The Open Mic is stage for our staff, participants, and special guests to share their thoughts on how to become a teacher, challenges and successes in education, and the lessons they've learned along the way. We will feature short videos where we interview teachers, principals, and superintendents, as well as veterans who have participated in Troops to Teachers. If you want to see an interview that isn't here, please let us know by writing to TTTvirginia@wm.edu.
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Veterans team up to talk over their new teach career during challenging COVID19 times.
Andrew Cason – Air Force, now teaching HS English
Herbert Eggbert – Coast Guard, now teaching HS Social Studies
James Kimbrough – Army, now teaching HS History
Three TTT participants who work in Virginia high schools report that online teaching during the COVID19 school closures has been challenging, but all agree that their military experience as afforded them flexibility and a strong commitment to their work. They also agree that one of the hardest parts of online teaching is the lack of personal connection. In fact, the impact of not seeing students each day made them realize that the primary reason they became teachers was because they wanted to make a real difference in student’s lives and seeing students daily was key to building relationships.
Join the Troops to Teachers Virginia Center as we interview Human Resource Director Cynthia Pitts to find out what Virginia school divisions look for in their prospective teachers. Below, you can see minute marks to jump quickly to the section you want:
Intro - 00:00 , Resumes - 00:54 , Passion for Education - 03:20 , So You've Submitted an Application - 04:12 , Interview Do's & Don't's - 07:18 , Nervous? No Problem - 10:07 , The K-12 Hiring Calendar Explained - 13:17 , Provisional License Tips - 17:21 , Advocating for Yourself! - 20:14 ,Thank You! - 23:48 .
This episode features Tonya Nations, Director of Public Service Careers and Assessment for the College of William & Mary. Below, you can see minute marks to jump quickly to the section you want:
Intro - 00:00 , Transitioning to Education - 03:00 , Employee Competencies - 04:05 , College Career Centers - 05:15 , Occupational Outlook Handbook - 06:12 , Resumes: Art & Science - 07:21 , Resumes: Can Work Experience Be Too Old? - 10:51 , Resumes: Rules of Thumb - 12:51 , The Job Interview - 17:19 , If You Don't Hear Back - 21:13 , Applying to Grad School - 28:36 , The Thank You Note - 31:00 , Unspoken Rules - 33:18 , Thank You! - 39:20
Troops to Teachers Virginia Center's Veteran Liaison, Charlie Foster, shares his experience, tips and strategies for taking the Praxis and VCLA tests required for teachers in Virginia. Please use the minute marks below to jump to the section of interest:
Intro - 00:00 , Sources - 00:30 , Scheduling the Test - 00:47 , Studying for the Praxis - 02:30 , Studying for the VCLA - 05:58 , The Day of the Test - 06:36 , Answer Every Questions! - 08:43 , After the Test - 09:06 , You Can Do It! - 09:37 .
Troops to Teachers Virginia Center staff members talk at the Virtual Coffee House. Charlie Foster, Veteran Liaison, interviews Director Gail Hardinge about the TTT Virginia Center, the vision for the Virtual Coffee House, and what participants can expect from the program going forward.
Troops to Teachers participant and teacher COL (Ret.) Tony Sarver joins us to talk about how he transitioned from a career in the Army to teaching social studies. He answers our questions about lesson plans, teaching practices, studying for the Praxis teacher test, and even gives recommendations about substitute teaching and finding a job.