve collected. Once you join, you gain access to the growing database. If you’re serious about your stalking, are desperate for a lead and have some disposable income, this site might be the way to go.

In this day and age, there's just no excuse for not having an arsenal of information on your job leads. At the very least, you should be scouring the company's website for inside information. But if you really want an edge on the competition (and I'm pretty sure you do!), you should be doing some more in-depth detective work.

Now leave your ex-boyfriend alone and get to work!

*Disclaimer: These tips were designed to help you stalk in the most legal, non-creepy way. We do not encourage or condone harassment, obsessive behavior or any kind of physical stalking.

Related Articles:

Jump Starting a Stalled Job Search

Networking Your Way to Secure a Teaching Job

How to Get the Teaching Job of Your Dreams

Job Hunting? Keys to Finding the Perfect Needle in the Haystack

A Day in the Life of a School Principal

Victor Lana — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:43:00 -0700

I read the news today, oh boy,

About a lucky man who made the grade.

-”A Day in the Life” by the Beatles

When I think about the iconic song from the Beatles legendary album, Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, that opening line has always stuck in my mind. Of course, as I approach writing about “a day in the life” of a school principal, the lyrics seem especially apropos considering the part about “made the grade.” What do school principals do but make the grade, go beyond the grade, and live for the grade?

Being a school principal is a twenty-four hour job because the school is constantly in your thoughts. It has to be because, as the leader, you are responsible for faculty, staff and, most importantly, the students. Sometimes you lay awake at night thinking through a difficult problem; other times something prevents you from sleeping well or enters your dreams.

In many ways you are always “on the job” even when you are off or away on vacation, but to maintain your sanity and a healthy family life you must make every effort to draw a line in the sand, delineate work from home, and make time for your family, especially doing things to let your own children know that they are just as important (and hopefully more important) than those kids at school.

5:00 am:

Wake up time. Take a brisk, quick shower. I bring in the morning paper and eat breakfast. This will be the last “me” time of the day. It gives me a chance to read about the news, to check out the sports page, and fuel myself because breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day for principals too. I get dressed, check in to see my kids sleeping, and give them each a kiss before I leave for a long day.

6:00:

Get in the car and drive to work. This is not time for me to listen to the radio. On the hour drive I think through everything that is happening in the day ahead. I reflect on events of yesterday and maybe the day before and their impact on today’s schedule. I think about the days ahead as well. Do I have any meetings this week? Do I have to be out of the building? I have me cellular phone on and the hands-free device plugged in. Sometimes my secretary calls me during this ride, so I am prepared. The phone rings and I get a call from home. My daughter tells me to have a nice day and now, no matter what happens, I will have one.

7:00:

I arrive at the school. I would like to go into my office to get settled before the day begins, but usually the head custodian comes running down the hallway with something “urgent“ for my attention. I make certain to deal with this in the hallway, as to not encourage a lengthy discussion in the office. Finally, I go into the office where I can take off my coat, turn on the computer, and check e-mail.

My phone will no doubt have a red light blinking on it which means I have messages. Sometimes my secretary has left written messages on my desk too. I prioritize based on which messages are received first and will return calls in that order.

7:55:

By this time teachers have arrived (although some teachers get there even before 7 to do work), secretaries are coming in and getting ready, and some parents could be ringing the bell for appointments with teachers. Sometimes I schedule early appointments at this time too for parents. It is a hectic time when teachers are using the copy machine, phones are ringing, and ostensibly the day has begun.

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8:05:

By now several teachers have knocked on my door to see me. On normal days I leave the door open and they can come in as they please. The door will be closed if I have a meeting or am handling something that needs to be done right away. Sometimes the teachers have problems; other times it is more a chance for them to vent or just share something. Students will also come by during this time. I always encourage students to “stop in and see me,” and I do mean it and am happiest when I hear a knock and look up to see one of them standing there.

8:20:

On certain days I throw on my coat, take my walkie-talkie, and go outside to the parking lot. I make certain that cars are not double-parked, illegally parked, etc. This role as “traffic cop” is more a deterrent than anything else. I figure if parents see the principal in the lot, they will slow down, park more carefully, and remember the rules. I cannot do this every day, but I do it whenever I can.

Continue reading on the next page...

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8:30:

First period begins. I usually like to do a quick “walkabout” at this time. I know this is a tough time for teachers, but the expectation is that teaching has to begin as soon as the bell rings. I look for many things. Is a teacher still at a desk doing business like lunch money or collecting for something else? Is the teacher teaching? Are students engaged in the work involved in an anticipatory set? My expectations vary depending on the grade level. I usually go in and walk to the back of the room and around to the windows, checking to see what work is being done. My visit to each class lasts only several minutes.

9:15:

I am back in the office for my first appointment of the day. On any given day I can have one or more appointments, mostly with parents. In a school with 300 or more students, there are at least six hundred parents and many opportunities for situations and problems. On this day it could be a divorced parent who is worried that his/her child is not doing homework when in the spouse’s care. Many times the role I play is as listener, and parents are appreciative of this.

9:30:

The custodian asks me to come down to the auditorium because there is a problem. I come down and find him surrounded by a mess on the floor and chairs in disarray. Many different groups use the school facilities for meetings and functions. He wants to make note of this with me because it happens frequently. I will go upstairs and check to see which group was there the night before.

9:40:

I discover it was a certain group. I look up the phone number and call the head of the group. We discuss what happened. We go over the rules of use for the auditorium. She agrees it will never happen again. I hope so and hang up.

9:50:

I am scheduled to observe a teacher. Formal observations of teachers are most necessary in helping to promote professional growth for the teacher. I look forward to the opportunity to join the teacher on his/her journey toward reaching a level of excellence we both want in the school.

I get to the classroom with my clipboard. Students are excited to see that I am there. I sit in the back and observe the lesson. Usually, I am rewarded with something astounding. This is what I expect everyday, not just on days when I come in to observe. Teachers know this and that is why I do the walkabouts.

10:15:

After observing the lesson, I come downstairs and give my secretary the paper with all my notes on it. This has to be typed up on the formal observation form. I will check it afterwards before it goes to the teacher for review. Discussion will follow that.

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10:20:

Another parent appointment. This one is more serious. It could involve allegations against a teacher for a variety of issues. The teacher is called in to sit in the meeting. My secretary takes notes which will provide us with a transcript of the discussion. This takes time because we go through every issue slowly, to be sure all is addressed and that both sides feel comfortable with the outcome.

11:15:

The meeting is over and I have a chance to return some calls. Again, I return calls in the order in which they were received. Just as in the face-to-face meetings, I usually play the role of listener during the calls for the most part. Sometimes issues are settled; other times, meetings must be set up to continue the process.

11:50:

Lunch period is here. Grades K-4 are outside playing; Grades 5-8 are downstairs in the cafeteria eating lunch. I make it a point to visit downstairs first. I walk around the room, stop at tables, talk to students. This is a great time to get to talk to students without a filter. They share mundane things. They sometimes reveal important things. They ask questions; they offer me part of a sandwich or a cookie. I always thank them and decline.

I put my coat on and go outside. Once again I walk around, watch various games taking place, speak to the teachers on duty, and get a breath of fresh air. It is a pleasure in the middle of the day to take that moment to see the children running and laughing. It reminds me of the reasons why I am here.

Continue reading on the next page...

[page]

12:40:

I take a few minutes to eat my sandwich. As I do I usually check my e-mail or add something to the school web site. It is always a working lunch.

1:10 pm:

Lunch is over. I have a meeting with the music teacher. She is working on the school musical. We go over the program, over the incidentals, we talk about how the production is going and the budget. It is a productive meeting.

1:15:

My secretary reminds me about tonight’s Science Fair. I go upstairs and speak with the middle school science teachers about what’s happening. I go downstairs to the auditorium to check on the displays. Some students are done setting up and are giving explanations about their projects to students from other classes. Everyone is very excited about everything from the exploding volcanoes to the paper-mâché dinosaurs growling on their platforms.

1:25:

I commence another walkabout. I go into some classrooms, look into others. I make certain teachers and students see me. My presence is important to them and I want them to know I am there, but never at the same time each day.

1:50

Another formal teacher’s observation. I sit there with my pad taking notes. The afternoon classes are a little less lively sometimes, depending on the grade involved. The teacher works hard and the students are actively involved. I notice a couple of minor things that are problems. I make note of them. These will be discussed later on.

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2:25:

I return to the office, give the secretary the rough copy of the observation, and there is someone waiting for me but she doesn’t have an appointment. I take the person aside and we talk briefly. I explain that I am running late for bus dismissals. If she needs more time she needs to make an appointment. She understands and speaks to my secretary to schedule a time for us to meet.

2:30:

I grab my walkie-talkie, put on my coat, and I go outside. Again I stand in the parking lot, partially directing traffic, but also speaking to parents. Most of it is cordial banter. It is what is wonderful about a school: seeing supportive parents and happy children running to them after the school day.

2:35:

Now that the walkers are gone, I walk over to the schoolyard where the buses wait to take the children home. I stand in the middle of the lot and watch the students going onto their individual buses. I wave goodbye to them, wish them well, tell them I’ll see them tomorrow. I am happy to see their smiling faces as they climb aboard the buses and head home.

2:50:

I stop in the After Care room and see the students who stay for an extended day. Some are doing homework; some are using the computers. I talk to the teachers who run the program briefly and ask how their days were, hoping to hear everything went well. Usually, it has been a good day.

Continue reading on the next page...

[page]

3:00:

I am back in the office. There are more calls to return. I have a monthly message to write. Teachers have left test papers (which I have requested to see in their plan books); I have to proofread several letters from the Parents Association and approve them before they go out; the payroll folder is there for approval too, and several more messages need to be returned.

I will attack these things one by one, and I will leave space for dinner and a brief chance to relax before the Science Fair.

7:00:

The Science Fair begins. I walk through the exhibit area, stopping to listen to students’ explanations about their projects. I shake hands with parents, warn a few students to settle down, and speak with some of the teachers. Everyone is pleased with the level of achievement shown in the projects. Another successful Science Fair has been accomplished.

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8:30:

I start the long drive home. I listen to the news. It’s the first I’m learning about what’s happening in the outside world since I read the morning newspaper. I feel tired and it’s tough to keep my eyes open, but I do so.

9:45:

The kids are asleep and so is my wife. I left this morning in darkness and came home in darkness. It has been a long day. I check the mail, grab a banana and a glass of milk as a snack, and watch a few minutes of the news. I am off to bed where maybe I’ll sleep well or maybe not. Another day is set to begin shortly, and I have much to think about, but I will try to put it out of my mind and get some sleep.

This is a rather typical day. Many other things can happen during the day for a principal: pipes burst, toilets overflow, graffiti is found in the bathroom, deliveries of crucial supplies are not received, the superintendent visits, I have to attend an out of school meeting, and so on.

Every day is different for a principal, but what is the same is that you are the leader of that building and everyone looks to you for everything. It is an exciting, rewarding, and exhausting job, but it is one that most principals love doing and it keeps them coming back everyday because there is no other job quite like it.

