When filling out a teaching app they ask for your jobs from the last 10 years, do I only put relevant info or?

Question

I'm a newly certified teacher in Maine and I'm looking for a job--I'm having no luck getting an interview. My uni. didn't offer placement counseling so I'm on my own. All the applications ask for you past 10 years of employment--do they really want to know what restaurant and irrelevant jobs I've had, or should I only list my student teaching and professional teaching experiences? 10 years ago I was 12--my relevant job count is pretty low.

Answer 1

You'll want to list the jobs you've had- all of them, because gaps in your employment history don't look so good.  But, what you can do is just put the basic info. about each job (place of employment, job title, dates of employment) and then list the aspects of the job that are relevant to teaching.  For example, if you've been working in a restaurant as a waiter, under that, point out that you're used to working in a fast-paced, high-demand environment (more similar to a classroom than you may think!).  If you took this job as a simple way to make money while in college, you could add that if you want- "Employed here while taking graduate courses at xyz college."

As for getting yourself an interview, you can try bringing the resumes and applications directly to the schools you are interested in.  Most schools will tell you just to send them to a central office of some kind, but it can't hurt to show up (dressed and ready for an interview) and tell the office staff that you'd like to drop off an application.  If you know the school has an open position, ask if you can speak with the principal in regard to that position.  In most cases, they'll take your resume and say that they'll pass it on to the principal, but you just might get lucky and be there at the same time the principal is passing through- in which case, you get to introduce yourself and express your interest in interviewing.  In all cases, potential employers like people who are willing to put in the extra effort to obtain an interview.

If and when you are granted an interview, bring along a portfolio with some of the work you did in college- sample lesson plans, a possible classroom behavior plan that you would use with  your students, a letter you would send home to parents to introduce yourself- anything that you can use during the interview to show who you would be as a teacher and what you already know how to do.  By the way- having a behavior plan in mind is a huge deal at the elementary levels where you're responsible for the kids all day, and is likely important at the secondary level as well.

Answer 2

I'm right where you are at. Things are not good for teachers right now. Depending on the State you live in , things can be worse or better. I live in Florida and many counties have actually laid teachers off, so there is an influx of experienced teachers looking for the same jobs I want, and I'm just out of college. The only interview I was offered was a teachers assistant position that required a bachelors, and I still have not heard back. I'm ESE and thought I would have some advantage, but of the 30+ resumes I have sent out, I have heard nothing. Don't feel alone, because I think this is just a bad year. Many people fear the economic downturn and may be deciding to work a few extra years instead of retirering. Also county governments are hurting for money because of decreased sales tax revenues and cuts in government funding. I'm with you about taking anything because it's experience and it gets your foot in the door, but low paying ESE aid positions are on a hirering freeze in my county.

Ok in the case of your employment, I would put what you have. My application only wanted teaching experience, so I doubt the other jobs matter as much. Like one person noted, job gaps look bad, but if your 22 and were in school full time, that can't expect a full time work history.

The funny thing I have noticed is that employers like to see you currently have a job, no matter what the job is. I did not work while in school and when I graduated I subbed and now I have no job while I hoped to find something for the fall. I think this may be working against me, so if I don't get offered anything by school start I'm going to find anything.

Answer 3

Teaching job needs passion, commitment, patient, along with stability depending on the area of teaching. You first decide why you want to change your job? is it for promotion? is it for hike in salary? or some thing else? This is one of the most important questions asked during interview for teaching post. You should tactfully mention only your positive points along with your real experience based on your experience certificates.

Answer 4

I like to put jobs only if I a.) worked at them long enough to show "sticktuitiveness", or b.) show experience.  I don't feel it neccesarry to mention that I worked at Sonic for a week when I was 16 :)

Answer 5

Put the job experience you do have.  They will see that you are young and won't expect an extensive list.  

By listing your jobs and your skills and responsibilities with each, you  will show that you are responsible, organized, a leader, independent, etc. While your jobs may not have anything to do with teaching, the skills and experience working with people will be relevant.

Answer 6

What does the application say? If it says you must list ALL your work, then you can't skip any. In fact, if you do, and are hired, you could be dismissed later for falsifying your application. (I worked a while in a HR office and I've seen this done to long-time employees when the company decided they were getting too expensive to keep on payroll!)

If  the job application says relevant jobs (very few do!) , they you can list just what's relevant to your job goal.

In your situation, you need a really good resume that addresses your goal-related jobs and a killer cover letter.

Get them both, then mail out letters. Lots of schools don't hire until close to the start of the year. That's when I know for sure which teachers aren't returning. If you are "in the file cabinet" you might stand a chance.

Answer 7

If it asks for the past 10 years, I would include it all.  The jobs that relate to teaching will show experience with kids and leadership.  Even your restaurant experiences will show that you have experience dealing with people and the public which will help you when it comes time for dealing with parents, co-workers, administration, etc.  It also shows your ability to problem solve, organize and respect authority.  Good luck!

Answer 8

I would go with a complete employment and education history. They have a disclaimer at the bottom of the ap that says they can terminate you for not giving full disclosure.

They should be able to add.... they will know that you didn't work at age 12....

Answer 9

Definitely:

Field Observation

Student Teaching

Fulltime Teaching

Perhaps:

Library Asst (college job for example)

Babysitter

Tutoring

Vacation Bible School

Parks and Recreation (can work there when 16)

YMCA (volunteer or teenage worker)

Waiter?--NO

Employers have this intelligent way of knowing that if you are only 22 that the majority of your time has been spent in school. Don't worry about it.