What Administrators Are Looking For Presentation by Rick Martin, - - PDF document

What Administrators Are Looking For Presentation by Rick Martin, Associate Dean, UW Collegiate

This is a brief summary of his presentation. If you attended this session and have comments you would like to add, please email c.campbell@uwinnipeg.ca. Rick will be back to present on Nov 5 on Interviews. If you can make this one, it would be well worth it. He addressed four areas: Classroom presence, resume, school involvement and interview. Classroom Presence

• He talked about with-it-ness. Your ability to know what students are doing in

the classroom, who is engaged and who is not. Being thoughtful about classroom and activities.

• Reflection is really important. What worked? What could be changed?

Resume

• No more than two pages.
• Work and volunteer experience with children should be prominent and

towards the top of your resume.

• Include your academic achievements.
• Your grades and GPA are important but your passion and involvement are

also very important.

• Include a statement of who you are. 1 – 2 sentences (It is like you are given

20 seconds to tell who you are). This statement should be strong and identify who you are as an educator.

• You should know that the network between Administrators of different schools

if very powerful. If they like you and don’t have a job, they will recommend you to another school.

• Portfolios are critical. This is the evidence to back up your statements (from

resume and interview).

• SY should include major and minor (if possible 2nd minor). What courses

would you be comfortable teaching? (at the highest level in school)

School Involvement

• Introduce yourself to the Administrator, Phys. Ed and/or Drama teacher of

your practicum school and ask if they need volunteers. Administrators are looking for school involvement.

• Get involved. Because you want to not just to get a job.

Interview

• Come with questions
• Get your hands on the school plan if possible. Manitoba Education will have

the school plans. Find an objective and ask a question about it or show how you are linked to that objective.

• School websites are very useful. Get to know the school and what they are
• about. One good way to do this is by reading the school newsletter.
• Term contracts lead to permanent contracts.
• Subbing helps you to become known to staff. Your colleagues will help you if

they know you are looking for a position.

• If you hear that there is a position opening, see if there is a subbing
• pportunity at that school. Get your name known (for the right reasons).
• Questions
• Describe your ideal job in 5 years time?
• What are the characteristics and qualities of the ideal teacher? Follow

up to that would be – Talk about your teaching and describe a situation in your teaching that demonstrates these qualities and characteristics.

• Do you believe all children can learn?

Here is a question that Rick received after the session and his response. “Does physical appearance come into play in making decisions in an interview? In regards to stretched ears, nose piercing and tattoos.” They wouldn’t say it directly, but Principals are always thinking about how a 45-year old parent would react to a parent-teacher interview with a teacher, and if the teacher is the kind of role model that they want with their children. That should give you your answer, but if you want it more bluntly, yes…..not so much tattoos if they are small and tasteful, e.g. ankle. Employers also check Facebook and other social media sites.

Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.

Margaret Wheatley Rick shared a number of quotes from Margaret Wheatley, Robert Dilts and Steven Covey.