2. Presented by Kerry Nicholson Assistant Principal Buninyong P.S. July 2004 or Applying for a position in the Department of Education and Training i Let the games begin

3. From this point forward l Select TEACHING notes and ideas for use in applications l Summarise and write about teaching experiences l Start gathering references and considering Referees l Consider layouts, presentation formats, fonts, colours, pictures, etc. l Check/update your Websites - they will be very useful.

4. Jobs Advertised l Contact school for job description, selection criteria, etc. l Ask for copy of current Charter and any other relevant documents l After reading description and as you write your application, other documents can be requested.

5. Writing the Application  Personal Information name, address, teaching experiences, University experience (include only major areas of interest/expertise), part-time work, Website address, hobbies, etc.  Introduction/Overview - brief, half page.  Selection Criteria - MAIN AREA. Include what you know, what you’ve done / your experience in the area, what you’re willing to do given the chance.  Conclusion and Referees

6. Let’s have a go: Demonstrate a knowledge of current educational trends and strategies. l Early Years l Middle Years l CSF2 l ICT, Science l Boys in education

7. Remember  Spell check and proof read  Use correct educational jargon  Presentation should be professional and make an impact  You want the panel to remember YOUR application – make it stand out from the others  Ask for assistance

8. Off to the Selection Panel. l Panel get applications, send letters saying yes we have it. l Sit down and begin the “sorting” process. - How would you thin down 105 applications to 5 or so? l Obvious outs, obvious ins, consensus outs, consensus ins. - 10-15 left. l Grids, marks out of 10, ticks and crosses, etc. l Final 1 - 5.

9. Possible Replies l Thanks but no thanks - if no details, you may wish to ask for further information to assist you in the future. l Yes, come on in. Interview time!

10. Interview Time l Letter sent detailing time and place. l Appearance - Teaching is a Profession - look and act Professionally. l Greeted by school person, shown to waiting area, drink. l Questions - sometimes before, sometimes during. Before - write succinct notes, points to refer to. During - take your time, think carefully, if unsure about the question ask for a rephrasing. Watch umms, aahhs, etc.

11. Let’s have a go: What skills and attributes do you bring to this position? l Schools are about children/students l Commitment/passion for learning (and teaching) l Dedicated, hard working l Organised l Etc.

12. Interview Results l You receive a letter saying sorry….. l Request feedback to assist next time. You receive a phone call saying you have been successful!!! It’s Party Time!!

13. Summary of DO’s and DON’TS l DO - Think, write, act and speak positively - I know, I have, I know I could. l DON’T - Give a Panel an easy reason to discard your application. l DO - show initiative, talk to schools and teachers, start now. l DO – volunteer as a classroom helper – BECOME KNOWN l DO – make an impression during 4 th year rounds BE PROFESSIONAL l DON’T - get disenchanted with lack of success. l DO - Keep Trying: you are our future in teaching.

14. Sample Selection Criteria l Demonstrate a knowledge of the characteristics of learners and current educational trends and strategies. l Demonstrate a capacity to develop constructive relationships with students and maintain a positive working atmosphere in the classroom. l Demonstrate appropriate assessment and reporting methods and record student progress. l Demonstrate capacity to work effectively in a range of school activities as a member of a school team.