Education Short List

In the current economic recession, more people are going through the interview process than a decade ago. For many people, they are entering a new market of hiring and interviewing. No longer are employers satisfied with people who have a bit of experience or a Bachelor’s degree. No longer is it assumed that every qualified job seeker is going to be given a face-to-face interview. Here are some tips for those new interviewees.

All of these steps deal with being prepared and focused; if you can’t do these you should ask your interviewer for the chance to reschedule. By doing so, it demonstrates to your potential boss that you are serious and passionate about performing well – in all situations. This is definitely a quality that employers are looking for.

1. Know What You Are Talking About
a. Know what you’re talking about
b. Have information about the company and position readily available

2. Use a Quiet Space
a. Somewhere in your home that is clear of distractions
b. Barking dogs, car traffic, and screaming kids don’t help
c. Aside from the noise aspect, these distractions will pull your focus away from the task at hand

3. Take Your Time
a. Don’t rush your answers
b. Speak clearly – be articulate and professional
c. Do Not use slang; ‘umm’, ‘ya know’ or ‘yup’ are not things your interviewer wants to hear

4. Have a Reliable Phone Line
a. If using a cell phone make sure that it has a clear and full range of signal
b. It is preferable to have a land line for these situation
c. Ignore or turn off your call waiting

5. Keep Your Resume and Cover Letter Handy
a. This is especially important if you have applied for multiple positions; you want to keep each one clear
b. This assists you in knowing what your interviewer is looking at
c. You are able to focus, highlight, and reiterate your ‘selling points’ to your interviewer

6. Take Notes
a. Remember, you may be receiving a 2nd interview or a face-to-face interview later on – these notes will be of assistance
b. You should write the name(s) and position(s) of people that you are speaking with
c. It is not uncommon to have group phone interviews [this was the case in my situation]
d. You will most likely not be able to recall all details said, so notes would be a smart asset.

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Recently, an article from The Week, was about phone interviews. It is included here.

It used to be that job candidates could “breeze through” phone interviews quickly by answering a few “softball questions,” said Sarah Needleman in the Wall Street Journal. But now that employers are faced with piles of qualified applicants, a phone interview can be more than just a formality. These days, it’s often a one-hour affair loaded with “the kinds of in-depth questions previously reserved for finalists.” That means you’ll want to prepare for it with the same diligence that you’d approach a face-to-face interview.

When it’s time for the interview, lock yourself in a quiet room armed with such essentials” as your resume and the company’s background information, said Joyce Lain Kennedy in the Hartford Courant. Remember to turn off the call-waiting feature. “Interruptions are unprofessional and show that details get away from you.” Make a conscious effort not to ramble, which is easy to do on the phone. Pithy, positive answers can be the difference between getting cut or getting another call back. If an interviewer calls you without advance warning, don’t try to improvise. “Say you have to leave immediately for an appointment, and pleasantly ask if you can reschedule.”

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On a side note, a few years ago I had a phone interview. It was definitely impromptu, I had no idea I was even being considered for the position. Although it went well, I did accept the job, it would have been helpful to know these bits of information. I would have taken the time to reschedule the interview, especially now that the market has changed for teaching roles. I would consider this to be a great piece of information to have.

Earlier this month, the United States had witnessed a historical moment, a teachable moment. This is, of course, the swearing in of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as a Supreme Court Justice. Whatever your political views may be, there is a sense of pride in knowing how valuable this moment is. Sotomayor is the 111th Justice ever, the 3rd woman, and the first Latino Supreme Court Justice. And knowing that, it now presents an opportunity for educators to create a teachable moment and lesson.

For teachers, you can make this time in American history; even though it will be in the recent past once the school year begins. Furthermore, this isn’t a lesson that is limited to any particular age group or grade level; for each grade there is a way to integrate the swearing in of Sonia Sotomayor into your classroom. For example, in high school you could focus on the judicial branch of the government, the role that the Supreme Court has, the way in which a person becomes a Justice in the highest court of our land. Plus, this would be a perfect time to discuss the development of the United States’ government and Supreme Court; as well as why they were necessary, and continue to be needed today. These types of lessons could also be implemented in middle school grades as well. For elementary aged students, this could become the chance to introduce the concept of the judicial branch, laws, government, right from wrong, rules and obeying those rules.

Another aspect of this time in history, is to create a teachable moment for students that looks at the person Sonia Sotomayor is and her background. Sonia Sotomayor is a woman, so an educator should take the time to create a lesson that discusses the accomplishments of women in recent times; as well as the advancements that Hispanic people have brought to the United States. Also, Ms. Sotomayor was born in New York (here there is the potential for enriching lessons for those students in New York state) an instructor could talk about the resources in NY and where it is in location to their home state. Ms. Sotomayor’s family is from Puerto Rico. Here too teachers can talk about the U.S.’s relationship with Puerto Rico, it’s geographical location, the resources that come from there and that are exported from the island.

