So! My latest dilemma: I'm looking for a new job in the science field, possibly as a teacher at a community college, and I can't decide if I should put my creative writing teaching experience onto my resume. Thoughts?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday Filler - Davin Edition
Scott is on sabbatical for the month of April, and by sabbatical, I mean a blog vacation, and by blog vacation, I mean that he's still lurking around on the "internets", as he likes to put it, but won't be doing any official blog posts of his own, unless he's in the mood to--with Scott one never really knows where the mood will take him, whether it be the screechy heights of the violin or the lowly, horse head-enveloped underworld of eel ecosystems, that wriggly, slimy environment that is his brain.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Because teaching is teaching, I say yes. And you didn't see me, and I wasn't here.
ReplyDeleteI would say to put your writing credits on there, for sure, Davin. That can only speak volumes for you, I think.
ReplyDeleteI will miss Scott's posts immensely. I hope he knows that.
It depends. If you don't have much/any experience teaching science, then I would definitely list it, because you want to convey that you like and are good at the teaching aspect of the job. That will complement your scholarly/research experience and round out your candidacy. But if you do have good science teaching experience already, I wouldn't put it because it might seem like a reach.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I might mention it in your cover letter either way, because it demonstrates an affinity for and commitment to teaching. Particularly in the community college context (there the teaching part of the job is not a stepchild to the research part of the job), that can be very helpful. It can help you convey that you want the job because you want to teach professionally, and not just because you have a Phd and need a job.
I would say yes, mention your creative writing teaching experience for the same reasons that Jabez said.
ReplyDeleteI concur, teaching is teaching.
ReplyDeleteSo, *taps finger on forehead* I wonder how Scott would describe Davin's mind...
Yes, It shows you have experience. Besides it will also show that you are knowledgeable, know how to write and are capable of giving instruction. Most of all it will prove you are the best person for the job.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other commenters. Definitely include all your teaching experience.
ReplyDeleteScott, I saw you. HA!
Scott, didn't see who?
ReplyDeleteMichelle, thanks. I was also thinking I could include them as a separate section in the resume.
Jabez, I have a good amount of TA and mentoring experience in science. I've also given a handful of guest lectures. But, the writing instruction are classes I did completely on my own. Thanks for the advice. I do have to include a cover letter and that's a good place to put this.
Matthew, thanks!
Yat-Yee, I think you're just trying to make trouble.
:)
Robin, that is one of the reasons I wanted to mention it. So many scientists avoid writing at all costs, and I do want to emphasize how much I like to write.
Crimey...good eye, good eye.
Hell. Yes.
ReplyDeleteAs a current community-college instructor, I say yes. It will put you ahead of other applicants who meet minimum qualifications to teach in your subject area but don't have any teaching experience.
ReplyDeleteYes. I think communication skills are valued in teaching no matter what the subject.
ReplyDeleteI say yes too, because communication is important, and it will make you stand out from other candidates. Also, anyone hiring who googles your name will find your writing, so you might as well be the one to mention it.
ReplyDeleteLast night I saw upon the stair
ReplyDeleteA little man who was not there.
He was not there again today.
I wish, I wish he'd go away.
How about your experiences communicating in the blogging world as an indication of your capability in alternative modes of teaching? Just a thought. I don't know what if any relevance this holds for science teaching.
ReplyDeleteYour resume will be more a CV and can be any length. I like your idea of putting it in a separate section, but I'd vote to include it.
ReplyDeleteI've only interviewed at the Research I/II level; but I'd expect the Community college is similar. Including your creative writing teaching credits potentially opens up conversation with faculty who interview you but don't overlap your specialty.
Definately, yes. Look at the student comments from some of the writing classes you've taught. I suspect in reading them the subject [biology/science or creative writing] isn't important. What is: your organization, timely and thoughtful response to questions, ability to get everyone in the class involved and more. You will no doubt be including references, ask some of your former students if you can use their class evaluations as letters of reference?
ReplyDeleteMarie