Applying for an educational governess position: qualifications and preparation

Introduction While searching for jobs in the field of education, I came across a unique and singular position in California. The position is that of an Educational Governess, essentially a home school teacher for a private family consisting of “two grade school and one middle school aged children.” The job posting was listed on Indeed.com. The position is unique because it is in a private home as opposed to a public or private school. I appreciate that the qualities listed are somewhat untraditional, including “creative mindset and calm disposition,” and also “appreciation for the arts, nature and spiritual outlook is ideal.” It is a full time position, with hours listed being noon to 8PM Monday through Friday. I would of course be expected to do all lesson planning on my own time, which is frequently the case with full-time public and private school education positions anyway. Although the salary is good ($85,000.00 to $110,000.00 /year), there would be no benefits; or at least, no mention of benefits is listed in the job posting. I fulfill all the educational requirements of the position, including a Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in multiple subject areas. While my acumen in math and science is not as strong as it might be in the language arts, I do notice that the employers are interested in a well-rounded and creative person with a penchant for the arts. This will work in my favor. However, the one place that I do not fully meet the requirements is possessing eight full years of teaching experience. I would let the employer know that while I do not yet have eight full years under my belt, that I will now have an advanced degree in education: and am therefore fully qualified for this position and eager to help their children reach their highest potential. Resume (insert resume here) Resume Reflection The module resources were tremendously influential in changing my approach to writing resumes. The Bennett (2014) book contains a wealth of information about overall resume formatting but also how to write different resumes for different positions. A resume is a snapshot of who we are, but it is also a means of communicating with a potential employer. It is also short, and therefore should focus on the job for which we are applying. A resume needs to be “relevant to your qualifications for a particular job for which you are applying,” (“Introduction to and Expectations for Résumés,” n.d.). Reading tips and suggestions in this model influenced the development of my resume by helping me narrow down my focus to specific teaching skills and roles. Although each source will offer different strategies for creating an ideal resume, there are some basic elements that employers look for when screening applicants. For one, a resume is supposed to be “user-centered,” (“Resume Workshop,” n.d.). Likewise, Bennett (2014) says to “always have the reader in mind,” (p. 23). The “user-centered” feature of a resume is not something I had previously considered. As with any other major communication document, I need to keep my audience in mind when creating a resume. I need to think about what the employer is looking for, and to do that, I need to carefully read the job description. The job description will have keywords and phrases that signal the traits that they are looking for in an ideal candidate. My resume needs to state that I have these specific traits. Even if I have to rewrite my resume for each job I apply for, it will be worth it because if I intend to work for a specific employer, I need to show them that I have what it takes to fill their needs. Second, a resume should be “persuasive,” (“Resume Workshop,” n.d.). The persuasive feature of resumes is not always discussed in professional development courses, and I was happy to see the Purdue Online Writing Lab mention this. Persuasiveness is not being pushy or arrogant, but subtly telling the reader why I am the best person for the position. I do this by highlighting my strengths and convincing them that what I have done in the past will help their organization achieve its goals in the future. Cover Letter Dear Mr. and Ms. As you may be well aware, there are few job postings for an Educational Governess. Besides invoking my appreciation for The Sound of Music, your listing reminded me of why I decided to become a teacher in the first place: making a difference in the lives of students and helping them reach their highest potential. I believe I am the best person to fulfill this role for your three children, and I would like to tell you why. First, I am just now completing my Capstone for the Masters of Education program. My teaching credentials are therefore beyond what you had asked for. I love working with new tools and technologies, and would be thrilled to have the one-on-one interactions with your children as we help them to progress in the maths and sciences. You will also be pleased to learn I spent a summer in France just to study art history, and so am the perfect person to balance their STEM subjects with art and music appreciation. Attached you will find my resume. If you need anything else or have any questions about my credentials please do not hesitate to ask. You have found your Maria. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Reflection The only way to successfully reach this Capstone course in the Masters of Education Program is through hard work. I have persisted in spite of personal challenges, and completed all the prior coursework up to this date. It has not been easy to balance work with school but I appreciate the opportunity to prove to myself what I am capable of; it also helps me feel more confident about my future as an educator and potential future leader. My determination and persistence will ensure a successful career in education. Time management has been one of the most important skills that has helped me progress through this course, and will continue to be my best asset in the future. Educators are frequently overburdened with work. Time management is critical. We need to prioritize, strategize, and economize. Every second counts, but we also need to be flexible with how we spend our time. As classroom teachers, we need to remember that we are in a fluid environment. Human beings are not robots or machines, and some days will not flow according to schedule. In the same way, parents will fluctuate in their level of involvement or engagement and I need to be responsive to them at all times. My interactions with colleagues and supervisors during critical staff meetings also needs to be factored into my overall time management system. I will continue to incorporate lifelong learning throughout my professional development and career. One of the reasons I was drawn to education in the first place was because I love to learn. I never want to stop learning, and have an unending thirst for knowledge. My students will teach me as much as I teach them. Beyond that, I will take full advantage of professional development courses, seminars, workshops, and conferences. By subscribing to professional organizations too, I can learn about how I can improve the field of education as a future leader. Finally, based on what I have learned in this program, my teaching philosophy is grounded in a student-centric approach. I am eager to see how my students will express their own curiosity about the subjects they encounter, and I encourage creative thinking and novel approaches rather than rigid methods problem solving. My leadership philosophy is transformational. Likewise, a collaborative style has been proven effective in the educational environment, as Beck, Livne & Bear (2005) point out “the benefit of teacher peer collaboration,” (p. 221). I want to empower others, and believe that my colleagues and I can work together to improve our schools and our organizational culture.