JOB-SEARCH PACKET
for Education Majors who are Graduating

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT CAN THE CAREER CENTER DO TO HELP STUDENTS WHO ARE GRADUATING?

LOCATION

SERVICES PROVIDED

REGISTRATION

QUESTIONNAIRES

GENERAL POLICIES

HOW DO I COMPLETE THE FORMS FOR THE REFERENCE FILE?

HOW DO I FIND A TEACHING POSITION?

APPENDIX I
Your Resume

APPENDIX II
Idaho Directory of School Districts
Idaho Educational Employment Website
Idaho Map Listing Counties
Information for Education Majors

APPENDIX III
Correspondence -- Teachers

APPENDIX IV
Autobiographical Sketch/Philosophy Statement

APPENDIX V
Guidelines for the Selection of Recommendations

APPENDIX VI
Helpful Hints For Interviewing with School Districts

APPENDIX VII
Job-Search Information Sheet

APPENDIX VIII
Transcript Request

APPENDIX IX
Reference File Request

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• CAREER GUIDANCE & INFORMATION SYSTEM - DISCOVER --This computerized system assists in occupational choice and also provide job descriptions and salary information useful in resume preparation and job searching.  DISCOVER is available via the Internet; call 426-1747 to schedule an appointment to see a career counselor and gain access to DISCOVER.  (career.boisestate.edu/discover.htm)

• GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DAY (Annual)--This event is for all students and community members who are interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees.  This is a great opportunity to meet representatives of graduate and professional schools from across the country.  These representatives will be able to provide information on their programs and their application process.  (career.boisestate.edu/grad-day.htm). 

• REFERENCE FILE--You can establish a file of written references/evaluations to assist you in your job search.  Once the file is established, it is maintained by the Career Center so that you can update and use it in a future job search.  One of the major benefits of establishing a reference file is the convenience of having your recommendations in a centrally located file.  Most school districts will expect you to have a reference file.  You may have a maximum of six (6) references/evaluations and a resume.  Pick up the forms at the Career Center or print from this web site: Education Reference File Forms.

  Upon request by you or an employer, copies of your reference file will be mailed to employers or graduate schools. File copies can be requested in person at the Career Center or by telephone, mail, or e-mail.  Files are maintained by the Career Center for up to 10 years after last usage.

  See General Policies "C" for information on possible fees for reference file copies.

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The information you include on your registration form will register you with the Career Center for job referrals and will provide you access to the job openings in BroncoJobs.  Occasionally, instead of listing a position, school district officials will request resumes from the Career Center on registrants qualified for a specific position.  Be sure to Upload your resume into BroncoJobs and Publish it to the Public Resume Book in BroncoJobs so that employers will have access to it.   Also, please provide a copy of your resume to have in your reference file at the Career Center. 

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QUESTIONNAIRES

Periodically, you will be emailed a questionnaire to complete and submit to the Career Center.  The information you provide on the questionnaire insures that the center has correct information on your availability and job-search status.  Any changes in your address, telephone number, e-mail, geographical preferences, or other information should be made with the Career Center or directly through BroncoJobs, and your resume should be uploaded and kept current in BroncoJobs.  To maximize our service to you, please keep your records current. 

Your feedback after you have taken employment is also very helpful.  Please notify the Career Center by questionnaire, a telephone call, or e-mail when you no longer need assistance.  A convenient form for notifying us is available on the Web at career.boisestate.edu/careerstatusquestionnaire.htm.

1. The Career Center represents those persons who are purposefully identified with areas of study at Boise State University.

1. Career Center services are available to all Boise State students and to alumni who have a degree from Boise State University.  Reference-file services are limited to graduating students, students who are student teaching through Boise State University or are enrolled in an approved CPA Track Program through Boise State University, and Boise State alumni.  Students should register with the Career Center anytime during their senior year for career-employment opportunities.  Graduate students who received their baccalaureate degree from another institution must be fully admitted to a Boise State graduate degree program to be eligible to register for reference-file services. 
2. Informational and career-planning services are available to all current Boise State students and alumni.
3. Alumni who wish to use the reference-file service of the Career Center should bring their reference file up to date before file copies are sent to employers.
4. Eligible students and alumni must register with the Career Center to receive job referrals - BroncoJobs.

