What do you bring to a job fair for teaching opportunities in your area?

Question

What do you bring to a job fair for teaching opportunities in your area?

Answer 1

I've been to three teaching job fairs and never ever opened my portfolio at any of them.  it was a waste of time and effort as far as I am concerned.

You need resumes, business cards (if you don't have any, get some plain cards printed that have your name, address, phone numbers and email address) also bring a nice pad and pen.

Don't print your resume on white paper.  Spring for the extra couple of dollars and have your resume printed on gray, cream, or pale blue paper, in a heavier weight than regular copy paper.  This way it will stand out in the large pile of resumes that the schools receive.  It is a nice touch to buy extra of this paper, or the same paper in a smaller size, and use it for your thank you notes (which you will write to EACH principal the next day, no emails).

Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be on your feet a lot and it is hard to be enthusiastic and perky when you have blisters.  Bring a bottle of water, a non-smelly snack, and some gum or mints.

Answer 2

Naturally, you will want at least two copies of your resume for EACH school you plan to speak to, just in case your are not interviewing with the principal right away. Attach a reference list, a copy of your teaching certificate, and your business card (go to giggleprint.com) If you are looking at specific schools attach a cover letter with it. Remember, you want to stand out. Little things like business cards and cover letters are important.

Also, bring along a teaching portfolio. Inside the portfolio you will want to include our teaching philosophy, your mission statement, a copy of your teaching certificate, a copy of your state test scores, sample lessons, pictures showing students involved in HANDS ON activities, sample student work with accompanying rubrics, and assessment data. Always include assessment data when possible. Principals are data driven. They want to see results. Now, not every principal will look at your GIANT portfolio. However, the key is to refer to your portfolio whenever you have a chance. For instance, a principal once asked me about how I show that my students made progress. I not only told her how I judged progress, but then I added, "And as you can see from the assessment data in my portfolio, my students made an average of 2.5 years of growth in reading." Include the portfolio whenever you get a chance.

Within five minutes of my interview, I was offered a position of my choice at the school and sent to another room to sign a contract. The principal stated that she had never interviewed a teacher that was as prepared as I was.

Also, do not go dressed business casual, like at work. I dressed in a tailored business suit with short heels, a stylish, but simple necklace with earrings, and a watch. If you a gentleman wear a business suit with a tie and polished shoes. Personality wise, you need to look like the friendly, go-getter. I hope this helps and good luck!

Take along a small notebook and a pen. I would also create a list of questions that you want to ask them. This way, if you forget one, you can look at the paper.

Answer 3

Copies of your resume, sample lesson plans or a portfolio would also be helpful. You might also want to write yourself a list of questions for YOU to ask. If a school is interested in talking to you, it looks good for you to show interest in how their school runs.

Answer 4

Several copies of your resume.  You could also do your research ahead of time and have a cover letter addressed to each school.  Good luck!