Education Short List

It may not be the most PC thing to say, but here it is. Not everyone was meant to go to college. Some people are really happy not going to school or being in a big corporation. There are also lots of people who are self-made who never receive a high formal education. Unfortunately those percentages are decreasing, as the escalating pressure to receive an a degree (and now even an advanced degree) rises.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, that as society puts more demands on people to go to college for a Bachelor’s Degree, and a Master’s (even a Ph.D.) that the tuition for this amazing experience and education continues to rise as well. So, as more individuals feel the societal pressure to attend a university, there is an insurmountable pile of debt attached to that. Even though a person who goes to college may be doing so to increase their chances of getting a better paying job, it can be counteracted by the tens of thousands of dollars spent on their education. I am a perfect example of this, as I went to school for seven years to not be in education but to have the 90,000 debt associated with wanting to be an educator.

Here is an article I found that discusses the rising molehill of debt new graduates have to pay. And really, what do they have to show for it?

http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2009/12/student_loan_debt_climbs_to_re.html

Do you sit in a drab cubicle day after day, while co-workers shoot up the corporate ladder? If you are stuck on the same rung and a promotion seems impossible, here are some possible reasons and what you can do to earn your own corner office.

1. You don’t dress for success
Although you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, what you wear at work does send a subconscious message to others. Jeans and sneakers, facial piercings, visible tattoos — these don’t say promote me. If you want to give the impression of power and authority, analyze what successful people in your office are wearing. Whatever their style, you will want to follow along to some degree because it makes you more approachable and creates a sense of camaraderie.

2. You do the bare minimum
Doing an okay job may be enough to remain employed, but it won’t help you earn a promotion. If you want to advance in your career, you will need to exceed your employer’s expectations, and you can’t do that by being the first person out the door at quitting time. It’s not to say that you have to work twelve hours a day to be noticed; but allow yourself to have flexibility to the hours you keep at work.

3. You aren’t visible enough
Here you have to demonstrate to the ‘higher-ups’ that you have leadership potential and drive. If a project that you’ve been working on has gone well, send a memo to the other team members (and your boss) praising the team’s successful efforts. Contribute more to meeting, don’t just sit there and doodle. Also, volunteer to be a part of other projects – but only if you can handle the additional workload. It doesn’t help to finally draw attention to yourself – when it is as the person who can’t finish their work.

4. You aren’t likeable
While the workplace isn’t a popularity contest, it is important to be friendly and interact well with others. don’t isolate yourself, it can be misconstrued as arrogant or condescending. Be professional, trustworthy, and positive. Being anything but could have an impact on your promotion potential.

5. Your work is sloppy
Whenever you have to do a write-up, send a letter or email, take the time to ensure that your work is grammatically correct. It sends the message that you didn’t care enough to proof your work before sending it out – which hurts your chances for a promotion. This is especially true, now that there is grammar check and spell check in nearly every application. It’s very important to pay attention to the little details.

6. You have the wrong focus
Instead of thinking that your boss “owes” you a promotion, consider how moving to a position with more responsibility will benefit the company. Convince your employer that your efforts and ideas with aide the company, as a whole, in achieving their goals.

All of these points are targeted directly at those that are hoping for a promotion; but they can be applied to other employment situations as well. For example, in this current economy, for people to keep their jobs they have to do more than the bare minimum and not complain about it. Also, it’s a good point to make sure that you are more visible – so when your organization is making cuts, that you aren’t one of those. As for having the wrong focus, this relates directly to improving your resume. Sprucing up your skills, and realizing what you are doing at work is a great way to align yourself for a promotion and to ensure that your goals are directly matched up with those of the company that you work for.

.

.

Here are additional sources

moneysmartlife.com/how-to-get-the-promotion-you-deserve/

www.career-success-for-newbies.com/how-to-get-promoted.html

Okay, so you’ve gone through the whole process and now you are about to start your first day of subbing. Here are some pointers and tips to get you through the first day, as well as the others, without a snag.

