Things I Wish I Knew...(Act I,Scene I)

Act I, Scene I - During the document authentication and the in-person interview preparation process

1. Passport Photos - a) Going to a drugstore is fine (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aide, etc.), b) I recommend wearing a turtle neck or a high, crew neck shirt so as to not show your shoulders. PLUS, tuck your hair behind your ears ladies - hair cannot interfere with your face, c) make sure you have all FOUR photos before you leave the store...my helper only gave me TWO so good thing I checked, and d) be prepared to PAY UP...my 4 photos costed me $26 with tax in Chicago. 

2. Introductory Statement - Just follow the sample page that your placement coordinator sent you 

3. Have a good SCANNER - If possible have a good printing/scanning/faxing combo machine! Believe me, you'll use it a lot! 

4. Criminal Record Check - From what I know, you have 2 options. Option 1: The easier & faster but pricier way ($50). Use the fieldprint company that TA recommends. When you register, make sure you check off it's for PERSONAL USE or TRAVEL. Show up to your appointment on time (most are at a UPS store). You get your results and can print them off online. I got mine in less than 1 day. Option 2: The harder & slower but cheaper way (~$30). Get a set of black ink fingerprints (~$9) done and let your helper know it's for the FBI criminal background check. There's this form you have to fill out to be sent off with your fingerprints (and fees in the form of a money order, like ~ $18?) to the FBI. I think you need to send off a self-addressed, postage-paid envelop with your stuff, too! Then you wait for the results to be snail-mailed to you. Who knows how long that takes. 

5. Reference letter - I hope you've been nice to your employer and/or former employer(s).  Make sure it's on the school's letterhead. 

6. Record of Employment - Go to your HR or school district personnel. 

7. Authentication of highest degree & teaching license - a) see if your bank has a notary and if it can be done for FREE, b) make sure it's notarized in the following manner (at least this was true in Chicago)... 

This is a copy of an original document. 
(Your signature) << Sign IN FRONT of the notary public! Do not pre-sign! 

State of ________________________ 
County of ________________________ 
Signed and attested before me on __________ (date) by_____________ (name/s of person/s making statement).

_______________________ (Your signature) << Must be signed IN FRONT of the notary public! Do not pre-sign! 

_______________________ (Signature of Notary Public) 

(Seal) 

Then go to the appropriate sector (Index Department) of your state's Secretary of State to get its blessings (j/k confirmation of the notary public's notarization).  Chicago peeps, you go to... 

Index Department 
17 North State Street 
Room 1030 
Chicago, IL 60602 
312.814.2067 

Secretary of State (Index Dept.) fees: $2.00 per document so $4 total. 
Make COPIES of these notarized and confirmed documents!!! 

FINALLY, if you plan on using ProEx, complete its form and send it off with (a) your notarized & confirmed documents, (b) your copies of your notarized & confirmed documents - ProEx says the UAE embassy wants copies for its filing purposes, and (c) fees in the form of a money order - it costed me $226 - $125 for ProEx's fees, $60 for UAE embassy's fees, $16 for US Dept. of State's fees, and $25 for FedEx return shipping fee.  I recommend sending this stuff to ProEx certified, signature certified, or some kind of tracking capability.   


I hope you haven't been holding your breath. 

Phone Interview Tips

Recruiting company that I went with is Teach Away. www.teachaway.com They've been extremely efficient, responsive, and informative. I really appreciate their overall professionalism and punctuality. Now onto the main topic at hand - helpful tips to phone interview...  

#1: Be prepared. I highly recommend checking out Teach Away's website and looking through the links under its "Resources" tab. Truly, the label says it all - helpful resources, especially the "Interview Tips & Techniques" page. 

#2: Be prepared. Reflect on your teaching methodologies, strategies, & techniques, classroom management, differentiation, curriculum planning, and data-driven instruction; these are just the technical or logistical stuff. I would also reflect on WHY I want to teach abroad (and be honest with yourself) and your strengths, weaknesses, personality, attitude, goals, etc. 

#3: Be prepared. Wouldn't hurt to create yourself a notes page in anticipation of the questions and your own thoughtful answers. 

#4: Be genuine: It's okay to have imperfections and flaws. We're not perfect and there's always room for growth, both personally and professionally. As long as you have a positive attitude and are willing to learn, be flexible, and grow, you'll be fine!   

#5: Just breathe: Relax and let your experience and personality shine! 

I hope you find these tips helpful!