1. ideas and strategies
in career advancement
Anna Zhao
Lower School Chinese Teacher
Chinese Curriculum Coordinator (Pre-K – 12th grade)
Germantown Academy
Anna.Zhao@germantownacademy.org
1(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

2.  Background: I’m a teacher because…
 Current school: Germantown Academy
 Ideas and strategies in career advancement:
1. Networking, resources, résumé, skills
2. Do your homework: teach in private or public school?
3. Job interviews
4. Salary negotiation
5. School culture: Engage in the “hidden” curriculum
Key points
2(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

3.  inspired by great teachers
 believe in changing the world one child at a time
 enjoy teaching and working with students
 I see myself as a true life-long learner
I’m a teacher because…
3(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

4. Germantown Academy
4(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

5.  The 4th year of offering Chinese studies (Pre-K through 12th Grade)
 The 1st school in Pennsylvania to be named a Confucius Classroom
 Offers an after school Youth Immersion program
 Offers weekly Adult Classes that meet in the Confucius Classroom
 Several times per year, GA also serves as an official Chinese Testing Center
 Sister school: Capital Normal University High School in Beijing allows for
student exchange programs and the development of international
relationships
Confucius Classroom at
Germantown Academy (GA)
5(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

6. Lower School
6(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

7. Middle School, Upper School
7(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

8. Adults Classes, After School
Youth Immersion program
8(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

9.  Instruct all Lower School students enrolled in Chinese
 Integrate educational technology into the program
 Oversee development of the Middle and Upper School
Mandarin Chinese curriculum
 Mentor and advise a team of Chinese teachers
 Build vibrant community of Chinese learners immersed in
Chinese culture
 Collaborate with other subject teachers
My job responsibilities
9(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

10.  You know more people than you think
 Reach out to your network
 Improve your communication skills
 Focus on building relationships
 Take the time to maintain your network
Ideas and strategies in career
advancement: networking
10(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

11.  CLTA-GNY http://www.clta-gny.org
 New York Public Library www.nypl.org
 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
www.nais.org
 Carney Sandoe http://www.carneysandoe.com
 H1bwage http://www.h1bwage.com
Resources and websites
11(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

12.  Know the purpose of your resume
 Back up your qualities and strengths
 Make sure to use the right keywords
 Proofread and get someone else to review your résumé
 More Tips http://www.dailywritingtips.com/resume-writing-tips/
Résumé
12(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

13.  Demonstrate effective teaching experience
 Good communication and interpersonal skills
 Technology, organizational, classroom management skills
 Positive team spirit, works hard, flexibility
Qualifications and skills
13(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

14.  Working visa?
 Government oversight and Curriculum
 Class size and Student discipline
 Salary
Teaching in private or public school?
14(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

15.  Be on-time
 Dress professionally
 Research the school
 Show samples of your work
 Be positive, sit up straight, make eye contacts, firm hand shakes
 Ask good questions to show your interests
Job interviews
15(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

16.  What’s your salary expectations?
 Do your homework www.salary.com
 Know your worth: qualifications, skills, experience
 Let the school makes an offer first
 Be silent for a moment then repeat the number
 You may want to ask for time to think about the salary offer
 Don’t say you want extra salary for personal reasons
salary negotiation
16(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

17.  Teacher’s dress code
 Build relationships
 Positive classroom management skills
 Cross curriculum integration
 Facilitating parent involvement
 Go with the flow and be flexible
Engage in the “hidden” curriculum
17(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14

18. Best wishes! Questions or
comments?
Anna.Zhao@germantownacademy.org
18(c) Anna Zhao, NYU DCLT Forum, 11/7/14