#NES – K12 Teacher

Tag: #NES – K12 Teacher

Resources for Aspiring Teachers: WECAN Overview

Are you dreaming of shaping young minds and making a difference in the world of education? If so, you might want to check out the Wisconsin Education Career Access Network (WECAN). This website is a goldmine for aspiring teachers, offering a plethora of resources to help you kickstart your career. Let’s dive into what WECAN has to offer and how you can make the most of it.

What is WECAN?

WECAN is an online platform that connects many school districts in Wisconsin with aspiring teachers and other education professionals. It was launched in 2001 to streamline the hiring process and make it easier for educators to find job opportunities across the state. Today, WECAN serves over 500 schools annually, making it a vital resource for anyone looking to enter the teaching profession.

Resources Available on WECAN

  1. Job Listings:
    WECAN provides a comprehensive list of job openings in K-12 schools across Wisconsin. You can search for positions by keyword, location, and job type, making it easy to find opportunities that match your interests and qualifications.
  2. Application Process:
    The website offers an online employment application system. You can create an account, upload your resume, and apply for multiple positions with just a few clicks. This centralized system simplifies the application process and ensures that your information is easily accessible to potential employers.
  3. Professional Development:
    WECAN also provides resources for professional growth, including workshops, training sessions, and networking events. These opportunities allow you to enhance your skills, stay updated with the latest educational trends, and connect with other professionals in the field.
  4. Support Services:
    The website offers guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and career counseling. These resources are invaluable for new teachers who are navigating the job market for the first time.

Why WECAN is Helpful for Aspiring Teachers

  1. Streamlined Job Search:
    WECAN simplifies the job search process by providing a centralized platform for finding and applying for teaching positions. This saves you time and effort compared to searching for jobs individually on various school district websites.
  2. Access to a Wide Range of Opportunities:
    With over 500 schools participating, WECAN offers a diverse array of job opportunities across Wisconsin. Whether you’re interested in teaching in urban or rural areas, elementary or high school education, WECAN has something for everyone.
  3. Professional Networking:
    The platform allows you to connect with other educators, attend professional development events, and build a network of contacts in the education field. Networking is crucial for career advancement and can open doors to new opportunities.

How to Utilize WECAN Effectively

  1. Create a Profile:
    Start by creating a detailed profile on WECAN. Include your resume, a professional photo, and a brief bio highlighting your teaching philosophy and experience.
  2. Set Up Job Alerts:
    Use the job alert feature to receive notifications about new job postings that match your criteria. This ensures that you never miss out on potential opportunities.
  3. Apply for Multiple Positions:
    Don’t limit yourself to just one or two applications. Apply for multiple positions to increase your chances of landing a job. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
  4. Participate in Professional Development:
    Take advantage of the professional development resources offered by WECAN. Attend workshops, webinars, and networking events to enhance your skills and expand your professional network.
  5. Stay Organized:
    Keep track of the positions you’ve applied for, follow-up dates, and any communication with potential employers. Staying organized will help you manage your job search more effectively.

Final Thoughts

The Wisconsin Education Career Access Network is an invaluable tool for aspiring teachers. By providing a streamlined job search process, access to a wide range of opportunities, and professional development resources, WECAN helps you take the first steps toward a rewarding career in education. So, dive in, explore the resources, and start your journey to becoming an inspiring educator!

Online Sources:

  1. Wisconsin Education Career Access Network (WECAN)
  2. WECAN Job Postings
  3. Professional Development Resources

Teaching in Higher Education

If you are considering a career in Education, it is important to note that you often only need a Bachelor’s Degree in order to be a classroom teacher at the early childhood, K-12, and high school levels. However, if you would like to teach in higher education or at the university level you often need at least a Master’s degree – and usually more.   

These degrees can be pursued at any time after a Bachelor’s is achieved. For example, one can take a few years off after undergrad to get hands-on experience teaching in a classroom setting before pursuing their next degree. There is no right or wrong way to do it, it all depends on your schedule and how you would like to pursue the degree. 

If you’re considering getting a Master’s degree for the field of education, you must consider which Master’s degree is the right fit for you. Currently, there are two common Master’s programs that can take you two different paths in the field; the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.). The MAT is for those who specifically want to teach in a classroom setting. On the other hand, the M.Ed. is often pursued by those who wish to work in administrative or policy roles, for example, within school districts, with the US Department of Education, or departments of education at the state level.   