5 Dumb (& Not So Dumb) Excuses for Missing Work

TheApple.com — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:23:00 -0700

5 Not So Smart Excuses for Missing Work

1. Haircut & Primping

Since the majority of teachers are women, this one is for you, gals. Don't make an appointment to get your hair cut or colored during the school day. Manicures and pedicures are off limits, too. Not only could you run into a parent from your school, it's not fair to cut out on school time to do something completely personal. Jet out the door right at 3:00 one day and get the job done then. It's not worth the consequences of getting caught.
Next page: Dumb Excuse #2
[page]

2. Working Out

Sometimes as teachers we forget to take care of ourselves. If working out is on the bottom of your list after a long school day, it's understandable. Instead of putting on your gym clothes and going when you should be at the head of the class, bring your sneakers to work and walk during lunch or your prep period. When I was on maternity leave and would go to the gym in the morning, I saw so many of my students' parents there working out. They wondered what I was doing....however, I wasn't supposed to be at school. Don't become the school gossip. Be where you should be during school hours unless you have an amazing excuse when confronted.

Next page: Dumb Excuse #3
[page]

3. Going Shopping

Whether it's going to the grocery store or the mall, school hours are not for personal shopping. Get to the grocery story before school starts (open 24 hours!) or the mall at night. Better yet, wait for your next day of vacation to enjoy the bustle of shopping with everyone else. School shopping is a whole other issue. If you've got to pick up supplies for class, see if your principal will let you duck out during lunch or your planning period.

Next page: Dumb Excuse #4
[page]

4. Partying Too Hard

Where are you at 10pm on a school night? I know I'm heading for bed. If you're a night owl, that's great, just have your alarm set. However, if at 10pm you're just putting on your shoes and heading out the door, your priorities need to be examined. We all do best with a good night's sleep, especially educators who need to be on their best at 8am. Don't call in sick because you've used poor judgement and stayed out too late. You could run the risk of running into people who know you at school and becoming gossip. But even more important than that, you knew when getting into education that the mornings would be early. Get rested and wake up happy to do your job.

Next page: Dumb Excuse #5
[page]

5. Extended Vacation

One of the perks of being a teacher is the vacation and LONG summer break. Just because you've accumulated a ton of sick days as an educator doesn't mean you need to use them every year by taking off for an extended vacation. It's impossible to talk about a vacation, and your students and colleagues might come to resent you for being gone for so long. Make the most of your school year by offering students a consistent routine with you at the head of the class.

Next Page: 5 Smart Excuses for Missing Work

[page]

5 Smart Excuses For Missing Work

#1: Sickness and Injuries

If you're really sick, you probably have a fever and are contagious. You may even have stomach issues and dizzy spells that make it impossible to stand up and teach. For the sake of your students' health, stay home and try to recover quickly.

Don't use a sick day if you aren't really under the weather. I once taught with laryngitis, and it was one of the best days of teaching ever. I used technology and had my students lead lessons. It was different from the norm and they were extremely attentive even though I never uttered a word. I saved my voice and didn't have to go the hassle of finding a sub.

Injuries are another story. Short and long term injuries may require extended time off.

Next page: Smart Excuse #2
[page]

# 2. A Wedding or a Funeral

Everyone has special occasions throughout the year. Look ahead at your year and see where taking an extra day on the weekend is absolutely necessary.

Unfortunate events may happen to your loved ones. Be respectful and don't use the excuse when it's not warranted, like when you great aunt's next door neighbors' friends' dog passes away. Be sensitive and honest.

Next page: Smart Excuse #3
[page]

# 3. Your Children are Sick or Injured

You can't help what your kids get into, but every parent might have to miss work a day or two throughout the year to take care of family business. Make it clear to your principal what the issue is and try to line up an extra care giver for situations that aren't dire. Though your students are important, giving your family priority over your job shouldn't make you feel guilty. You'd want your students' parents to do the same, so take pride in being a good parent and teacher.

Next page: Smart Excuse #4
[page]

# 4. Doctor's Appointment

Try to schedule your Dr.'s appointments at the beginning or end of the school day so you don't have to be out the whole day. Another approach is to schedule them all in one day if possible to minimize the amount of days you have to take off. My advice is to schedule all of your appointments if possible in one day over the summer. You won't be watching the clock or have to leave sub plans.

Next page: Smart Excuse #5
[page]

# 5. Your Sanity

I'm not talking about a little "mental health" day, but if you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed, don't put it off. See a professional to talk about your work or family situation that is causing you to feel like you can't handle your life. The routine and comfort of work will not make your problems go away, so deal with things head on.

A few more notes for new teachers...

It's pretty standard_ for public schools to offer three personal days in addition to sick days. Some school systems, however, offer a certain number of flex days that serve the same purpose.

There are two ways to go about missing work as an educator- planned or last minute. Planned absences require prior approval from your administrator, while last minute absences don't. Stay professional by requesting your personal days in advance and leave last minute missed days for sick emergencies only.

It's okay if you have to miss several days throughout the year- but don't make it a habit. Not only will the staff feel that you're abusing the system, but your students and their parents will be watching. Don't let your students suffer unnecessarily.

Most school systems do not allow pre-approved absences the day before or after a holiday or holiday break, so don't make any plans without prior approval.

Do you have a story to share?
Please share below!

5 Dumb (and Not So Dumb) Excuses for Missing Work

TheApple.com — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:23:00 -0700

It's the beginning of the school year, but you still may be needing- or wishing- you could miss a day of work. I'm no expert on jumping the gun to get a substitute, but I've asked teachers- and more importantly principals- what they find are real excuses or ones they never believe.

Read now: Dumb Excuse #1

5 Smart (& Not So Smart) Excuses for Missing Work

Jill Hare | Editor, TheApple.com — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:43:00 -0700

5 Smart Excuses For Missing Work

#1: Sickness and Injuries

If you're really sick, you probably have a fever and are contagious. You may even have stomach issues and dizzy spells that make it impossible to stand up and teach. For the sake of your students' health, stay home and try to recover quickly.

Don't use a sick day if you aren't really under the weather. I once taught with laryngitis, and it was one of the best days of teaching ever. I used technology and had my students lead lessons. It was different from the norm and they were extremely attentive even though I never uttered a word. I saved my voice and didn't have to go the hassle of finding a sub.

Injuries are another story. Short and long term injuries may require extended time off.

Next page: Smart Excuse #2
[page]

# 2. A Wedding or a Funeral

Everyone has special occasions throughout the year. Look ahead at your year and see where taking an extra day on the weekend is absolutely necessary.

Unfortunate events may happen to your loved ones. Be respectful and don't use the excuse when it's not warranted, like when you great aunt's next door neighbors' friends' dog passes away. Be sensitive and honest.

Next page: Smart Excuse #3
[page]

# 3. Your Children are Sick or Injured

You can't help what your kids get into, but every parent might have to miss work a day or two throughout the year to take care of family business. Make it clear to your principal what the issue is and try to line up an extra care giver for situations that aren't dire. Though your students are important, giving your family priority over your job shouldn't make you feel guilty. You'd want your students' parents to do the same, so take pride in being a good parent and teacher.

Next page: Smart Excuse #4
[page]

# 4. Doctor's Appointment

Try to schedule your Dr.'s appointments at the beginning or end of the school day so you don't have to be out the whole day. Another approach is to schedule them all in one day if possible to minimize the amount of days you have to take off. My advice is to schedule all of your appointments if possible in one day over the summer. You won't be watching the clock or have to leave sub plans.

Next page: Smart Excuse #5
[page]

# 5. Your Sanity

I'm not talking about a little "mental health" day, but if you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed, don't put it off. See a professional to talk about your work or family situation that is causing you to feel like you can't handle your life. The routine and comfort of work will not make your problems go away, so deal with things head on.

Next Page: 5 Not So Smart Excuses for Missing Work

[page]

5 Not So Smart Excuses for Missing Work

1. Haircut & Primping

Since the majority of teachers are women, this one is for you, gals. Don't make an appointment to get your hair cut or colored during the school day. Manicures and pedicures are off limits, too. Not only could you run into a parent from your school, it's not fair to cut out on school time to do something completely personal. Jet out the door right at 3:00 one day and get the job done then. It's not worth the consequences of getting caught.

Next page: Not So Smart Excuse #2
[page]

2. Working Out

Sometimes as teachers we forget to take care of ourselves. If working out is on the bottom of your list after a long school day, it's understandable. Instead of putting on your gym clothes and going when you should be at the head of the class, bring your sneakers to work and walk during lunch or your prep period. When I was on maternity leave and would go to the gym in the morning, I saw so many of my students' parents there working out. They wondered what I was doing....however, I wasn't supposed to be at school. Don't become the school gossip. Be where you should be during school hours unless you have an amazing excuse when confronted.

Next page: Not So Smart Excuse #3
[page]

3. Going Shopping

Whether it's going to the grocery store or the mall, school hours are not for personal shopping. Get to the grocery story before school starts (open 24 hours!) or the mall at night. Better yet, wait for your next day of vacation to enjoy the bustle of shopping with everyone else. School shopping is a whole other issue. If you've got to pick up supplies for class, see if your principal will let you duck out during lunch or your planning period.

Next page: Not So Smart Excuse #4
[page]

4. Partying Too Hard

Where are you at 10pm on a school night? I know I'm heading for bed. If you're a night owl, that's great, just have your alarm set. However, if at 10pm you're just putting on your shoes and heading out the door, your priorities need to be examined. We all do best with a good night's sleep, especially educators who need to be on their best at 8am. Don't call in sick because you've used poor judgement and stayed out too late. You could run the risk of running into people who know you at school and becoming gossip. But even more important than that, you knew when getting into education that the mornings would be early. Get rested and wake up happy to do your job.

Next page: Not So Smart Excuse #5
[page]

5. Extended Vacation

One of the perks of being a teacher is the vacation and LONG summer break. Just because you've accumulated a ton of sick days as an educator doesn't mean you need to use them every year by taking off for an extended vacation. It's impossible to talk about a vacation, and your students and colleagues might come to resent you for being gone for so long. Make the most of your school year by offering students a consistent routine with you at the head of the class.

A few more notes for new teachers...

It's pretty standard_ for public schools to offer three personal days in addition to sick days. Some school systems, however, offer a certain number of flex days that serve the same purpose.

There are two ways to go about missing work as an educator- planned or last minute. Planned absences require prior approval from your administrator, while last minute absences don't. Stay professional by requesting your personal days in advance and leave last minute missed days for sick emergencies only.

It's okay if you have to miss several days throughout the year- but don't make it a habit. Not only will the staff feel that you're abusing the system, but your students and their parents will be watching. Don't let your students suffer unnecessarily.

Most school systems do not allow pre-approved absences the day before or after a holiday or holiday break, so don't make any plans without prior approval.

Do you have a story to share?
Please share below!

5 Smart (and Not So Smart) Excuses for Missing Work

TheApple.com — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:43:00 -0700

It's the beginning of the school year, but you still may be needing- or wishing- you could miss a day of work. I'm no expert on jumping the gun to get a substitute, but I've asked teachers- and more importantly principals- what they find are real excuses or ones they never believe.