Perhaps some may feel that learning these factoids about Ms. Sotomayor and her background may not be as significant as learning about the Supreme Court and the government of the United States. But take a moment to think of this. For all the girls in your class, the Latinos who are sitting in your room, the future lawyers you are lecturing to – wouldn’t they find something inspiring by the accomplishments of this person? Wouldn’t that be reason enough to teach about them? And, if your students don’t fit any of those descriptions, wouldn’t it be just as valuable to educate your students about those accomplishments, in order to broaden their views of people in the world? Thereby making them more aware and appreciative of their fellow Americans?

No matter how you are able to integrate this moment, please take the time to do so. Below are some of the more reputable resources on the topic, as well as lessons to use in the classroom. Plus, I have included a slideshow of the event and a YouTube video of the swearing in.

Articles on the Subject

New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/us/politics/09sotomayor.html

Latina

http://latina.com/lifestyle/news-politics/sonia-sotomayor-sworn-nations-first-latina-supreme-court-justice

You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=032K9yzRevA

Lesson Opportunities

White House

http://www.whitehouse.gov/our_government/judicial_branch/

Scholastic Lessons

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/scholasticNews.jsp?FromBrowseMod=true&Ns=Pub_Date_Sort|1&CurrPage=scholasticNews.jsp&TopicValue=Scholastic%20News&ESP=SN/ib/20090806/awa/sn_sotd_new_supreme_court_justice_approved_1_5///thlp/tout////

Supreme Court Website

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/

White House 101

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/white_house_101/

Sonia Sotomayor Slideshow

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photogallery/Sotomayor-Bio/ (video)

This past weekend, Parade Magazine ran the results of a poll they conducted, asking people “Should schools end grade levels based on age?” The poll was part of an article by Parade Magazine discussing that some public school districts across the country are giving consideration to grouping students according to their ability rather than their age.

The results were as such: The majority (57%) said YES: “The current system is designed to benefit teachers and administrators, not children. Students should be allowed to progress at their own pace.” The 2nd majority (43%) said NO: “Promotion can’t be based solely on mastery of material – age, maturity, and physical and psychological development also have to be considered.”

What are your thoughts? What ideas are helping you to back up that decision? I’m curious to hear what others have to say, especially those who it directly impacts — parents, students, and educators.

Last weekend on the Wall Street Journal Report, an interview was conducted with John W. Rogers, Jr., Ariel Investments CEO and Founder. He and Maria Bartiromo discussed how it is necessary for children in school to learn more about investments and the stock market. He also mentioned how it should also be the responsibilities of companies to create workshops and leadership opportunities for students to learn about investing and responsible financing.

Here is the interview. I’d be interested to know your thoughts.

John Rogers Jr. Interview

Anyone who knows me knows that I adore David Bowie. Always have, always will. So it just didn’t seem logical to have a blog in which to voice my opinions and experiences without including the greatness that is David Bowie.

Therefore, I present, for your reading pleasure, The ‘Top 6 Ways in which David Bowie Helped My Education’

David Bowie and his artwork

1. David Bowie taught me about England, which made me interested in its location and history; which led me to learn more about history and geography.

2. David Bowie’s first American concert was in Cleveland, Ohio. This also happens to be my hometown. This made me love David Bowie even more, and gave me a greater sense of pride in my city (having the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t hurt either).
This pride made me want to learn more about Cleveland – its history, people, and, accomplishments. And in 8th grade I a big project that was all about what Cleveland has done. (I got an A).

3. His song ‘Kooks’ from the Hunky Dory album got me through my adolescence. I wrote him letters, sang the song over and over – and it made me feel more confident about myself, like someone understood me. This confidence made me work harder and strive to be better in school.

4. David Bowie started his musical career first with mime; he is an accomplished actor and a very theatrical music performer. He single-handedly revamp the way musicians performed. It was knowing that, that was part of the motivation for me to get involved with the performing arts; specifically theatre. In fact, I went to far as to dance out performances of his songs and send them to Star Search in the hopes of advancing my career.

5. Used his songs for poetry classes in middle school and high school. I created Haiku poems from his songs on the Heroes album. I wrote book reports based on books about David Bowie. I added songs of his to plays that I did in high school and college. I also studied the education of David Bowie when I went to graduate school for teaching.

6. I can’t forget to mention all of the instruments that David Bowie plays. Even though I am not talented in that way, it didn’t stop me from being interested in them and even attempting to play a few.

