Entry 2 - Publisher (Brochures and ePortfolios) and Applying for Jobs

Publisher

Microsoft Publisher can be a useful program to use within the primary classroom. Students can use this program to produce a range of items including; brochures, class newsletter, invitations and posters. An example of a brochure produced using Publisher can be seen below. These tasks could be completed as a stand-alone task or as part of an inquiry unit or webquest. Cutting and pasting, design elements and summarising would all be areas of focus during this activity.

• 
  
  
  
  

  
  

• Student ePortfolios can also be created using Publisher or Powerpoint.
• It is important to remember that if work is displayed in portfolios of any description, it is essential that notes are made about the piece of work.
  
• As well as children's work samples or photos of work samples, videos of children telling their stories or the news can be part of the ePortfolio.
  
• As the students get older, you can encourage them to take more responsibility by showing them how to photograph/scan their work themselves and place it into their ePortfolio. As well as increasing student responsibility it can also significantly reduce the teacher's workload.

Applying for Jobs

• Publisher can also be used to create an ePortfolio that can be used when applying for jobs. Keeping a digital record of the work that you have completed with students can be a valuable asset. Scan and photograph work samples to create your own ePortfolio. Powerpoint can also be used to create an ePortfolio.
  
• As well as work samples, ePortfolios may include your philosophy of education, resume, referees and reflections of practical experience.
  
• A hard copy can be provided to the interview panel or a digital copy can be provided on a CD.

• There are a number of important things to be aware of when applying for a job. These include:
  

1. Spend time writing a good application. You may be one of up to 200 people applying for a particular job and interviews are generally only given to approximately 5 to 6 people.
   
2. Do some research. Find out as much as you can about the school you are applying for. This may include visiting the school, looking up their website, reading the school's newsletter, strategic plan, behaviour management policy and so on.
   
3. Personalise your applications. Make them specific to the school you are applying for.
   
4. Make your application stand out (for good reasons, not bad!). Use an easy to read font (eg Times New Roman) and don't make it too small. Make sure you proof read your application and correct any spelling mistakes.
   
5. If you get an interview, make sure you are prepared. Be familiar with your written application and be able to expand on examples provided. Also have extra examples ready to discuss.
6. Lastly, be honest and be yourself. Show your passion for working with children and making a different in their lives.