Week+12


 * __Week 12 -- Professional Writing Workshop__**


 * __General Information on Teaching Applications__

//What is Generally Included in a Teaching Application?//**
 * Cover Letter
 * Resume
 * Standard Teaching Application
 * Letters of Recommendation (usually 3 or more)
 * Praxis Scores
 * Transcripts
 * Clearances
 * Teaching Certificate (or proof of upcoming completion of certification requirements)
 * TB Test Results (some schools require this with the initial applications)
 * Other Materials (vary by school)


 * //How Do I Apply for Teaching Positions?//

__Paper Application__:** Send (via snail mail) application packet to a school district where you would like to work. WARNING: Some districts ONLY accept applications when a job is posted. See school district web sites for details regarding their hiring process.


 * __Electronic Application__:** Some districts only accept electronic applications through PA Educator. Visit PA Educator's web site http://www.pa-educator.net/ for more information about how to create an online application.


 * //What Web Sites Offer Information About Applying for Teaching Positions in PA?//**

http://www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching/site/default.asp __(this is PDE's web site, which provides information on teaching in PA)__


 * __[|2008TW_Week12_WesternPA_SchoolDistricts_MasterApplicationBooklet_0607.pdf]__** (this PDF provides information about school districts by county in Pittsburgh. WARNING, this is a 2006/2007 version, so some district information may be outdated.)

//**What Web Sites Offer Information About Applying for Teaching Positions in States Other than PA?**//

http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_cd=SEA (this site through the U.S. Department of Education provides links to state Education Departments)

http://www.ed.gov/teachers/jobs/find/edpicks.jhtml?src=ln (this site also provides information on jobs and certification requirements in states other than PA)


 * //What Web Sites Offer Hints on How to Write a Cover Letter?//**

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/549/01/ (this site provides helpful cover letter writing hints)


 * //What Web Sites Offer Hints on How to Write a Resume?//**

http://www.sru.edu/pages/10850.asp (this site provides helpful resume writing hints as well as other hints for teaching applications. It also provides examples of resumes.)


 * //Where Do I Find the PA Standard Teaching Application://

__[|2008TW_Week12_StandardAppWord.doc]__** (download the PA Standard Teaching Application here)

This standard application can also be found on PDE's web site: http://www.pde.state.pa.us/teaching/cwp/view.asp?a=13&Q=32420

PDE also provides answers to commonly asked questions about the standard application: http://www.pde.state.pa.us/teaching/cwp/view.asp?a=13&Q=32427


 * //Who Should I Ask to Write Letters of Recommendation?//**

It is recommended that you ask for letters of recommendation from a professor(s), your supervisor, mentor, and even a building administrator at your teaching placement (if he or she has observed your teaching).

Remember, your letter writers are busy professionals too. Make sure that they have at least two weeks notice to write your letter of recommendation. Also, it is advisable that you provide your letter writers with your resume so that they can better speak on your behalf.


 * //How Long Does It Take to Receive an Official Transcript?//**

When requesting transcripts from universities and colleges, it usually takes several weeks.


 * //How Do I Create an Application on PA Educator?//**

Visit PA Educator's site http://www.pa-educator.net/ for more information about how to create an online application. All applicants must have a complete file, which includes an online application and supplemental materials. Once you have a complete file, schools can search your application.

https://www.pa-educator.net/AppInstr1.asp (this web site provides information on how to create an online application)

https://www.pa-educator.net/AppInstr2.asp (this web site provides information on how to submit supplemental materials)

1. Begin your job search by researching school districts that interest you. Once you determine the schools that you are interested in applying to, create a Word/Excel file that includes the following:
 * //Helpful Hints://**
 * Job description
 * Job contact information
 * Materials needed

2. Create and Gather Necessary Materials
 * Create a generic cover letter. You will modify this letter for each school: school name, school contact information, job description and/or district's goals and mission
 * Create a resume
 * Create a standard teaching application. This also will be modified to include the correct district name.
 * Request letters of recommendation
 * Make copies of necessary materials such as Praxis scores, transcripts, clearances, teaching certificate, TB test, etc.
 * Create mailing labels for each application

3. Continue to maintain your Word/Excel file as you mail your application packets to school districts, correspond via phone/email, attend job interviews, and write follow-up thank you notes.