Days here and there

Work is picking up. Two days this week and so far three next week. Happy about that!! Enjoying meeting new people and even got to spend the day at a swimming carnival!

A new day is dawning!!!! (well actually this is sunset at Trial Bay....but am sure sunrise is just as beautiful)

My current research

Three more applications submitted this week so fingers crossed! There are a number of growing schools about 1/2 hour west from where I live in suburban/semi-rural areas. Today I thought I might go for a drive out there to get a feel for the area and whether I would like to teach in that location. Public transport is definitely not an option! One AP position in particular I am interested in as the principal seems to be very innovative.
I will also continue with my current research project which will help me in my successful job hunt. I am looking at very practical applications for primary teachers to promote the development of 21st Century learning skills in their programs. Specifically developing tools for collaborative learning (classroom blogs, social network, wikis), ideas to promote technical information and media fluencies and a focus on using problem solving as a teaching tool of choice. I am also researching the best practices for an interdisciplinary and project based approach to learning and how to focus on the thinking skills of understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating. To teach using 21st Century learning skills, teachers must be student centric, continue to differentiate the curriculum and make use of higher order thinking skills. The term "innovation" is all the buzz, but I have been innovative my entire teaching career!

The phone rings

Sending my CV far and wide seems to be working! My phone has starting ringing and schools are booking me for a day here and there. So far I have taught a day at a school 3 minutes away, which was unbelievably convenient. Have another day at a school 10 minutes away and a large school closer to the city called me for a number of days also. I had a great day teaching Year 6 and the spelling and maths came flooding back! Haven't taught Year 6 mainstream in a while. Sent in 3 more applications last week, one for education officer at a large library. See how we go. But in the meantime, when not working...there is always a walk and swim at the beach! Always on the lookout for art in the environment. This knitted pillar was at Dee Why.

Networking

After sending over 120 school principals my CV, a number asked me to pop in for a chat. I have followed up with every request. Today I met a local principal who kindly gave up his time, introduced me to his deputy and organised a tour of his lovely school. I was most impressed!
This afternoon I worked on my next application in-between running around collecting the car from the garage, basketball game etc...etc....
When you apply for a job with the DEC, if unsuccessful, you are encouraged to call the panel convenor to ask for feedback. In December one position in a school I applied for (actually two) had never told me I was unsuccessful. So this afternoon I called the deputy from one school for feedback which will hopefully assist me in my future applications. She promised to call me back once she had again looked at and considered my application.
Next week will be a great week I am sure! I am feeling confident. Hey...a double rainbow!

Keep up the momentum

Today is Thursday and I took my son to sit his driving licence test and he passed! After dropping him at school I continued on for an interview at a lovely independent girls' school about 20 minutes from where I live. After sending my CV I was asked to go and chat with the Primary School deputy about casual teaching. All went well and I filled out many essential forms. Why not continue on to Dee Why? So I did for a surf and swim in the pool. SO GOOD!!!! I also made contact with a principal of a Catholic School looking for a Creative Arts teacher one day a week. Sounds like a plan! A few more classroom positions have come up on jobs@det so I well get going on those which are due next Wednesday. Three are for the same school, one as Assistant Principal and two as classroom teachers. Will try to WOW!!!!

The good life

Went down to Dee Why beach today after completing and lodging my latest job application which was just SO nice. Despite a sprinkle of rain on the way down, it was clear and sunny by the coast. Swam 10 laps of the pool, 1/2 km, which I was pleased about, then a quick lunch at a cafe and long walk along the beach and back. It really is good for the soul and gives me an incentive and reward for getting those applications done! Was offered two days work today at a growing school about 1/2 hour west which was encouraging.

Search continues

Looking for work is a full time job! I found out that any teacher employed by the DEC needs  anaphylaxes and e-emegency certificates. So I did the courses on line and have that sorted. Yesterday I caught up with a principal I knew and had a tour of his school and a chat about employment possibilities then visited a few more schools to leave my details. On Thursday I have a meeting with the deputy at a local girls independent school who want me to work casually there, so need to take in all my details. I have also been busy finalising my current job application which is due tomorrow and will work further on it today. In the meantime, I was up and at it at 6.30 ....just in case the phone rang! It's a really nice day today, so might treat myself to a swim....dare I say at the beach.

Northern sights

In my search for work I thought I'd look north from Sydney as I live towards the outskirts. There is an AP position going a little over an hour up the F3. Might just put my name in the hat! It is a small township and school of about 250 students...hmmmm Quite different to where I have been teaching recently, that's for sure.

Sunday

There were no possible positions advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald, nor any new ones in SEEK. There is a job going at a school about 35 minutes away that was advertised by the DEC. Applications are due this Wednesday, so I will work on that today. I can confidently address the selection criteria so have a chance this time. This school is in a semi-rural area on the outskirts of Sydney, in a developing area. Fingers crossed I can get an interview!

An Interview

Scored an interview last Wednesday which was a great experience. There is a possible contract coming up in the next few weeks and the principal and deputy wanted to meet me. I had been recommended by a colleague in a senior position within the DEC who had spoken highly about my skills and talents. That's nice! Once again, going to an interview is always a positive learning experience. I actually enjoy this and feel in a good place to really be myself and give a potential employer a valid understanding of what I can offer.

Gap Beach near South West Rocks..... Just wanted to share this photo!

It's Saturday and raining

It's Saturday and the paper is outside in the rain! On Saturdays in My Career, you can find advertised positions at independent schools, and these are often advertised in Seek on the internet as well. Just maybe there is something for me....but it's wet and I think I'll wait!

Be prepared to travel

I am on the waiting list to be appointed to a a DEC school but this is highly unlikely. Despite the fact that my priority day is 2006, so in theory I have been waiting for an appointment for 7 years, there is a very slim chance this will actually happen. More and more teaching positions are advertised and appointments made through the merit selection process. However, yesterday I added many more school areas to my list of schools I am willing to go to. I now have about 250 schools on my list, many of which are in hard to staff areas of Sydney. So now I am willing to travel to the six school areas radiating from where I live!