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WWFGD? ( What Would Forrest Gump Do?)

WWFGD? ( What Would Forrest Gump Do?). Common Sense for the First Year of Teaching! Dr. Milt Allen milt@miltallen.com. The Golden Rule for Finding a Job:. Don ’ t be too specific: Position Description Geographical location.

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WWFGD? ( What Would Forrest Gump Do?)

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  1. WWFGD?(What Would Forrest Gump Do?) Common Sense for the First Year of Teaching! Dr. Milt Allen milt@miltallen.com

  2. The Golden Rule for Finding a Job: • Don’t be too specific: • Position Description • Geographical location

  3. Don’t apply for every job UNLESSyou’re willing to follow it up!

  4. How to Find Positions! • Placement bulletins • Word of mouth (Music Stores!) • Your old music teachers • State or MEA websites: Remember: If someone makes a contact for you, FOLLOW UP!! • (and DO follow-up leads by others!)

  5. What to Look For: • Type of school & location • District Size • Work with or for somebody • Organizational structure (team teaching can be difficult!) • Short & Long “term” of position: -possibility for professional & personal growth. • Possibility for Advancement • Community/local -Cities? Relatives? Feed the Soul?

  6. The Interview: In General Watch out for pre-selection. Generally, you will interview with the Principal! 1.) Dress neatly (suit, dress/business/slacks) 2.) Arrive early (Plan ahead) a.) IN time b,) snoop around community -don’t wear same clothes if a long drive! 3.) Information about yourself (ice breaker) -School background Remember: you’re interviewing each other! 4.) Be wary of unspecific information

  7. (in general, cont. . . ) 5.) Just answer the questions 6.) View the facilities (ask about things) 7.) Don’t take too long 8.) Positive statements! 9.) Thank you letter!

  8. THE CALL! • Accept or decline • Don’t tell them what the “better offer is.” (team is a good word to use!)

  9. After you Accept the Job! • Find a HOME! • Classified • Real estate agent • Talk to school staff • RENT: -Landlord! -Lease agreement • HOME: -Something goes wrong? You pay! -Lawn care, etc.! **DON’T BUY: RENT your first year or two!** • Furniture, electricity, utilities, phone, fridge . .

  10. (job/home cont. . .) • Moving - U-Hall • Friends with trucks! • Live Sparse! • Animals . . .!

  11. Jobs: Last thoughts • February, March, April - contract signing time. • Find out where “new person” came from and follow the “blood trail!” • Be wary of late hiring . . .

  12. Ethics • Who you are determines What you are . . . and ultimately who and what your students CAN BE.

  13. RelationshipsAdministration, Faculty, Staff, Booster

  14. Going “in country” Establish contact with the following 3 people in the Summer: 1.) Principal 2.) Custodian 3.) Secretary (-ies)

  15. Positive Vibes (dude) • Behavior and situations – not PEOPLE! • Be the change you envision and expect. Set the standard by example. • Pick yer battles! • Change Imposed is change Opposed. People support what they build. • Naysayers abound

  16. Your predecessor • Positive statements • Steer conversation away

  17. RelationshipsAdministration • Be a pro. • Don’t complain. • Present solutions, not just problems • Administrators do NOT like surprises! • Prepare to educate the faculty – especially your administration!

  18. RelationshipsFaculty • Respect and professionalism • Educate them • Stay away from GOSSIP • TEAM effort • Jealousy • Become a part of the team. Be HUMAN. Meet other teachers and form a network/support system To that end: -Always support other teachers. ALWAYS in front of students. -Don’t let students out late. You wouldn’t like it. -Let colleagues know in advance if you need a student (for a good reason) -Attend school events. -Support other areas of study in your classroom -Be ready for stereotyping and resentment: schedule/songs/good kids/etc.

  19. RelationshipsStaff • Maintenance and Secretaries make things happen!

  20. RelationshipsBoosters/Parents • Communication is the KEY! • The 3 B’s: • Be Regular • Be Positive • Be EDUCATIONAL • Use letters, newsletters, websites, phone calls, emails, personal contact • Make initial contacts soon and be POSITIVE! This will open lines of communication! • Don’t EVER discuss students, parents or other teaches/administrators with parents unless in a positive light. • Schedule a visit with a parent/booster with an administrator present if you feel that it could be a potentially negative or hugely positive meeting!

  21. RelationshipsYour Image • Everybody’s watching • School Board • Administration • Faculty • Students • Parents • Community Organizations • Media Who you are and what you do (even the perception) can and will determine your success and the success of your program.

  22. A. Personal Life -Habits -Politics -Social life (Yep) -Religious/Ethic/Moral Standards -Economic Considerations -Community Commitment B. Professional Life -Organization/Management skills. -Communication Skills -Teaching ability -Student relations -Public Relations -Professional Relations with staff/administration

  23. Forrest: Those look like comfortable shoes . . .

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