I am looking for a new teaching job. Besides mailing resume, should I also go around and meet principals?

I have taught first grade for seven years.
I am looking for a new teaching job. Besides mailing resume, should I also go around and meet principals?
What state are you in? I've worked in two different states and the approach to this has been very different. In Missouri, if you contacted principals directly, you were basically "black flagged" and told to go through HR. In Texas, I compare the job hunting experience to stalking!





I'd ask other's from your state to see what is typically acceptable. If they tell you it's common to approach the principals directly...I'd say STALK THEM! Send them emails reminding them of your qualifications...always attach your resume. Take a hard copy of your resume to them in a nice package. I had a cover, letter of interest, resume, teaching philosophy, letters of recommendation, copies of my transcripts, teaching certificate, awards...etc..binding in a comb bound booklet. It always made quite an impression.





I have a friend who couldn't even get an interview with her "normal" resume...when she redid it like what I described above, she had districts calling her daily....call it a coincidence...but it's all about presentation.





Good luck
Reply:YES!!!
Reply:If you dont know any principals........ umm ya





meet vps meet up with other first grade teachers that might know when a position opens up.





It all about the people.
Reply:YES YES YES!





Meeting principals-- briefly without taking too much of their time-- is the BEST way to get an interview. If you depend on Human Resource offices to sort through your paperwork and call you, your odds of getting an interview are far slimmer. Most HR/Personnel offices have an overflow of candidates-- most never make it to the principal's desk at hiring time.





Most principals have direct control over who is hired (not HR offices). They can easily request your paperwork when it comes time to interview candidates. If the principal has met you, he/she will likely pull your file.





Go in and introduce yourself. Describe your experiences (7 years exeprience is a big plus). Hand him/her a nice personalized note with a copy of your resume.





There's an eBook about getting Teaching Jobs that emphasizes the benefits of connecting directly with principals. It's "Guide to Getting the Teaching Job of Your Dreams" http://www.iwantateachingjob.com . It also has Common Teacher Interview Questions, Interview Advice, How to Find Teaching Jobs and Stuff Like that. Maybe the book can help you.





Best of luck with your job hunt! With experience like yours, I'm sure you'll be successful in finding a new job. :)
Reply:I do not think it would be a bad idea to go and introduce yourself to local principals and let them know you are here if they need you. Sort of like an on call sub teacher. Just to get your foot in the door.
Reply:The personnel dept. usually screens a selection of teachers from which a principal can choose. So you usually have to go through the personnel director. She/He is the person you might want to see.
Reply:ya sure.