June 28-July 1, 2024
Marriott Marquis – Washington D.C
It is my pleasure to be invited to present two sessions at the Educators Rising Conference on June 29, 2024 in the Liberty L/M Room of the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C.
This is a very unique venue, something in which I encourage other educators and clinicians to consider participating. The event brings together prospective future educators, middle to high school and college education majors, with veteran practitioners and experienced educators in the profession. This is from their website:
Each year, Educators Rising hosts a national conference to convene our network of rising educators and teacher leaders. It’s a unique opportunity for students and their teacher leaders to:
- Connect and learn from each other through more than 40 breakout sessions;
- Network with other members from across the country;
- Compete for national titles in competitive events designed to allow students to develop and showcase their teaching skills; and
- Be inspired by keynote presentations from national education leaders
Want to learn more about what you can look forward to for 2024? Check out the 2023 National Conference Program Book, 2023’s Conference Daily, and our conference highlight video to see what current and future educators experienced last year.
An outline of the conference schedule may be viewed here. Additional information may be found at the conference website here. You can still register for the event.
My two offerings will not come as a surprise to anyone who has been following my work at this site:
GETTING A JOB
My first workshop, “Interviewing & Branding 101” (Saturday, June 29 at 9 a.m.) will provide an overview of important definitions (e.g., “professional,” “total educator,” etc.) and dive into interactive exercises to exploring the basic building blocks of personal self-assessment, building “a brand” and “marketing plan” for the job search, practicing networking and storytelling skills, and analyzing and “playacting” better interviewing techniques. Although I will need to shorten the presentation to fit in the 45-minute time block allotted and provide more focus on the interactive partner and small group exercises, this was the initial outline that was accepted by the Rising Educators Conference Session Selection Committee:
My favorite candy, Hershey Symphony bars, will be distribute as incentives for the more “brave” attendees who volunteer themselves to serve as good (as well as bad) models of the mock interviews.
In conclusion, this is “the session” I wish someone would have provided me before I went out into the labor market! We will have some fun connecting with each other, learning something new about our core values, goals, and strengths – especially those areas we want to broadcast to future employers – building a marketing plan of the essentials to promote ourselves in future employment screenings, and breaking-out into “duos” and small groups to “practice-practice-practice!” The branding and interviewing exercises and suggestions may be applied to finding any job, but will definitely be a big help for landing “the one” teaching position you always wanted.
For the participants who attend my session (facsimile of slides available after June 28), here are links to the printed handouts and other supplemental materials:
- Personal Brainstorming & Circle Map, Interview Questions, Bad Habits
- Presentation slides (6/29/24)
- The Ultimate Interview Primer for Preservice Teachers
EDUCATOR ETHICS
My second workshop (offered one hour later), “Embarking the E3 Train – Ethos, Ethics, & Engagement,” brings to fruition my passion for the preparation of future educators to embrace the essential ethical standards of our profession. Again, back in 1977, no college methods course nor student teaching prep covered the meaning behind such terms as “fiduciary,” “ethical equilibrium,” “moral professionalism,” etc. To be fair to my college professors, Pennsylvania had not yet written its Code of Professional Practice and Conduct which now “governs” the educators in our Commonwealth, nor had the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification facilitated the creation of the amazing document called The Model Code of Ethics for Educators. It was not until 2017 (four years after I retired) when I was asked to research and present my first educator ethics session for PMEA District 7 did I “discover” the need for interactive, open, peer discussion of these core questions:
- How do ethics inform a teacher’s personal and professional actions?
- Why is the study of educator ethics essential for all educators entering the profession?
- What does it mean to be a “fiduciary” and “moral exemplar” in the community?
- What is the difference between a “Code of Conduct” and a “Code of Ethics?” Is one more important than the other?
- How do you avoid any action and/or appearance of impropriety, and prevent the “slippery slope” of inappropriate student-teacher relationships, and other ethical problems?
During this presentation on Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m., we will discuss the thousands of daily rapid-fire decisions (many snap judgments) of teachers and evaluate the potential effects of any who “stray” – “levels of misconduct + consequences.” Furthermore, we will unpack and review a portion of the five principles, 18 sections, and 86 standards in the Model Code of Ethics for Educators. Fostering open and interactive discussion, we will empanel a mock “ethics jury” (volunteers from the attendees) to assess fictitious “fact scenarios” of potential ethical issues, hazardous choices or vulnerabilities, and even tackle a few “conundrums” or problems in educator decision-making. Our jurors will receive our thanks and an Educators Rising Mock Jury t-shirt for their “willingness to serve as guinea-pigs.”