1. Show up early
a. Most schools ask that you be there 30 minutes prior to the start of school. From my experience, it would be wise to be there at least 45 minutes early. You will appreciate that extra time to get settled. You also don’t know what surprises could be waiting for you (aka, morning duty) that would take away from your prep time.

2. Eat lunch in the teachers’ lounge
a. Although it may sound overwhelming to go into the ‘teachers’ lounge; it’s a smart move for your career as a substitute teacher. Here you will learn more about the teacher and class of students you are working with, You can ask questions, seek advice or assistance; but most importantly is this. By making yourself know to other educators and instructors – you will have a greater likelihood of getting on those teachers preferred substitute pick list.
b. If you are subbing in a school you are familiar with (live near, have children that go to school there, etc) make sure to keep all conversation on a professional course. You don’t want to engage in gossip; you never know who you could be talking to or about. Plus, you don’t want to ruin your chances of being asked to come back to the school.
c. Play Meet and Greet with all staff and faculty that you meet along the way. Make your presence known on the campus; these could be your future co-workers; but at least, for today, they are your guidance to a successful day.

3. Notes for you, Notes for the Teacher
a. This is the biggest portion for me, as an educator. By leaving detailed notes of what you accomplished and what happened today – you are helping me to then be able to flow seamlessly into the next day. But when I don’t know how the previous day went, I spend more time the next day, before each class, playing catch up.
b. Be sure to also take detailed notes for yourself. Mention the students you liked or didn’t; what you liked about the classroom, things that you would take away from the day and put into your own room. Make notes of the school environment, other teachers, principal and school staff. These are all valuable points to note, especially if you plan on being a teacher in the future.
c. On a side note, I spent 4 years substituting. So these pointers come from solid experience.

4. Remember It’s Not Your Room
a. Act like a guest in your best friend’s parent’s house. It may not be your taste, but it’s still someone’s home right now. Be respectful of the way it is laid out and set up. Realize too, that the teacher isn’t always aware of what you, as a new person, need in the room. Take your time to find books and paper; ask the students for assistance – or another teacher.

5. Bring some time filler activities
a. Find time during the day to play with the students, or offer free time
b. It’s been my experience that having a few extra activities that can fill empty time are always a plus. These activities have been successful for me. Play around the world with math flashcards, give extra recess, have quiet reading time, for younger kids read them a story, have them clean up the room for candy.
c. Teachers know that some lesson can run fast or be longer than they anticipated. But it’s easier for the classroom teacher to deal with that than it is for a substitute. For that reason, it’s good to have some time fillers.
d. You could use the ‘Caterpillar Game’ http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Caterpillar-Word-Game

6. Know Your Audience
a. These students sitting before you are excited to have you there; skeptical of what you are going to make the day like, and hoping to get away with things that their regular teacher wouldn’t let them.
b. Now to the reason why you are there – the students. Think back to when you were in school and how thrilled you were to have a substitute teacher. These students sitting in front of you are thinking exactly the same thing. Furthermore, these students’ main teacher knows exactly what their students are thinking too.
c. Keep in mind that you are there to teach, not to dictate. Don’t take an iron first approach; but don’t walk in wanting to be their best friend. If you want to make a career in education, or subbing, know that teacher recommendations – not student ones – are the ones that get you back in the classroom.

7. Bring Your Own Lunch
a. Kind of seems like a ‘duh’ but you would be surprised at how many people waste their lunch town scrambling to find something to eat. By already having your lunch, it allows to you eat and relax with the other educators. Plus you will have time to get prepared for the on-goings in the afternoon.

Remember to relax and breathe. It’s almost a guarantee that there will be a surprise the first day; and it’s almost as likely that no one but you will notice it. I really believe that subbing is a fantastic way to get into education. I learned more from my days as a sub on how to be a teacher than I did through the whole of my graduate school program.

