April 2025 AΔKCC Network

April 2025 Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Clubs Network

Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Clubs & Alumni Welcome to our monthly newsletter! We are here to provide you with some helpful tips, connections, and networking opportunities.

Getting the Job You Want in a Tight Labor Market!

Jill Judah Arizona Alpha Alpha As you get ready to graduate and pursue your new career in education, some of you may already have jobs. Congratulations! For those of you that are still interviewing or have yet to start your job search process, this article is for you!

With an overall job market slowing and many school districts facing tightening budgets, here are some tips to help you shine during the process. As my first career was 20+ years as a Human Resources officer for a Fortune 500 company, here are some general tips whether you are searching for a job as a teacher, specialist or paraprofessional.

Preparation * Know your "why" - Why are you interested in this job? This career?

Before my first education job search, I wrote a brief mission statement for myself on my why. I still look at it often - even after I got the job I wanted.

Getting the Job You Want in a Tight Labor Market! Continued

* Research the school and district before the interview. You can usually do this easily online. That way you'll know what the school values. You can also check out the current issues in the district from recent news sources or board meeting reports. This can helpful you know what to highlight from your background and possible questions to ask. * Have someone else review your resume. You know what it's supposed to say. They can confirm if it does what you want! *Be early. Plan more time than you need to get to your interview location. Go into the building about 10 minutes prior to your interview.

Early is on time and your interview will appreciate you respected their time.

During the Interview * Sell yourself. While many of us find it difficult and somewhat braggadocios to talk about our accomplishments, it's important that you tell and show the interviewer why they should hire you. * Be humble and kind. That said, be humble about how you succeed.

Emphasize when you've worked as part of a team. Be kind to everyone you interact with including the receptionist or people you meet in the hallway. You don't know who may have input in the hiring decision and it's the right thing to do. * Say, "Thank you". If accurate, reemphasize your interest in the position and confirm timing for next steps.

After the interview * Say, "Thank you" again. Sending a thank you note, whether hand written or by email, never goes out of style. It's also an opportunity to reinforce your interest in the position and say one more thing about why you're the right person for the job.

Even in tight labor markets, schools and districts are still hiring. Be flexible as you search. Be prompt, confident and kind during the interview and after. Remember, you are interviewing them as well as they are interviewing you. Best wishes on finding a good match to get you started in this worthwhile field. You are special and will meet many wonderful people along your path.

Now I’m Making Money…Rolling in the Dough! Or so I thought…

ingg d d Re Reddind, y c n E Sta y Coalscoialist, Mn

c o Sta ic Spe strati ron i s ic n Mu dmi Om a A t Be as Tex

I was busy in my first classroom! I needed to be working in my financial classroom planning my money’s future. No one taught me this…no college course for this either. There is a lot of unknown between early twenties and your sixties and I know NOW you start with your first year making your own money.

Your first salary may be hard to live month to month on…as Dave Ramsey says “Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else”.

Your monthly living expenses should be half of your take home pay. This includes rent, utilities, car, gas, groceries, etc.. Roommate? What options do you have in your situation to make your money work for you? Start an emergency fund and save $1000 (Dave Ramsey). Have this become a life-time habit. Develop and live your budget. A 50-30-20 rule is common. 50% needs -30% wants -20% saving/debt repayment.

When examining your tax W-2 (United States federal wage and tax statement, W-4 (Employee Withholding Certificate), etc., make sure you have the correct withholding (i.e. claiming 0 or 1). Have an extra small amount taken out. You will be happier getting a refund than owning!

Know your district amounts and your state retirement system. Pay percentage? Monthly/bi-monthly pay dates? Investigate options to save beyond this…a lot of teachers make the mistake that this alone will be enough to retire. Perhaps open a 403b or what works for you.

Great way to put away with various options upon retirement. Perhaps find a company/someone you trust and open an IRA and contribute a small amount. There are benefits that may be right for you.

These are just a few items to take notice of when finally earning that long-awaited paycheck! Use the following: “Pay yourself first” (save and allocate/spend wisely). “Live like no one else today so you can live like no one else tomorrow” (Make your money work for you not you for your money). Ask for help and build a financial family you trust and lean on.

University of Kentucky At the April meeting we celebrated one year of being a collegiate club, as well as our senior officer Macy Conley graduating! We are so grateful for the support of our fellow sisters this past year! We can’t wait to see everyone in the fall :)

We are so PROUD of YOU! It is now time to update your profile on the Alpha Delta Kappa Website!

We want to keep you supported as you begin your educational career! Make sure to log in and update all of your personal contact information and explore membership into Alpha Delta Kappa!

Remember, we have free resources and continued scholarships & grants to support your career! Contact Heaquarters if you need your credentials!

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