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Was I not meant to be a teacher?? (Moderated by Deepika, EleanorSews)
Re: how do you know what colors look good on you? (posted on 1/6/05 12:13 PM ET)
Never mind.-
-- Edited on 1/6/05 1:36 PM --
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-- Edited on 1/6/05 1:36 PM --
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Nikki Medved
My blog:
http://subversivesewer.wordpress.com
Visit my pro-sewing store!
http://www.cafeshops.com/sewingdiva
My blog:
http://subversivesewer.wordpress.com
Visit my pro-sewing store!
http://www.cafeshops.com/sewingdiva
Posted on: 1/6/05 12:36 PM ET
Oh Nikki. Don't give up. I worked for an agency that has a similar policy. They will not give a reference unless you requested it in writing BEFORE you give your notice that you were leaving. Of course, no one does this and the policy is not well publicized. A former supervisor agreed to give me a reference if they did not go through HR. He wanted to be called at home as a PERSONAL reference. Yes, he was my supervisor when I worked for the agency but the reference was personal and not going through the agency. Does that make sense? Is there a former boss from your last job who would be willing to do this for you? If that doesn't work, I would try to find some other job in the meantime and use that as a reference. Have you considered tutoring or teaching children in some other capacity like at a rec. center? Those jobs would look good on a resume.
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Patty
Posted on: 1/6/05 12:37 PM ET
In reply to candyo
What kind of reference do they want? There are legal limitations on the kind of information any former employer can provide. Few companies will provide a personal reference any more due to fear of lawsuits.
I had this situation come up once with a previous employer who couldn't provide a reference (not company policy, it was just that he was a jerk), so the new employer accepted W-2s and paystubs as proof I had, in fact, been employed there. That's really all the new employer wished to verify.
Check back with the Bd. of Ed and see if they will accept an alternate. If not, lean on your uncle. I see no shame in using a connection to better your life. It's done all the time.
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I had this situation come up once with a previous employer who couldn't provide a reference (not company policy, it was just that he was a jerk), so the new employer accepted W-2s and paystubs as proof I had, in fact, been employed there. That's really all the new employer wished to verify.
Check back with the Bd. of Ed and see if they will accept an alternate. If not, lean on your uncle. I see no shame in using a connection to better your life. It's done all the time.
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Now blogging at http://sewwest.blogspot.com
Posted on: 1/6/05 12:39 PM ET
Nikki,
Have you considered teaching in private schools?
Have you considered teaching in private schools?
Posted on: 1/6/05 12:39 PM ET
Nikki, if you can't get an answer form the HR dept at that other job then try this tactic. Ask for a copy of that policy to be faxed to you. I have never heard of a company who refuses references, good or bad. THat just is not good business practice. IF there is no response, then go one step higher than the HR people. THis may be a local policy not a store policy. Then, get a hold of your former supervisor directly and ask for a personal reference from him/her. That way you can get around the HR policy. Don't get discouraged, Nikki. You have only been at it for 2 days. Keep looking and remember, there are other placed that need teachers. How about an ESL program? Or an adult ed program? Maybe find a sewing class that needs an aide in a community centre. Volunteers are always needed there, and while it may not pay the bills, it gets you more work experience in the field (as opposed to unpacking boxes) and references to boot. Keep your spirits up!
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Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com
newmansneedle.blogspot.com
Posted on: 1/6/05 1:27 PM ET
Another way to find a job is to apply to all the districts locally for a substitute teacher position. I've been a substitute teacher for 8 years. At first I had a 30-day emergency credential, which meant I couldn't be in any one teacher's classroom for more than 30 days in one school year. Now I have a career substitute credential, which means I can be in one classroom for 60 days, or 3 months. I have found one school and have been exclusively at that school for 6 of my 8 years. I usually get 2-3 long-term assignments per year. I do not get paid as much as a contracted teacher, and I don't get benefits, but I can turn down jobs, take days off without explanation, and I'm home with DS when he gets off of school. I don't have the same responsibilities and pressures either. I love my job! As a sub, early in my career, I went to all the schools in my district until I found that I love middle school students best. Since all the schools know me and the district knows me, if I were to go back to school to finish my education, any one of the schools in my district would pick me up in a heartbeat if I applied. You need to get out there and get yourself known! Try to do this as a sub first.
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Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
Posted on: 1/6/05 10:56 PM ET
I agree with Sherril! Start substituting!!! Teaching is such a completely different world than private industry. They have their own hidden rules that are often not disclosed.Most school districts do not ever contact after an interview, unless you get the job!(even with sending a very nice thank you letter) I always thought that this was one of the wierdest policies ever!
What age group do you prefer to work with - elementary, middle school or high school? This is going to sound silly but volunteer at the local schools in your neighborhood. That way you can see which age group that you feel most comfortable with teaching and working with teachers of that grade level. Principals love to see that a local member of their community is willing to work at their school and can help in making the needed connections to finding a job.
One of our student teachers from last year, did lots of volunteer work and was hired this year for a third grade position, as she is finishing up her credential.
pm me if you want some trade journal info and some great websites for support!!
There is always a need for excellent teachers, everywhere!!
-- Edited on 1/6/05 11:59 PM --
What age group do you prefer to work with - elementary, middle school or high school? This is going to sound silly but volunteer at the local schools in your neighborhood. That way you can see which age group that you feel most comfortable with teaching and working with teachers of that grade level. Principals love to see that a local member of their community is willing to work at their school and can help in making the needed connections to finding a job.
One of our student teachers from last year, did lots of volunteer work and was hired this year for a third grade position, as she is finishing up her credential.
pm me if you want some trade journal info and some great websites for support!!

There is always a need for excellent teachers, everywhere!!
-- Edited on 1/6/05 11:59 PM --
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