I sent out a blanket email requesting feedback about why I was rejected for employment positions. It is not something I would normally advocate doing but on this occasion it has resulted in some valuable comments. Namely the lack of focus on chemistry and physics so that is one thing I am going to remedy. So,...
Received some great feedback about my cover letter and resume! All my rejections aside, it is good of folk to take time to do that. Surprisingly, feedback did not come from where I expected it to nor from the individuals that actually met me. Yet, lets not forget folk are busy. Added to that are the issues around the useless teacher pay system being used in NZ which makes for people having little time to read emails like mine because they are just too busy trying to sort out pay for teachers actually employed. Small mercies to be thankful for.
In any case I've made some resume and cover letter changes and now look forward to testing them out... On the look out for vacancies to do that!
Until then, still unemployed but volunteering at a Christian tv channel and local church.
About Roset
- Roset
- No words can explain how deeply people want to connect with each other. How much pain they will suffer trying to be accepted, to be valued and to be loved. The yearning to be wanted is probably the most trauma that some individuals will ever inflict up on themselves. No matter race, colour, creed, sexual orientation, religion, culture, gender, age or any other factor, what everyone wants is to belong, to connect, to be loved. It is so easy to reach out to someone yet, for some it is the most difficult thing to find someone to connect to. Reach out to those you meet in your daily march. You just never know whose life you might touch, what spark, even unknowingly, you may make.
Sunday 25 November 2012
Thursday 22 November 2012
Born to teach!
Sad I'm at 104 rejections and can't get feedback as to why? What's wrong with my résumé? What's wrong with my letter? WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME!!!?
Some colleagues are getting jobs on the first attempt! I've had my cover letters and resume professionally checked and all is good apparently - so why am I not getting interviews?
After some research, some details were discovered that might be rather surprising to you .... It shocked me! An update, with quotes will follow later ....
Some colleagues are getting jobs on the first attempt! I've had my cover letters and resume professionally checked and all is good apparently - so why am I not getting interviews?
After some research, some details were discovered that might be rather surprising to you .... It shocked me! An update, with quotes will follow later ....
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Craft shop employee
After 103 teaching job rejections I went cold calling today for jobs... Bingo! Position in a retail outlet selling craft supplies! How happy am I.
I feel so much better - unemployment does not suit me, and bonus, everyone is so lovely and its CRAFT~!!!!
I couldn't be more blessed and more happy than right now :-)
I feel so much better - unemployment does not suit me, and bonus, everyone is so lovely and its CRAFT~!!!!
I couldn't be more blessed and more happy than right now :-)
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Monday 12 November 2012
From optimism to pessimism: Unemployment benefit ineligibility!
I am apparently not entitled to any unemployment benefit - all that tax I paid - I want a tax refund!
Sunday 11 November 2012
Opportunities, Continued Optimism and the Dreaded Dole
Well, after nine months at Teachers College, or as it is most recently known, the College of Education, the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning is complete. All straight A grades so far. There is one outstanding grade for Education Studies but I doubt that will give me the A+ grade I was aiming for. The aim was to end with at least one overall A+ grade so, failing that, I guess the A's will have to do! Oh dear . . . lol.
The last week was very pleasant. I met the science technician who I wish very much I had met much sooner. He lived in the same town as my brother-in-law in Italy which was an amazing coincidence. I wish I'd had more time to get to know him as I think my better half would have liked him too. See, you just never know who you are going to meet in a days march.
My last two assignments were handed in during the last week. The first of the two being a chemistry practical demonstration which I was over prepared for but on the feedback form had comments along the lines of not having explained the equations or reactions in full which was entirely warranted as a critisism, but I think I engaged everyone successfully and I think entertained the class sufficiently, especially pretending that my doggie had donated his pee for the class to write secret messages. Of course I did not supply doggie urine for a practical but for some time the class believed that to be so - it was in fact onion juice! I made myself laugh. For the first time, my experiment making invisible or disappearing ink actually worked first time and worked even better considering a colleague kindly filled her fountain pen with the mixture and wrote with it. Yep! It worked - relieved. My saving grace for the final grade was not so much my chemistry knowledge or explanation of acid-base reactions but rather the entertainment value I think. I am much more a biologist than a chemist.
