Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Job Interview

I am hoping to graduate from USF in 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree for Elementary Education. Teaching kids is one of my passions and I hope to pursue my dream of becoming an Elementary School Teacher. Having a Bachelor's Degree and possibly obtaining a Master's Degree will make me more eligible to find a job in the depressing economy that will most likely still be around when I enter the "real" world after college. In November I spoke with one of my mentor's who has been teaching in Elementary Schools for over ten years, my mother, Holly Albrecht. She graduated form Carroll College with a Bachelor's Degree and obtained a Master's degree. She's taught kindergarten, second and fifth grade. Speaking with my mom about my dream of becoming an Elementary School Teacher helped me get a clearer idea of my future and the road ahead of me.
When I graduate I think I'll be able to find a job. Some areas of the country are in more need than others for teachers, but that's the same situation we're in now.  As long as I have a good resume and lots of experience, that'll put me ahead of the others. My mother said it's important to get a degree with the widest certification you can get. A special ed background is also very helpful since we are loosing teacher assistants and have to handle our classroom on our own. You have to sell yourself and the more you can get into a school and volunteer while in college the better. The more time I spend working with kids the better. It's an advantage when applying for a job position. 
I know I'll be able to make a living as a teacher because my mother did, and so did all of the other teachers I know. You may not be able to afford all the top of the line things, but you can make a good living. Even if the economy's still poor, teachers are always needed. Education is very important in America. I learned that Once I obtain a job there's usually a 3 year probation where you have to work hard and really be a part of your school's team. Being a team player and being flexible are important. ALso with all of the advances in technology, Knowing a lot about technology and how to bring kids into 21st century learning is a key concept. It's also very important to be willing to learn new things and to keep taking classes and workshops once you start teaching.
Learning this information helped me get an idea of the things I need to do during my college career and the things I need to do when I graduate to become an Elementary School Teacher.