Read now: Smart Excuse #1

15 Education Careers that Earn Over $70K

Jill Hare | Editor, TheApple — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:11:00 -0700

1. School Superintendent $152,043

[photo:79998]
Perks of being a Superintendent

Superintendents set the tone for an entire school system. They get to collaborate with others on a daily basis and have the opportunity to make decisions regarding staffing and curriculum. They usually have a spacious office and a support staff of individuals who help schedule meetings and carry out tasks. Travel is often required so superintendents can see first hand what their principals and schools are doing.

Challenges of being a Superintendent

Superintendents must take an active role to ensure that students meet national, state, and local academic standards. They are increasingly being held accountable for overall test scores. This kind of pressure makes the job of a superintendent high stress. It's a year long job that impacts the lives of students, employees and the general public.

Job Outlook

Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

School superintendents often have a master’s degree in education administration.

Get qualified to become a superintendent

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #2

[page]

2. High School Principal $92,965

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Perks of being a High School Principal

A principal is responsible to the superintendent, but they do have a lot of control at the school level. They oversee all staff and curriculum decisions. Principals usually have the nicest office in the school building to conduct meetings with staff and parents. Principals are usually assigned a secretary or administrative assistant to help with scheduling and other tasks.

Challenges of being a High School Principal

Managing a staff and a school full of students (and their parents) in such close quarters can be high stress. Principals make tough decisions that are often not popular. Often the business of being a principal (budgets, supplies, etc) interferes and takes time away from what inspired people to get into administration- curriculum and learning. High school principals also spend a good amount of after hours time at high school events. The job of a high school principal is year long.

Job Outlook

Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

High School Principals often have a master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership. More...

Get qualified to become a high school principal

Salary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Next Page: #3

[page]

3. Middle School Principal $87,866

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Perks of being a Middle School Principal

Similar to High School Principals, Middle School Principals set the tone for an entire school. They get to collaborate with others on a daily basis and have the opportunity to make decisions regarding staffing and curriculum. They usually have an office and a support staff who help schedule meetings and carry out tasks.

Challenges of being a Middle School Principal

Due to the changing personalities of middle school students, middle school principals handle a lot of instances with students (and their parents) regarding discipline. After school activities begin to be in large number for this age group, and it's the job of the principal to make appearances and support the activities of students and staff, most of which occur long after the school day ends. The job of a middle school principal is year long.

Job Outlook

Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

Middle School Principals often have a master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership.

Get qualified to become a middle school principal

Salary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Next Page: #4

[page]

4. Instructional Coordinator $87,510

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Perks of being a Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators usually have a flexible schedule and an office on school grounds. They get to work closely with the principal and other district officials and travel locally off the school campus. Instructional coordinators have the opportunity to influence instruction in each school classroom.

Challenges of being a Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators must have knowledge of the entire school's curriculum and deliver guidelines to each teacher about how to instruct it properly. They share accountability with the classroom teacher for curriculum and learning success.

Job Outlook

Much faster-than-average job growth is projected. Job opportunities generally should be favorable, particularly for those with experience in math and reading curriculum development.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

School Instructional Coordinators often have a master’s degree in leadership and curriculum.

Get qualified to become a instructional coordinator

Salary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Next Page: #5

[page]

5. Elementary School Principal $82,414

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Perks of being a Elementary School Principal

In comparison with the principal's job at a middle school or high school, the elementary level doesn't require quite as much after hours work. After school activities and sports are minimal at the elementary level compared with older grades, and this frees up more time to create a work/life balance. Student discipline at this level is usually minimal when compared with middle and high school as well.

Challenges of being a Elementary School Principal

Since elementary school lays the foundation for the rest of a child's education, principals feel pressure to help students learn effectively and score well on state tests. For students at the elementary age, parents seem to be more involved in the school process. While parental involvement is encouraged in school, these enthusiastic parents can be hard to please.

Job Outlook

Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

Elementary School Principals often have a master’s or doctoral degree in education leadership or education administration. More...

Get qualified to become a Elementary School Principal

Salary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Next Page: #6

[page]

6. Physical Education Teacher $75,724
20+ Year Experience

[photo:80021]

Perks of being a Physical Education Teacher

Because of the nature of the work, physical education teachers get to wear sporty, more comfortable clothes to school. While teaching important skills and health, they have the opportunity to stay fit while exercising with their classes. During nice weather, PE teachers may teach a good portion of their class time outside.

Challenges of being a Physical Education Teacher

PE teachers don't always get the respect they deserve in schools from staff or students.

Job Outlook

Employment of school teachers is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

Physical Education Teachers need to hold a bachelor's degree in their field at minimum unless alternate certification programs are available.

Get qualified to become a Physical Education Teacher

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #7

[page]

7. High School Assistant Principal $75,121

[photo:80024]
Perks of being a High School Assistant Principal

Not being number one in command has it's privileges when it comes to being held accountable for test scores, budgets and more.

Challenges of being a High School Assistant Principal

Sometimes the assistant principal is left with the task the principal finds undesirable. While they take part in the overall school management process, they don't have final say in all matters. As part of the school administration at the high school level, high school assistant principals may be required to attend many after hours school events and meetings.

Job Outlook

Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

High School Assistant Principals often have a master’s degree in education leadership or administration.

Get qualified to become a High School Assistant Principal

Salary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Next Page: #8

[page]

8. Middle School Special Education Teacher $74,637
20+ Years Experience
[photo:80027]

Perks of being a Middle School Special Education Teacher

Special education is an in-demand career and qualified teachers are well-poised to find jobs, even in this economy.

Special education is one of the most rewarding careers in the field, and teachers often get to help students accomplish life skills and learning that will impact their quality of life.

Challenges of being a Middle School Special Education Teacher

Each special education class is comprised of students that differ in ability and personality. The teacher may have every student in the room on a different task and be required to fill out an enormous amount of paperwork to comply with state and federal regulations.

Job Outlook

Employment of school teachers is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

Middle School Special Education Teachers have a bachelor's degree at minimum but often have a master’s degree in special education. More...

Get qualified to become a Middle School Special Education Teacher

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #9

[page]

9. Middle School Assistant Principal $73,020

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Perks of being a Middle School Assistant Principal

Second in command has it's privileges, and middle school assistant principals have the opportunity to lead many parts of the overall school workings.

Challenges of being a Middle School Assistant Principal

While some middle schools don't (or can't afford) a guidance counselor, many assistant principals take on the bulk of school discipline. In middle school, this can take up a good portion of the school day.

Job Outlook

Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

Middle School Assistant Principals often have a master’s degree in education leadership or administration. More...

Get qualified to become a Middle School Assistant Principal

Salary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Next Page: #10

[page]

10. High School Special Education Teacher $72,777
20+ Years Experience

[photo:80033]

Perks of being a High School Special Education Teacher

High school special education teachers get to benefit from the teachers that have come before them, and the student's learning habits and past performance can help high school teachers hit the ground running.

Challenges of being a High School Special Education Teacher

High school special education classes are challenging because teachers are working to prepare their students for graduation and real life experiences- both of which may be different for this group of students.

Job Outlook

Employment of school teachers is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

Middle School Special Education Teachers have a bachelor's degree at minimum but often have a master’s degree in special education. More...

Get qualified to become a High School Special Education Teacher

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #11

[page]

11. High School Teacher $72,243
20+ Years Experience
[photo:80036]

Perks of being a High School Teacher

In comparison with general ed at the elementary level, high school teaching is focused on one singular subject, which allows teachers to delve more deeply into curriculum and resources. High school students are also mature and full of previous knowledge (hopefully!), and teaching them complex skills to prepare them for college is a great part of the job.

Challenges of being a High School Teacher

High school students can be some of the most challenging students to teach because they are smart, savvy, and can sometimes be cruel to each other or to their teachers. High school teachers also often have outside classroom responsibilities, like coaching or sponsoring school groups that add to the work load.

Job Outlook

Employment of school teachers is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

High school teachers need to hold a bachelor's degree in their field at minimum unless alternate certification programs are available.

Get qualified to become a High School Teacher

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #12

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12. K-8 School Counselor $71,729
20+ Years Experience
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Perks of being a School Counselor

Counselors advocate for students and work with other individuals and organizations to promote the academic, personal, and social development of children and youths. While counselors are aware of a student's academic performance, they also get to know students on a personal level and develop their social and emotional skills.

Challenges of being a School Counselor

In order to keep their job on track, counselors have a mountain of paperwork to fill out to make sure the students they see are served appropriately. Counselors can also be given the task of helping make sure students received proper accommodations during testing.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

All States require school counselors to hold a State school counseling certification and to have completed at least some graduate course work; most require the completion of a masters degree. More...

Get qualified to become a School Counselor

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #13

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13. High School Guidance Counselor $71,711
20+ Years Experience

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Perks of being a High School Guidance Counselor

High school guidance counselors have the opportunity to help students prepare for college. They help students see strengths and find a place for high learning that suits their needs and goals.

Challenges of being a High School Guidance Counselor

Every student has a unique idea of what life after high school will be. The high school guidance counselor helps each student fulfill their potential, and sometimes motivating students to reach it is a challenging task.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

All States require school counselors to hold a State school counseling certification and to have completed at least some graduate course work; most require the completion of a masters degree. More...

Get qualified to become a High School Guidance Counselor

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #14

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14. Elementary Special Education Teacher $70,515
20+ Years Experience

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Perks of being a Elementary Special Education Teacher

Getting to help students learn in a better, more personalized way for their skills and situation is a rewarding task for special education teachers.

Challenges of being a Elementary Special Education Teacher

This is the first time many of these special education students have been classified and the transition may be tough, for both students and parents.

Job Outlook

Employment of school teachers is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

Middle School Special Education Teachers have a bachelor's degree at minimum but often have a master’s degree in special education. More...

Get qualified to become a Elementary Special Education Teacher

Salary Source: PayScale

Next Page: #15

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15. School Librarian $70,401
20+ Years Experience

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Perks of being a School Librarian

Hundreds, sometimes thousands of books are at a school librarians fingertips. The librarian has a budget each year to improve the library offerings and order new materials.

Challenges of being a School Librarian

The tradition of school libraries is getting phased out in many areas of the U.S, and the increasing use of technology is required to keep this career afloat.

Job Outlook

The latest data shows that almost 150,000 librarians employed across the US. and will increase by 12 percent over the next 7 years.

Quick Glance Degree Requirements

A master’s degree in library science (MLS) is necessary for librarian positions in most public schools, though technology requirements for this position are increasing. More...