My last two assignments were handed in during the last week. The first of the two being a chemistry practical demonstration which I was over prepared for but on the feedback form had comments along the lines of not having explained the equations or reactions in full which was entirely warranted as a critisism, but I think I engaged everyone successfully and I think entertained the class sufficiently, especially pretending that my doggie had donated his pee for the class to write secret messages. Of course I did not supply doggie urine for a practical but for some time the class believed that to be so - it was in fact onion juice! I made myself laugh. For the first time, my experiment making invisible or disappearing ink actually worked first time and worked even better considering a colleague kindly filled her fountain pen with the mixture and wrote with it. Yep! It worked - relieved. My saving grace for the final grade was not so much my chemistry knowledge or explanation of acid-base reactions but rather the entertainment value I think. I am much more a biologist than a chemist.
The second was a final essay I wrote with a colleague and in which we managed, to my surprise, to connect the Industrial Revolution in England to early Maori Education in New Zealand. Worryingly we were well over the word limit and I dread that this will get me the lowest grade I have had all year, in fact for quite a few years. The subject matter was so engaging and interesting that it was exceedingly difficult to keep within the word limit and in the end I gave up even I could have really chopped out 3 pages mid essay. Hindsight, is a wonderful thing. Maybe the lecturer will be flattered we were so engaged and not mark us down for being over, but one never can tell. We will see. Needless to say, it may be the blemish on my straight A grades this year. Yet, there has to be an exception to prove the rule, so I keep trying to convince myself to feel better. hahaha. Regardless, I enjoyed writing the essay and I learnt a lot about subjects I would otherwise not have investigated.
Since applying for jobs I have received an all time record of 56 job rejections - wow! I never would've thunk it! Fifty six rejections and counting by the day. Still, I am ever optimistic. I really would like the vacancy at St Bede's - that would be so awesome, but failing that there is a back up plan to teach in the UK for 6 months or possibly Morocco in what looks like quite a modern, efficient and student focused school. How ironic if that happens with the other half being Moroccan and he not being the one working there. It would be quite funny, but an excellent experience for me, and pleasant considering I know Fes quite well.
What I really want is a permanent part-time science position at St Andrews College, or St Thomas of Canterbury or St Bedes. In reality I would be over the moon with any science position and the family decision is that once I have a permanent position that will be it and I'll make it work for the next 10-20 years. I've never been one for job hopping but finding that permanent position is proving somewhat illusive.
What else . . . I think thats about it for now. Heading down to WINZ tomorrow to sign on the unemployment benefit for the first time in my life EVER! Not looking forward to having to deal with those monkeys (excuse the insult, but quite honestly, I sometimes wonder, if Government advertise for employees with no people skills, customer service skills or any logical thinking abilities at all). Well, till next time . . . chau
Friday 9 November 2012
It's over - teacher training : done!
Always wanted to do it - now done it.
But . . .
I wonder if I'll ever get to live the 'dream'.
But . . .
I wonder if I'll ever get to live the 'dream'.
Friday 2 November 2012
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Teacher? By James Walker
Teaching is one of the most noble professions an individual can become involved with. However, not just anybody can pick up a few textbooks and begin trying to instruct a class full of children. It takes a particular set of skills to be an effective teacher.
Leadership
When in the classroom, a teacher must convey proper leadership skills in order to educate his class.
Planning
Teachers plan their curriculum for each day, sometimes weeks in advance. An effective teacher can't simply make it up as she goes along.
Clear Explanations
You will have some students who pick up on things quicker than others. For the slower students, you may have to reemphasize or better explain your point.
Effective Criticism
When grading papers, you won't get very far by simply marking an answer wrong if you don't explain why the answer is wrong and what the student can do to improve for the next time.
