The Job Search-Three Aspects of the Job Search:

1. Where are the jobs?

-Every area of the country needs teachers every year. Some parts have shortages.

-You will have a better chance of getting a job if you are willing to relocate.

-Teaching where you grew up limits your job prospects.

-How do you find Jobs?

Career Center at College

MENC.org

State MENC websites

Employment Agencies

Networking, acquaintances

2. The Paperwork

You will need a well written professional looking resume.

It should be one page, longer if you have more experience.

Light colored paper (tan, ivory, light blue green) or textured. It will stand out from white.

MS Word has templates. Or find a program for writing resumes.

The Job Search2. The Paperwork

Resume writing:

Full name, address and telephone. College and home.

Employment goal

Education Record w/gpa

Experience – place, position, dates.

Collegiate and professional recognitions.

Some optional categories:

Relevant courses

Community involvement

Special Skills

Publications

3-4 references with address and phone

Always list from most recent to past.

Use action verbs – achieved, completed, developed, designed

Contact school districts about jobs

It is essential that there are no grammatical errors or spelling errors in your material.

The Job Search-Neatly type or print application

-Send coverletter-resume-Philosophy of Music Education-recent recital or concert programs-state availability for interview-recent recordings of performance (if requested)-pg 321

3. The Interview-This is the deciding factor

-Be prepared and poised

-Dress conservatively

-Arrive early

-Never be late

-Introduce yourself to everyone on the panel

-Use first names only if invited too

-Let the interviewer indicate where to sit.

-Communicate and interact during the interview

-Look directly at person asking question

The Job Search

3. The Interview, cont.-Do not give basic one and two word answers.

-Don’t ramble

-Avoid slang and casual terminology

-Sit tall in your chair

-Be optimistic and positive in answers

Prepare thoroughly for the interview. Know as much as possible about the school district and community.

Arrive early and drive around town and talk to people.

Anticipate questions that might be asked.

Be ready for questions on discipline, boosters, “strong” and “weak” points, marching band style, philosophy. Teaching materials, both text and performance literature and why you would use them.

-pg 325 bottom questions.

The Job Search

The Interview, cont.

There may be between 4-12 people in the interview.

Take several things to the interview with you:

Potfolio of examples of lesson plans, materials for classroom music,etc.

Personal “Program Book” of all concerts and recitals that you have participated in.

Several copies of your “philosophy of music education.”

Transcripts

Don’t give an answer that you think the committee wants to hear. Be truthful, do not try and bluff your way through something. If you need clarification, ask!

Have questions ready for the interviewers, also. Pg 330

Job check list pg 332

Ethics-As a music educator you have a unique opportunity of having a significant impact on your student’s lives.

-In addition, you will spend a significant amount of time with the students under a great variety of circumstances.-They will see you, and you will see them, in the best and worst of conditions.-Your students are watching and evaluating!

DRESS – professional, appropriate, modest, mature.SPEECH – good grammar, avoid slang, double meaningsATTITUDE – Healthy attitude concerning you , your students, your job, your administration.TEMPER – Control, loss of temper is hardly ever justifiableTREATMENT OF STUDENTS – Are you out of control in rehearsals? Treat them fair and humanely?THE INFLUENCE OF YOUR SPOUSE – If you are married, your spouse will often be with you and your ensemble as you go on trips or festivals. Be sure to state and show your appreciation for your spouse

GENEARAL EVERYDAY MORAL ISSUES:Music Selection – Play good musicMusic Copying – Do not illegally copy music. Know the laws.Performing at professional or political events - Do not do if it takes work away from professional musicians, especially not for political rally’s

Ethics

GENEARAL EVERYDAY MORAL ISSUES: con’t.Music Selection – Play good musicMusic Copying – Do not illegally copy music. Know the laws.Performing at professional or political events - Do not do if it takes work away from professional musicians, especially not for political rally’sSchedule Conflicts – Avoid extra rehearsals, especially on Wednesday night, family night at most churches.

Developing and maintaining of appropriate relationships with students.

-When you give private lessons, use a room with a window in the door.

-Never be alone with a student for an extended period of time

-Be careful not to ask questions of students that could be misinterpreted as to their intent

-Avoid giving students rides without the permission of the parents

-Never touch a student in anger.

Read sections on:

-Relationship Skills-Professional Development-A Complete Education

And-Habits of Effective Teachers

Assignment-Prepare your resume-Prepare a list of four questions you would want to ask at a job interview.