Get qualified to become a School Librarian

Salary Source: PayScale

Related Links

Bachelors vs. Masters: Compare Salaries in 50 States

6 High Paying Cities for K-12 Teachers

Average Teaching Salaries by State: 2007-2008

Interactive Map for Teaching Jobs

What Not to Say During an Interview

By Alexi Calvo | Monster — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:50:00 -0700

The truth is most people sabotage their own interviews. Instead of putting their best foot forward, they put off the interviewer by acting cocky, unsure of their talent, having bad manners, or by simply acting weird. Monster has interviewed several recruitment experts to bring you unbelievable true stories of what actually happens behind interview doors. If you want to land that new job, follow this interview advice from the experts:

Acting Cocky Doesn’t Help You>>

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Acting Cocky Doesn’t Help You

It doesn’t bode well for you to walk into an interview as if you’ve already been hired. In order to impress the interviewer, don’t put down past coworkers or employers. When asked about the internet security policies of their past employer, a candidate was quoted as saying , “Well, it was a stupid policy anyway.” Mentioning that your former employer was dumb in any way doesn’t show how superior you are--what it does do however-- is show that you bad mouth people and aren’t a fiercely loyal worker.

Applicants during an interview have been known to ask, “How soon can I transfer to a better job?” As an interviewee you have to remain humble. The school is choosing you and not the other way around. On the flip side, you don’t want to come off as unsure of yourself.

Be Confident>>

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Be Confident

Never say that you don’t know how to do something. When someone asks you about certain skills necessary for the job, rather than admitting that you don’t have a certain skill simply explain that you are a fast learner and can easily be taught. You want to come across as someone that can take on any task.

If you‘re wondering how you’re doing during the interview, fight your instinct to ask, “How am I doing?” That would be interview suicide. If you ask the interviewer for feedback while the interview is taking place it’s quite evident that you are not confident. Stay calm, bite your tongue, and continue with quiet dignity.

Watch Your Manners>>

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Watch Your Manners

Candidates have been known to ask right off the bat, “So when do I get to meet someone who actually has the power to hire me?” This is a very rude thing to say to the person taking time to interview you. Give every person you meet at your potential school the respect they deserve. You never know who you will meet and what they can do for you. Knowing this, do not leave your cell phone on during an interview or ask the if you can leave it on since you are waiting for an important call (yes, actual candidates have asked this.) The question is, what is more important, a phone call or your interview? This of course means that eating lunch during an interview is also not a good idea no matter how famished you may be.

You will be judged on everything you say. Keep in mind that the interviewer doesn’t know you and they often won’t realize when you are joking around. It goes without saying that you should avoid racist comments and stereotypes. Starting off a sentence with, “You know how women/men/gays/blacks/Asians/kids/old people/handicapped are…” may be offensive to the interviewer since just as they don’t know you or your background, neither do you know theirs. Be sensitive and avoid politically incorrect statements like the plague.

Never Get Too Personal>>

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Never Get Too Personal

An interview is not a therapy session. The interviewer doesn’t need to know that your alimony will take half of your salary. TMI! Keep the conversation career-oriented and focused on what you can do for the school. I know it’s tempting to give your life history when an interviewer asks, “Tell me about yourself…” However, this is a trick question. It’s not open ended. Talking about how much your former boss had it out for you is indeed career-oriented-- but better left unsaid. You don’t want to come off as a trouble-maker, so pick and choose exactly what you want the interviewer to know about you. Don’t offer up embarrassing and self incriminating info when you haven’t even been asked for it.

Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid>>

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Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

Did you exaggerate a little bit on your resume? Keep that to yourself. We don’t have to divulge all of our secrets. Your resume got you in the door and now you can finally prove yourself, so don’t self-sabotage. Other ways to self-sabotage are mentioning that you are planning to have another child, moving out of town, have the itch to go back to school, or have any medical issues. You want to present yourself as low-maintenance and honest.

If you are interviewing at several other organizations, don’t tell the interviewer. Even though you may think this makes you more desirable, it can always backfire. You don’t want to notify your current company’s HR department that you are looking for a job elsewhere unless you like the idea of walking around with a “Fire Me” sticker on your forehead. Keep your career moves to yourself and be smart about what you divulge.

Some Final Words Before You Walk into Your Interview…

Wait through the silence and lulls in your interview. You may feel uncomfortable during these gaps in conversation but if you feel you’ve answered the question, there is no need to ramble aimlessly since we know what that will get you…zero job offers. Finally, if you are asked, “What is the least favorite thing you like to do?” Do not answer, “Interview.” Okay, off you go, Good luck!

Related Links:

15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!)

100 Teacher Interview Questions

10 Secrets to a Perfect Teaching Interview

5 Insider Tips for a Successful School Interview

More...

Are You a Teacherpreneur?

Tom DeRosa | TheApple.com — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:09:00 -0700

In my own attempts to make ends meet, I've been doing just about anything and everything I can think of to save money or make money. Spending the last year in Boston made this not so much a lifestyle choice as a necessity. First, I had to make my money go farther:

• Moved back to south Texas to cut rent and most other expenses

• Cut down or eliminated monthly expenses (cell phone, cable, Netflix, etc)

• Sold/traded/donated almost all of my books, DVDs, and CDs (and stopped buying new or used ones altogether) online

• Sold an electric guitar and amp and just about anything else that had any value whatsoever through Craigslist

• Switched from buying daily iced coffee at a coffee shop to making a delicious homemade version

• Learned to enjoy eating, drinking and entertaining myself at home

• Read blogs about saving money and getting more out of less on a daily basis and applying what I've learned

• Stopped traveling for the most part; I saw my family about the same amount of times that I did when I lived roughly 2000 miles away, and despite all logic, I didn't travel to visit my friends in New York the entire time I lived in Boston!

I can honestly say I was happy with all of these changes (except for the last one, for which I was recently able to make amends) and plan on sticking to them. Doing all of this really made me think about what other teachers and educators might be sacrificing to make their paycheck go farther.

What's really been intriguing me, however, is the other side of this issue: making money beyond our regular teacher pay. I think I've become what some have termed a teacherpreneur and I feel like I'm not alone.

Continue reading on the next page...

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Throughout my career, I've taken advantage of nearly every extra pay position I was offered. How many of these have you done?

• Taught after school and/or Saturday tutorials

• Took a leadership position (department chair, team/cluster leader, committee chair)

• Became a coach/club sponsor

• Participated in voluntary, extra professional development workshops

• Taught summer school classes

• Participated in curriculum writing

I've also seen people turn their colleagues into customers for a side business--everything from passing out business cards to one enterprising teacher who sold tamales door-to-door (classroom doors, that is).

Yet when I think about this idea of teacherpreneurship, I'm wondering about how many of us start our own business on the side in order to make more money.

I think there are two distinct camps. The first group applies their teaching/education knowledge directly: private tutoring, consulting, teaching college courses, creating and selling all types of teacher resources. The second group has a hobby or skill unrelated to the classroom that they turn into extra money.

Personally, when I created my blog I was not expecting to make any money. Two years later, I make a few dollars a month from advertising and referrals. I wrote Ten Cheap Lessons last year and have just about broke even on that. Now I find myself doing things like taking $0.05 jobs on Amazon's Mechanical Turk service and trying to parlay my blogging abilities into freelance writing gigs on other topics.

If we assume most teachers take extra jobs in and around school and/or become an entrepreneur in their spare time, the big question that looms over all of this for me is: Why do we have to do this? Why are we not paid enough that we don't have to?

I'm really interested in your feedback on the many questions surrounding this issue, especially with a new school year on the horizon. Am I right? Dead wrong? Let me know in the comments.

Related Links:

20 Cheap Ways to Decorate Your Classroom

The ABC's of Managing Money

What to do if You Can't Pay Your Bills

The SECRET Teacher Supply List

8 Toughest Education Jobs

Jill Hare | Editor, TheApple — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:51:00 -0700

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No job in education is easy. Every job worth doing right takes hard work and dedication. Though I think all careers in education are tough, these eight stand out as some of the toughest. Educators that stay with these jobs and strive to succeed are making a real difference in shaping our next generation.

Next Page: #1 Toughest Education Job

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1. Inner City Educator

Everyone isn't cut out to teach in our nation's inner cities, and the most urban cities struggle to keep teachers longer than just a few years. Inner city schools struggle for several reasons. Large class sizes, few male teachers, a lack of strong leadership and experienced teachers, and even a lack of supplies make day to day learning hard. Add to that a dynamic student body with street smarts and attitude beyond their years, and you may have a tough school situation. While many urban cities get schools staffed by Teach for America or teachers fresh out of school, the inner cities could really benefit from teachers that are confident in their skills and represent the community that they teach.

"Recent data obtained by the Public School Notebook, which follows school issues in Philadelphia, shows that the schools with the highest level of poverty still have the highest teacher turnover rates and the lowest percentage of highly qualified and experienced teachers." -Philadelphia Daily News

What can help inner city educators face their tough careers? Eliminate the feeling of isolation. Take part in professional development and learning communities, collaborate, and practice patience with perseverance. Teachers that feel called to serve in the inner city shouldn't be discouraged. There are great success stories, though not all as grande as Dangerous Minds. There is tremendous opportunity in our nation's inner cities to make a lasting impact on America's youth.

Related Links:

Young Teachers Endure the Battle

Unwritten Rules Every Teacher Should Know

Learn more. Become a Teacher

Are you a kindergarten teacher?
What's tough about your job? Share below!

Next Page: #2 Toughest Education Job

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2. Principal

Some teachers may think the job of a principal is easier than being in the classroom. But if done right, the principal has one of the toughest jobs in a school. Not only is the principal in charge of the school's mission, they also oversee the hiring, firing, transfer, and tenure of teachers as well as coordinating with bus drivers, janitorial staff and lunch workers. In addition, they evaluate teachers, handle student discipline and play defense and offense when it comes to pleasing parents. It's a year round job with a school reputation on the line. Some principals feel such pressure to help their students succeed that they step into the classroom and teach. From a business perspective, they work with budgets, order supplies and curriculum, plan professional development and work to secure school donors. It's one of the few education jobs that can impact a student's day start to finish in every room of the building.

Read stories from a principal on TheApple:

Does the Job of a Principal Ever End?

How Principals Deal with Difficult Situations

Principal's View: Identifying What's Necessary

Being an Educational Leader

Principals: Job description, salary and degree requirements

Become a Principal

Are you a principal?
What's tough about your job? Share below!

Next Page: #3 Toughest Education Job

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3. Special Education Teacher

By the numbers, not enough teaching students are selecting special education as a career. Is it because it's tough? Most likely. 46 of 50 states identified general special education and related special education fields as in demand careers for the 2009-2010 school year. See the interactive map for teaching jobs to learn more.

Special education students vary widely in ability and personality. Teachers will tell you that these students are challenging, but bring great joy. Special education teachers work with fewer students than general classroom teachers, but sometimes have every student in their room on a different lesson. Add to that the behavior and physical disabilities of students, orchestrating simple classroom tasks can difficult.

Special education teachers have to coordinate schedules with classroom and specialty teachers, fill out tons of papers work, and collaborate with district advocates and parents to ensure state mandates are being met.

Read more:
A Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher

Career Profile, Job Description & Degree Requirements

Become a Special Education Teacher

Are you a special education teacher? What's tough about your job? Share below!

