lamarita n. vicenti, m.a., gcdf college of education and human development career counselor...

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 Teacher

University Supervisor

Principal of a school

Other teachers/faculty that have seen you teach

A parent of a student you have worked with

Others 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 DATESpring 2012 Educator Career FairThursday, April 5th, 8:30 – 11:30 Convocation Center

8:30 am - 10:00 am - Browsing for UTSA Student Teachers and alumni ONLY

10:00 am - 11:30 am - Browsing opens to non-UTSA teachers

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - INTERVIEWS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Plan B

Have 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, February 3rd, 5:00pm

Upload Resume to RowdyJobs Friday, February 24th, 5:00pm

Spring 2012 Interview Prep for Thursday, March 22nd, Educators 5:00-6:30, TBD

Complete School District Applications Friday, March 30th

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., GCDF

Career Counselor II

Lamarita.vicenti@utsa.edu

UTSA – University Career Center