Lamarita N. Vicenti, M.A., GCDF College of Education and Human Development Career Counselor University Career Center

Objectives ● Overview of University Career Center services RowdyJobs Finding your teaching jobs Your Tool Kit Resume writing Reference page Portfolio How to Navigate a Career Fair Plan B Polishing your Interview Skills

● Individual career advising and career planning ● Resume and cover letter assistance ● Interview preparation (mock interviews/perfect interview) ● Setting effective job search strategies and networking ● On-line job and event listings through RowdyJobs ● Career fairs and various career-related workshops ● Career assessments

Finding Your Teaching Job: Some questions to consider: ● What kinds of schools would you consider (public, private, charter, urban, alternative, etc.)? ● What are your strengths? ● What are the areas for growth? ● How far are you willing to travel? Relocate? ● What is your philosophy of education and what is a good fit?

Your Toolkit! ● Resume ● Cover Letter ● Applications ● References ( b/t 4-5) ● Recommendation Letters (at least 3) ● Portfolio? ● Career Center support ● Network: family, friends, friends of friends, associates, instructors, colleagues, teachers, classmates, etc.

The average interview lasts about one hour. How long is the average resume review by an employer? A. 2 – 3 minutes B. 20 seconds or less C. 1 – 2 minutes D. As long as it takes B. 20 seconds or less

● Please do not use “I” on a resume ● Your resume should not exceed 2 pages ● Keep it professional: Please use a traditional font size and type ● Use nice resume paper! ● Incorporate key words & specialized language ● Check: Formatting, alignment, punctuation, acronyms, verb tenses ● Proofread! Use PC/manual spelling and grammar check + have someone else proofread!

Resume Development ● What unique qualities / experiences can I bring? ● What are recruiters looking for in a resume? ● How can I stand out? *Resume Sample*

Start cultivating your references early on in your college career! You should have 3-5 good references (can also provide recommendation letters for you) Preferred References: Cooperating Teacher University Supervisor Principal of a school Other teachers/faculty that have seen you teach A parent of a student you have worked with Others that have seen you teach/train

● What are portfolios? ● Electronic (LiveText) and Hard Copy versions ● May include links to lesson plans, reflections, personal web site, video, etc. ● If included, explain all photos ● How do you use portfolios to market yourself ? ● Do people read portfolios? ● Principals/ HR reps. may or may not look at them

Career Fair Layout

How to Navigate a Career Fair: ● Be prepared! Career fairs are like screening interviews ● Research a few preferred districts if possible ● Have a game plan! Plan on visiting a # of districts ● Wear professional attire! Suits preferred. ● Have a 30 second commercial/elevator pitch for yourself ● Learn the art of networking! Career fairs are NOT just about getting a job-get contacts! ● Have several copies of polished resume ● Practice marketing yourself

Spring 2012 Educator Career Fair Thursday, April 5th, 8:30 – 11:30 Convocation Center 8:30 am - 10:00 am - Browsing for UTSA Student Teachers and alumni ONLY 10:00 am - 11:30 am - Browsing opens to non-UTSA teachers 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - INTERVIEWS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Plan B Have I created a plan “B”? ● Substitute Teaching ● After-school programs ● Tutoring ● Volunteering: non-profits, church, child’s school, PTA/PTO ● Attend local, regional, national conferences ● Professional Development – Region 20, University, TRC ● Look into private/charter schools ● Consider Teaching English Abroad ● Do I have a NETWORK? Am I staying connected in the field?

SAVE THE DATE Register with the RowdyJobs Friday, February 3 rd, 5:00pm RowdyJobs Upload Resume to RowdyJobsFriday, February 24 th, 5:00pm Spring 2012 Interview Prep for Thursday, March 22 nd, Educators 5:00-6:30, TBD Complete School District ApplicationsFriday, March 30 th

Polishing your Interview Skills ● Research, Research, Research! ● Invest in a Power Suit! ● Practice, Practice, Practice!

Good Luck with Student Teaching! Thank you! Lamarita N. Vicenti, M.A., GCDF Career Counselor II UTSA – University Career Center