Next Page: #4 Toughest Job

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4. Middle School Counselor

Being an educator for middle schoolers is not easy, but it's worth it, many will tell you. Middle school is the time when students search for identity and social relationships begin to blossom. This "blossoming" for many is a rocky road. Friendships and cliques become tumultuous, parents become so "not cool" and being good at school is at the bottom of a student priority list. Boys and girls clash and everything seems like an emotional roller coaster. Some middle school psychologist, like TheApple's Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, rise to the challenge and adore this group of tweens. Keeping the peace at a middle school and counseling students through this period of their life is a tough job, but so important in shaping who these young adults will become and how they will handle adversity.

Related Articles:

Stuck in the Middle

Caught in the Middle: Part 1

Caught in the Middle: Part 2

Caught in the Middle: Part 3

Are you a middle school teacher? What's tough about your job? Share below!

Next Page: #5 Toughest Job

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5. Kindergarten teacher

While every grade has it's challenges, kindergarten is a tough transition for many because it's the introduction to official school. During the first few months, kindergarten teachers see a lot of tears, and not just from students. Parents and students both have trouble adjusting to a full day of school with no nap time. Emotions are high in a classroom full of wonderful little creatures. In addition to curriculum, one of the things that makes kindergarten tough is the life skills that these students haven't mastered, like going the bathroom alone, tying shoes or even walking in a line down the hall. Add to that a few snotty noses that haven't seen a tissue and a hamster in a cage and it seems amazing that these teachers get any real teaching done. A kindergarten teacher once told me that getting her students to lunch at the beginning of the school year was like herding cats. Kindergarten classes are bustling with energy and activity and these students don't usually know the first thing about raising hands, taking turns speaking or even the basics of sharing. Kindergarten teachers are some of the most important teachers in the school, because they set the tone for how to behave and view school as an overall experience.

Become a Kindergarten Teacher

Are you a kindergarten teacher? What's tough about your job? Share below!

Next Page: #6 Toughest Education Job

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6. Substitute Teacher

Substitute teachers make up a huge percentage of classroom educators across the U.S. The pool of subs in New York City is over 13,000, with Chicago and Los Angeles both around 7,000.* Some substitutes have long term posts, but most walk into classrooms on a daily basis with no idea what they'll find. Since all of us were former students, we know that students rarely behave as well for the sub as they do for their regular teacher. A few smart, sassy students can make the life of a sub survival of the fittest. The goal of a good substitute is to carry on class and learning as usual. But imagine walking into a job that's been going on without you for months and you have no knowledge of the students, subject matter, project or school schedule. Subbing is not easy, and good subs have to stay on their toes to get through the day in one piece and leave the teacher a note with "mission accomplished."

Related Links:

10 Quick Lesson Ideas for Substitute Teachers

Preparing for a Substitute

Are you a substitute teacher? What's tough about your job? Share below!

* Source: USA Today

Next Page: #7 Toughest Education Job

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7. Curriculum Specialist

Education reforms from each school, as well as district, state, and federal mandates can be so hard to comb through that most schools these days have curriculum or instructional specialists. To be successful, this person need a knowledge of how existing curriculum is delivered in each class in a school. Their job is tough because they try to help teachers - some reluctant- collaborate across curriculum and incorporate new mandates and ideas into their teaching. "It's a tough job," one instructionalist told me, "because you're asking teachers to add one more thing to their already full plate. You feel bad doing it, but you see the big picture and know it can work. They see me coming in the hall and dodge me or don't want to take one more meeting with me." A general classroom or subject teacher gets to hone in on one particular area of study, but the curriculum specialist needs to know about all subjects and all curriculum. For a new person in this career, it's a lot of reading and learning. Instead of instructing students, this person teaches adult teachers how to better instruct, plan and work together.

Related Links:

You are probably too busy to read this...

Is teaching hard work?

Action Doesn't Mean Production

Become a Curriculum Specialist

Are you a curriculum specialist? What's tough about your job? Share below!

Next Page: #8 Toughest Education Job

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8. Brand New Teacher

No matter where or what you teach, the job of a brand new teacher is one of the toughest out there. Not more sitting behind the desk in class, now you're standing in front of class teaching! Having your own classroom is something that student teaching only begins to prepare you for. Being the new kid on the block has challenges even for the best of us. School staffs may not be so welcoming or helpful, and finding your confidence as a first year teacher is tough. From working with difficult students, parents, teachers and even administrators, a lot of the first year (or two) is trial by error. Planning a great lesson and executing it are two different things, and thinking fast is a must to survive. I've never met a first year teacher who wasn't stressed out, but that usually means the new teacher is thinking and trying to succeed so much that they can't get school of their mind!

TheApple has many resources to support new teachers.

Top 10 Technology Tips for New Teachers

5 Tips for Bonding with New Teaching Colleagues

55 Things Every New Teacher Should Know

Tips and Strategies for First Year Teachers

What do you think the toughest job in education is? Share below!

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Why Teach?

By Dr. Marjaneh Gilpatick — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:38:00 -0700

Why should people consider becoming educators? Henry Brooks Adams, the American novelist, journalist, historian and academic offered the following about the lasting effect of teachers: “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Being a teacher can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.

In addition to leaving lasting legacies that will last generations, another major reason for becoming a teacher is the love for children and adolescents. Teachers are passionate, caring, and thoughtful about the youngsters with whom they work. Finding the most appropriate and relevant ways to facilitate their students’ learning is like solving a complicated puzzle for the educators. But, when they see the “Aha” or the “light bulb go off” look on their students’ faces when they finally comprehend the meaning of a new vocabulary word, or they grasp a challenging concept, teachers feel most satisfied and pleased.

Making a difference immediately upon graduation from a university is another motivation for choosing the teaching profession. Teacher candidates believe that through their gift of being collaborators and motivators they can make a change in their students’ and their families’ lives for the better. They enjoy the opportunity to empower their students to improve their world.

Always learning and growing intellectually is another reason for becoming an educator. Sure, at first many teachers find the idea of having the three months of summer off very appealing. However, they soon discover that in order to keep abreast of the new developments and effective teaching methods, they have to continuously seek professional development and enhance their knowledge and skills. In many instances, they discover a new passion that leads them to work with students that they had never even considered.

Teaching is always challenging. It is never boring or mundane. Ask a teacher to describe a typical day, and they will frequently tell you that there is never a typical day. Sure, there are schedules and bells, but every minute of every day is different than what occurred previously. This constant mental and physical stimulation provide a joyful and rewarding ‘rush’ for many teachers that are rarely found in any other profession.

Finally a good and effective teacher is the dedicated, committed, and passionate individual who “day after day connects students to the rigors and reward of learning” (Bunting, 2006). And, it is the hopes that the world will be a better place for all that dwell in it that prompts teachers to become educators.

Bunting, C. (2006). Good teachers: Who they are and how we fail them. The Clearing House (79) 245-246.

Cookson, P. W. (2005). Why teach? Retrieved on July 10, 2009, from www.teachingk-8.com/archives/your_first_year/why_teach.

Start now. Learn more about becoming a teacher.

20 Career Lessons from Celebrities

Tania Khadder and Zac Frank | Monster — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:36:00 -0700

Celebrities. We love to hate them. We also love to watch their every move, laugh at their mistakes and scrutinize their decisions.

Like them or not, their celebrity status means not only have they achieved career success, they’ve also got a hell of a lot to lose. And sometimes, whatever actions have helped catapult them to fame or rendered them B-list can provide valuable lessons for the careers of regular people like you and me.

Here are 20 career lessons from celebrities. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are just plain ridiculous.

#1: Madonna →

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#1: Madonna

Lesson: Reinvent yourself often. Always stay fresh and relevant.

Never one to let things get stale, Madonna has reinvented herself over and over again since she first stepped into the spotlight in the mid 80s.

There was the virgin, the “material girl,” the Evita era, and her disco-fabulous look and sound of 2005. She’s had as many new looks as she has albums, and always manages to stay fresh and relevant. Reinvention is so central to her career, she named a tour after it. And 30+ years after her debut, she still manages to be at the forefront of the global music industry.

Elaborate personal transformations may not be realistic (or helpful) for mere mortals. But there’s a lesson to be learned from this pop icon. In order to thrive in a rapidly changing economy, it’s important to stay fresh, keep your skills up to date and be adaptable to new directions in your career.

#2: Christian Bale →

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#2: Christian Bale

Lesson: Don’t crack under pressure.

If you haven’t heard the audio, you’ve been living under a rock.

The action movie star famously lost his temper on the set of this year’s Terminators sequel, shouting countless profanities at the film’s director of photography, Shane Hurlbut.

His fit of rage was caught on tape, and of course, a YouTube video quickly circulated the internet. His reputation went from sexy, brooding screen legend to world class A-hole (still kind of sexy though).

Getting worked up at work is not uncommon or unexpected. But keeping your cool in the face of blood-pressure raising circumstances is essential, not just to your reputation at work, but to your overall health and happiness. Lose your temper like Mr. Bale and you may never live it down.

#3: Britney Spears →

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#3: Britney Spears

Photo courtesy of Loveyousave, Creative Commons

Lesson: You can make a comeback, but be prepared for a long — and sometimes ugly — road to recovery.

The past five years have been tough for this former teen pop starlet. She was in the midst of a custody battle with estranged husband (and total leach) Kevin Federline, had been deemed an unfit mother, battled drug addiction and once famously shaved her head for no apparent reason.

She’d hit rock bottom. And thanks to the paparazzi, she did so right before our prying eyes. In 2007, her attempt at a comeback at the MTV Video Music Awards was panned by critics and fans alike; onstage, she appeared detached, disinterested, drugged. Simply showing up for the gig was not enough.

But two years later, she’s back. She may not be the mega star she was before her fall from grace, but she’s no longer a media laughing stock. Her latest album is doing respectively well, she’s on tour, has her post-meltdown body back, and looks healthy and happy. With a little bit of hard work, she's managed to get her career back on track, at least for the time being.

#4: Simon Cowell →

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#4: Simon Cowell

Lesson: Sometimes, it pays to be a hard ass.

The notoriously straight-faced American Idol judge earns a reported $34 million a year (said to be bumped up to a whopping $144 million next year).

While Paula Abdul gives endless (and often unintelligible) praise, Randy Jackson looks for the silver lining, and Kara Dioguardi strips to outdo Bikini Girl, Cowell tells it like it is (and sometimes, much worse). Viewers love to hate him, but the fact remains: contestants respect his opinion more than that of the other three. And so does America. More often than not, Cowell's feedback directly impacts the shows votes and consequently makes or breaks a contestant’s shot at winning.

Simon may take brutal honesty a little too far, but he teaches us that sugarcoating your opinions and backing down when challenged won’t earn the respect of your peers, your reports or even your superiors. Stand up for yourself or you might just find yourself in your rightful place as the office doormat.

#5: Kim Kardashian →

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#5: Kim Kardashian

Lesson: It is who you know.

Long before she was known for her “assets,” Kim Kardashian came into the spotlight as the BFF of celebutante and tabloid favorite, Paris Hilton.

