Professional Development for Student Teachers

Lamarita N. Vicenti, M.A., GCDFCollege of Education and Human Development

Career Counselor University Career Center

Objectives● Overview of University Career Center servicesRowdyJobsFinding your teaching jobsYour Tool KitResume writingReference pagePortfolioHow to Navigate a Career FairPlan BPolishing your Interview Skills

Overview of University Career Center

● 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

General Tips for Resumes: ● 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*

References: 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 TeacherUniversity SupervisorPrincipal of a school Other teachers/faculty that have seen you teach A parent of a student you have worked withOthers that have seen you teach/train

Portfolios● 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

SAVE THE DATEFall 2012 Educator Career FairThursday, November 15th, 8:30 – 11:30 UC Ballroom

8:30 am – 9:30 am - Browsing for UTSA Student Teachers and alumni ONLY

9:30 am - 11:30 am - Browsing opens to non-UTSA teachers

12:30 pm – 3:30 pm - INTERVIEWS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Plan BHave 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 DATERegister with the RowdyJobs Friday, October 19th,

5:00pm

Upload Resume to RowdyJobs Friday, October 26th , 5:00pm

Complete School District Applications Friday, November 9th, 5:00pm

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., GCDFCareer Counselor III

Lamarita.vicenti@utsa.eduUTSA – University Career Center