2. All current-year-graduate registrants will be placed on inactive status four months after their graduation date -- December graduates' registration will expire on April 30; May graduates' registration will expire on September 30; and summer graduates' (July and August) registration will expire on December 31.  For continued service, Boise State graduates can contact the Career Center at anytime to verify registration information and request activation for an additional four-month period.
3. Fees (payable in advance)

1. Career planning, job-search assistance, resource room use, BroncoJobs, and establishing/updating a file are available at no charge.  
2. Providing five sets of reference files is available at no charge up to 10 years after graduation.  Preparation of reference file copies beyond the first five will cost $3.00 per set, payable in advance. 
3. If campus interviewers require a copy of the reference file, the copy will be counted as one of the five free copies, which are provided up to 10 years after graduation.  
4. File holders whose files are not complete upon mailing may request within a one-month period of initial mailing that additional new references be sent at no charge for one additional mail out per location.  After the one-month period, any references sent to that location would be mailed as a file copy for the $3.00 fee, if no free copies remain.
5. Accounts not paid within 30 days from the date of the request will be assessed a $3.00 late fee.  No additional service will be provided until the account is paid in full.  Policy states that file requests be paid in advance.  However, exceptions may be granted if payment is made promptly after the request and no previous collection problems have been documented.  In no case will credit requests be taken for over a $3.00 maximum amount--Please Pay Promptly.  By the time a billing statement is sent the late fee may already have been incurred.
6. Registrants may update information in their file at any time without charge.
7. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.

Reference File Fees	Current Year Graduating Students & Alumni
Registration	no charge
Reference File Request (after 5 free file requests within a 10-year period after graduation)—payable in advance	$ 3.00 after 1st 5
One copy of additional references within one month of initial request	no charge
One copy of additional references after one month of initial request	same as file request - $3.00
Late charge after 30 days	$ 3.00

4. Registrants have the responsibility of keeping the Career Center notified of their status during the year (by promptly returning questionnaires, providing address changes, etc.).  Failure to keep the office apprised of current status could result in losing active status in BroncoJobs.
5. Policy of Non-confidential (Open) and Confidential (Closed) Reference Files

1. Any person who establishes a new reference file or who initiates a request for reactivation of a previously established file has the option to have the file open or closed. This option shall be exercised by indicating on the Declaration of Option Form whether the person desires:

1. A confidential (closed) file in which:

• The references are not accessible to anyone except authorized Career Center employees and specified employers;
• The registrant has NO right to inspection of references and evaluations in his/her file and reference content cannot be disclosed to the registrant by Career Center staff.

2. A non-confidential (open) file in which:

• All references will be non-confidential and open to inspection by the registrant;
• Any references received prior to this date on a confidential basis will either be destroyed by the Career Center or, at the registrant's request, returned to the writer to be rewritten for the "open" file.

2. The registrant must submit a written list of names of all persons who will be asked to serve as references (this Reference List form will be provided by the Career Center).  Only written references from those listed on the Reference List form will be placed in the registrant's file.  The registrant is free to add to and delete from the list of references as long as the maximum number (six) of references is not exceeded.

1. References and written evaluations will be deleted from the reference file by a written request from the registrant, specifying which reference or evaluation is to be deleted.   Deleted references or evaluations will be destroyed. In no event will the deleted reference or evaluation be available to the registrant who has established a confidential file.
2. References or evaluations will be deleted upon written request by the author of the reference, provided that the Career Center notifies the registrant.

6. Transcripts are not included in the reference file.  If an employer needs an official transcript, you can order one in person or in writing (telephone call requests are not accepted) from the Registrar's Office (see Transcript Request in this document).  In most cases, employers will accept a printed copy of your transcript, downloaded from BroncoWeb, for initial application. For information concerning the procedure and cost call (208) 426-3486 or visit http://registrar.boisestate.edu/services.html. 
7. The total number of documents within each reference file is limited to six (6) references/evaluations and a resume (this total is in addition to the registration forms).
8. Copies of reference files are released in accordance with the registrant's written instructions and only to prospective employers or to other colleges/universities.   Files will not be released to any commercial placement agency or other third parties.
9. Education reference files will be retained up to ten (10) years after the date of last usage.

