When one door closes, another one opens!

Well, actually, when a few door closes....

Hello Diana Nguyen,

We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the History position as advertised on Edjoin for ATAMS High School. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.

We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Leandro Otero

Recruitment Coordinator

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools

----------------------------------

Hello Diana Nguyen,

We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the US History/Geography position as advertised on Edjoin for Alliance MA #7. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.

We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Leandro Otero

Recruitment Coordinator

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools

----------------------------------

... another one opens! 

Will have my interview for the Irvine Unified School District for the Instructional Assistant position tomorrow at noon!!!

Wish me luck! I really need this job. 

 

More rejections... :(

"Hello Diana Nguyen,

We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the Social Science position as advertised on Edjoin for Alliance College-Ready Middle Academy #5. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.

We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Leandro Otero

Recruitment Coordinator

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools"

-----------------------

"Hello Diana Nguyen,

We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the US History position as advertised on Edjoin for Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Tech Academy High School. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.

We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Leandro Otero

Recruitment Coordinator

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools"

---------------------

"Hello Diana Nguyen,

We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the World History position as advertised on Edjoin for Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Tech High School. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.

We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Leandro Otero

Recruitment Coordinator

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools"

First rejections. :( :( :(

"Hello Diana Nguyen, 

We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the Social Science position as advertised on Edjoin for Alliance College-Ready Middle Academy #7. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.

We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Leandro Otero

Recruitment Coordinator

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools"

-------------------------------------------

"Dear Diana Nguyen, 

Thank you for your interest and application for the Social Science teaching position at Granada Hills Charter High School. We appreciate the time you took in preparing your materials and submitting your information.

Once we gathered all the information we needed to plan for our next school year, it turns out that we are no longer in need of a Social Science teacher. If circumstances change that warrant another look at the position, we will be sure to consider all applicants.

Again, thank you for your interest in our school. Best wishes to you in your search for viable employment.

Sincerely,

Karla Diamond
Human Resources Manager
Granada Hills Charter High School"

Instructional Assistant - Special Ed at University High School

After much consideration on what I was to do this next upcoming academic year of 2012-2013, I had a few options:

 

Option #1: Keep applying to Humanities (Social Science and/or English-Language Arts) positions throughout California -- concentrating on the southern California area.

Pros - If I land a full-time teaching position, I would be able to get a full-salary, benefits, and complete my BTSA.

Cons - Probability of landing a full-time teaching position is probably 10-20%.

 

Option #2: Continuing substitute teaching and private tutoring for IUSD and around the Irvine area.

Pros - Some free time if I wanted (will allow me to go to gym in the mornings, etc).

Cons - Unstable, especially cancellations, around holidays, etc.

 

Option #3: Apply to become an Instructional Assistant for Special Education at University High School (I have subbed for the special education classes for almost 2 years now and they told me they would hire me as an Instructional Assistant if I wanted the position). Will probably continue private tutoring, as well.

Pros - Able to complete BTSA as an exception. Somewhat of a stable salary.

Cons - None except that it is not a full-time teaching position or not in my content area.

 

In the end, I decided to go with Option #3 and that was exactly what I did today on Edjoin.org.

 

The position I applied for:

 

Irvine Unified for the position of Instructional Assistant - Special Ed. 2012-13

Missed recruitment event.

So I missed the following recruitment event for part-time program aides and part-time teachers in LA County. I missed it because I had a substitute assignment that day and needed the money to pay the bills.

Have I been making the right choices recently? Should I have skipped it and went to the recruitment event?

Rocket Learning Job Fair (Hiring for Program Aides/Tutors/Teachers!)