Another blog that I like that discusses how to become a teacher and substitute teaching is Road to Teaching, http://roadtoteaching.com/

This article came from The Week Magazine.

Think twice before you delete all those request from “annoying people” looking to befriend you on Facebook or LinkedIn, said Julia Angwin in The Wall Street Journal. “These acquaintances could come in very handy when looking for a job or a new career.” In fact, so-called weak ties may be a bigger asset in a job search than your closest circle of friends. “Your weak ties are your window on the world,” says Stanford professor Mark Granovetter, adding that he accepts friends requests, “if I know the person, whether I like them or not.”

But inviting more people into your social network raises the question of how much to reveal about yourself online.

I have another article I am working on, and how to best utilize a social networking site.
**************************************************
For the time being, here are a list of recommended sites that help to watch over your online and internet personas.

Claimid.com – a free service to help tailor your online identity. You can pool together personal information by ‘claiming’ relevant content from the Internet, then share the resulting profile with others.

Google.com/profiles – a “personal branding tool” similar to ClaimID. Users set up profiles with their personal info and links to all web content they would like associated with them – such as Twitter feed or a company website. Whenever your name is searched, your profile appears on the first page of results.

Reputationdefender.com — a site that will “monitor everything that is said about you online,” for $15 a month. It combs the Web, presenting you with all the pages in which you are mentioned, and allows you to rank what info you’d like to appear first when people search for you online.

For the nearly 10% of Americans out of a job, revamping your resume is key. And to those looking for make a change in position or career, it’s time to make adjustments to your CV as well. Here are the Top 6 steps to improve your resume.

1. Add new skills

a. Learn how to use Photo Shop? Just finished a scuba diving class? Taking Spanish lessons? These are all valuable skills that you have – put it on your resume.

2. Don’t have any new skills? Find one

a. Maybe now is the time to enroll in a class at your local community college. Learn a skill, meet potential friends, make new work connections. Attend a workshop

3. Update the language

a. This isn’t to say that you should use slang, but modernize your language. Instead of ‘keyboarding’ using typing or computer speed. Words per minute.

4. Update each part of resume

a. When was the last time you looked at your resume? Probably the last time you were looking for a job. Are there parts to your previous positions that you forgot to mention? Also check that your phone number, address, and email are correct. Revisit what skills and duties your previous jobs held. Didn’t you do more than just filing and sorting mail? Wasn’t there connect with vendors involved with your college role?

5. Volunteer

a. Volunteering is a great way to spruce up your resume. It’s gets you out of the house, helping out with organizations you want to support, lets you meet new people, and build future work connections.
Volunteering is something that will be mentioned in more detail in another post this week. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, think about financial contributions you have given to charities or non-profits, those can be included.

6. Change the Fonts

a. It might sound silly or frivolous – but just like giving a room a new coat of paint, changing your font size or style can bring new life to your resume. Obviously this isn’t the most crucial aspect; but it can be the little touches that catch an employer’s attention.

“Many job listings use the word ‘must,’ not ‘it would be nice to,’” according to Dave Opton, CEO and founder of ExecuNet. “If it says you must have experience in X, then tailor your resume to show that,” Opton says.

If you’re answering a job listing, be sure you respond in exactly the way the company wants. And be aware that if you’re not applying for a specific job but rather sending out dozens or hundreds of form letters, your resume is likely to end up in companies’ spam folders.

Now take another look at your resume. Get a second opinion, and a third. Does it present you in the right light? Is it professionally formatted? Does it feature accomplishments, rather than merely job titles and dates?

Although making changes to your resume isn’t a guarantee of landing that new position, it will give you greater confidence in what your abilities and qualifications are. Plus, it will speak more clearly of who you are to potential employers.

Good Luck!

