So I've been on the job market for the better part of 3 months now and the one thing I notice is that very few applications are specific about expectations for the use of classroom technology. Given the emphasis that I've found at UGA for using classroom technology, I've found this to be somewhat surprising.
I recently submitted an application to a community college in Missouri (to which I was promptly rejected because it seems they had an internal candidate for the position). Most community colleges expect applicants to describe their experience with certain software packages, special technology and learning management systems. However, given the classroom environment at community colleges is often more technology based, whether it be for the demand of evening and weekend classes necessitates it, or that hybrid classrooms are becoming more popular, I wonder about the importance of emphasizing experience with classroom technology in a teaching philosophy or even cover letter.
As it stands, I have a section in which I discuss using classroom management systems (clickers) to engage students in class, and also discuss my experience with Blackboard-based learning managements systems. However, I still wonder if that is necessary or if it comes across as fake and just something I'm saying because I think they'll want to hear it. My personal opinion on that paragraph is that I truly believe it or I wouldn't have it in my philosophy. What are other people's thoughts on this?
Also, I'm curious to know how common it is for employers to post job openings for positions in which they know that have an internal candidate. This is the third of 7 applications in which I've been rejected the same day for this "internal candidate" reason. It is incredibly frustrating when it is necessary to tailor each application to each position, and the loss of hours of productivity I could be putting toward my dissertation instead. Not to mention my references who are taking time to craft letters for me. It just seems a little unreasonable, but is it because they have to post the job outside to be fair or for some non-discrimination clause?
So, for now, the job hunt continues while I work towards my June 14th, 10:00 am defense.
I'm sorry to hear about the job in Missouri, Scott. I understand your frustration about the internal candidate hire, especially when so much time goes into each application you write. I'm not sure about the reason those jobs are posted anyway, but your suggestion about fairness or following some policy seems plausible.
ReplyDeleteAs for including particular technologies in your statement, I think it's good if you talk about how those technologies "fit" with your philosophy of teaching. Just stating that you use them would not be as useful.
Aww sorry to hear about the job hunt so far! It does seem unfair about job postings when there are already internal candidates. I didn't know that schools would still post the opening! :( Good luck though!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sherry. Relating the technologies to your philosophy of teaching, and not just listing what technologies you use, would make it clear that you're talking about the information because you believe in it and not because it's what you think the job committee wants to hear.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have better luck with the rest of your job hunt!
i think that's a very interesting observation about the emphasis different programs put on technology in the application process! sounds like a good idea to put it in your philosophy just in case. i might try to squeeze it into mine too!
ReplyDeleteSucks to hear that. What an incredible waste of time! Unless the references to technology really meshed with my philosophy (they're not a quintessential component of mine), I wouldn't put them in my statement. I view that as something you can always bring up in an interview, if necessary.
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