The Path to Teaching_ Part 2

                Now that you have realized your passion and decide to pursue the extremely rewarding occupation of teaching, you enter the second phase on the path to your dream job.  Here, you must craft a quality portfolio.  For a novice teacher, your portfolio may not be as extensive as a veteran teacher (which I recommend updates their portfolio regularly)but it extremely important in your application and interview process.  Your portfolio must include a cover letter/ letter of introduction/ letter of intentions or whatever you want to call your letter to a potential employer, your resume and your teaching certifications.  It should include any other awards or certificates you have earned, relevant test scores, lesson plans you have crafted, sample projects from your student teaching, letters from parents or teachers and administrators you have previously worked for, basically anything that shows hard evidence of your experience, skills and knowledge you are claiming on your resume.  Your portfolio sounds more intimidating than it really is.  Set up a three ring binder early and maintain it often so that your portfolio is ready to go at a moments notice!
                Although I could speak to everything that should be in your portfolio, today I will focus solely on a quality resume.  Your resume does more than just highlight your skills and abilities.  It shows your professionalism and is often your first chance to make a committed impression to a potential employer.  The interviewing employer may only have a few quick moments to read over your resume so here of some suggestions I have to streamline your writing.
                First, I can not stress enough, you should tailor your resume to fit the teaching position that was announced and what the interviewer is looking for.  If the position is for an elementary special education teacher in an inclusion setting, don’t express your experience as a traveling vacuum salesman.  The interviewer might think you are wasting his/ her time and skip over the remainder of your resume.
                Second, I would suggest formatting your resume in a professional and easy to read format.  Be concise and focused.  Avoid writing in paragraphs and full sentences and opt for bullet lists when appropriate.  Once again, the interviewer may be pressed for time and depending on the number of candidates for the position, may unintentionally overlook important information hidden in a wordy paragraph.  Also, choose a simple, easy to read font that looks professional such as Times New Roman.
                My third suggestion includes the help of others.  Proofread your resume carefully multiple times.  If you can, seek multiple opinions from other professionals.  Teachers already in the field know what an employer is looking for in a position.  Ask for help wording your experience or adding/ removing information where appropriate.  Use your resources!
                There are multiple example resumes on the internet so I will not waste your time with repetitive information but keep in mind your cover letter and resume are your first chance to sell yourself and show what you have to offer a new employer.