There is an inexhaustible list of reasons of why I adore David Bowie and the work that he has been making for the last 40 years. I could literally spend days talking about all of his accomplishments and how great I think they are (currently he is in the movie Band Slam {which I will see only because he is in it} which he plays nothing more cool than himself). Anyone who takes the time to learn my name knows how much David Bowie means to me and what an amazing inspiration he is.

Yesterday, in Parade Magazine, Bill O’Reilly wrote an article entitled, What President Obama can teach America’s kids. Although Mr. O’Reilly and President Obama are from two different political parties, Mr. O’Reilly doesn’t bring up politics at all; instead he looks at the character of President Obama, and how that can be of influence on American youth.
Here is that article.

http://www.parade.com/news/2009/08/09-what-obama-can-teach-americas-kids.html

Bill O'Reilly

It all really comes down to time and money. For everything. How much money am I willing to spend on David Bowie tickets (A LOT), Is it a better use of my time to clean up the house or to spend more money on a cleaning service? Do I have enough time to go hiking through Forest Park? Time and Money, over and over again.

As it relates to education – the same concept can be applied. How much time and money do you have to spend on school? Even more concerning are the issues that are related with attending a college or university. The value and reputation of a school have significance; but not everyone can give up the time, or afford the cost of an Ivy League school. Although it might not be your desire to attend a community college or University of Phoenix – for some it isn’t a choice. Be it the cost, distance away, or age of the student (think adults going back to school) — the options aren’t always plentiful.

Yet, that is all changing; with the advancements in online education. One of the first national online accredited colleges was University of Phoenix. Now, however, there are virtual versions of hundreds of schools. The impact of that is electrifying. Recently on the Wall Street Journal Report, Kim Clark from U.S.News and World Report discussed the evolution of what it means to gain an online education.

Kim Clark

Kim Clark from U.S. News and World Report

Although summer is nearing the end and K-12 schools are preparing for the new school year it doesn’t mean that it’s time to freak out about September. Instead make August the time to bring education back into focus with fun and creative outings that are lessons in learning.

1. Go to a museum

a. This could be an art museum, or history or science; even a Children’s museum. Make it a trip to the local museum in your hometown. It’s a chance to go on an expensive trip, learn about a major subject taught in school, find out more about your city. Plus, by going to an exhibit you might learn new ways of appreciating or understanding a subject that was previously confusing to you. It could even allow you to realize what you want to study in college or do as a profession in the future.

2. Go to the Zoo

a. Here is a fun and interactive way to learn about animals. Take the time to learn their official class of naming (the organization of living things can be seen like a pyramid or tree with seven major levels or categories: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.) You could learn about their original geographical origins, the various places each animal has lived, or been bred; what they eat, and where that food comes from – and if humans (or other animals) eat the same food.

3. Take a hike

a. Even better – take a guided hike. Get outside, appreciate the beautiful world that is surrounding you, and breathe in some fresh air. That alone should be enough of a reason to encourage you to take the learning outside, but if you need more motivation – here goes. Just like when you take your trip to the zoo, on your hike you could learn the proper classification of the plants, flowers, berries, animals, insects, and bugs that you see on your hike. You could also learn about which plants and berries are edible.

4. Listen to a outdoor concert

a. Or watch a play, see a ballet or performance art; any of these outings are a chance to bring the performing arts back into your life (something that is near and dear to me personally). Luckily, during the summer there are lots of outdoor performances; which most of the time are free. By spending your even being a patron of the arts you can learn about history, what the particular meaning and purpose is to the show you are watching/listening to; what was going on around the country and world when it was written, and learn more about the person who wrote it. You can also gain a greater appreciation of the hard work and dedication of the people who are singing or performing for you.

5. Show me the money

a. In the past decade, the U.S. Mint has been releasing new coins with scenes of historical significance. Some are of women, while others are key moments in each state’s history. Aside from using money to teach yourself, or your child, a lesson about math – think of the historical aspects as well. The site www.usmint.gov is a great resource. Even better is www.usmint.gov/kids – here you can find lessons that incorporate the history of the new bills and coins.

6. Fine Food

a. There really is an art to fine dining – and it’s pretty much gone. So, this summer when you think it’s too hot to cook and you’re tired of fast food, do this instead. Splurge by going to a nice upscale restaurant. Here’s an opportunity to eat new food, brush up on your table etiquette, learn which fork is for salads and what the purpose of the butter knife is. Proper table etiquette is something that is needed in life, but very rarely taught. Use this as a time to eat a fancy meal, as well as a chance to work on math and understand agriculture.

By the time I actually wrote all of these out I thought of at least six more ideas to spend your summer learning. So who knows, maybe I’ll have another set of adventures ready next week. Happy Learning!