She now has her own reality show (Keeping Up With the Kardashians), a workout DVD and of course, a sex tape. In addition to being friends with Paris, Kardashian is the daughter of late OJ Simpson lawyer Robert Kardashian and the stepdaughter of Olympian Bruce Jenner.

Is it fair that she rakes in millions for no other reason than who she knows? Of course not. But life rarely is. And nepotism is not exclusive to the entertainment industry.

Most people get jobs through someone they know. Who you know may not make you millions or snag you your very own TV show, but he or she can help you get a foot in the door and set you on your path to career success.

#6: Kate Moss →

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#6: Kate Moss

Lesson: Be discreet about your "extracurricular activities." And please, stick to the legal kind.

The English supermodel came onto the scene in the early 90s. Since then she’s become the face of numerous beauty products, launched her own clothing line, and dated just about every scruffy man in Britain. But of all her high profile love interests, none has been more controversial than Libertines front man and known drug addict Pete Doherty. In 2005, photos of her snorting cocaine were all over Britain’s Daily Mirror. Allegedly, one of Doherty’s friends snapped the footage with a cell phone and sold it to the tabloid.

Drug use in the modeling industry isn’t exactly breaking news. But stills of Moss ingesting copious amounts of cocaine were rattling – especially after she’d vehemently denied drug use throughout her career. She lost several multi-million dollar modeling contracts and checked into rehab shortly after. She bounced back, but she'll always be remembered as "Cocaine Kate."

While Kate’s example is a bit extreme, it does remind us that any questionable activity we engage in off the clock — even binge drinking — can come back to bite us.

#7: George Lucas →

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#7: George Lucas

Lesson: Don’t be afraid to take risks.

The creative genius behind Star Wars and Indiana Jones didn’t get to where he is today by following the rules. Sure, he went to USC Film School, and yeah, he interned at Warner Brothers, but so did countless other filmmaking hopefuls. Lucas was fearless in the face of risk. Combine this fearlessness with a knack for innovation, and you’ve got a recipe for multi-billion dollar success.

Early on in his career, while negotiating his director’s fee for Star Wars, he agreed to take a $500,000 pay cut in exchange for all sequel rights and ownership of the film’s merchandising – things the studio thought were pretty much worthless. Silly studio! He made tens of millions of the merchandising and financed the making of the sequels himself. Which, as you can imagine, had a huge return on investment.

He also took a break from movie-making to pour his fortune into other projects – namely, his digital effects and innovation studio Industrial Light and Magic. The studio began taking on special effects work for other filmmakers at $25 million a pop. He then went back to produce his Star Wars “prequels,” which went on to break box office records. Taking risks early on in his career made him the success story he is today.

#8: Susan Boyle →

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#8: Susan Boyle

Lesson: It's never too late to fulfill your dreams.

Susan Boyle had a difficult start to life. She was born oxygen deprived, was later diagnosed with learning disabilities, and suffered incessant name calling as a child. She lived in her family’s Council Estate (the UK’s version of social housing) for the bulk of her life and was chronically unemployed.

She almost didn’t audition for Britain’s Got Talent, fearing she was “too old and that it was a young person's game." It’s a good thing she did. Her audition stunned the judges and audiences alike. Although she did not win the competition (she came in second), Ms. Boyle has seen a rapid rise to global fame and is now recording her first album.

Sometimes, just when you think you’ve missed the boat, you get a second chance to turn your life — and career — around. Don’t ever let your age or past experiences stop you from trying.

#9: Joe Biden →

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#9: Joe Biden

Lesson: Think before you speak.

He once called “jobs” a three-letter word. He urged wheelchair bound Missouri State Senator Chuck Graham to “stand up.” He’s even referred to John McCain both as “George” and “McLain” on two separate occasions. Vice President Joe Biden has made his fair share of embarrassing speech blunders, earning him a reputation for being gaffe-prone. At times, his carelessness has driven the normally even-tempered President Barack Obama to appear visibly annoyed.

Our VP might be lovable, but he's still a liability.

Everybody makes mistakes here and there, but you don’t want to be careless about your remarks or make jokes at the most inappropriate times. Especially when they’re not funny.

Think before you speak and avoid being known as the “Joe Biden” of your workplace.

#10: Oprah Winfrey →

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#10: Oprah Winfrey

Lesson: Build a strong personal brand.

The talk show host and entrepreneur built a muli-billion dollar empire, thanks largely to her strong personal brand. In addition to an award-winning talk show, she has channeled her fame and fortune into a highly successful magazine and a television network set to launch this year. She ranks #165 on Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans.

Oprah transformed the talk show genre by bringing it into to a more personal, confessional realm. She interviews mega celebrities, experts and average Americans with a story to tell. But she doesn’t do so objectively. She shares own personal issues, struggles and adventures with her audience. American women have grown to trust her on anything from kitchen appliances to spirituality.

Not bad for a girl who was born into poverty, was allegedly raped at 9 and was pregnant (but miscarried) at 14.

Building a personal brand sets you apart from others.

#11: Barack Obama →

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#11: Barack Obama

Lesson: Inexperience doesn't mean you shouldn't reach for the top.

Regardless of your politics, there's no question that Barack Obama had less experience than his two challengers—Hillary Clinton in the primary and John McCain in the general election. In fact, Obama's decision to run for president is something that people in any profession should keep in mind. If you want to get to the top, you can follow the traditional route. Build your experience and gradually work your way up the ladder. You have to content yourself, though, to reaching the highest rung pretty late in life.

Some people have what it takes to rise to the top sooner rather than later. There are three keys to making that move a success. First, think above your pay grade. Even if you are better than anyone else in your current position, you need to think outside of it. Think about the larger organization and ways it could be better. Try to think of big ideas that could change the rules of the game. Next, carpe diem. If you're going to leap frog over pay grades, you have to seize the moment when the opportunity presents itself. Finally, be confident and don't underestimate yourself.

#12: Angelina Jolie →

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#11: Angelina Jolie

Lesson: Personal generosity can be more important than professional accomplishment.

Angelina Jolie is arguably the most famous actress in the world right now. Why? She's been in so many of the best films of the decade like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Alexander, and…oh wait…

For someone who normally stars in some of Hollywood's worst movies, how is Jolie such a megastar?

She is the quintessential master of personal PR. Jolie's movies are incedental, they are mere backdrop to the brand that is Angelina. Celebrity cum International Relations wonk.

Beauty and the Adopter-of-Disadvantaged-Children. If you can turn your personal brand into such gold, any professional foibles matter a lot less.

#13: Sarah Palin →

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#13: Sarah Palin

Lesson: Do your homework.

Repbulican? Democrat? Independent? Whichever, you have to admit that Sarah Palin was something unique in American politics. When she was announced as John McCain's running mate she and his campaign quickly regained the momentum they had lost over the week of the Democratic National Convention and pulled even or ahead in most polls.

Then came Palin's immolation in a series of interviews with the major news networks. When Charles Gibson asked her what she thought about the "Bush Doctrine," it was evident she did not know what it was. When Katie Couric asked her for an example of how John McCain had pushed for more regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in his 26 years in the Senate, she said she'd have to go look them up and bring them back to her. After their loss, McCain's advisors took to the press to claim that Palin didn't do her homework.

#14: Maureen Dowd →

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#14: Maureen Dowd

Lesson: Find your schtick. Ride it to the top.

Maureen Dowd, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times, reached journalism's peak in 1999 when she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. How did she become a professional juggernaut? Take the average political knowledge of a Washington D.C. resident, throw in some cutesy nicknames, blend with obvious jokes, send to a personal trainer and you've got a Maureen Dowd column.

Dowd captures the mood of a certain class of people and makes them chuckle at just how right they are. This clearly hasn't served her poorly. Her columns are regularly the most-e-mailed articles on the Times website and she has commanded an op-ed column at the country's most prestigious paper for 15 years.

#15: Martha Stewart →

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#15: Martha Stewart

Lesson: A conviction isn't a career killer.

Martha Stewart is easily one of the most recognizable names in America. And with good reason. After graduating from Columbia University, she began her professional career as a successful stock broker in the 1960s. Later, following her move to Westport, Connecticut she started a catering business, restored a farm house, and ran a gourmet food store in 1976. From there, she built her business juggernaut, Martha Stewart Omnimedia and by 2001 was considered one of the most powerful (and richest) women in America.

Then in 2004 things hit the skids. Following a questionable sale of stock in one of her business ventures, she was convicted of lying to investigators and sent to prison for five months. While that could have been the end for her celebrity-based lifestyle business, Stewart re-emerged and recovered quickly. By 2006, her company had returned to profitability and she is one of the most ubiquitious food and lifestyle personalities on television today.

#16: Dick Cheney →

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#16: Dick Cheney

Lesson: You don't have to be popular.

Dick Cheney left the Vice Presidency with one of the lowest favorable ratings in American history. Throughout the Bush presidency, though, Cheney never cared about and often scoffed at his low approval ratings. He wasn't interested in making friends.

Cheney wanted to reshape the role of the executive branch in American government and in many ways, he was extremely successful, consolidating more and more power in the White House.

Many people didn't like him or his methods, but he stuck single-mindedly to his goals. Even after he lost some of his influence in the later years of his term, the changes he had effected remained in place.

#17: Donald Trump →

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#17: Donald Trump

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Lesson: Even if you're a failure, you can still be a success.

Donald Trump is one of the best known business moguls in the world, but his "empire" seems to be a house of cards built on sand. Trump's business ventures have filed for bankrupty not once, not twice, but three times, most recently in February of this year.

So how does Trump continue to maintain his mystique as a formidable tycoon, telling contestants on The Apprentice , "You're fired!" because they can't cut it? He has several tricks up his sleeves.

If you're going to take on debt, don't take on a little, take on a lot. A whole lot. When the "Trump Debt Crisis" first appeared in 1990, Newsweek reported that "the banks are owed so much by Trump…that they have no choice but to try to keep him going."

While his name may be gaudily splashed across most of his ventures, it doesn't actually appear on the companies' paperwork. The companies he starts file for bankruptcy, not the Donald himself.

Fight, fight, fight for your place on Forbes. It has been reported that Trump and his associated badger the people who rank personal wealth so that he appears to have more money than he actually does.

#18: Mark Sanford →

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#18: Mark Sanford

Lesson: If you're caught lying, apologize without qualification.

Not long ago, Mark Sanford's name was thrown around as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2012. Then he went missing on a hiking trip to the Appalachians which actually turned out to be a visit to a long-time mistress in Argentina. The lying and philandering alone shouldn't have necessarily sunk his chances. After all, Bill Clinton did both while he was president and emerged fine politically.

Sanford's problem? Rather than unequivocally admitting to a mistake, promising never to do it again, being contrite and recommitting himself to his wife, he held a series of philosophically and emotionally meandering press conferences where he didn't offer clarity but confusion.

A short apology might not have been able to save him, but it would have offered him at least a fighting chance.

#19: Ellen Degeneres →

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#19: Ellen Degeneres

Lesson: Be yourself.

Ellen DeGeneres rose to fame as a standup comedian and eventually secured her own sitcom in 1994. While the show did well, DeGeneres was not content. In a speech to the graduating class of Tulane university in 2006, DeGeneres described how hard it was to have to hide her sexual orientation from the public.

