Randy’s Career Tips

There are some interesting facts about becoming a teacher’s aide that you should know. Let’s discover some interesting things about the teacher’s assistant so we can gain a better understanding of their roles in facilitating education in school.

Fact#1: Part-Timers

Almost half of all teachers aide in the US work on a part time basis. Most do it out of interest for these kids and to supplement their income by becoming a teacher’s aide. Others simply love the opportunity to interact and become a part of a child’s life. Some enjoy the respect and recognition given by society by becoming teacher’s aide.

Fact#2: Minimal Education

It is worth noting that you don’t need a four year college degree to begin work as a teachers aide. If you have completed high school and have a diploma, that might be sufficient enough to register as one in most states,. Some states do require a teaching assistant to have at least a two year diploma from an accredited college. Therefore if you desire to become one, always check with your local Department of Education and see what the exact requirements are.

Fact#3: Environment

It is common for teachers aids to work in different settings according to the requirements of the students in question, for those working in preschools, and child care centers, a love for toddlers and kids is fundamental to become successful and happy,. For those who are religiously inclined, working at a religious center might be a good idea. There is also the opportunity to work outdoors when required such as in summer camps.

Fact#4: Second Jobs

Most of the teachers aide in the US hold regular 9-5 jobs apart from becoming a part-time aide. The position offers attractive pay but sometimes it is not enough to support a growing family and so a 9-5 job would be the best bet for security and financial safety. Read the rest of this entry »

New college graduates, retirees and those looking to make a career transition often find short-term adventure jobs as a way to explore the world, meet people, develop interests and find meaningful opportunities to share their skills. You can find a job strumming a guitar under the stars as a camp counselor, harvesting pineapples in paradise or helping others through humanitarian projects in every corner of the globe. However, applying for one of these non-traditional jobs still requires a resume that focuses on why your experience and skills make you suited for the job.

If you are still in school and don’t have much work background, use every piece of relevant experience in your past. Being a leader of a study group at school shows that you are able to teach others skills and perhaps you would be good as a tutor. Working with children at church could translate into a job as a camp counselor. Volunteer work within the community shows that you have a heart for helping others -and there are many opportunities for that! So, don’t discount your past experiences, even if they haven’t been on the usual career track.

Create a functional resume that lists your skills by category rather than by chronological history. This takes the focus off the amount of time you’ve been working and onto what you can do. Categories can be anything that you think is relevant to the potential employer; “Communication Skills” could list how you’ve submitted material to the school newspaper or given speeches at political campaigns. “Outdoor Achievements” is an important category if you are seeking an adventure position in the wilderness. List your history with outdoor activities such as camps attended (such as Boy Scouts), outdoor skills acquired, and other accomplishments that show you are at home in your chosen outdoor discipline.

At the top of your resume, Read the rest of this entry »