There are two main Doctorate degrees for those in Education. The Doctorate in Education (Ed.D), and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D). The Ed.D is often pursued by those who want to work in positions of leadership and policy making within a school or school district. Whereas the Ph.D is often for those who wish to be University and Higher Education Teachers or teacher educators.  

Want to know more? Check out these sources below:  

By Marissa Lake ’22. I am a sophomore Vocal Performance major. I am also the curator for the #NES and #VPA Career Communities. I love performing as well as music education, and I hope to one day become an established vocalist.

How to become a Music Teacher (Elementary, Middle School)

Interested in becoming a music teacher for elementary or middle school students? Read on for some important information on how to get your dream teaching job! 

Job duties:

Here are some specific job duties required for becoming a music teacher. First you must have knowledge of the instrument/instruments in the ensemble. Knowing your instrument(s) inside and out will make teaching your class that much easier. Next you need the ability to manage a classroom. Classroom management is important because sometimes children can get rowdy and not retain the information you are teaching. Finally, you’ll need experience writing curricula, and in this case concert programs with appropriate repertoire. Music teachers not only have to create classroom plans, but they also have to plan exactly what music their ensembles and students are expected to play. 

Where they work:

Oftentimes, any type of music teacher is hired by a school district to teach band, orchestra, or private lessons. Sometimes if hired by a school district you are expected to travel between several schools within the district per week to teach students. You can also be hired by private schools, however, this process can be lengthy and sometimes requires degrees from very specific universities. Many areas are looking for music teachers, especially during the pandemic. Be sure to choose the right area for you by taking into consideration the cost of living + your salary of that particular area to make sure that is where you want to be.

Working conditions:

As a music teacher, you can expect to be working at least 40 hours a week. This is often the minimum for music teachers since they also have to do after-school music programs, concerts, musical rehearsals, etc. The best thing about being a teacher though is that you have a good portion of the summer off of work! Unless you seek out summer music camps to help out with. 

People:

Often times you are working with children in a classroom setting. Your colleagues will most likely range in age, and sometimes you may have to collaborate with a music teacher of another ensemble or even have a teacher’s assistant. 

Education and Training:

The minimum degree for this profession is often a bachelor’s degree in a music-related field. After earning this degree, you are then expected to complete practicum before applying to work within a school district. State licensure is required for teaching in any state within the U.S. Requirements for these do differ by state so it is important to do your research before applying for different school districts. Here at Lawrence, if you are a Music Education major you will be guided to get your certification over the course of the 5-year degree program (4 years of school, 1 year of student teaching).

How to gain experience while in undergrad:

The best way for aspiring music teachers to gain experience while in undergrad is by applying for and attending internships. There are many summer programs that offer teacher internships such as The People’s Music School, Merit School of Music, Wisconsin Conservatory, and much more! You don’t need your teachers certification to apply for these internships, and they are a great way to gain experience in the field.

Pay and Benefits: 

Your pay depends on the school district your working in and its geographical location. Often times your pay is based on price of living for geographic area. On the lower end of the price of living, but you can get by. Substitutes are going to be under a full teaching salary, making around $12-$15. Public school teachers generally have benefits (dental, vision, health) however, private school teachers often times do not.

Job Outlook:

Right now, music teachers are needed EVERYWHERE. There is a shortage of teachers in general, however, music teachers are especially needed. Sadly, music is one of the first classes to get cut out of curricula in elementary and grade schools. Job market is thankfully expected to grow by 12% in the next few years, and many school districts will hire you right out of your student teaching experience. 

Global Considerations:

Teaching jobs that are abroad (outside of the U.S) often offer 2 year contracts. Teachers coming into the U.S are asked to apply for a VISA upon hire; which means you can go through the application process without needing a VISA, however, if you are hired by the school you are required to apply for one. As far as I know, all types of US teaching certificates can be obtained by international students and they can secure a teaching job in the U.S upon graduation. There could be extra steps depending on where certification is obtained (NYC you need fingerprint scans), so it is important to do you research on the district you are applying for.