**Addendum on 10/30/09**

– Make sure that for each position you are applying for, that you tailor your resume to fit that position. Look at what the requirements, descriptions, and responsibilities; from there you want to ensure that your resume includes those skills. This does not mean that you should lie. However, if your general resume states “telemarketing”, and the job description says, ‘includes talking to potential customers on the phone’, you should alter your resume to include that. The same applies to the cover letter that you send to potential employers.

– Keep a separate computer file for all applied positions. Title the resume as the position you applied for ( PDX Tutors tutor); that way, when you are asked for an interview you can guarantee that you take the correct resume and cover letter.

– Remember to give details to the schooling that you’ve had. Don’t just put that you went to college, add some of the classes, skills you learned, workshops you attended.

Wondering if going back to school is a good option for you and your career right now? Read on if you need more convincing that now is the time to invest in you.

http://www.parade.com/news/intelligence-report/archive/090920-can-education-boost-the-economy.html

Can Education Boost The Economy?

J. Noah Brown is president and CEO of the Association of Community College Trustees, which represents the leaders of more than 1200 schools nationwide.

The President has pledged $12 billion to community colleges over 10 years. Why should we invest in two-year schools?
Data suggest that increasing the number of Americans with a college degree would help our economy recover faster and help the U.S. recover its competitive edge. Ten years ago, the U.S. had the highest percentage worldwide of adults with college degrees. Now we’re 10th.

What role can community colleges play in retraining laid-off workers?
I visited Mott Community College in Flint, Mich., where economic livelihood is tied to the auto industry. Mott has a lot of programs that allow people who have been laid off to retrain for new careers. Community colleges can help people find jobs because they have relationships with local employers and they’re very focused on workforce needs, so they can respond and get people trained.

How do you answer those who say community colleges offer a lower quality of education than four-year schools?
I’d say that they should sit in a classroom and then make a decision. Community college professors aren’t distracted. They don’t do research—they’re there to teach. We have to get over the bias in this country that a four-year college is better for everyone. The great tragedy of American higher ed is that we see many graduates of four-year colleges come to community colleges after graduation for training in an actual field.

— Brooke Lea Foster

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

This morning, I read an article about ten legitimate jobs where you can work from home. The one I found to be the most interesting, was of course, the teacher. In this age of online education it only makes sense that the educators of the educatees go online.

Here is what Bankrate had to say for job seeking teachers:

From postsecondary education to elementary schools, there are opportunities for students to learn virtually. Along with that, come opportunities to teach (and tutor) virtually. While distance learning is not new, advanced technology, collaborative multimedia software designed for schools and high-speed Internet connections have created more opportunities for teachers and students to work together from afar, says Fell. Durst has also noticed more teacher jobs being posted, and she knows of one professor who works mainly online and makes six figures — although income “depends on how many hours you’re applying to it and the type of classes you’re teaching.” A resource center for online teaching jobs is available at GetEducated.com.

—–
—–

To see the entire list, click on this Yahoo Link

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/107428/10-best-and-real-work-at-home-jobs.html?mod=career-leadership

Want to be a teacher? Go substitute. Top 6 steps to gaining substitute teacher employment.

In order to be a substitute you should follow these six steps

1. Have a college undergraduate degree

a. No school district will even consider your application without one. There used to be states that did accept people who just had a high school diploma; but as states have come under retaliation from NCLB, they are no longer allowed to do that. Others go further in their demands as well.

2. Take the basic entrance exam

a. Most school districts require that you take an exam to prove that you are educated enough to be a substitute teacher. California requires the CBEST, as do many other states.

3. Get applications from school district

a. Spread your circle to districts that are within a 30-45 minute commute from your house.
b. Check to see when each district is accepting applications. There are some that have open enrollment, others that only accept applications during certain periods in the school year.

4. Orientations and Trainings

a. Call and find out when the orientations/trainings are.
b. Every district is required to have at least a training for new substitute teachers. Larger districts have orientations. Either way, it’s a good time to find out the differences between the districts, where the schools are located, and what resources are available to you as a substitute.

