If you’re reading this, odds are you are not one of the 570,000 people in the U.S. infected with the DNS Malware Virus. Congratulations. Yet, while you can still surf around to your heart’s content, ISPs are working overtime to help those less fortunate users find their way back to the information superhighway.
This morning at 12:01 the FBI shut down its DNS servers, which were acting as the only path to the Internet for hundreds of thousands of computers. s reported by CNet, the whole problem goes back to an online criminal ring from 2007 that was tinkering with computers' settings and then directing users to rogue servers that the criminals had set up. These servers then re-directed users to malicious Web sites. Late last year, the FBI arrested the ring and seized the rogue servers. But since so many infected computers relied on the servers to reach the Internet, the agency opted not to shut them down and instead converted them to legitimate DNS machines. Due to the high cost associated with operating these servers, the FBI has decided to shut them down.
ISP are taking a proactive approach to the problem with Comcast has contacting users with infected computers, according to the Wall Street Journal. Verizon has lined up technicians who can help customers remove the virus and AT&T plans to redirect infected PCs to the correct Web sites.
People who are unable to get online should call their ISP to see if their computers are infected. CNET has also posted a how-to guide to help people detect whether their PCs are pointing to the DNSChanger network.
In my many years in education and school administration I have met a large number of unhappy educators. I used to tell our undergraduate teacher candidates at a college to do your research about the school and the position before you sign your contract. Look at all aspects of the school (culture and climate), location, reputation, salary, benefits, working conditions, teacher assignments and schedule, extracurricular expectations, etc. If at all possible I do not recommend settling for a...
As you continue your educational journey as a teacher or administrator, you should update your CV and portfolio. I always recommend that you keep a folder, paper or electronic, for activities you want to remember for future reference. This is useful if you ever plan on transferring or applying for a promotion. I suggest that you add to your folder at least during the winter and summer break. Of course you can do more often but it can become a habit if you do this at least twice a year. This...
When you have applied for a new position at a different school, you have probably wondered why it has taken the school so long to notify you about the interview or their hiring decision. This can be for several reasons. Unfortunately, some schools don’t even bother to inform you they have received your application or CV. If they have received your application or CV, they have decided that you don’t fit what they are looking for. If you have not heard anything in a week to 10 days, I think...
What to experience as you are applying for a new school.
Every school has a culture.
When you have a group of people together for any period of time, a culture emerges that consists of a set of customs, beliefs, values and norms. This culture can either create a sense of mutual purpose, a mission, a vision, values, and goals or perpetrate discord. Every school has a culture, unseen but it is there. A very important aspect of school. A positive culture can make for a positive...
Improving your interviewing skills is important but here are some tips for you to prepare for that all important interview.
The first thing I would strongly suggest is to be on time to the interview. Whether it is a face to face or a zoom meeting, be on time. Arriving late is never a good first impression. Last year I interviewed close to 300 candidates and I was sadly disappointed on how many were late. Know the time, day, and location of the interview. I would even suggest driving...
Improving your interviewing skills is important but here are some tips for you to prepare for that all important interview.
The first thing I would strongly suggest is to be on time to the interview. Whether it is a face to face or a zoom meeting, be on time. Arriving late is never a good first impression. Last year I interviewed close to 300 candidates and I was sadly disappointed on how many were late. Know the time, day, and location of the interview. I would even suggest driving...
Once you are initially hired as a teacher or administrator, you may wish to set your sights on a different position in the educational field. This is normal and certainly not unusual. However, your career goals may not always align with the decision makers due to a number of factors.
If you don’t get the position what can you do? Promotions are out of your hands. You hope you have the necessary academic qualifications and experience but you don’t always know. A...
Most schools and school districts do not use applications anymore for employment due to the threat of lawsuits a from legal challenges on the application forms. This is especially true in the United States where I spent 38 years in school and university administration.
So now candidates use their own CVs to apply for an educational opportunity. The CV is the first step in the hiring process. As I have said and written many times the CV is short and to the point, just a page or two....
I was a school and college administrator since 1977 and have interviewed hundreds of candidates. When a teacher shows up for an interview we expect to see several things:
Be on time, dress appropriately, be prepared-know the position you are applying for as well as the school, be enthusiastic, show a good personality, have the relevant skills, make sure you have the proper qualifications and certifications, be confident, and sell yourself-why are you the best person for the job.
If you are interested in changing jobs, you have to update your CV and I recommend that you create a cover letter that you would submit with your CV. The CV is normally a one to two page introduction of you that should include your basic information: career goals (what job you are applying for), brief bio, your educational experiences , your education and certifications, any special skills and activities, as well as awards and honors.
The cover letter should introduce you to the...