I had spent much of May and part of June cramming in a semester’s worth of work to complete my Arkansas History course. This was of course a super busy time at work and I had other situations in my life that needed handling so I have spent a lot of late hours here at my computer.
Anyways, my “homework” that I’m working on now is job applications. I’m about to start the nontraditional licensure program, which requires me to have a teaching job lined up that I will start in the fall. So I’ve been filling out online applications for school districts that have them and printing out applications for those who want something faxed to them. It seems each district wants something different and it’s all something I’m not used to doing. After all, I had always wanted to be a reporter so my job search skills were always honed towards that industry.
I’m finding myself trying to figure out what to put in a blanket cover letter that could be sent to any of the area districts. I am also wondering how to rephrase my resume, which has been refined over the years with a journalism career hunt in mind. I also wonder how to handle references. Some districts want references’ contact information, others want me to submit letters and at least one so far asked for reference contact information then wanted me to submit additional reference letters. I feel like I’m giving people homework and this is MY job search!
Once I get the applications submitted, I need to contact the individual principals to let them know I’ve applied in their district. This is a good idea because the applications go into a district pool and might easily not be noticed by the principals who are seeking someone for a position. I know I will have to work to sell myself because I’m not even a real teacher yet. This area is super competitive for teachers, which is awesome, but also scary. A person in the NTLP is not the principals’ first choice obviously because they are teachers in training. That said, most principals realize that we bring a different kind of life experience to the classroom so I still remain hopeful.
You should remain hopeful. This is exciting…new times, new people, new job…The world is opening before you. I know you will figure out the cover letter and all the other uncertain things. You have done so much already and now is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. I’m looking forward to hearing the good news from this resume you are working on. Hang onto hopeful!!!!