Earl+DeMott's+page

Please contact me if you've any questions at earl.demott@vbschools.com (use this first). personal email earldemott@gmail.com

I welcome comments below on any of the topics discussed in class for the improvement of the Career Switchers' Content Area segment. Is there something I should get rid of? Is there something I should highlight more of? Is there an aspect that was glossed over? Is there need for more of one teaching technique? Less of another? Feel free to comment below (with or without your name, but please indicate the class you are from: e.g. Summer 09). You may also use the discussion tab above, but remember that when you submit your name will be attached.

If the comments are content based (i.e. they are for the benefit of discussion for the entire class) please click on the topic (e.g. Iceberg Model) and use the discussion function so that future Career Switchers can benefit from your wisdom. For each new comment, I ask that you change to a different colour for easy finding.

Thanks, EDM

As your instructor, I essentiall will ask for three things: 1. a Rough Draft Resume 2. a Rough Draft Lesson Plan 3. Three things you've learned from class....think of it as three things you'll use in your classroom.

The basic reason for items 1-3 above is so that you post these answers in the wikispaces (or if desired email me them, and I will post them). This will give me referencing for any future search for employment and remind me of your experience and/ or your motivation, as well as a unique aspect of your teaching style. You may edit and update the page as you feel fit.

Running through the site, you'll find many resources, please feel free to add to the collection for future cohorts. Occassionally there are optional assignments.

In order to get a good feel for the methodology of the profession, please review the material below.

Table of Contents -A Word on Resumes -Showing off Technology -Concepts in Lesson Planning -What you got out of class = =

=A Word on Resumes= from []

[|How to Write a Good Teacher's Resume]
[|Getting Ready]- [|Preparing Your Application] Writing a good resume is not rocket science. In fact, many of the rocket scientists that apply are rejected based on their poorly written resumes. In order to write a good resume the first thing you have to consider is your audience. Who will read your resume? What are they looking for? Imagine yourself as the hiring manager or the school owner. What would you be looking for in a teacher if you were the one hiring? At Footprints Recruiting we want the best for our teachers, and we want the best teachers. We also want people who are sincere about this opportunity (which is probably you given you are reading this page). Below is a sample resume that will help potential teachers understand what employers are looking for. Using examples of resumes from teachers, we have incorporated the best of both Western and Eastern styles to help you get the most rewarding job by creating a resume that is sure to impress Asian employers. Click Here to Download This Teacher Resume Sample in WORD Format
 * Sample Teacher Resume Example:**

Writing a Good Teaching Resume
Even without experience, you can still write a good resume that will catch the interest of the hiring manager. Some important points to consider before you get started:
 * 1) **Spell Check** - an English teacher should know how to spell. Take the time to proof read your resume and cover letter. Use a ruler and closely study each line. We also recommend reading aloud and asking a friend for feedback.
 * 2) **Formatting** - take the time to make your resume look professional. There are many websites out there that offer free templates.
 * 3) **Short and Sweet** - a resume should be no more than 2 pages.
 * 4) **Simple and Straightforward** - in many cases, those that are hiring you are not native English speakers. Use bullet points to make it easier for them to read and your vernacular should be carefully chosen to be clear, eloquent and easy to understand.

Items to Include in Your Teaching Resume
Like a good lesson plan, a resume should have clear points and should be laid out in an easy to read, easy to follow format. The following are critical elements we recommend including:
 * Full Name
 * Address
 * Contact Information
 * Date of Birth
 * Nationality
 * Objective
 * Education History
 * Relevant Coursework and Certifications
 * Relevant Work Experience
 * Work Experience
 * Volunteer Experience
 * International Experience
 * Awards, Merits, Certifications
 * Hobbies and Interests

Writing a Good Objective
You would be amazed at how many "teaching resumes" we receive where the objective is to get a good job in IT or where "I want to get a position where I can make a positive impact". Blah Blah Blah. We want someone who knows what they want to do and who is sincere about teaching. A good objective should clearly state your goals and interest in becoming a great teacher. Your objective should be clear and it should be specific to teaching English. Be careful not to be too general or too specific. Being too specific will cause employers to discard your application if their job doesn't specifically fit your description. If you're interested in two countries, you might consider writing two resumes, each with an objective specific to the interest in teaching in that specific country.
 * Examples:**
 * To teach elementary and/or middle school aged students in South Korea where I can develop my skills and knowledge as a teacher and explore an amazing country.
 * Experienced teacher looking for the opportunity to explore another culture and continue teaching.
 * Young recent university graduate who loves kids and is eager for the opportunity to learn how to teach English in Taiwan.

Related Experience and Course Work
Although an Education degree and specific classroom experience is preferred, there are many other experiences and circumstances where you might have learned or exhibited the skills required as a teacher. The following are strengths and experiences you might consider including in your resume if they apply to you:
 * experience with kids
 * coaching
 * babysitting
 * teaching swimming lessons, skiing or any subject or area of interest
 * management roles as they pertain to training
 * training in any area or subject
 * public speaking
 * acting experience as it applies to teaching
 * art experience as it applies to teaching
 * music experience as it applies to teaching

Volunteerism and Internationalism
Both volunteer experience and international experience are important factors when considering a candidate for a position. Volunteerism tells an employer immediately that you are willing to put time into something you consider worthy and that you are socially inclined. These are important attributes of teachers. International experience is important because there is nothing worse than a teacher arriving, training them, introducing them to their classes and helping them and the students through the initial adjustment phases only to have the teacher say, "This isn't what I expected. I miss my friends and family at home. I have to go home now." Please be sure to think this through. Are you prepared to be away from family and friends for a year? Is this something you REALLY want to do? Is this something you are capable of doing?