Ep 13: Top tips for job applications, and how to use YOUR VOICE
Feb 9, 2024
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This podcast episode covers top tips for job applications, handling interviews, and demonstration lessons. They also discuss vocal coaching for general wellbeing and teaching. Additionally, they address the problem of what to do when a student refuses to leave the classroom.
Personalize your written statement when applying for a job to demonstrate genuine interest in the school.
Protect and use your voice effectively by avoiding strain and learning proper breathing techniques.
Recognize the six-way threat factors that can pose challenges in behavior management and employ assertive techniques to establish authority.
Deep dives
Personalizing your written statement
When applying for a job, it is crucial to personalize your written statement. Take the time to do research on the school and include specific information in your statement that shows you have a genuine interest in that particular school. Avoid using generic statements that could apply to any school. Personalizing your written statement demonstrates your dedication and enthusiasm for the position.
Protecting your voice as a teacher
Many teachers overlook the importance of protecting their voice, which is essential in maintaining a successful teaching career. Teachers should avoid habits that strain the vocal cords, such as whispering, clearing the throat, or using throat sprays and lozenges that dry out the vocal cords. Learning proper breathing techniques, such as diaphragm voice, can provide more power and authority in the classroom. Utilize vocal exercises and techniques from drama coaches or vocal coaches to improve projection, clarity, and assertiveness without straining the voice. Protecting and using your voice effectively contributes to better classroom management and communication.
Addressing the six-way threat in behavior management
Teachers need to be aware of the six-way threat factors that can make behavior management more challenging. These factors include having a thick accent, being young, inexperienced, new to a school, small in stature, and female. While it is important to acknowledge that these characteristics should not hinder a teacher's effectiveness, they can present additional challenges. Teachers can mitigate these challenges by using physical presence, assertive body language, and diaphragm voice techniques to establish their authority in the classroom. By addressing the six-way threat and understanding how to project confidence and command attention, teachers can improve behavior management outcomes.
Dealing with Disruptive Students
When faced with a student who refuses to leave the classroom after being asked, teachers should employ least invasive interventions. This could involve trying different approaches to get the student to move, such as having a calm conversation, offering incentives like a parent phone call, or engaging in a topic of interest to the student. Patience is key, as finding a solution may take time. The goal is to create a scenario where it becomes easier for the student to leave without feeling like they are losing face.
De-escalation Techniques
In situations where a disruptive student is causing tension in the classroom, employing de-escalation techniques can be effective. This could involve using distractions like magic tricks or random questions to break the negative cycle. Knowing the student and their interests can help in finding the right approach. The objective is to bring the tension level down and create an environment where the disruptive student feels more comfortable exiting the room.
In this episode, Adam and Amy give their top tips for writing covering statements, getting more experience in advance of applications and how to handle interviews and demonstration lessons. They also look at vocal coaching and the power of good vocal habits for general wellbeing and T&L. Finally, they deal with a thorny problem: you ask a student to leave and they refuse. What do you do next?
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