I’m obviously a bit behind because my younger brother just taught me about this concept of ‘10, 3, 1′ – it originates from a sales approach, but he connected it to meeting girls. The concept is that for every 10 contacts you make 3 of them you will give your card to, and 1 will become a client.

At first I thought, well that makes sense, good strategy; but then, I wondered how this sales strategy could be used for teachers in the classroom. And then I realized how valuable this technique can be in education.

For every ten minutes that a teacher is doing a lesson she should ask a question, s three students should raise their hand to answer, and one should get it right. If the teacher doesn’t get the three and one part – then this is a signal to the teacher that the lesson isn’t reaching the students and it is time to reevaluate the structure of the lesson. It could also be a chance for a teacher to integrate more ways of approaching a lesson – utilizing the concept of Multiple Intelligences. For an educator, this strategy is a good way to use an informal assessment on yourself; to gauge your own teaching strategies in the classroom.
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Obviously since this concept of ‘10-3-1′ originated in the business world and is used primarily as a sales technique, it is easier to see how it can be applied to all things business. I have started implementing this idea into my various business plans – including my blog. I hope that for every ten people who visit it that three will write a comment and one person will become a follower of what I have to say.

So, what do you have to say?

It’s summer! Hopefully that means some long, fun days enjoying time spent with your family. Hopefully in means summer barbeques, swimming, a great vacation (or two!), and watching your kids enjoy just being kids. Hopefully it means helping your children with their reading comprehension.

What?!? Obviously, you don’t know MY kids! My kids won’t go near a book during the summer unless they are tied down and forced to read! My son says summer is his time NOT to worry about reading (which he hates)… and I kind of agree with him! I would never make my kids worry about that sort of stuff during the summer – summer is for fun, not for school work!

As a Special Education teacher, I have heard all of these statements (and more!) when I ask parents to help their children work on their reading and reading comprehension over the summer months. Fortunately, there are many ways parents can help their children improve their reading comprehension skills over the summer without “making” them read a novel. These are just a few of the tips I share with all my parents at the end of the school year – I hope that you’ll consider trying one or two with your own families this summer.

1. WE DON’T JUST READ BOOKS:

Children (and many adults) often believe that reading is only something we do for school and it only happens with books – but reading is a huge part of our everyday lives. Have your child read things to you whenever possible. The back of the cereal box, a recipe while he/she helps you cook, the items on the $1 menu at McDonald’s, street signs, items on your grocery list, etc. Make a game out of it – Ask your child to find all the items on your grocery list with two syllables while you pick out tomatoes. Tell your child the name of the next street exit you are going to take and have them make a funny animal noise when they see it. Anytime your child is reading – no matter what they are reading – is helping to build their comprehension skills.

2. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE BORING TO BE LEARNING:

Unfortunately, I can’t deny that sometimes teachers make reading boring. We assign reading material that students don’t enjoy, we assign so much reading that struggling readers just feel like giving up, or we take what could be an interesting book or article and make students do so much homework relating to it – they grow to hate it. Summer is a great opportunity for parents to help undue some of the damage if this has occurred to your child over the school year. Let your child read the funny pages! Take them to the local library or book store and choose whatever they want to read! Ask a librarian or sales clerk to point you in the direction of the scariest, or coolest, or most popular books of the summer (trust me, they’ll know…and probably have a display just waiting for you)! Don’t cringe if your daughter picks up a book that is all about cliques and makeup – she’s reading! If your son will only read comic books – so what! Its summer! They’re reading! (And guess what, it ALL helps reading comprehension!)

3. BE A ROLE-MODEL:

If you aren’t a reader yourself, this can be a hard one, but think about it. If your child only sees you watching television, playing on the computer, working in the yard, etc. as a way to relax, why would they ever think about picking up a book themselves? We need to model behavior to our children if we want them to do it themselves. Don’t worry…I’m not saying you have to read a novel any time your child is around. Just let them see you reading – anything! Let them know when you ARE reading. If you do like to read, share what you’re reading with them. Let them know when you have reached an exciting or interesting part of your novel. Choose an age-appropriate article from the newspaper and share it with them. Not a reader? No problem. When a bill arrives in the mail or at a restaurant, let them see it. Show them how you have to read it to understand what you are being charged! Reading the sports page? Great! Show them the article and talk to them about what it’s about. Comparing prices at the grocery store? Perfect. Show them how you look at the prices and the amount of food to make your choice. Show them coupons and how you have to read them to figure out what the deal is.

As adults, we read every day. We may not realize it, but reading comprehension skills are an absolute necessity to survive in this world. If our children are struggling with reading comprehension skills we need to make sure that we give them plenty of support and practice in a fun, supportive way. Just because its summer doesn’t mean they can turn off that part of their brain! Help your student continue to develop the skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives by making reading comprehension a fun part of every summer day!