Patience
The most important skill any teacher can have is patience. There will be times when students drive you mad, but you can never allow your emotions to get the better of you. Not in front of the students, anyway.
Leadership
When in the classroom, a teacher must convey proper leadership skills in order to educate his class.
Planning
Teachers plan their curriculum for each day, sometimes weeks in advance. An effective teacher can't simply make it up as she goes along.
Clear Explanations
You will have some students who pick up on things quicker than others. For the slower students, you may have to reemphasize or better explain your point.
Effective Criticism
When grading papers, you won't get very far by simply marking an answer wrong if you don't explain why the answer is wrong and what the student can do to improve for the next time.
Patience
The most important skill any teacher can have is patience. There will be times when students drive you mad, but you can never allow your emotions to get the better of you. Not in front of the students, anyway.
What makes a great teacher?
What makes a great teacher?
Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum, and standards; enthusiasm, a caring attitude, and a love of learning; knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques; and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. With all these qualities required, it's no wonder that it's hard to find great teachers.
Here are some characteristics of great teachers
Great teachers set high expectations for all students.
They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they don't give up on underachievers.
Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives.
Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy is.
Assignments have learning goals and give students ample opportunity to practice new skills.
The teacher is consistent in grading and returns work in a timely manner.
Great teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions.
Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways. Effective teachers use facts as a starting point, not an end point; they ask "why" questions, look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next. They ask questions frequently to make sure students are following along. They try to engage the whole class, and they don't allow a few students to dominate the class. They keep students motivated with varied, lively approaches.
Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people.
Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities are known to stay after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.
Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.
Great teachers communicate frequently with parents. They reach parents through conferences and frequent written reports home. They don't hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are concerned about a student.
Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum, and standards; enthusiasm, a caring attitude, and a love of learning; knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques; and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. With all these qualities required, it's no wonder that it's hard to find great teachers.
Here are some characteristics of great teachers
Great teachers set high expectations for all students.
They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they don't give up on underachievers.
Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives.
Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy is.
Assignments have learning goals and give students ample opportunity to practice new skills.
The teacher is consistent in grading and returns work in a timely manner.
Great teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions.
Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways. Effective teachers use facts as a starting point, not an end point; they ask "why" questions, look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next. They ask questions frequently to make sure students are following along. They try to engage the whole class, and they don't allow a few students to dominate the class. They keep students motivated with varied, lively approaches.
Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people.
Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities are known to stay after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.
Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.
Great teachers communicate frequently with parents. They reach parents through conferences and frequent written reports home. They don't hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are concerned about a student.
Thursday 1 November 2012
A Story With Moral: Worth Reading - Kindness
One day a woman was walking down the street when she spied a beggar sitting on the corner. The man was elderly, unshaven, and ragged. As he sat there, pedestrians walked by him giving him dirty looks they clearly wanted nothing to do with him because of who he was — a dirty, homeless man. However, when she saw him, the woman was moved to compassion.
