Conversations on Hiring Dr. Jeremy Lynch Associate Professor of Special Education Slippery Rock University Conversations on Hiring

What principals and superintendents look for when hiring new teachers I get this question from my undergraduate teacher candidates a lot: “What do I need to do to get a job when I graduate?”

Conversations One superintendent and two principals, each representing a different “type” of school district; one urban, one rural, and one suburban. US (urban superintendent), RP (rural principal), and SP (suburban principal).

What is one of the first things you looking for when you review applications? Question 1

SP “We get a lot of applicants for one job. Sometimes as many as 200 for one elementary position. That’s a lot of applicants and there are a lot of good people. One of the first things I look for is diversity in their credentials. What are they certified to do? The more the merrier. If you are certified to teach both elementary education and special education or mathematics or science, that is a huge plus.”

US “It’s no secret that teaching in an urban setting is tough. We have challenges that some other schools just don’t have. So, one of the first things I look for is whether they’ve had any experience working with our population of students. If I look at their resume and I see all their field experiences were in upper-middle class and upper class districts I’m going to be hesitant about whether they can handle this setting.”

RP “Hiring in our area can be tough. One year I may have a big class and need an additional kindergarten teacher. Then the next year I may have a small class and suddenly I don’t need that extra kindergarten teacher. I need to have people that can be moved and shifted. One of the first things I look is whether they’ve had experiences in different grades or in different certification areas. I need to know that one year they can be a successful kindergarten teacher and the next year they can be just as successful as a fifth- grade math and science teacher.”

So diversity in experiences seems to be really important So diversity in experiences seems to be really important. What should I be telling my students to get them ready for the hiring process? Question 2

US “Get out there and experience different things, different settings, different schools. I can’t stress that enough. You have to be able to sit down and tell me ‘Yes, I’ve worked with X type of student and these are the things that I’ve had success with. And then turn around and say, ‘I’ve also worked with Y and Z type students and these are things that I’ve seen work for them and here are the differences.’ Our classrooms are diverse places, and we need people with diverse experiences.”

SP Listen, it’s really tough to break through sometimes. Sometimes we’ll have people apply for years before they finally get a shot. What I tell young teachers is spend that time wisely. Get on a sub list. Sure, getting on our list is great but get on any sub list. Stay active in the field. And if you are going back for a Master’s degree, which a lot of people do, make sure that degree is going to make you more marketable. If your Master’s degree isn’t going to lead to an additional certification, don’t waste your time and money.

RP “A big issue for us is our sense of community. We’re a really rural area so we have a tight knit community. I want to be sure that if I bring someone into this area, especially someone who isn’t from this area, that they understand the importance of community. I want to talk to them about how they’re going to help develop and embrace that sense of community in their classroom. I want to know that they are okay with seeing their students and their students’ parents at the grocery store, and the gas station, and the pool. I want to hear about how they’ve interacted with parents in the past and, ideally, I want to see what they did.”

Okay, final thoughts. What one thing would you say to my teacher candidates? Question 3

RP “Be you and be genuine. I want to know you and how you will help our community.”

US “Show me that you care… that you truly believe that all kids have the ability to succeed regardless of where they come from.”

SP “Stand out, be different, be amazing. I get a lot of applicants, why should I pick you? Go the extra mile.”

Questions? Jeremy.lynch@sru.edu 724.738.2463 @jmlynch_05