5. Additional Tests

a. There are the TB test, CPR/First Aid, and Fingerprint testing.
b. All schools require a TB test in order for you to work in there. Some also require fingerprint clearance. As a substitute you are not required to be CPR/First Aid certified – but as a licensed classroom teacher you are, so if that is your goal, just go ahead and get it done.
c. If you are offered, or desire, to be a long-term substitute, there may be additional educational and legal requirements for you to fulfill. If this is your goal, be sure to inquire to the districts what those requirements are.

6. Open and Flexible Schedule

a. School Districts need subs that have lots of availability, are willing to work in any classroom, and, most importantly – leave their phone on.
b. If you are only available for High School Social Studies classes, you’re not going to be called very often; the same can be said if you’re only around for Fridays. Be more flexible and allow yourself to try new experiences and settings.
c. Be ready to have either an automated system or a person to make late night and early (we’re talking 5 a.m.) phone calls to you. With some districts, you will be able to input what dates you have plans, but also realize that districts may take you off of their lists if you are not available very often.

Substituting is a great, no fantastic, way to get involved and integrated into a school. But more so, it’s the ‘teacher internship.’ Think about it. For soon-to-be college graduates having an internship is essential in finding a job AFTER college. More specifically, for those individuals hoping to be hired as a teacher, it’s even more important to start out as a substitute. It allows for flexible employment, a chance to try something new without having a contract binding you, and you may discover that this is a lifelong career choice for you.

Recently a friend of mine enrolled in a local university to become a teacher. By talking with her, it automatically made me think of my time in graduate school – first to obtain a teacher’s credential and then my Master’s degree. I gained a great deal of knowledge from the classes that I went through. However, there were some important things I wish I would have known, learned, or done before completing those programs.

Substitute Teach

a. You may really think that teaching 1st grade is the bee’s knees and the greatest thing ever – but once you’re in your room with 30 five and six year olds it could become a completely different story.
b. By taking the time to substitute, you will gain experience and knowledge about what grades you would like to teach, what your specialty could be, meet experienced teachers and administrators, and learn information that can assist you better in your graduate program.

Start buying books

a. Everyone knows if you can’t read, you can’t do anything. Even though you may not know exactly what classroom you will end up in, it’s always a smart move to start collecting books for your future school.
b. Having an array of diverse books for your students to read will encourage them to become diverse readers in turn. Make sure to include authors and stories of different races, cultures, professions, and genders.
c. The books don’t need to be brand new or all in hardback; used books, ones bought at sales or auctions, newer stories or old classics are all greatly appreciated by your students – even your high school kiddos.

Pick your Master Teacher

a. Look for a school, grade, and teacher exactly like what you think you want for one session of student teaching; then choose one the exact opposite. By going to the two extremes you will discover more about yourself and what sort of classroom environment you are rightly chosen for.
b. One of the very best things I could have done was to know and pick my Master Teacher prior to the actual start of my student teaching program. I knew when I met my Master Teacher that I was going to learn a great deal from her; she taught me about developing lessons, scheduling, working with colleagues, and being patient. By allowing my graduate school decide for me, this probably wouldn’t of happen. Not to say that my university would have done a bad job – it’s just that they don’t know me as well as I do. Not only was she a great Master Teacher, she is now a dear friend.

Find your local school supply stores

a. This frustrated me throughout my entire time in grad school. My professors would talk and teach us about what types of lessons plans to make, but we never knew what we needed in the classroom. By starting now to find the right flashcards, name tags, notebooks, wall décor – you are not only learning more about the type of teacher you want to be and you are discovering the valuable resources in your neighborhood. But probably the best part about looking now for those supply stores – is you can save yourself some money.
b. Also realize too that you don’t necessarily need to buy everything from one place – the Dollar Tree, Target, office supply and art/craft stores will give you a lot of creative and inexpensive ways to prepare.