Last Saturday (26 March), we had the pleasure of having our alumni speakers - Ern Chi, Afika and Samantha - to share with us about their experiences in the working world after graduation. Do read below for the key takeaways!
Key Takeaways
Job Search Process
Look for a school that suits your philosophy, beliefs and lifestyle.
Try working part-time at other centres to gauge if it suits you.
Network with other teachers to understand their centre's philosophy or style.
Interview Tips
Interview may be more casual or structured depending on center.
Some may require you to demonstrate a lesson.
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers to show your interest.
Questions include understanding your teaching philosophy or a problem-solving scenario.
Challenges in Working
Clash between our learning experiences in SUSS and the practices or curriculum in our centres.
Learning to navigate relationships with older and more experienced colleagues.
Understanding how differing backgrounds of colleagues impacts their teaching practices.
Tips and Advice
Keep an open mind, reflect and be more self-aware of own teaching practices by reading books such as Preschool in the Wilderness.
Know your employment rights through research.
Define proper work expectations and boundaries to have a work-life balance.
Find a job where you can grow; where there are opportunities for you to be exposed to other aspects of teaching that would nurture personal and professional development.
For those who have attended, we hope that you have enjoyed the session! If you have any worries or concerns about the working world not addressed in our key takeaways, be sure to leave a comment to let us know! Meanwhile, for those who are working, are there any more tips and advice you would want your juniors to know? Do leave them in the comments below too!
Cheers
The ECEIG Team.