Resume Ready
True or False: A résumé should include every job you’ve ever had.
❌ False – tailor it to relevant experiences.
True or False: It’s okay to use the same cover letter for every job.
❌ False – personalize each one. Tailor each to the school’s mission.
What is networking?
E.g.,
Building authentic, professional relationships.
What’s the STAR method used for?
Structuring behavioral interview answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Name two factors you can discuss besides salary.
E.g., Caseload, mentorship, PD funding, schedule, relocation support.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join your team. I’d love to talk about the compensation package and support with continuing education, mentoring, or relocation assistance.”
What type of verbs strengthen résumé bullets?
Action verbs (e.g., designed, implemented, collaborated).
What’s a professional way to start an email to someone you’ve never met?
“Dear [Title + Last Name],” or “Hello Dr. / Ms. / Mr. …”
Name one networking space.
E.g., Conferences, LinkedIn, alumni events, practicum contacts...
Name one question you should always prepare to answer.
E.g., Tell me about yourself.
Draft a response to a potential employer who asks about your salary expectations.
“I’m open to discussing a range that reflects my experience and the responsibilities of the position. From my research, positions in this field typically range between $____ and $____.”
Rewrite: “Worked with small groups to teach reading.”
E.g., Led small-group literacy lessons that improved comprehension and vocabulary.
What should the final paragraph of a cover letter do?
Gratitude, enthusiasm, and next steps:
Thank the reader and express enthusiasm for next steps.
After meeting a professional contact, what’s the most important follow-up action?
Send a short thank-you or follow-up email.
What’s a strong question to ask an interviewer?
E.g.,
What supports are in place for first-year teachers?
What is a phrase could you use to buy time before responding to an offer?
I’m thrilled about the offer — I would love to take a day to review the details?
What 3 sections are essential for any teacher résumé?
E.g.,
Contact info, education/licensure, experience.
Write one line that connects you personally to a school’s mission.
E.g.,
My teaching approach aligns with your emphasis on language-rich, family-centered learning.
I’m drawn to [School Name's] commitment to family-centered listening and spoken language development.
Identify elements of a confident "elevator pitch".
E.g., Who you are, What you do, What makes you unique, What you want.
Key components are your name and role, your unique approach/the specific problem you solve in the classroom, your expertise/the solution you provide, and what you are looking for next, whether it's a new opportunity or a collaboration.
Expertise and approach
Unique value proposition
The "ask" or goal
Name at least 2 things to bring with you to an interview and at least 1 question to prepare a response to in advance.
E.g., multiple copies of your resume, a teaching portfolio with lesson plans and student work, teaching philosophy, cover letter, notepad/pen.
Think through: how to respond to typical and/or open-ended questions such as "tell me about yourself."
Be prepared to send letters of recommendation, professional documents like transcripts, certifications, and licenses.
Generate a question or statement to start the conversation about pay with a collaborative tone.
E.g., “Can you share how placement on the salary scale is determined and if there’s flexibility based on graduate credits or certifications?”
"I’d love to talk about the compensation package and see if there’s flexibility based on my graduate training and LSL certification path.”
What does “quantify your impact” mean on a résumé?
Include measurable outcomes (e.g., Supported 12 students with 15% vocabulary growth).
Draft a concise cold-email to a program director that is sure to get a response.
(1) Brief intro and shared connection/interest, (2) One sentence on your value/fit, (3) Polite close or question to continue the conversation
How can you network and continue professional relationships long-term even without attending events?
Engage online (LinkedIn comments), email alumni, join professional groups...
Share relevant updates or resources occasionally (e.g., “Thought of you when I read this article about early intervention!”).
What’s one way to recover when you don’t know an answer?
E.g.,
Pause, acknowledge, or think aloud (“That’s a great question — here’s how I’d approach it.”).Connect to a related experience.
“That’s a great question. I haven’t encountered that exact scenario yet, but based on my experience with X, here’s how I would approach it…”
Draft a response to a potential employer if they make an offer lower than expected.
e.g.,
“Thank you for the offer. I’m really enthusiastic about the position. Based on my qualifications and the cost of relocation, I was hoping for something closer to $____. Is there any room for adjustment?”