I feel like I’m holding lives in my hand as I pick up the 8-inch thick folder of resumes. My job is to select those candidates I feel would be a “match” for Brownstone. It’s so difficult to read a resume and picture that person teaching in my school. I try to read between the lines and determine if this experienced teacher wants to move on because she is looking for a new challenge, or is she being asked to move on? Does this brand new teacher just out of college have the skills needed to work with my students? What type of support will he need throughout his first year here?

During the initial pass through I eliminate any resume that has a spelling error, or incorrect word usage or grammar.  Notice to future applicants – have someone proofread your cover letters and resumes before you send them out! The second time through I look at experiences – student teaching, internships, summer work, other jobs. The third time through I read recommendations. I eliminate those resumes with “older” recommendations (older than one year). Finally, I go through the remaining resumes and select a balance of candidates: new teachers, experienced teachers, men, and women.

My interview committee is selected. The questions are prepared. The candidates are scheduled. It’s time to decide someone’s future…….