Finally, in 1997, she came out on Orpah Winfrey's show and her character on her show followed suit. The coming-out episode garnered the shows highest ratings ever, but then the quickly tailed off and the show went off the air in 1998.

Did being honest with herself and her audience ruin her career? Not in the least. DeGeneres returned to television on a daily basis in 2003 with The Ellen DeGeneres Show, a day-time talk show that consistently gained in the ratings and won 25 Emmy Awards in its first three seasons.

Now she has both a successful television show and personal happiness.

#20: J.K. Rowling →

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#20: J.K. Rowling

Lesson: Don't ever count yourself out.

In 1993, J.K. Rowling was diagnosed as clinically depressed and thought about suicide.

She battled the depression but in 1995 was living on welfare as she worked to complete a teaching certificate and finish her first novel. That novel, as most people now know, would be Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Rowling summoned her creativity to become one of the richest women in Britain. A mere five years after being on welfare, she was worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

What's your best lesson?
Share below!

15 Popular Interview Questions Answered

Candace Davies | A+ Resumes for Teachers — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:28:00 -0700

Preparing for an interview is probably the most overlooked phase of securing a new job position. Everyone thinks it is easy until they enter an interview room in front of a panel  of educators who are judging every move and every word. Then, reality sinks in! The panel might include the superintendent of the school district, school principals, teachers, and parents, making it critical to address your answers to all involved. The more you prepare for an interview, the better your odds of securing a job offer will be.   

Listed here are 15 common job interview questions and possible answers to give you some ideas on what to include in your responses.   Keep in mind, these are just possibilities and should be used with discretion. Each candidate's background, teaching style, and experiences are different, and the answers should reflect those differences.

There is one thing you must remember that applies to everyone who interviews -- don't lie! Also, keep in mind, that you should tailor your answers to address the specific needs of a school or school district in which you  are interested.

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1) Tell me a little bit about yourself.  

Oh, yes, this is the question that is most likely to be asked first. I call it a two minute commercial about yourself. This is a great opportunity to sell yourself to the school district representatives. Keep in mind, if it is the first question asked, it will set the stage for the interview, so it needs to be extremely strong. Don't be too modest. This will provide an overview, an introduction, to you. You might start by stating, "As you can see from my resume…." and then mention your degrees and certifications and give a quick run down of your relevant experience. The last 1 ½ minutes should be used to communicate your strengths and skills and what you can do to enhance education in their district. In other words, they are asking "Why should we hire you?" Practice this carefully. You need a few sentences that answer that question at the end of your response. Also, at the end, you may want to mention why you would enjoy working for the school district in the position for which they are hiring.    

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2) Let's pretend it's almost the first day of school and you are a first grade teacher. How would you prepare your classroom?

  This question tests how well you will manage the classroom. The philosophy is that the more organized you are, the more well-run your classroom will be. Don't give the panel just a few words… they may be using a checklist to see how many items you mention. Plus, as a teacher, you should be very excited about this question and be able to speak for a while, but limit the response to two minutes.

  Your response must provide them with an idea of how nurturing and inviting your classroom will be to students. Come up with some creative decorating ideas, making sure they are student-centered. You could also mention a huge welcome sign, the daily schedule, age-appropriate posters, name tags for students, labeled desks (how will they be arranged?) and lockers, a list of class rules/consequences/rewards, and other labeled areas (e.g., the classroom library, manipulative storage, computer area), etc. Or, mention that you might invite parents and students to visit the classroom the day before school starts, with the administrator's permission. If you have a portfolio with have pictures of other first days of school, this is a great chance to share them with the panel.  

Next, make it clear that you will have organized the textbooks, your lesson plan book, your grade book and other materials well before school begins. Mention several activities you might include during the first day of school, including an ice-breaker, a trip to the restrooms, and a fun art project.

  The real key to this question is to show your enthusiasm, passion, excellent organizational skills, and how you will create a warm and captivating environment in which students will feel safe, where learning will be maximized, so that children will look forward to coming to school each day.    

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3) As a grade one teacher, how would you motivate parents to become involved in the classroom and in their child's education?  

What is critical to communicate in your response to this question is your understanding of the importance of parental involvement and how you always encourage participation to strengthen student-teacher-parent relationships. (Grandparents can also be encouraged to participate.) Talk about some of the things that parents can volunteer to do in the classroom, such as: reading with students, preparing project materials, creating bulletin boards, sorting materials, setting up learning centers, hanging up students' work, etc.   

Parental involvement means much more than just attending parent-teacher interviews. You must set goals to keep the parents abreast of what is going on in the classroom. You can communicate that information and ask for volunteers through weekly or bi-weekly newsletters. You might inform parents when you are starting a new unit or specific projects and make sure they clearly understand the homework assignments each week. Make sure that parents are invited to any momentous or appropriate events.   

You should contact or speak to parents not just when a child is having difficulty, but also when they are doing well. Tell the hiring panel that you will call parents and send notes home complimenting students on good behavior. Also mention that you try to recruit bilingual parents to help with communication as necessary.   

Let the hiring committee know that you coach parents on how they can help their child succeed academically. You may have read some resource book(s) to gain ideas that you could implement. If so, let the panel know. Holding a parent appreciation lunch or tea to acknowledge those who have helped in the classroom is a great idea. Consider attending some of the PTA meetings. If your portfolio contains any past newsletters or parental communication letters, make sure you show these to the panel.    

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4) Are you a flexible teacher? If so, explain how.  

Yes I am a flexible teacher. I can deal very effectively with people and students from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups. In teaching, I am completely aware that students have different learning rates and styles. Some are fast learners and some are slow learners, some learn best in auditory manner, others through actions or visual media. Still others have specific learning disabilities. I am flexible in the sense that I address these differences and make it a point to respond to their different needs. In my teaching, I make use of different learning strategies so that my instruction will be interesting and motivating to students. I use lecture, discussion, hands-on activities, cooperative learning, projects, manipulatives, role playing, debates, reports, technology, and others. (Choose the ones appropriate to the subject and/or grade for which you are applying.)   

5) What did you find to be the most difficult aspect of student (intern) teaching?  

For me, the most difficult part of student teaching is the limited contact hours with students within one class period (or day). When I teach, I have so much information that I would like to impart to my students that time flies by too fast. I always go to my classes full of energy and armed with lessons which I believe will stimulate curiosity and spark understanding and new insights in my students. There is so much information that I need to present for them to have a comprehensive understanding of a concept. My challenge is to make sure that I structure my lessons so effectively that learning takes place in one class period (or day). So I plan ahead to maximize every minute of my class period (or day).

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6) What ways do you assess and evaluate students?

  In assessing students, I make use of different methods. I use formal and informal assessment procedures to promote social, academic, and physical development. The usual assessment that I use is written quizzes (case studies, discussions) and examinations. Throughout the semester, I also grade and assess students on their class participation such as recitations, reports, group activities, and seat work. I also assess and grade students based on their completion of assignments and timeliness in submission. I also use authentic/alternative assessments, in which the student shows they can perform a task, such as making a speech or writing a story. I like to use written, oral, and day-to-day assessments.

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  7) What will you do to modify your teaching to meet the needs of a gifted student?  

A gifted student in the midst of the regular students can be a challenge in terms of addressing his or her particular needs and capabilities. What I will do is to modify his work assignments in expectation or length to fit his abilities. His tasks will require a higher level of understanding compared to the regular students. During class discussions, I can direct questions to him or her that require higher-level thinking skills. I also would encourage the gifted student to take a leadership role in group work so that his classmates can emulate and be inspired by him.   

8) What would your master teacher or cooperating teacher say about you?

  My master teacher would say that I am incredibly energetic in teaching because I love what I do! She would say that I am the type of person who also goes the extra mile to help my students learn and comprehend their lessons regardless of their abilities. She would say that I also try to teach values that are important in life, including the value of  discipline.

  9) What are some of the trends, issues, and methodologies in education that relate to your specific curriculum area or grade level?

  Here are some trends, issues, and methodologies that relate to most subjects and grade levels. You might say:  It seems that increasingly students have more information and knowledge than ever before due to access to the internet. A teacher has to be aware of what the internet is, how it can be used in positive ways, and how to protect students from negative influences on the internet.

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It can be a powerful learning tool for students. In addition, technology in general has changed education greatly. Using computers, videos, and other kinds of technology makes lessons more interesting and more fun. It also makes it easier to teach students with varying needs. A computer with internet access can open the world up to the classroom.

  An issue that is important is teaching to state standards. School time is limited and we must make the best use of it that we can, so I try to relate every lesson and activity to a grade level standard. That keeps me focused on the overarching goal of improving education and helping children do better academically.  

One of the most important methodologies in my opinion is teaching through multiple intelligences. Children learn in so many different ways. I try to reach everyone by teaching through the senses, using visual, auditory, and sense of touch to impart information. When possible, I try to include the senses of taste and smell, too!  

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10) Do you know what is going on in education today?  Do you have a passion for the profession? In other words, do you stay current?

Here is a possible answer for this question.  I love education. I think that it is imperative to be a lifelong learner when one is a teacher. I plan to continue my education by (fill in this blank with your own plans).   Technology continues to evolve into a strategic part of education. Tablet PCs and hand held devices are the newest gadgets on the market for students to use; the internet is an incredible resource. Technology provides interactive, individualized learning experiences, increasing student engagement and efficiency - in safer and more secure schools.  Multiculturalism and securing equal opportunities for all are important themes in education.  And, of course, teaching to state standards to upgrade student academic progress is very important.  

11) What is your classroom management plan?  

My general classroom management plan is to make my classroom feel like a home to every student. I want them to feel valued, intelligent, safe, and comfortable. I want them to respect me, the teacher, and each other and to show that respect by treating everyone with kindness and caring.  The class environment must be conducive to learning so I welcome everyone's opinions and encourage and respect student differences. I try to understand the expectations of my students and make them aware of my expectations. I always make it a point to clearly communicate my expectations at the beginning of the school year. In this way, I ensure that the students and I are moving toward the same goal - learning for all. I establish firm, but fair and consistent discipline. I try to maintain a regular schedule each day. If the classroom is well-managed and teaching is effective, the participants in this learning environment will learn, grow, and become responsible citizens.   

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12) What do you do to accommodate a student with an IEP?

  An Individualized Education Plan will be successful if proper coordination and collaboration are emphasized by the teacher, parents, psychologist, and other school staff. I accommodate a student with an IEP by planning a series of in-depth discussions with the parents to learn about the student's diagnosis and needs and later to inform the parents of his progress. This allows me to design an education program that addresses his specific needs and puts into place special accommodations. I also will document my own observations and evaluations of the student's academic work and behavior. As I gain knowledge and information about the student with the IEP, it will be easier for me to decide on the lessons and teaching and learning styles I should use to accommodate his needs and maximize his learning. There are many types of accommodations, depending on the student's diagnosis, for example, instructing a student through the use of  manipulatives, providing a seat near the front of the room, reinforcing positive behavior every few minutes, providing extra time for assignments, and giving tests orally instead of in writing.  

