Your First Classroom

05/04/2023

Please, please, please have several trusted adults proofread your resume. It never hurts to have a fresh set of eyes look at your work! Do not pass on a resume with blaring errors in it! Take the time to double and triple check before submitting an application! You will thank yourself!

05/02/2023

Have you thought about what grade level fits you best? Don’t just apply for anything you are certified for…. Most of us are predisposed to certain grade levels. Although certified to teach Kindergarten, I know enough about myself to realize that’d be a mistake! Go for the grade levels you are comfortable in, connect to, and that bring you joy! You won’t go wrong!

04/26/2023

Have you identified that ‘dream job/school’? If so, focus on that goal. Sub there. Get a Paraprofessional role there. Work at summer events there. Be the name that instantly comes to mind when an opening occurs. You want to be the person that the Principal and existing staff say, “Yeah! Let’s call ‘em and see if they have a job yet!” Make yourself known and valuable!

04/24/2023

Are you certified in Special Education? If you are, did you know you’re in high demand? Districts are in dire need of Special Education teachers (LBS1), Social Workers, Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, etc. Remember that when entertaining job offers…. Ask me how to navigate the ‘salary conversation’ when accepting a job offer.

04/21/2023

Does your resume clearly describe how you personalize instruction for each and every student? How can you describe student learning when you add details to your resume? Don’t just describe what you’ve done, show the interview team evidence of student achievement because of you!

04/20/2023

How do you prep for an interview? Not talking about content, pedagogy, or best practices here…. Talking about YOU!

Do you take a moment to breathe? Do you tell yourself, “I got this!” Do you make arrangements to be early so that you don’t feel rushed?

Be sure to take care of yourself and any avoidable interview stress when preparing!

04/19/2023

Have you identified your dream school? Have you ‘liked’, ‘followed’, or ‘tagged’ their social media? It would be wise to know what the students, teachers, parents, and Admin are up to as you are applying to that school. What does the school do? What do they value? Are the holding a fundraiser? End of year event? Talent show? Retiring teacher celebration? Be in the know…

06/18/2022

Royalty showed up at our art event today!!!

04/29/2021

Have you recorded yourself teaching? An Administrator that can see you in action will be able to get a sense of your fit in their school. Modeling your craft and expertise helps the interview team get to know you better. While student teaching, ask your cooperating teacher to film a few minutes of video here and there. Splice it together into a montage, and provide a link to the video when interviewing. Contact Chris to work through how to best showcase your talents!

04/22/2021

This weeks Job prep quick tip

04/19/2021

Monday Motivation

04/14/2021

If you haven't created an ELIS account with the State of Illinois yet, go to www.isbe.net to get started now. Contact Chris if you need any help navigating the site!

  View up to date information on Illinois’ Covid-19 vaccine plan and vaccination eligibility from the State of Illinois Coronavirus Response Site