The joys of summer. It is a great time to have a summer job, particularly one where you sling coffee beverages to folks and have little responsibility. I'm caffeinated, I'm happy, and I get to talk to a variety of people (I'd say wide variety, but most are corporate/business types). This is the perfect time to relax a bit, let the pressure of the past 2 years release. This is the first time in 2 years that I am not working and going to school, doing each in a part/full time capacity (it worked out to a 40-10 split as far as hrs roughly). Work, at current, is a nice respite.
But I'd like to start getting ready for the year. Where do I start though? Normally I'd start digging through the curriculum sets, and seeing how the year is typically laid out, thinking about potential adjustments. This year I'd want to start setting up my classroom, as it would give me a head start- and extra hands from my wife (who has to setup her classroom too) and her family. But I can't really do that either. So what to do?
My plan right now is to start going through some of the books on my bookshelf about reading/writing/math instruction. I also want to go through some bigger picture stuff too. My wife has a book she is borrowing from her principal called Results Now, which I think I might read as well. I'll also start to go back through some of the Starred blog postings and see what other teachers have been doing (or are/were thinking). At least that's a start...
Showing posts with label hiring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hiring. Show all posts
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hired
That one word says it all. I've been hired into a teaching pool. It is different than applying to a pool, since I actually have a contract in hand. Not sure what grade level, or school yet, but I should know by the time the new teacher institute starts (at least I would assume).
It isn't in Seattle, but that is ok. My motto is: have certificate, will travel. Very excited to get going, with the fun starting the 14th of August and the New Teacher Inst. Should be doing lots of tech stuff as well because of the tech resources in the district.
I had a position as a sub in Seattle lined up as a deep fallback (as I feel like jobs will open up in Aug/Sept). No need anymore!
It isn't in Seattle, but that is ok. My motto is: have certificate, will travel. Very excited to get going, with the fun starting the 14th of August and the New Teacher Inst. Should be doing lots of tech stuff as well because of the tech resources in the district.
I had a position as a sub in Seattle lined up as a deep fallback (as I feel like jobs will open up in Aug/Sept). No need anymore!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Pools versus Positions
As a newly certificated teacher, I join the many (likely hundreds?) that are looking for teaching jobs in the Seattle metro area. The process of applying for jobs is not like other professions. This isn't a send a cover letter and resume for a position or ad posting. No no! That would be too simple. Instead it is a hybrid between your ordinary paper application (re: Starbucks, etc) and the aforementioned career postings.
Most districts have moved to an online application. I'm cool with that, particularly as it saves paper, although I am sure there is an argument that the energy usage negates any such savings. Additionally you need to copy and mail anything that can't be scanned or uploaded. Hmmm. Few districts still have a paper application that gets filed in the central office, so I need to get over that (although any misspellings can be blamed on my failing eyesight caused by staring at the computer screen filling out said apps).
What is most interesting is the notion of a "pool." Since most districts are without actual positions to offer, they are establishing a pool. This pool, which makes me think of floaties and a life preserver, is to establish capable candidates for the district. I see the district's point of view, which (I think) is that they want to be in control of who teaches in their district, as well as ensuring that their principals/staff are focused on teaching (instead of wading through applicants). You could posit that good teachers are good teachers, so what's the fuss?
I simply wonder whether the district knows what is best for each individual school. I'm not sure all teachers fit at all schools, particularly as they bring different strengths that are useful for particular positions. The technology skills that I have might not be as useful at a school lacking in technology. Similarly, my monolingualism doesn't serve me well in a school dominated by second language speakers or dual language programs. Does a central screening process, by a district, serve it well with applicants? I really don't know. What I do know is that my eyes hurt.
Most districts have moved to an online application. I'm cool with that, particularly as it saves paper, although I am sure there is an argument that the energy usage negates any such savings. Additionally you need to copy and mail anything that can't be scanned or uploaded. Hmmm. Few districts still have a paper application that gets filed in the central office, so I need to get over that (although any misspellings can be blamed on my failing eyesight caused by staring at the computer screen filling out said apps).
What is most interesting is the notion of a "pool." Since most districts are without actual positions to offer, they are establishing a pool. This pool, which makes me think of floaties and a life preserver, is to establish capable candidates for the district. I see the district's point of view, which (I think) is that they want to be in control of who teaches in their district, as well as ensuring that their principals/staff are focused on teaching (instead of wading through applicants). You could posit that good teachers are good teachers, so what's the fuss?
I simply wonder whether the district knows what is best for each individual school. I'm not sure all teachers fit at all schools, particularly as they bring different strengths that are useful for particular positions. The technology skills that I have might not be as useful at a school lacking in technology. Similarly, my monolingualism doesn't serve me well in a school dominated by second language speakers or dual language programs. Does a central screening process, by a district, serve it well with applicants? I really don't know. What I do know is that my eyes hurt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)