It was very cold that day and the man had his tattered coat — more like an old suit coat rather than a warm coat — wrapped around him. She stopped and looked down. “Sir?” She asked. “Are you all right?” The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, as so many others had done before. “Leave me alone,” he growled. To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling - her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. “Are you hungry?” She asked. “No,” he answered sarcastically. “I’ve just come from dining with the president. Now go away.” The woman’s smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. “What are you doing, lady?” The man asked angrily. “I said to leave me alone.” Just then, a police officer came up. “Is there any problem, ma’am?” He asked. “No problem here, officer,” the woman answered. “I’m just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?” The officer scratched his head. “That’s old jack. He has been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?” “See that cafeteria over there?” She asked. “I am going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile.” “Are you crazy, lady?” The homeless man resisted. “I do not want to go in there!” Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. “Let me go, officer. I did not do anything.” “This is a good deal for you, jack,” the officer answered. “Do not blow it.” Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by the table. “What is going on here, officer?” He asked. “What is all this. Is this man in trouble?” “This lady brought this man in here to be fed,” the police officer answered. “Not in here!” The manager replied angrily. “Having a person like that here is bad for business.” Old jack smiled a toothless grin. “See, lady. I told you so. Now if you will let me go. I did not want to come here in the first place.” The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. “Sir, are you familiar with eddy and associates, the banking firm down the street?” “Of course i am,” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.” “And do you make a good profit from providing food at the weekly meetings?” “What business is that of yours?” “I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the Company.” “Oh.” The woman smiled again. “I thought that might make a difference.” She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?” “No thanks, ma’am,” the officer replied. “I am on duty.” “Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?” “Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.” The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. “I will get your coffee for you right away, officer.” The officer watched him walk away. “You certainly put him in his place,” he said. “That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this.” She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. “Jack, do you remember me?” Old jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes “I think so; I mean you do look familiar.” “I am a little older perhaps,” she said. “Maybe I have even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry.” “Ma’am?” The officer said questioningly. He could not believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. “I was just out of college,” the woman began. “I had come to the city looking for a job, but I could not find anything. Finally, I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that i could get something to eat.” Jack lit up with a smile. “Now I remember,” he said. “I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.” “I know,” the woman continued. “Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register. I knew then that everything would be all right.” “So you started your own business?” Old jack said. “I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually, I started my own business that, with the help of god, prospered.” She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. “When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He is the Personnel Director of my Company. I will go talk to him now and I am certain he will find something for you to do around the office.” She smiled. “I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet and if you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you.” There were tears in the old man’s eyes. “How can I ever thank you,” he said. “Do not thank me,” the woman answered. “To God goes the glory. Thank God. He led me to you.” Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. “Thank you for all your help, officer,” she said. “On the contrary, Ms. Eddy,” he answered. “Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And thank you for the coffee.” She frowned. “I forgot to ask you whether you used cream or sugar. That is black.” The officer looked at the steaming cup of coffee in his hand. “Yes, I do take cream and sugar — perhaps more sugar than is good for me.” He patted his ample stomach. “I am sorry,” she said. “I do not need it now,” he replied smiling. “I have got the feeling that this coffee you bought me is going to taste as sweet as sugar.” |
Workplace bullying - don't suffer in silence
There is one week of College left - and as much as I have enjoyed re-training, I'm ready to move on now. 99% of all the people I met doing this course have been warm, friendly, supportive, encouraging and all together kind. Anyway, for the minority who may meet a bully here is some information on bullies and bullying.
Like bullying in childhood, bullying in the workplace is the tendency of individuals or groups to use persistent aggression or unreasonable behaviour towards someone. It can be seen as a grasp for control by an insecure, inadequate person, an exercise of power aimed at humiliating the target. Very often childhood bullies continue their destructive behaviour into adult life.
Workplace bullying – how to recognise it
An important first step is to realise what constitutes bullying. In the workplace, it can include:- Talking in a dismissive tone- Being quick to criticise and slow to praise- Spreading rumours or gossiping- Falsely accusing someone of making errors- Not providing appropriate amenities and resources in a fair manner- The silent treatment, whereby someone is deliberately isolated- Imposing unrealistic work demands- Making it hard to succeed or even deliberately ensuring failure- Refusal to allow reasonable time off – to attend a doctor’s appointment, for example- Destruction of personal property- Character assassination- In extreme cases, it can even include assaultBeing on the receiving end of any of these can have an effect on your happiness and health. It can also come to dominate other areas of your life and your relationships.
Workplace bullying - what you can do about it
If you feel you’re being bullied at work, there are a number of steps you can take.
1. Start by identifying what’s going on. It’s tempting to deny it’s going on or to hope it’s going to go away by itself. More likely, you’re going to end up more and more dreading having to work with that person – or even having to go into work at all.
2. If you’re not sure of yourself or your situation, it can be worth writing down what’s happening. This helps to identify both the bullying and the effects it’s having.
