The Job Search Process for Education Majors

First Year

  1. Engage in various teaching experiences with children, gather evidence of your work
  2. Attend mock interviews conducted by Kappa Delta Pi
  3. Take first Praxis* exams -- PPST: Reading, Writing, Math and Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge
  4. Consider a minor or concentration of courses as your academic schedule permits

                     *Requirements for Praxis exams are subject to regulatory changes from PA Dept. of Education
                      Students should consult with Education department faculty prior to exam registration

Sophomore Year

  1. Continue to work with children in various settings, gather evidence of your work
  2. Develop and have approved an extensive portfolio, showcasing your work with children across grade levels and diverse settings (Necessary for formal admissions to candidacy into the education program in April)
  3. Attend mock interviews conducted by Kappa Delta Pi
  4. Complete appropriate Praxis exams for chosen course of study, faculty will assist students in exam selection
  5. Review the bulletin boards outside Old Main, Room 304 for summer opportunities


Junior Year

  1. Develop a professional resume with support from Career Center personnel, need to submit resume with application for student teaching
  2. During Junior block, attend job search workshop at end of semester
    1. learn how to develop an e-portfolio and update your sophomore portfolio,
    2. experience mock interviews with administrators,
    3. listen to former undergraduates share their job search process
  3. Attend professional development workshops conducted by the IU4 in Grove City or other agencies
  4. Complete appropriate Praxis exams for chosen course of study, faculty will assist students in exam selection
  5. Attend mock interviews conducted by the Career Center and the Education Department
  6. Review the bulletin boards outside Old Main, Room 304 for summer opportunities


Senior Year

  1. Consider job possibilities beyond PA and OH (Career Center has various job search resources)
  2. Investigate districts of particular interest on-line
  3. During student teaching, attend Career Center workshop for education majors and minors, participate in mini-workshops on the following topics:
    1. www.PA-Educator.net
    2. application procedures for in and out of state teaching positions
    3. e-portfolios & resumes
    4. resources of job listings in and out of state and country
    5. mock interviews
    6. job alternatives to the traditional classroom setting
  4. Update your resume and portfolio adding information from student teaching, replace approximately 50% of your sophomore portfolio with new, more extensive examples of your work with students
  5. Attend mock interviews conducted by Career Center in spring, use your portfolio when appropriate during the interview
  6. Attend several job fairs at P.E.R.C., Slippery Rock University, and others posted
  7. Start interviewing in April if possible and continue throughout the summer, most first year teachers are hired in July or August
  8. Consider taking additional Praxis exams in order to add-on other certifications to your education credentials
  9. Complete minor or concentration of courses, emphasize these areas of study on resume and during interviews
  10. Consider alternative job possibilities for first several years of teaching, including private schools, Americorp, Department of Defense schools, wrap around positions, see Career Center for these various resources
  11. Review the bulletin boards outside Old Main, Room 304 for job opportunities
  12. Secure the Educator’s Job Search Booklet from Education department office