WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB? 1 10/15/18 Clarify your vision: what is - - PDF document

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HOW TO GET, AND KEEP, YOUR DREAM JOB!

The secrets I wish someone had told me BEFORE I started teaching!

Evan VanDoren Arranger, Composer, and Educational Consultant VanDoren Music LLC www.VanDoren-Music.com

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?

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Clarify your vision: what is your dream job?

■ What specific content area? – (Band, Orchestra, Choir, etc…) ■ What age group, and why? – (MS? HS? Elem.? College?)

LEARN HOW TO TEACH THE INSTRUMENTS.

Thing I wish someone had told me #1…

I thought I knew how… boy was I wrong.

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Clarify your vision: what is your dream job?

■ What specific content area? – Band, Orchestra, Choir, etc… ■ What age group, and why? – MS? HS? Elem.? College? ■ How do you want to specialize within your chosen content area and age-group? – How can you add value to your program, as an inexperienced first year teacher? ■ What location/area? – Urban? Suburban? ■ Consider your role!

I w I would e encourage y you t to c cast a a W WID IDE n net… you n never k know w where y you mi might end u up!

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OK, I THINK I’VE GOT MY TARGET… NOW WHAT?

Be the best you can be here at Texas State…

■ Show up to class on time ■ Be attentive in your classes ■ Study, and get good grades ■ Dress appropriately ■ Get involved; be a leader ■ Remember… you are creating an impression at all times… you are writing your own resume!

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Network, network, network…

■ First, it’s about who you know… ■ Then, it’s about what you know! ■ Attend conventions; connect with influencers you have a relationship with, and look for opportunities for introductions with those you don’t! ■ Get out and teach! – Tech marching bands – Teach privately – Teach sectionals/master classes – Teach summer camps

You’ve got to find ways to set yourself apart from the crowd…

■ Ask yourself… – What makes you different that the average graduate from your program? – What can you offer that no-

• ne else can?

– Why would a “dream” program take a chance on you?

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“Reverse-Engineer” your resume… Why would a first year teacher NOT be hired?

■ “They lack experience…” – Be a private lesson teacher! – Go teach a marching band! – Go teach master classes or sectionals! – Go teach… ANYWHERE! ■ “They lack maturity…” – Show commitment over time…

■ Grades, Organizations, etc…

– Great recommendations! – Do a really good job student teaching

NOW WHAT?

I didn’t get the “dream” job…

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Manage your expectations and learn patience!

■ You won’t be as good as you want to be in the beginning… ■ The program you teach won’t be ready to change as much, or as fast, as you want it to be… ■ Your colleagues may not share your motivation for change… ■ And… all of this is OK!

So… here’s what you do…

■ Allow yourself to make mistakes! It’s how you’ll learn. ■ Focus on your responsibilities; the things within your sphere of influence, and invest your effort here to make an impact! – Caution: Don’t let things outside of your control control you!

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DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE VALUE OF THOSE WITH EXPERIENCE

Thing I wish someone had told me #2…

My humbling story with my now lifelong friend, Steve Wessels

Value culture and relationships above all…

■ “Students h have to to kno now yo you ca care be befor

• re

th they ca care wh what at yo you know.” .”

– Some annoying anonymous source… – … who was definitely right.

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WARNIN ING: : THIS IS WHERE YOUNG TEACHERS CAN GET IN TROUBLE!!!

■ WITH ALL RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING TYPE COMMENTARY, ITS IMPORTANT YOU REMAIN AWARE! ■ Do your best to interact with students in groups. ■ If you are interacting in a one on

• ne setting, be sure you are in a

room with a visible window, at a minimum. ■ BE AWARE.

Building influence through action…

■ Learn everyone’s name, fast! – See “Nameshark” App ■ Develop habits that put you in a position to interact with students

• utside of rehearsals.

– Stand at the door between classes – Be out in the classroom, not tucked behind a desk! – Actively inquire with students about subjects that are NOT band! ■ When in rehearsals… treat students like human beings first. – Greet students, smile ■ Small group instruction… take a moment to ask the group a question that will help you get to know them! ■ Wear cool clothes. Yes, I said it. ■ Ultimately, you MUST have a relationship with those you lead!

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KIDS WON’T DO WHAT YOU SAY JUST BECAUSE YOU SAID IT.

Thing I wish someone had told me #3…

Knowing what to do next is crucial…

Think of each student like a bank account… are you bouncing checks?

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What happens next…

■ As you make where you are great, continue to network and participate in your professional community. ■ Eventually, good work gets noticed! It’s the quality of your work and your relationships that will set you apart! ■ The better teacher you become, and the stronger your program gets, the more prepared you’ll be when the right

• pportunities comes along!

■ Along the way, you’ll have some of the most rewarding experiences of your life!

HOW TO NOT BURN-OUT IN THE PROCESS.

Because it’s not an easy job…

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BEING A MUSIC TEACHER IS SERIOUSLY HARD…

Thing I wish someone had told me #4… What the day really looks like…

■ 6:00 AM – Arrive; – Emails, so many emails. ■ 6:30 AM – Staff meeting ■ 7:00 AM – Sectionals or Hearing Times ■ 8:30 AM – School starts: team teaching without break for 5 hours ■ 1:30 PM – Shovel food into face, as fast as possible. Also, more emails. ■ 2:00 PM – More team teaching ■ 3:30 PM – Get changed for rehearsal (lightning speed). ■ 4:00 PM – Marching rehearsal (in all

• f it’s glory)

■ 7:00 PM – Marching rehearsal over – Impromptu Parent Conference (Gosh darn it.) ■ 7:45 PM – Now you can do the stuff you didn’t do all day… – Broken instruments – Receive checks – Other administrative duties… – Lesson planning (?) ■ 8:15 PM – Go home. – Even though you’re not done yet.

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What the day really looks like…

■ 8:30 PM – Now you’re home. Time for delicious Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. ■ 8:45 PM – Mmmmmmm cheese. ■ 9:00 PM – zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ■ 1:37 AM – Oh crap I fell asleep again on the couch with macaroni and cheese. ■ 5:00 AM – Alarm goes off – Go again!

You are not a superhero. Your physical health will impact your teaching!

■ Eating healthy is key. Meal prepping will help. ■ Exercise regularly. Doesn’t have to be crazy. ■ Interact with people outside of work… i.e. HAVE FRIENDS. ■ SLEEP. ■ Learn to be more efficient with your time at work (How do you do what you’re doing better and faster?) ■ Feed your soul… consume content that will make you better; reading, audio books, podcast… find inspiration, don’t wait for it to come to you.

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Experience is the ultimate teacher.

■ Every mistake you make is one step closer to being a better teacher.

THANK YOU!

Questions? Visit, www.VanDoren-Music.com and let me know how I can help you!