3. Confide in friends or family – their feedback and support may help.
4. Talk to the person you feel is bullying you if you possibly can. In some instances, they may not realise they are behaving badly and be genuinely sorry. Whatever their response, try to stand your ground and make it clear how it’s affecting you and your work, and that it’s essential it stops.
5. If you really are unable to talk to the person concerned, or have done so without effect, then talk to your personnel department or HR manager. It’s an essential part of their job to take these matters seriously and to ensure they are dealt with effectively. Above all, don’t suffer in silence. Remember, workplace bullying should be as unacceptable as sexual harassment or racial discrimination – and there’s lots you can do to stop it. You can also talk to a qualified counsellor - especially if there’s one in your workplace.
The Bully, The Bullied and The Bystander - how to help children being bullied at school
Wherever there are children, there are bullies. In your neighborhood. In your school. Maybe in your own home.
Bullies use fear to get away with unacceptable behavior. Their victims (the “bullied”) fear continued abuse if they tell. Bystanders fear becoming the next victim. The “bullied” suffer in silence while repeatedly getting harassed. Bystanders stay silent to avoid the unwanted attention. It’s a vicious, unending cycle.
Studies on bullying show that younger and weaker youth are victimized most often. In addition, the bully-victim relationship tends to continue unless there is some sort of intervention from parents or other adults.
The Victim
Bullies like to pick on those who can’t or won’t stick up for themselves. Unfortunately, many victims lack the social skills and social networks that can keep them from being victimized. As a parent, you can help bully-proof your child by doing the following:
- Teach Your Teen To Be A Friend
There is strength in numbers. Encourage your teen to develop friendships. If he or she has a special interest – sports or music – find programs that your teen can participate in. The more social interactions he or she has, the more friendships that can develop. Your teen will also become better skilled at dealing with a variety of personalities and handling different social interactions.
- Build Your Teen’s Social Skills
Humor can be a powerful weapon for disarming a bully. The ability to laugh at oneself first, rather than laughing at someone else’s expense, is a skill everyone needs. Teach your teen friendship skills, including getting along with others and showing appreciation. The bottom line for your teen: He or she has to act like a friend to have a friend.
- Teach Your Teen Self-Respect
Kids who can hold their heads high and walk with confidence are less likely to be singled out. Some victims actually believe they deserve to be attacked because of a self-perceived flaw in how they look, the way they talk, how they dress or any number of reasons. They start acting like victims. They become withdrawn. They slouch and avoid eye contact.
You need to remind your teen of his or her strengths. Encourage your teen to use positive self-talk during difficult moments. Help him or her see challenges as opportunities.
The Bystander
It can be very hard for a teen to take a stand and defend someone who is being bullied, especially if the victim is considered to be a “loser” or “weird.” Has your teen ever described a bullying situation, and have you ever asked what he or she did to stop it?
Some bystanders are too afraid to get involved. They don’t want to be a target. Some experience feelings of guilt because they did nothing. If a victim is a friend or classmate, some bystanders choose to disassociate themselves from the victim. Others blame the victim.
As a parent, it’s important to teach and reinforce virtues such as caring and respect. Here are things you can do to instill these values in your teen:
- Model respect and kindness at home. If you and your spouse are considerate and compassionate to each other and your family, your child will likely treat others the same way.
- Show respect for those in authority, including teachers and police officers.
- Have positive expectations for your child’s behavior. Praise your child’s acts of kindness and discipline him or her for bad behavior.
- Encourage your teen to volunteer in the community. This will give your teen a sense of obligation to others.
Bullying is a difficult problem that only gets worse when it’s ignored. Victims and bystanders can’t be expected to resolve the issue all on their own. Talk to school administrators to find out how they are dealing with the problem. If necessary, you or a representative from the school should contact the parents of bullies and make them aware of their children’s behavior.
Pretending the problem doesn’t exist won’t make it go away. Everyone must correct the behavior when it happens and be proactive in trying to prevent bullying.
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