Certifying Teachers in:

Elementary Education (PreK-4)

Middle Level Education (Grades 4-8)

English Mathematics Science

Social Studies

Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)

Biology

Chemistry

Communication

English

General Science

Mathematics

Physics

Social Studies

Pre-K-12 Education

Spanish

French Music

Special Education

We also offer post baccalaureate programs in all certification areas.

Students and alumni who are still on the prowl for a job should stop by their University Career Center for what might be the start of a new career!

For more information contact: Sandra Frederick, Director of Education Career services fredericksl@gcc.edu or Mandie McCreadie, Education Program Director mcceadieam@gcc.edu

Be Your Authentic Self

Merete Geohagen Senior Teacher Recruitment Manager, New York City Department of Education

I'm often asked by teacher candidates, “How can I stand out from the rest of the crowd?” Honestly, the answer is not going to be shocking, but it is very true.

Be yourself. Be your inimitable self. There truly is no one else like you.

Your uniqueness is what you are selling to principals and hiring managers. You have to be able to explain why you would be an incredible fit for their school. Your interests, your passion, the things that drive you is what will get you through the tough (and sometimes arduous) days of teaching. So, trying to “fake the funk” will not only be disingenuous, it will harm you in the long run.

Now, you’re probably thinking that sounds great, but how do I actually sell my authenticity and uniqueness? Well, lucky for you I have three impactful tips to help sell your unique self. See below:

TIP 1: Know Your Why Like You Know Your Angles

It is extremely important for you to be clear about why you are teaching. Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions in the world, but if you aren’t clear on why you want to be a teacher, hiring managers will not be clear on why they need you. Knowing your why helps you connect with students. It helps students connect with you. It’s the reason you are even interviewing! Make sure you are clear on what brought you into teaching and be authentic. Maybe it’s because you started tutoring and the “ah ha” student moments you saw were the exact moments you knew you wanted to be a teacher. Maybe you have come from a long line of teachers, and you knew at a young age that this was your destiny. Whatever it is, communicate that clearly to the hiring manager. If you aren’t clear on your why, take some time to reflect before you interview.

TIP 2: Define Who You Are

This is the time to share your interests, hobbies, and passions. Do you love knitting? Are you a former athlete? Are you passionate about social justice? Make sure the hiring manager knows these things about you. You can share this either on your resume under an “Activities & Interests” section or weave them into answers during your interview. Whichever way you choose, make sure you share it. Because chances are, if you like them, students will too.

TIP 3: Be Honest and Genuine

As long as you are honest and truly genuine about who you are, you will find what’s right for you. If a school is close to your home, but it has a music and arts focus, and you love science and math—chances are that’s not the right fit for you. Ultimately, what is for you is for you and being honest and sincere will help you get the accurate fit.

In the end, as long as you are honest with the hiring manager and yourself you will find the right fit for you. Focus not only on being prepared for a teaching opportunity through your content area, your engaging mock lesson, but to also tell the hiring manager who you are, and why they need you in their school.