County: Los Angeles, Orange, Inland Empire
Date and time: 10/20/2011 - 10/20/2011, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location and address: El Rancho Adult School, 9515 Haney St., Pico Rivera, California 90660
Description:
50 P/T Program Aides Wanted!!!
$10 Per Hour
• Position Description:
Program Aides provide general on-site assistance at Rocket Learning after-school and/or Saturday tutoring programs.
• Duties include:
Assemble students at the beginning and end of each program session. Receive and distribute snack to students. Conduct call campaigns to student’s home to update parents on progress, attendance, and program details. Distribute and collect program materials to/from classrooms. Ensure safety and proper behavior of students. Maintain cleanliness of program facilities. Obtain completed paperwork per the direction of the Program Manager and Conduct outreach in the community.
• Requirements:
Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; experience working with school-aged children; background check required. Spanish and Vietnamese speakers are encourage to apply.]

100+ P/T Teachers
• Description:
Deliver after-school Literacy and/or Math instruction to students in small groups (average of 7 students per group). Conduct regular student assessments and communicate regularly with parents. Complete administrative responsibilities throughout the program. Obtain student placement data and help create student learning plans.
• Requirements:
1) BA in Education or related field preferred.
2) Must have 2 years of experience.
3) Commitment to the success of our students.
4) Experience working with English Language Learners and/or Special Education students (desired).
• Compensation:
Up to $35 per hour depending on certification/credentials
• Areas:
- Lynwood
- Compton
- Inglewood
- Montebello
- Hacienda
- La Puente
- Rowland Heights
- El Monte
- Bassett
- Pomona
- Montclair
- Ontario

100+ P/T Tutors
• Description:
Deliver after-school Literacy and/or Math instruction to students in small groups (average of 7 students per group). Conduct regular student assessments and communicate regularly with parents. Complete administrative responsibilities throughout the program. Obtain student placement data and help create student learning plans.
• Requirements:
1) Commitment to the success of our students
2) Experience working with English Language Learners and/or Special Education students (desired).
• Compensation:
$28-35 per hour depending on certification/credentials
• Areas:
- Lynwood
- Compton
- Inglewood
- Montebello
- Hacienda
- La Puente
- Rowland Heights
- El Monte
- Bassett
- Pomona
- Montclair
- Ontario

For more information call 323-992-4253 or e-mail us at losangeles@rocketlearning.net
Or contact Nora Garza @ (562) 801-5009 ext. 217

Contact Information: Suzanna Zaragoza, (323) 992-4253, losangeles@rocketlearning.net

Orange County Christian School??? Not so sure.

Awhile back, I got a referral regarding a job offer due to a fellow substitute teacher I'm acquainted with. He sent me contact information regarding one of his colleagues at Vanguard who knew of an opening position at a school in Orange.

Turns out that the school is actually a private, religious school:

"Hi Diana

I forwarded your name to ... who works at the Ball Road Church of Christ. She was the one who told me about the position at the Orange County Christian School (http://www.occhristian.org/)... should be giving you a call to give you some info about the position and contact information for the school.

From what I understand, they are looking for a Christian teacher who is qualified to teach secondary History. They would also like the person to teach a class in Christian apologetics (no degree required) and possibly Music theory. I think that they will let the Music theory aspect go. I don't know much more than that.

... are classmates at Vanguard University. He recommended you so I put your name forward as a possible candidate.

Have a blessed day!"

I looked up Christian apologetics and apparently it "aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views."

I really took the time to think about it and whether I would be able to teach a class like that. My whole goal as a teacher, a history teacher, was to teach students HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

Even though I was extremely desperate for a job, I knew that I would not be able to teach the class to the best of my ability. That would be unfair to the students and their parents.

So the following reply ensued:

"Hello *****,
My apologies for the late reply, but I have been thinking about the job opportunity and finally realized it might not be the right job for me due to the class on teaching Christian Apologetics.

I am, indeed, a Christian, but I do not think I would be able to teach that course to the best of my ability, which would be unfair to the students, parents, and school.

Thank you so much though for informing me about the job opportunity.

I wish you well on your remaining time at Vanguard University. In case I don't see Stanley for awhile, please send him my greetings.

God bless,
Diana"

I was wondering if that was the right choice.

Final Rejections List....

I'm assuming since it's practically the beginning of the 2011-2012 academic school year, I have most likely been rejected by the teaching positions I have applied to all throughout summer that have never contacted me regarding a status.

THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- Escondido Charter School District: History Middle School Teacher
- Central City Value High School: Social Studies Teacher--World History
- The School of Arts and Enterprise: Full-time Social Studies
- Santa Ana Unified: Social Science 6th-8th Grade--Villa Fundamental School
- Santa Ana Unified: Social Science 6th-8th Grade--Spurgeon Middle School
- Santa Ana Unified: Social Science--Valley High School
- Santa Ana Unified: Social Science--Lorin Griset
- Los Angeles Unified: Jordan High School
- Film and Theater Arts CHS: Social Studies Instructor/Advisor
- The Accelerated School: 7th-12th Grade History Teacher
- Army & Navy Academy: Full-time Social Science Teacher
- Escondido Charter School District: Middle School History Instructional Aide
- Los Angeles Leadership Academy: 7th-8th Grade Social Studies
- College Preparatory Middle School: Teacher-Social Science
- Los Angeles Leadership Academy: 7th-8th Grade English-Language Arts
- New Millennium Secondary School: Social Studies Teacher
- Options for Youth-Los Angeles County: Group Instructor - English Language Arts
- Irvine Unified: Social Science 9th-12th grade.
- Soledad Enrichment Action Charter School: English and Social Science Teacher
- Birmingham Community Charter High School: History Teacher
- Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools: College-Ready Middle Academy #7: Social Science Teacher
- Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools: Health Services Academy High School: History Teacher (U.S./ AP U.S.)
- Partnerships to Uplift Communities: High School History Teacher
- Environmental Charter: Social Studies/Language Arts

Update on REJECTIONS...

Westerly School: Middle School Humanities Teacher

Dear Ms. Nguyen,

Thank you for following up on the status of your inquiry into the Humanities position.Due to the large volume of resumes we received, we were not able to respond to each applicant.
Based on the most qualified candidates that we felt were a match for Westerly, we chose people to interview over the phone. From that list, we called in finalists to meet us in person and to teach a lesson. We eventually hired someone we felt best matched our criteria.
Thank you for your interest in Westerly School. We wish you the best of luck in your search.

Appreciatively,
C_Rodenhizer_Signature

Orange County High School of the Arts: Social Science

Hi Diana~

Thank you for your interest in teaching at Orange County High School of the Arts. Applications are currently being reviewed. If you are a selected as a candidate, I will contact you to schedule an interview.

Thank you!
~Jena

Juan Bautista de Anza Charter School: History/Social Studies Teacher

We are doing paper screening until mid July. Positions will not be filled until late July when we know our enrollment. Thank you for your interest in JBdA.

Dr. Sandra Thorpe, Executive Director

[I am assuming I did not get the position since it is late-August - email was sent in June/July].

Rowland High School: Social Science Teacher

Applications are being screened by the site administrator.

Ann Fisher

[I am assuming I did not get the position since it is late-August - email was sent in June/July].

College-Ready Public Schools - Alliance Technology & Math Science High School: World History/AP European History

Hello Diana Nguyen,

July 20, 2011

We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the World History/AP European position at Alliance Technology and Math Science HS as advertised on Edjoin. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our History teacher vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.

We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Leandro Otero
Recruitment Coordinator

College-Ready Public Schools - Alliance Technology & Math Science High School: US History/AP US History

College-Ready Public Schools - Alliance Technology & Math Science High School:

[I am assuming I did not get the position since it is late-August - email was sent in June/July].

Los Angeles Education Partnership: Social Studies Instructional Coach

Hello all,

Thank you again, for your interest in the position. Unfortunately, funding did not come through for our partner for the 2011-12 school year and we will not be interviewing until further notice. Again, thank you and we wish you the best.

