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Please help my cover letter, get pictures of bunnies.
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Samwise



Joined: 21 Dec 2008
Posts: 13

PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's really cool, all I knew about Dewey was that his decimal system was vastly inferior to the Library of Congress's system.

Another question for you pros- Should I tell the school I intend to call them at a certain date? If so, how long should I wait?

I've got a phone card, so that won't be much of a problem, but I am concerned about that whole "I don't speak their language" thing might work out.
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Teacher in Rome



Joined: 09 Jul 2003
Posts: 1286

PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd take out about half of what you wrote. I'd hope that the person reading your CV will be able to see where you went to college and what your degree was in. Make your letter stand out more by saying what makes you tick as a teacher.

A quick example - needs to be polished
"I was excited to see your advertisement for EFL teacher and to see that you're actively engaged in (blah blah using the internet / applying cultural aspect to teaching). I currently use this in my teaching and have found it extremely successful."

You don't need to labour the point about multiple intelligences. Just a line or so about how you use them, or why you're so passionate about them. Most schools are going to want to work your a** off anyway, so labouring away to develop multiple intelligence materials for all your diff student needs is going to drive you insane - and they probably know that and certainly don't expect it.

I'd also add something about how you can add value to their school. Focus your letter a bit more on what you can offer them, rather than on what your teaching philosophy is.
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naturegirl321



Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 12:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I-d dumb it down actually, some of the people who will read your CV might not be that confident about their English level. And don-t call them, have them call you.

As for the Multiple Intelligence stuff, it-s good in practice, but like the above poster said, you might just have to suck it up and use their method.
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Jetgirly



Joined: 17 Jul 2004
Posts: 741

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
My entire philosophy of teaching is based on my observation that students learn best in an active environment. That is, when the material moves from the theoretical to the practical, be it practicing CPR, or exchanging letters with an international pen-pal. I have based this philosophy on Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, and try to integrate a number of different approaches to the material in my lesson plans. I believe that each student can master the material if their individual skills are redressed, and while this approach may require more effort, the rewards of seeing a student fully grasp the curriculum far outweigh the work involved.


I wouldn't say that my "entire" philosophy of teaching is based on being in an active environment. That doesn't really jive with Gardner's multiple intelligences anyways, as it seems to put heavy emphasis on bodily-kinesthetic learning, and it doesn't seem to fully acknowledge people like intrapersonal learners. I read that and think, "What about the kid who learns best by reading a book alone in a corner?" I also think equating "active" with "practical" is illogical. I can think of tons of ways to keep students active that aren't practical! It sounds to me like you are "differentiating" your instruction a la Carol Tomlinson or practicing Universal Design for Learning (Rose & Meyer, for example). Those are terms I might throw out at an international school or something, but if you're applying to a language school I would keep it a lot more simple. I am also a bit uncomfortable with the use of the word "redressed", where I think "acknowledged" or "celebrated" would be more positive and appropriate.
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Justin Trullinger



Joined: 28 Jan 2005
Posts: 3110
Location: Seoul, South Korea and Myanmar for a bit

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 3:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
That's really cool, all I knew about Dewey was that his decimal system was vastly inferior to the Library of Congress's system.


Oops- not exactly.

John Dewey ( http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dewey )the educational philosopher who the other poster refers to, isn't the same as Melvil Dewey ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melvil_Dewey ), the pioneering librarian who developed the library cataloging number system. They just happened to have the same last name.


Best,
Justin
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Justin Trullinger



Joined: 28 Jan 2005
Posts: 3110
Location: Seoul, South Korea and Myanmar for a bit

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Accidental double post. Removed

Last edited by Justin Trullinger on Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:46 pm; edited 1 time in total
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dirimini



Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 74

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 4:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I believe that each student can master the material if their individual skills are redressed...


I think you mean "addressed," not "redressed" - correct?
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ssjup81



Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 664
Location: Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 6:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

spiral78 wrote:
If you're applying outside the US, I'd leave out the bit about being a passport holder. It's too basic a piece of info - of COURSE you have a passport!
Not necessarily. Not everyone has one, especially if one has never had the opportunity to travel abroad before, and seems that most Americans due lack travel abroad and doesn't seem to be as emphasized in like say a place like Europe.

I jut recently got myself a passport about a month or two ago. I wasn't actually planning on shelling out the money to get one unless I was accepted into JET since I knew I couldn't afford to just casually travel outside the US...I can barely afford to leave the state. lol

Can one think of any situation where mentioning your having a passport might be significant to the application process?
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sroetem



Joined: 06 Jun 2008
Posts: 33

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:36 pm    Post subject: not a big deal? Reply with quote

I think the letter was a great start and agree with much of
the input from others.

I never really understood why this was called a 'CV' and not a 'CL'.

Also, unless you're phishing for a job actively on this forum....
I would

- not include your email contact
- not include your given name (maybe you didn't)

I know everyone doesn't feel this way. Better to be
discreet in a case where someone wants to go all internet gangster on you.
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