Admittedly, some of our past material on ethics was “for mature audiences only” resulting in the need for adjustments to be made to some of the hypothetical case studies (serious infractions) for group analysis. However, the majority of my work on educator ethics is available for review on this site (in reverse chronological order) by clicking here.
Here are additional case studies for group discussions of ethical dilemmas.
For the participants who attend my Washington D.C. session on June 29, 2024, a facsimile of “Embarking the E3 Train” slides are available. (CLICK HERE.)
PKF
© 2024 Paul K. Fox
Discounted NAfME + PMEA first-year membership: only $90. (If you are a recent college graduate in your first year of teaching, or if you are the spouse of a current or retired NAfME member, contact NAfME at 800-336-3768 or email 
Bring to any employment screening your resume, business card, and an e-portfolio referencing a professional website which archives everything in #1 and #2 above.
Clean-up and curate your social media sites, treating your Facebook pages as another “personal branding resource.” Experts recommend that “your profile information should reflect integrity and responsibility… You should expand or add content that projects a professional image, shows a friendly, positive personality, demonstrates that you are well-rounded with wide range of interests, and models… great communication skills.” 
To “wrap-up” our final segment, we will review the development of a professional “marketing plan.” This is blog #3 out of 3. (Be sure to also check out 
Shama Hyder posted “7 Things You Can Do to Build an Awesome Personal Brand” at 
The branding process involves first developing your philosophy of music education, archiving your awards and accomplishments, documenting your grades and 
experiences, and collecting stories/personal anecdotes of your strengths. The next steps include the creation of a written and electronic portfolio, business card, resume, and website. Finally, you must compile/assemble everything together and practice (and self-assess) your “story-telling skills” to answer those important questions at well-rehearsed “mock interviews.”
As I laid out in a previous blog “Networking Niceties: The ‘How-To Schmooze’ Guide for Prospective Music Teachers” at 
PMEA Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, or another state’s NAfME-affiliated MEA
Self-reflection of the professional’s teaching practices and modification of these as needed to match changes in the environment and circumstances
musical or athletic events, coaching or working with children in a coaching capacity, as a leader and role model.”
If you can afford it, purchasing a simple domain name like your first and last name (something easy to remember) would be a great idea. Prospective employers will not have to write down a bunch of numbers, know your birthday, learn your nickname, etc. to find your e-portfolio. If you have an unique middle name or surname, you might luck out and be able to snag (and register) the perfect domain name. This was not possible for me! Do you know how many Paul Fox’s (even Paul K. Fox) are “out there” already taken?
To create your web site’s identity, WordPress will remove the dots and add their company’s moniker “.wordpress.com” at the end of your email name. That is how 
Showing your versatility, try to assemble a collection of still photos, audio examples, and videos that ideally represent all specialties in music education: choral, dance, general music, concert band and string instrumental, marching band, jazz, theater, etc., and demonstrate your proficiency in multiple settings at all grade levels.
Your “travel document” (paper copy you bring to the interview or “one-of-kind” attachment in response to email application) should be easy-to-modify based on the specific job posting to which you are applying. Your philosophy, goals, education, and teaching experience should focus on and reflect your competencies in alignment with the requirements for the music position. Your professional website and online resume should be more “general” and not rule out being considered for employment assignments outside your major. The PA teaching certificate states you are licensed to teach music in grades pre-K to 12… which means you should be qualified for any opening in elementary, middle, and high school general music, band, choir, jazz, keyboard lab, and strings, right?
band for a year, conducting a small instrumental ensemble to accompany your youth church choir, giving a few summer lessons to the bell players in the local drum line where you live, etc. In addition, prior to the first employment screening and mock lesson at the interviews, you could “bone up” on your instrumental methods, suitable middle and elementary band warmups/literature, the meaning/concept of “middle school education,” and perhaps even pull out and brush up playing a few scales on that flute (or whatever) in your closet.
Depending on the structure of the interview, the hiring procedures of the institution, and the type of session (whether it is a general screening prior to any job opening, or the first round, second round, demonstration lesson, final round with the superintendent, etc. in order to fill a specific position), you will be exposed to many different kinds of questions.