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• Resume--Provide a copy of your current resume to include in your file.  Information in this Job-Search Packet and in the AAEE Job Search Handbook for Educators will assist you with resume format.  Individual assistance and resume critique are available at the Career Center.  Be sure to list your teaching certifications and student teaching experience(s) on your resume.  Even though it is important to have this information in your file to be sent with your references, it is also important to have a resume Uploaded and Published in BroncoJobs in the Public Resume Book so it can be provided to employers when they contact the Career Center for direct referrals.  Employers will not have access to your resume if it is not Published in the BroncoJobs resume book.  In addition, always provide a resume with your own application materials.

• Student Teaching - Evaluations (see Appendix V)--Your file should contain evaluations from your university supervisor/liaison(s) and any cooperating teacher(s) with whom you may have worked.  Include principals (or other building administrators) only if they have had first-hand observation of your teaching.  When you are approximately halfway through your student teaching, give the Teaching Evaluation forms (obtained from the Career Center) to your university supervisor/liaison(s), your cooperating teacher(s), and other references that you included on your Reference List.  Complete the top portion on each of these forms before distributing.  If you have a "confidential file," request that the evaluator complete the form and provide descriptive comments on a separate sheet of paper and return them directly to the Career Center (address is provided in the instructions on the bottom of the form).  You should provide off-campus evaluators with a stamped envelope addressed to the Career Center.  Evaluations from your student-teaching experience are the most important documents in a beginning teacher's file.

• Faculty Recommendations--Type the information on the first two lines of these forms prior to giving them to the instructors that you have chosen.  Meet with the faculty member, and try to provide any information you feel may help him/her write a good, relevant reference.  Request that s/he complete the form and return it to the Career Center.  Do not obtain a Faculty Recommendation from your university supervisor/liaison(s); they should complete Student Teaching Evaluation forms instead.  A few discriminating references are better than a large number of general statements.

• Teaching - Evaluations (see Appendix V) -- FOR EXPERIENCED TEACHERS--Evaluations from current and former building administrators and/or superintendents are especially helpful if they have first-hand knowledge of your teaching.  Complete the top portion of the form.  Request that the evaluator complete the form and provide descriptive comments on a separate sheet of paper and return them directly to the Career Center (address is provided in the instructions on the bottom of the form).  You may want to provide a stamped envelope addressed to the Career Center.  Once you have experience, employers are primarily interested in these evaluations.  You should update your file by eliminating some faculty and/or student-teaching evaluations.

FOR A CONFIDENTIAL FILE, REFERENCES/EVALUATIONS
MUST BE SENT DIRECTLY BY THE REFERENCE WRITERS TO THE CAREER CENTER.

CHECK WITH THE CAREER CENTER A WEEK OR TWO AFTER YOU HAVE DISTRIBUTED REFERENCES AND EVALUATIONS TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE BEEN RETURNED!!!

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1. Know yourself.  Be able to give honest, in-depth answers to the following questions (avoid clichés or phony answers).  Take the time to write a detailed personal inventory in rough draft form.  Consider your educational experiences and your outside interests.   Which experiences were satisfying and which were not?  Why?  Pay particular attention to the following questions.  Don't worry about neatness since this will be for your own use.

1. Why do you want to teach?
   
2. Why did you choose your particular field within the teaching profession?
   
3. Why did you choose Boise State University?
   
4. What are your geographical requirements if any?  (Do not limit yourself more than is absolutely necessary.  The more places you will seriously consider, the greater your opportunities.  If you get that first job it will be easier to get a job later in the location you prefer.)
   
5. Why do you feel you will be a good teacher?
1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?  What steps are you taking to overcome these?

6. What is your personal philosophy of education (in your own words)?
   
2. Register with the Career Center.
   
   1. Make sure you have completed all the necessary forms and have returned them to the center.
      
   2. Make sure all your references and evaluations are in your file.
      
   3. Make sure your resume and registration information are always current as to address, telephone number, e-mail,  name change, geographic requirements, etc.
      
   4. Make sure the Career Center staff is informed of your individual interests, requirements, etc.
      
   5. Make sure you notify the Career Center when you become employed.  Notify us by telephone, mail, or by completing the Career Status Questionnaire on the Web {career.boisestate.edu/careerstatusquestionnaire.htm}.
      
