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Fight Night

February 20, 2019 - 4 minute read


Hand wrapped in red gauze and tape in preparation for a fight

There’s nothing like the excitement of Fight Night. “Camps” have prepared for this moment for months. Camps are the teams of people involved in training with a fighter. Specialists in kickboxing, jiu jitsu, wrestling and other disciplines train with a fighter to complete their skill set. The most difficult of physical and mental training was endured. Although the camp lasts months, years have gone into preparing to become capable of even having the option of training for a professional fight.

The fighters enter the arena to a walk in song. Something motivating to them. Something meaningful. The crowd works itself into a frenzy. And finally, the fighters are in the octagon. The ring announcer, my favorite is Bruce Buffer, screams at the top of his lungs, “IIIIIIIIT’S TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME”. Each fighter is introduced from the center of the octagon with brief statistics. Very brief considering the level of work needed to have this opportunity. The crowd again frenzied. It’s time. The main event is here. Who is ready? Who will win? This moment brings some of the most intense excitement in sports.

It’s Your Time

Although dramatic, this analogy contains truth. The truth is, teachers and administrative candidates spend significant years and dollars earning a teaching credential, or an administrative credential, or a master’s degree, or a doctorate. And then what? Are we truly ready for the interview? Do we act like we are excited to be there? Do we allow our true selves to shine? Do we answer questions as if we are taking a test, hoping we got the “right” answer? You did the work. You put in the time. You spent the money. Why waste the moment?

Pause. In the blank below, write down how many years you went to school. Include elementary, middle and high school. Now how many years for your Bachelor’s Degree. Write it down. It will have more meaning. Now add your credential, master’s degrees, other credentials, or doctorate. Write the total and circle it. That’s how many years you have prepared for just the opportunity to compete for a job. Estimate how many different classes you took in high school and write that down. Now college, all college courses completed. Add those numbers and write the total. Again, circle it.

YEARS:
Pre-College_______ Undergrad _______ Credential_____Post Grad _______
TOTAL:___________

CLASSES:
High School_______Undergrad _______ Credential_____Post Grad _______
TOTAL:___________

Are you convinced yet you have trained like the highest level of professional? The hiring process from application to interview is the octagon. It’s your moment to demonstrate your skills. Enter it with excitement. Sure, there will be some nerves. There should be. Anything important creates some level of nervous excitement. But this is why you earned your degree and credential. A variety of professors participated in getting you ready for this career. Your camp has done their work. You have done yours. This is the moment to use it! It should be so exciting you can’t suppress a smile.

Final Training

You have prepared for the opportunity to enter the arena. The credential only allows you to be considered. It entitles you to nothing. You have one last step in training. The step that truly makes the difference. Train to get hired. Without the job, you are like anyone else in the world not working in education. You may be credentialed, but it is meaningless. Without this last step, you are the olympic trained athlete who stays home. The final event preparation is ignored and the ultimate goal is missed.

You must fine tune the skills necessary to take that last step into the interview...and then perform like a champion. Application completion, accuracy, professional presence both on paper and in person, opening and closing of interview, and focus on student success are some of the critical skills in this moment. They need to be considered, embraced, and practiced. Each of these areas requires dedicated attention and development if you are to compete. Do not walk into an application process without the last level of training.

Why You?

The hope is to give children the absolute best people leading their education. Your goal is to perform at the highest levels at each stage in the hiring process. You need practical tools so from application to final decision, you have the absolute best opportunity to show why you are good for kids. The proper preparation at each part of the process will make the difference between two equally credentialed, capable people in a final decision. The most qualified candidate with the strongest applying and interviewing skills will get the job. It’s that simple. The latter is left off too often. Applying and interviewing are skills. Too often, the development of these skills is ignored. We believe we are missing out on some quality educators due to lack of understanding and preparation on how to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

And, if you are not good for kids, please work in a different field. We mean that. The work is too important to our society. I know that sounds harsh, but it is true. If you disagree, it’s another sign you should not work in education.

If you are good for kids, we are excited to partner with you. We want to be part of your camp, offering the last bit of specialized training. Feel free to reach out to us at any time with specific questions. Our intent is to reply to every single person who does so. It’s time. Let’s finish your training and get you in the game!

Tim Brooks, Rich Montgomery, and Robert Miller work in Human Resource Services for one of the largest districts in California. As speakers with a variety of universities, workshops, and symposiums, they deliver an authentic, practical message resonating with teachers, administrators and community members.

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