Hiring Tips for Teachers: A Summary
General
Districts are hiring despite layoffs and lack of funding.
You are considered a $1,000,000 investment by the school district!
The more certifications you have, the better you will fare in district lay-off situations and tight job markets.
The “picture” of you begins immediately; consider the message on your answering machine, if your phone is disconnected, how roommates answer the phone.
Cover Letter, Resumes, References & Recommendations
Make your cover letter and resume look good.
Coaching/advising (debate, Student Council, etc.) is marketable.
Make sure your letters of recommendation speak to your abilities in the classroom.
Make sure your references are people who know about your work.
Always give a person’s name, not a company name, as a reference.
References should be positive; consider who is a good writer and who could give a good oral (telephone) reference.
Reference checks are always done, often calling a minimum of three people.
Applications are screened by various people (e.g. principals, HR directors, hiring teams).
Have questions prepared for the interviewers.
Make copies of anything you send to anyone.
Don’t lie about any run-ins with the law! Convictions can only affect job prospects if they affect your ability to do the job! Lying affects your job prospects!
Much importance placed on your work ethic, initiative, ability to work well with parents and colleagues, punctuality, how you handle conflict.
Practice interviewing with real questions. Ask your building principal to do a mock interview.
Make yourself available when they want you there, not when it’s convenient for you! Chances are, an entire team of teachers, administrators, and possibly parents and students has been scheduled for your interview.
Interview the interviewer! Make sure the job “fits” with your beliefs about teaching and learning and your teaching style.
Wisconsin Education Career Network provides online applications that are not district specific (WASPA) but that can be accessed by all 426 districts in the state. Your application can be changed and updated whenever you choose.
Look for jobs on the DPI web site or targeted district web sites. Look for possible 800 numbers. Check with CESA districts.
If possible, drop it off before the interview so time is available to review it.
Bring it to the interview. It shows evidence of how to answer questions.
The portfolio will not make or break your interview, but it often does make a difference in who gets hired if all other qualifications are equal.
Within 1-2 years, some administrators will only want to see electronic portfolios.
It is advantageous: a good resume builder, provides opportunities to be socialized into a building/district/unit.
Principals often favor those who have been in long-term sub jobs as you are a “known commodity.
Subs also go through an interview process similar to, but less formal than, an open position interview.