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13) Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I observed your class?   

What I most enjoy in teaching is hearing my students explain, in their own words, what they learned in a particular lesson and watching them enjoy participating in a lesson. When you observe my class, you will see that I get my students engaged in our discussions and activities. You will see that my students actively participate in each lesson. I make sure that all of them have a chance to speak, express their thoughts, and share them with the class. I enjoy how their faces brighten every time I recognize their efforts to learn by saying, "Very good," "That's a great idea," "Good job," and other encouraging phrases. At the end of the lesson, you will hear the students explain what they learned. Most of all, you'll know that I enjoy teaching because the children in my class look happy.

  
14) How do you differentiate your teaching? Please provide a couple of examples.   

My teaching is unique in the sense that while teaching approach is holistic, it is also inclusive and individualized. It is holistic because I not only share knowledge with my students, but I also elicit knowledge from them. For instance, when I was teaching mathematics, I didn't simply teach formulas and methods of solving mathematical problems. I also explained to my students the value of understanding numbers and the great things we can use math for, such as the ability to think logically. I include all students in my lessons. For those who have difficulty, I use cooperative learning, peer tutors, and re-teaching techniques. I attend to the individual needs of the students by modifying assignments. For example, when I had a group of gifted children in my class, I regularly gave them special assignments to work on that would stimulate higher level thinking skills and had them present their work to the class.   

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15) What can you contribute to our school community/teaching team?  

I am the type of teacher who shares with my peers the classroom experiences that I have had, whether good or bad. I do this because I believe that this the best way for me and other teachers to improve our teaching. In this way, I get to share with them the best of my skills and, in return, they share with me the best of their skills. I also find that this is a very good way to learn how to handle situations that are difficult or unusual. The feeling of not being alone, but being part of a team of teachers, is what I can bring to the school. This will help build morale and a great working environment.    

Discover 101 powerful potential answers to the most popular interview questions teachers are asked, and maximize your confidence in your next interview. Wouldn’t it be perfect to answer tough interview questions with ease and get a dream teaching job?

Download immediately. Click here for more details:   http://resumes-for-teachers.com/ebook/Teachers-Interview-Edge.php

Candace Davies is the author and owner of A+ Resumes for Teachers which has operated for 8 years http://resumes-for-teachers.com. Candace is a Global Career Management Strategist that is dedicated to assisting teachers, administrators, corporate trainers and other professions within the education sector. Her team partners with clients worldwide to create job search documents and provide interview and job search coaching to leverage their strengths, accomplishments, and unique selling points to capture their dream career. Candace is a dually Certified Resume Writer, Certified Interview Coach, Certified Employment Interview Professional, and an Associate Certified Career Coach.

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TheApple's Ivy League Game- Presented by Sporcle

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:02:00 -0700

Everyone tosses around the words "Ivy League" like they're common knowledge. But do you really know all of the Ivy League Colleges? Test your knowledge- no cheating! You've only got 2 minutes once you start typing- spelling counts!

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Post how well you did below in the comments when you finish!

What it Takes to Be a Teacher

TheApple.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:03:00 -0700

What do you think it takes to be a teacher today? TheApple asked the experts and a wealth of advice flooded in. From university professors, authors and classroom teachers, the following persons in the field of education recognize the importance of teachers today.

What characteristics help teachers survive, thrive and teach for the long haul?

Find out! Read the list now.

What it Takes to Be a Great Teacher

TheApple.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:52:00 -0700

"We need to incorporate technology in the classroom and understand social networking trends and the way that today's student communicates. Teaching is more interactive and collaborative than it has been in the past and students want to feel like they play a part in their own education, rather than feeling like they are memorizing information and repeating it back."

Suzann Bain

Teacher, music producer, lawyer, writer

Continue reading on the next page>>

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“Genuine interest in your students and their success, and an abiding passion for the subject you’re teaching.”

Stephen Antisdel

Adjunct Professor; Indiana Tech

Continue reading on the next page>>

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"You have to be willing to always do what is in the best interest of children despite the politics and bureaucracy of a school district"

Sandra Oliver

CEO and Founder of Edudemia

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"Teachers have to be able to manage stress on a daily basis. Teachers who carry around chronic low level stress will eventually become burnt out. They need to develop a personal stress success plan that has several surefire techniques that work for them when stress levels elevate."

Monica Scalf

Certified Stress Management Coach

Playgroundcreativelifeskills.com

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"To be a teacher today, you must be willing to be continually be a learner yourself."
"I say to my college students all the time 'you would not go to a doctor who did know the newest medical procedures, you would not go to a lawyer who did not continue to educate him/herself on the practices of law and you would not go to an accountant who did know the new tax laws. Why should anyone send their child to you if you don't keep up with the best practices and techniques to keep children learning?'"

Sara Lise Raff

Education Consultant and Adjunct College Instructor

Continue reading on the next page>>

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"Be careful not to get involved with talking negative about your administration and other teachers. Talking negatively is the beginning of the end of being happy in your building."

Rose-Marie Evans
Music Director
Nathan Hale-Ray High School

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Speaking from a financial perspective,
I would say there are two major things to consider.

First, the ability to maximize the pay that you actually do bring in from classroom teaching. For me, this meant embracing an overseas teaching career where the salaries were (up to a certain threshold) tax free, living accommodations were provided, and travel stipends were given for once a year trips home and to and from the location at the beginning and end of each contract.

Second, the willingness and dedication to explore additional sources of income to supplement your teaching salary. For example, blogging income, book royalties from published works, buying an apartment building to live in while collecting a positive cash flow from tenants, etc. Tutoring and other sideline jobs would also be options, although they provide less flexibility than I personally prefer.

Myscha L. Theriault

Education Blogger and Financial Blogger

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Being a teacher means...

- keeping the student's best interest in mind first

- expecting the best from students (even when they react to your high expectations!)

- being committed to staying with your students through their ups and downs

Laurel Clark, D.M., D.D.
President, School of Metaphysics

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"The best educators understand that the role of the teacher is not to be the star but to make stars of the kids. He or she will re-define the idea of “teacher” to include the roles of “coach” and “mentor.”

A coach knows that the first rule of coaching kids - whether you’re a math coach or a physics coach or an English coach - is to know your kid as a person first and as a student second. If the kid knows that you care, he will care what you know. And a coach is capable of breaking down material into component parts that a kid can understand and assimilate and then use to change behavior. And, if you know your kid, you can communicate this material in the style that will work for the individual kid, no matter what the learning style.

A teacher by this definition might well become a mentor, a role that a school cannot assign because it is the kid who confers the role on the teacher. The best definition of a mentor that I ever heard came from a kid: “A mentor will kick your butt when you need it, will have faith in you when you need someone who is not your mom or your dad to have faith in you, will not put up with your BS-ing other people, and, most importantly, will not put up with your BS-ing yourself.”

Joe Puggelli
Head of School, Seattle Academy

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"It takes desire and courage to break through with kids by really getting to know them and a willingness to share the passions of your interests in an open honest way. Teachers today need to be models of curious, lifelong learners to show their students that they too can find the joy of learning in their lives."

Dr. Rick Posner, Ph.D. Education

Author and Affiliate faculty at Regis University and Prescott College

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"Caring about your students and treating them with respect.

Sometimes there are more important issues going on in your students lives than your class. Don’t forget they are human beings first and students second. Test scores and grades do not make the person! It isn’t what you teach but how you teach that makes the difference. Students want what we all want to be recognized, appreciated and successful.

Daniel A. Loan

Director of Communications & Enrollment

Denver Academy

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From my experience as a parent and one who trains teachers in writing skills, I have found that the best teachers are the ones who are most passionate about their subject themselves. It goes without saying that they must be flexible, enjoy children, and be patient! But the ones who I remember and who my children remember are those who showed a personal interest in their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Carol Baldwin

Author

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"It takes humility, compassion, and a willingness to be open enough to learn from your students and their experiences- regardless of where they come from."

April Broussard, Program Director

Atlanta Families' Awards for Excellence in Education

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You need to find an organization system that works for you. Make a plan to keep up with the work involved with being a teacher and have a life outside of teaching to provide more balance.

Alana Morales

Author, Domestically Challenged

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You must be able to deal with change, have lots of stamina and roll with the punches. The field of education continues to demand more of its teachers with more training, more paperwork and more evidence to support childrens' learning. Learn to find balance and never forget, it is about the kids."

Sara Lise Raff

Education Consultant and Adjunct College Instructor

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“The foundation upon which the relationship of teaching and learning can be built is the ability to genuinely connect with students, understanding their interests, their challenges, and strengths. I have found that creating a calm and positive atmosphere enables students to focus fully on the learning processes. Teaching is about setting student on a track of wanting to inquire and to master. Teachers can’t give what they themselves don’t have. It takes both a desire to understand and an in-depth knowledge of any given subject area in order to be able to distill it and to give it over to students.”

Suri Roth
Executive Editor and Founder of The Current Events

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From "It's a Teacher's Life...!" in the poem "The Lessons"

The teacher sighs and tries again,

something always driving him on....

What?

The desire to inspire,

to light the fire

that burns within,

the 'aha' in the expression

when something clicks -

that's the reward

for hours and hours of work

and patience,

a reward of infinite measure,

a priceless, unlimited treasure.

Helena Harper
Poet

What do you think it takes to be a teacher?
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TheApple

Sell Your Job Skills in Under 15 Seconds

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10 Qualities of a Great Teacher

Read the list now>>

Top 10 Qualities of a Great Teacher

1. An Engaging Personality and Teaching Style

A great teacher is very engaging and holds the attention of students in all discussions.

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2. Clear Objectives for Lessons

A great teacher establishes clear objectives for each lesson and works to meet those specific objectives during each class.

Next page: #3

3. Effective Discipline Skills

A great teacher has effective discipline skills and can promote positive behaviors and change in the classroom.

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4. Good Classroom Management Skills

A great teacher has good classroom management skills and can ensure good student behavior, effective study and work habits, and an overall sense of respect in the classroom.

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5. Good Communication with Parents

A great teacher maintains open communication with parents and keeps them informed of what is going on in the classroom as far as curriculum, discipline, and other issues. They make themselves available for phone calls, meetings, and email.

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6. High Expectations

A great teacher has high expectations of their students and encourages everyone to always work at their best level.

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7. Knowledge of Curriculum and Standards

A great teacher has thorough knowledge of the school's curriculum and other standards they must uphold in the classroom. They ensure their teaching meets those standards.

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8. Knowledge of Subject Matter

A great teacher has incredible knowledge of the subject matter they are teaching. They are prepared to answer questions and keep the material interesting for the students.

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9. Passion for Children and Teaching

A great teacher is passionate about teaching and working with children. They are excited about influencing students' lives and understand the impact they have.

Next page: #10

10. Strong Rapport with Students

A great teacher develops a strong rapport with students and establishes trusting relationships.

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Google-Stalk Your Way to a New Teaching Job

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Google

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Facebook

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Twitter

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LinkedIn

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