Regretfully,
John Matich
Director, Professional Development

College-Ready Public Schools - College-Ready Middle Academy #4: US History Teacher

Hello Diana Nguyen,

Aug 1, 2011
We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the History teaching position as advertised on Edjoin. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in our vacancy. After careful consideration, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been chosen for the position.
We thank you again for your interest with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Leandro Otero
Recruitment Coordinator

College-Ready Public Schools - Christine O'Donovan Middle Academy: English/Social Science Core Teacher

Good Afternoon Diana Nguyen,

I would like to thank you for submitting your application for the English/Social Science Core Teacher at Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy, an Alliance College-Ready Public School. I regret to inform you that you were not selected for the position. We appreciate the time that you invested in your application and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Sandra Salib

West Covina Unified - Edgewood High School: Social Science Teacher

Dear Diana Nguyen,

Thank you for your interest in employment with the West Covina Unified School District.
We were fortunate to have received applications for this position from a number of well-qualified individuals with divergent types of experience and backgrounds. It was difficult to make a decision as we considered applicants relative to the special needs of the position. While your qualifications met some or many of the preliminary requirements, there were other applicants who we felt exceeded our expectations and more closely fit our particular needs.
Although you were not selected for this position, we would like to encourage you to apply for other job openings as they occur and for which you may feel qualified. Access to all West Covina Unified School District job openings are posted on EdJoin.org.
We appreciate your interest in employment with the West Covina Unified School District. Best wishes and continued success in pursuing your career goals.

Sincerely,
Michael F. Seaman
Assistant Superintendent

Alhambra Unified School District - Alhambra High School: Social Science High School Teacher

Hello Diana Nguyen,

Thank you for your interest in applying for the position of Social Science Teacher.
We regret to inform you that this position has been cancelled. We appreciate your interest in our District, and we invite you to apply for any future positions that you feel you qualify for.
Again, thank you for your interest with the Alhambra Unified School District.

Sincerely,
Laura Tellez
Assistant Superintendent-Human Resources

I did not get the job. :(

So here's how my interview went down.It was a 25 minute interview that should have lasted 30 minutes (not sure if that's bad). They were really enthusiastic about how I would incorporate literacy within the classroom, my thoughts on teacher collaboration especially with Language Arts, etc. I brought each interviewer a portfolio for them to look at filled with a sample lesson plan w/ actual student work, sample syllabus, my teaching philosophy, etc. Sent them a Thank You email. The only disadvantage I have is the lack of actual teaching experience. :(

My "Thank You" email:

"Dear Ms. ***,
I would like to thank you, everyone in the Social Science Department, and Mr. Patrick for taking the time out of your busy schedules to talk to me about the World History position available at Valley High School.

Even though I lack teaching experience, I believe I offer many new, exciting ideas when it comes to incorporating literacy into teaching history. I hope these ideas will contribute in Valley's transition through the "Persistently Low Achieving Schools" (PLAS) program and will eventually benefit the students at Valley High School in the long run.

I look forward to hearing from you once the final decisions are made regarding this position.

Thank you once again for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,
Diana Nguyen"

----------------------------------------

I then get this email from the Social Science Department Head (July 14th, 2011):

"Diana,

You are an exceptionally gifted and will become an amazing teacher some day. This round of interviews produced some really good candidates and it has been difficult to make a decision, but you have made it into the top group and we are still in the process of selecting. So I hate to keep you waiting on pins and needles, but you will hear from me soon I promise.

****"

My response:

"Dear Ms. ***,
Once again, I am thankful for having the opportunity to still be a candidate for this position. I look forward to hearing from you again.

Sincerely,
Diana Nguyen"

-------------------------------

Finally, on July 16th, 2011, I got this:

"Diana,

We have decided to hire two other candidates, but you were among the few that we were considering. Please do not be deterred. You had an excellent interview and have a great deal to offer any school. I wish you luck and have no doubt you will land a job soon.

****"

I will definitely keep trying.

My First Interview Ever at Valley High School (SAUSD)!!!

Got a phone call last week and was offered an interview (finally). When I got the call and realized who it was, I was in shock! The department head emailed me and asked for a sample lesson plan as well as a sample syllabus, which I sent to her.

The interview is today at 12:30 pm and it is for a World History teaching position at Valley High School in Santa Ana Unified. One of the reasons why I think I got the interview is because the principal at Valley High School was the same principal I had when student teaching. Hopefully, he remembers me.

