Landing Your First Physics Teaching Job

The webinar, hosted by Crystal Bailey, aims to guide recent physics graduates on securing their first teaching position. The American Physical Society (APS) organizes these webinars to connect students, educators, and working physicists with valuable career insights and professional development opportunities. The session features Mark Reeve and B Lipit, who will share strategies for new teachers, and is moderated by Jacob Clark Wickensa, a seasoned academic with a background in science education. The webinar will include a Q&A segment, but due to the large attendance, only text-based questions will be entertained.

Mark and B discuss the importance of preparing a resume and seeking feedback from a diverse range of individuals, including non-science teachers, to ensure clarity and effectiveness. They emphasize the competitive nature of job applications and the need to stand out. B suggests writing a cover letter to the principal and practicing interviews with mentors or friends to build confidence and readiness. The speakers also encourage applicants to apply widely, even for positions they may not initially consider ideal, as it can lead to valuable connections and unexpected opportunities.

The speakers share experiences of hiring and being hired over long distances, including across countries, highlighting that geographical location should not be a barrier to applying for a job. They advise job seekers to be prepared to move and not to hesitate to apply to positions in distant locations. They also discuss the importance of demonstrating genuine interest and seriousness about relocating to the job site, even if the interview is conducted remotely.

Mark and B encourage job applicants to focus on their strengths, such as experience in other fields or achievements in student teaching, to compensate for inexperience. They also stress the importance of selecting references wisely, including people who have observed the applicant's teaching or can speak to their character and academic abilities. The speakers suggest that a variety of references can provide a well-rounded picture of the candidate to potential employers.

The paragraph discusses various strategies for finding job opportunities, such as subscribing to state science listservs, checking school HR web pages, and utilizing word-of-mouth. It also mentions the importance of being persistent and proactive in applying for jobs, even when faced with initial rejection or when applying to positions that may not be advertised. The speakers also provide insights into the timing of job openings, noting that there can be a second round of opportunities in the fall.

The speakers provide advice on professional attire for interviews, suggesting that while a suit is not necessary, dressing in business casual is appropriate. They also recommend bringing extra materials such as resumes, cover letters, and a portfolio showcasing lesson plans and student work. The paragraph highlights the importance of being prepared to discuss experiences and lessons taught, as well as the potential to use these materials to illustrate points during the interview.

Mark shares his experience with phone interviews, offering tips such as being comfortable, pausing to think, and preparing for unexpected questions. He also suggests recording oneself to improve presentation style. B adds that it's important to distinguish between different interviewers' voices and questions. The paragraph emphasizes the value of researching the school and curriculum beforehand to tailor responses and demonstrate a genuine interest in the position.

The speakers discuss common interview questions, such as those about educational philosophy, classroom management, and the use of technology. They emphasize that interviewers are often looking for confidence, a solution-oriented mindset, and the ability to work well with students, parents, and colleagues. The paragraph also mentions the importance of displaying passion for teaching and learning, as well as the ability to collaborate with other teachers.

The paragraph covers what to do after the interview, such as being prepared for potential job offers and deciding in advance what positions one is willing to accept. The speakers suggest having a clear understanding of what one can and cannot teach and being open to opportunities, even if they involve teaching subjects outside of one's initial preference. They also highlight the importance of networking and building relationships with educators in the field.

The speakers recommend making a follow-up call or sending a thank-you note after the interview to express gratitude and reiterate interest in the position. They suggest contacting the person in charge of the interview committee and, if necessary, leaving a message and following up with an email. The paragraph also advises job seekers to continue looking for other opportunities while waiting for a decision.

The paragraph discusses the challenges and strategies for those transitioning from college teaching to high school teaching. It emphasizes the importance of selling oneself to principals and demonstrating a genuine interest in working with high school students. The speakers suggest that while content knowledge is crucial, rapport with young learners and the ability to work with colleagues are also highly valued in high school settings.

The speakers provide advice for new teachers on how to prepare for their first teaching position, including getting to know the department head, principal, and other teachers. They suggest familiarizing oneself with the curriculum, textbooks, and any required training. The paragraph also highlights the importance of establishing a support network and seeking mentorship to ensure a smooth transition into the teaching role.

The paragraph mentions the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) as a valuable resource for new physics teachers, with publications like 'The Physics Teacher' offering teaching ideas and support. The speakers encourage new teachers to take advantage of such resources and to join professional organizations to enhance their teaching skills and connect with the broader physics education community.

The webinar concludes with thanks to the speakers for their insights and advice. The hosts remind participants that slides and a recording of the webinar will be made available and encourage them to complete a survey to help improve future presentations. They also provide contact information for open physics positions in the Washington DC public schools area and suggest that participants follow up with any additional questions via email.