RIFTED! It's that time of year again!

Spring is in the air and instead of winter going out like a lion, it is here to stay! This week has been a crazy week and trying to stay sane in an understatement. The topic of this week's blog has to do with the dreaded RIF (Reduction in force) notices that are starting to litter the mailboxes of staff. Every year, school districts have to take a look at their numbers of staff and figure out who is going to make the cut and who isn't. It is a stressful time for many new teachers who are at the bottom of the chain. Not only is it stressful for new teachers, it is stressful for administrators. It is not the type of news that is easily delivered especially when it comes to telling someone that their services are no longer needed for the following school year.

So what do you do when you get that notice that you have been rifted? Well, if you have been a reader of The Educator Beat, you should already have your copy of Competency Based Resumes ready to go and your updated resume should already be completed. However, if you are new to this site, you may want to check out the book Competency Based Resumes and start revamping your resume. The Next step would be to visit my blog archive and scroll down to my blog post, Graduation, Now what!  That will outline some very helpful information about how to handle the interview process again. Now, I have had some questions about letters of recommendation or what can supervisors say about you to a future employer. The truth of the matter is that if you don't expect the person to speak highly of you, don't put them down as a reference. A letter of recommendation is like your passport. You want it to gently roll through the pages and showcase your experience in a positive light. Future employers want to hear from your supervisors and colleagues, but don't forget to include a parent letter, if you have one. Always make sure you have at least three very qualified references that can speak to your work ethic, personal qualifications, and your personality. After all, this is about putting your best foot forward!

Just because you were rifted doesn't mean it is the end of the world. It is very common unfortunately. Most of us in the field have been through it ourselves. The key thing to remember is that if you did a fantastic job in your current position, you will have no worries when landing your new position. If your work was somewhat questionable, than you may have something to worry about.

So remember to keep your chin up, keep talking to others, and networking. It will happen and before you know it, you will be getting ready for the first days of school come August!