3. Prepare a resume.  A good resume is brief and emphasizes relevant employment qualifications.  You should always have an up-to-date copy to provide to a potential employer.  (See Appendix I for more information and a sample resume).  The preparation you did in step "A", above, will pay off here. The resume should be included as part of your reference file, and you should provide it to school districts as part of the initial application process.  Also, Upload and Publish your resume in BroncoJobs for easy access by employers.
   
4. Budget some time and money for your job search.  If you are mobile and will be applying to school districts out of the local area you should plan time to prepare numerous letters and applications.  You will also need to plan for visits to the districts for interviews.  You will need to have money for resume photocopying costs, postage, and for any travel expenses you may incur.  The amount of time and money you can make available for this process will be an important factor in determining how far and how many districts you will be able to consider.
   
5. When do I start?  This is a common concern.  You do not need to have completed student teaching before you start applying for teaching positions.  Some people wait too long and a few others start too early.  Generally it is wise to begin applying in February if you are planning to start teaching the following fall.  Some districts may encourage you to wait until March or even April.  Since much hiring is not completed until mid-summer or even later, applications filed then may result in jobs; however, your odds are much better if you apply earlier.  Check the districts' web sites for their specific hiring procedures.

If you are a December graduate begin applying in October and November for mid-year openings.  If you are not successful in finding a mid-year position, notify the districts that you wish to be considered for Fall vacancies as the district might not automatically make that assumption.

6. Research potential employers.  Attempt to learn as much as you can about a district and the community before making application.  This information can be obtained from a variety of sources including students from that area, the Web, newspapers (the Boise State Library has newspapers from towns throughout Idaho), the Chamber of Commerce from the particular community, etc.  It is wise to apply to districts in which you are interested even though they do not have any openings listed with the Career Center.  Some districts, including Boise and Meridian, post all of their openings on their websites and conduct initial screening interviews.  Other districts only accept applications for specific openings.  Some states have specific sites for posting all education openings within their state.  These and additional websites to assist you in your job search are linked from the Career Center web site {career.boisestate.edu/joblink5.htm}.

7. Obtain an application from each district in which you are interested.  You can do this by a letter (Appendix III) and resume (Appendix I), by telephone, in person, or by the Web in some instances.  Be sure to follow directions carefully and fill in the form neatly and completely.  Return it promptly.  Unless otherwise specified, contact the district (superintendent's) office for the application.  Even if you already have an application on file with a district, don't wait for them to contact you when you see an advertised vacancy.  Contact the district with a letter of interest for each vacancy.  Check with the district to make sure that they have received all of your materials.  Be sure to inform them of any changes (address, telephone number, email, additional endorsements, etc.).

8. Keep a copy of all correspondence to and from school districts and a list of where and when you have requested reference files and transcripts to be sent.   Maintain a "log" summarizing your contacts--See Appendix VII.

9. Note whether the district requires a transcript.  Unless the district specifies an "official" transcript you can photocopy your own "Official Copy Issued to Student" and save the delay and expense of requesting one each time from the Registrar's Office.  The Career Center cannot obtain your transcript for you nor retain a copy in your reference file.  Transcripts must be requested in writing or in person from the Registrar's Office, which charges a fee for an official transcript.   It is wise to always have a current copy of your own transcript on hand--see Appendix VIII.

10. Have your reference file sent if the district requests it or has indicated some interest in you.  Do not send it prior to completing an application unless explicitly requested by the district.  In order to have your file sent to an employer in time, contact the Career Center early.  Applicants will not be allowed to hand carry files containing confidential references under any circumstances--see Appendix IX.

11. Individuals who have seriously considered the questions in Section A will be more prepared during interviews than those who have not.  Rarely is anyone hired without an interview and usually this is a critical factor in determining whether or not you are seriously considered for any positions that are available.  Often you will be interviewed by several persons in the district before being hired.  Appendix VI may be helpful in preparing for an interview.  Interview training is available at the Career Center.

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APPENDIX I

Your Resume

Job-Search Information Sheet

Employee: Big City School District #999
Address: 375 Main, Big City, Idaho 83999                                                          SAMPLE
Telephone: (208) 999-9999					This is a form you may wish to
Contact Person: Pat Jones, Superintendent			duplicate to keep track of																							
E-mail: pjones@****.com					your job search.
Web site: BigCity.com