As I go out to help at job fairs and mock interviews for music education majors, I advise the soon-to-be candidates to practice their storytelling skills and recall relevant personal anecdotes in order to satisfy the interviewers’ questioning, promote an image of competency and self-confidence, “show that you have what it takes” and would be a “good fit” for their school district, and ultimately “ace” the examination.
you are, adoption of “customer-first” philosophy and habits, a savvy business sense, focused motivation, and a strong work ethic. Narrate an anecdote rather than list facts. Plan (and dress rehearse) something like this script: “My route was small, so I surveyed my existing customers, asked about their needs, desires, and their definition of a ‘perfect paper delivery,’ and how I could help them. I tagged and followed-up on their unique requests, like ‘hiding the pile of papers that end up accumulating during vacation periods’ (advertising to the world that homeowner is out-of-town), and ‘when NOT to place the paper in the screen door early in the morning so as to avoid waking up the dogs and the whole household.’ I also solicited business from non-subscribers, asking them how I could be of assistance. Pretty soon, word got around, and my enhanced customer-care translated into almost doubling the number of the people on my route.”
settings) and form your responses. View and assess your performances. What are your strengths and weaknesses, and what improvements could be recommended? Besides the content and clarity of your answers, monitor and evaluate your body language, eye contact, and posture, vocal tone and projection, and those intangibles like “charm,” “attitude,” and “first impressions.” If you do this in a group (roommates, collegiate music education chapter, methods class, etc.), request feedback from your “critics.”
“stress interviews” are still conducted by some institutions. You’ll know immediately if for some reason you are thrown into one of these seemingly “hostile environments.” No matter what you say or how you respond to a question, the interviewer(s) will exhibit a negative attitude, look disinterested, inattentive, unimpressed, or disappointed, or even act angry, belligerent, or argumentative. Talk about “playing to a dead crowd!” Actually, their sole purpose is to evaluate your behavior during artificially-induced tension or conflict. Your only strategy? Play the game! Stay calm, cool, and collected.
like, “I haven’t had the pleasure of teaching long enough to totally comprehend what I would do in that situation.” Or perhaps, “I am not to familiar with that term/method/philosophy, but I am willing to research it, ask my building principal or supervisor for his/her advice,” etc.
What is your view of the teacher’s role in the classroom? (Educational Philosophy)
What role does the Common Core have in general music (or music ensembles)? (Written Expression)
How would you structure a general music (or ensemble rehearsal) classroom of the future? (Innovation)
How would you improve the intonation/tone quality/bow technique of a string players? [STRINGS]
I will probably never tire writing articles for new or prospective music educators seeking a public school position. I am subject to a flash of inspiration – epiphanies or revelations – at any moment, many of which come while I am walking the dogs or driving the car. Here are some random loose-ends I have not covered before, the results of recent bouts of brainstorming and mind wandering! Hopefully, they will provide you additional insight towards success in the job hunt process. Good luck!
their school administration in the months of February, March or April to receive some of their “golden handshake” benefits. For the school district, it helps them plan for future hiring. For you, it should focus your attention and organize your work at a time when the jobs are just becoming available. (Don’t wait for summer vacation!)
PA-educator.com which broadcast data on the pool of candidates. Regardless, I sent a custom-designed letter to every superintendent of school “in my hot zone” announcing that I was interested, met all education and certification requirements, and was available for immediate employment consideration. You should prominently share the name/location of your professional website. In addition, this would be the perfect place to mention if you student-taught or served as a private teacher, coach, summer camp counselor, or marching band/musical assistant in their area. For me, this meant a lot of extra work (looking-up the names/addresses, and you can’t just send a blanket form-letter “To Whom It May Concern”), but it seemed to give me a little edge, a foot in the door so-to-speak, and the opportunity to place follow-up calls later to the HR department to confirm they received the letter and did not need anything to add to the file (transcripts/portfolio, etc.). If you’re not restricted to a specific geographic area, saturation this way would probably not be feasible.
domain name (something simple like yourname.edu or .com). Graduating this year from West Virginia University, my former student David Dockan 
anything trendy, mod, or “cool,” and guys, this means you wear a tie and a jacket. Unkempt or unusual length/coloring of hair, extra body piercings, and visible tattoos will not help project the classic corporate image of “conservatism” which most administrators seek in teachers. Sure, you do have the right to be “unconventional,” “artsy,” “one-of-kind” or “make a statement,” but you also have the right never to get a public school job!
n your portfolio. This would look particularly good fulfilling Charlotte Danielson’s Domain 4c “Communicating with Families” in 
When Facing the Job Market” at http://majoringinmusic.com/7-things-music-education-majors-can-do-make-themselves-more-employable-2/,
employment search process and preparation for interviews. For examples, you already have many lists of employment screening questions: 
Start thinking of yourself as a brand
If you have time, design a personal logo, a symbol of you wherever you go on websites, e-mail footer, digital and printed portfolios, business cards, etc. Although I retired in 2013, I created the illustration at the above right. It implies that I am “a happy fox” (my last name), involved in music, and especially love a certain Beethoven symphony, reinforcing that I am an orchestral musician.
paulfox.blog 