I've been preparing all weekend asking friends to give me mock interviews, typing up notes, going over educational terminology, rethinking about how I would teach history, how I would discipline students, etc.

In addition, I prepared portfolios for each interview which I will hand out when I see them. The portfolio includes an updated Cover Letter/Resume, the sample syllabus, my Teaching Philosophy (in the form of a cheat-sheet), a sample lesson plan supplemented with sample student work, and copies of my Letters of Recommendation.

Wish me luck, since it is my first interview ever after receiving my credential! *sweatdrop*

Rejections and applications...

REJECTED:

• Escondido Charter School District - History Middle School Teacher
  "Hello Diana,
  Your resume has been received for the Middle School History Instructional Aide. We are currently reviewing all applicants and forwarding on to the appropriate director. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
  Thank you,
   Escondido Charter School District"
• Alliance College-Ready Public School (Media Arts and Entertainment High School) - Resource Teacher
  "Good Afternoon Diana Nguyen,
  We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the Resource Teacher position advertised on Edjoin by Media Arts and Entertainment High School, an Alliance College-Ready Public School. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in the Resource Teacher vacancy. After reviewing your application, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been selected for the position.
  We thank you again for your interest in interviewing with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.
  Sincerely,
  Celina Esqueda
  Human Resources Coordinator"

APPLIED:

• Santa Ana Unified for the position of Social Science 9th -12th Grade- Valley- In District Employees Only
• Santa Ana Unified for the position of Social Science (6th - 8th Grade)- Spurgeon- In District Employees Only

Jordan High School - Missed Opportunity? NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Awhile back, my friend who teaches Special Education in LAUSD informed me about Jordan High School in LAUSD (http://www.jordanbulldogs.org/) and how it will soon be taken over by the state. As a result, they are going to have to post up teaching positions for every single subject at that school.

March 9th: "Hey Diana, there is a high school, David Starr Jordan Senior High, that is being taken over by the district. The current plan is that there will be new administration, possibly three separate schools/academies, and all of the teachers will have to reapply for positions. Some of the Charter school teachers I know believe that there company may operate one of the academies. Keep it in mind this spring and summer as postings may come up on the LAUSD website and/or Edjoin." - Inside source

March 14: "[All] the administration staff are being replaced after this school year; which means that there will be a lot of disgruntled administrators. Two, the district has not decided how to structure the school for next year (e.g. academy structure, charter, or a hybrid of each)." - Inside source

He told me to wait it out a bit.

The next thing you know, I check http://www.teachinla.com/ and this was posted as an announcement:
"The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools is transforming Jordan High School: The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools is seeking passionate and dedicated teachers in all content areas to work at Jordan High School for the 2011-2012 school year. Click here for more information."

When was this? When I clicked on the link to apply, a handout came up as a PDF. Apparently, they had recruiting events (5/9, 5/16 with webinars on 5/10, 5/17)!!! AND I MISSED ALL OF THEM!!! :(

Was this a missed opportunity!? I drove by the school awhile back just to check it out and it fit the type of school I woud LOVE to teach in.

Hoping for the best, I still applied with the person and email provided. I emailed them what was required, my cover letter and resume. I really hope there would still be a chance for me to be offered an interview to teach there.

My first rejection.

Today, I received my first rejection via email from Edjoin.org:

Subject: U.S. History Teacher Vacancy
"Good Morning Diana Nguyen,
We would like to thank you for submitting your application for the U.S. History Teacher position advertised on Edjoin by Alliance College-Ready Public Schools. We were very fortunate to have various applicants interested in interviewing for our U.S. History Teacher. After reviewing your application, I am sorry to inform you that you have not been selected for the position.
We thank you again for your interest in interviewing with our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors.
 Sincerely,
 C***** E******
Human Resources Coordinator"

I really hope this doesn't mean ALL the Alliance College-Ready Public Schools that I have been applying to because that would mean I've been rejected by ALL of them. Not good.
I'll keep on trying...