Finding a Job

I wanted to talk about finding a teaching job in this week's post because it is something I am currently doing and let me tell you - it is a full time job on its own!

Although I absolutely adore my current job, it is a TA position and I am ready for something more. I think the most frustrating part of the dreaded job search is the fact that everything is (ironically) online. Postings are up, you apply, and you hope to get a call. In some cases, it helps to contact people directly, but there are also school districts who do not appreciate the contact. In fact, if someone contacts a district or principal directly, that is against the application process and the application could potentially be taken out of the running for a job! It is hard for me to soley do online applications because I enjoy talking and networking with others. I like sitting down at a Starbucks to have a conversation. Interviews are almost fun for me because I enjoy sharing my experiences and ideas with others.

So everyday, twice a day, I spend looking at each district website that I am applying for. I make sure my application is updated and my current letter of recommendations are up. If I see a posting at a place where one of my connections has a connection, I let them know.

Is there more to do?

It is a stressful time, although it is a little exciting! Where is my life taking me? I'm not sure. And the large planner that I am is going crazy on the inside. As of now, I do have some potentials in the future, so we'll see!
Tell me your experiences!

Teacher Websites: Updated

I wrote a few days ago discussing teacher websites. I have finished my teacher website for one of my classes; check it out!

Everything on it is fake (names of students, etc.) but the idea is there! I was planning on using Sites through Google, but I have to say it was pretty tough to figure out. Maybe when I have more time, I can navigate my way through it. Weebly, however, was very straightforward. I appreciated the ease of the website. 

The useful thing for classes is to embed a Google Calendar like I did. You can update one calendar for classroom dates, like field trips and homework, while another calendar can be for the school or district. It is incredibly easy to add new dates. When I was student teaching, while students were packing up, we would fill out our planners and update our website with homework at the same time. This way, students could get a reminder of their homework at the end of the day. If they forgot what their homework was, they could look it up on the classroom website. (Although, by some weird chance, students STILL forgot to do homework!) :)

What other items are useful in a classroom website? I want ideas, people!

Class Dojo

Hi all!

A fifth grade teacher in my school introduced me to a great behavior management program available for teachers and students online. Basically, it is an app that allows for the teacher to add or subtract points for students immediately for on task or off task behaviors. Students have their own accounts and can check their behaviors throughout the week!


Check it out here.

"It is awesome because I can make my own avatar," said one of the fifth graders who uses it.

Teacher Websites

This week in one of my grad classes we are starting to create our own teacher websites. You don't know how excited I am. This is one of the things I have been wanting to do this year with my position, especially since I teacher K-5 in math. I could post resources, games that align with CCSS, and much much more! If I happen to have this position again, I'm going to ask my school district for a domain name!

There are many things that make a website beneficial, but in and out of school. Parents have easy access to what is going on in the classroom and help with homework. Students can see their assignments posted on the calendar. Teachers can keep track of things easily (like surveys, photos, dates, etc.). The options are endless with a website! And they're each to sync up.

I am using the website feature through Google. I never knew there was a site through Google to create a webpage. I figure since I do everything else through Google, I might as well make a website! Teachers in my district also use Weebly.

What site do you use?