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Microsoft Enters Tablet Market

SurfaceNo, that image to the left is not an iPad surrounded by SmartCovers. That is the Microsoft Surface. Not to be confused with the giant table-sized computer the company released a while ago, the Surface is Microsoft’s entry into the tablet market.

Attempting to take a page out of Apple’s playbook on several levels, Microsoft revealed the Surface during a mystery press event in California. What those in attendance saw was an iPad knock-off that is heavier, boasts shorter batter life and an inferior chip. To be fair, the Surface does have an impressive cover that contains a fully functioning keyboard, but that is an accessory that must be purchased.

Microsoft has two versions of the Surface in the works, each for a very different audience. There’s a “consumer version” that will run Windows RT and a “business version” that will run Windows 8.

Microsoft isn’t saying exactly when the Surface will be available for purchase, or how much it will cost, but experts are predicting the “consumer version” to fall in the $500 price range with the “business version” to come in at over $1,000. The pricier version does have better overall tech specs than its cheaper brother, but that improved performance comes at the cost of weight and, of course, cost.

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Congratulations - You Are Just Hired!

Once you are offered the position, there are several next steps.

You should have provided vital information to the human resources department at the school district: such as a social security card, drivers license, passport, etc. You will probably be drug tested and fingerprint. HR will ask for your work experience (usually 5-10 years), all college transcripts, professional certificates, etc.

Most school districts will have orientation opportunities so you may be better...

Negative Factors That Are Evaluated...

I hope you find these hiring tips helpful. Remember first impressions count!

  • Poor personal appearance---dress for success but don't over do it. It is very important that you dress and look like a professional. This is not the time to dress in your most trendy outfit. Leave the 10 pounds of jewelry at home.
  • Overbearing/aggressive/conceited/know it all attitude. You should be confident that you can do the job if given the chance but certainly do not come across as if...

Beginning the Interview

In today's world, interviewing can be on-line or in person.  Many of these tips can be used in either case.

  • Arrive early (about 15 minutes) this gives you time to freshen up and to make sure all of your electronics are working.
  • Go over your resume-one more time.
  • Many administrators are conservative by nature, either personally or for their school's image. Look your best. Administrators know that usually the candidate will be dressed the best that they will...

Choose Love

Do you remember what you were doing on December 14, 2012? I do. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was working in my office at a university when I suddenly began receiving messages about a school shooting in Connecticut. I kept reading and reading, and then I would cry because I could empathize with those teachers as I had been in a classroom not too long ago. It is a day I will never forget -- the day the...

National Shakespeare Day is April 23rd

 
In Great Britain, Shakespeare Week is celebrated in the middle of the month of March!
The anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death is...

Politics in Education -Tips From...

I have spent over 50 years working in education from K-university. I have seen my fair share of educational politics on all levels. As school administrators you need to be aware of this in order to stay out of the political battles that you might arise. I have been a K-12 educator in 9 school districts in 5 states. I have also been a school board member and a university professor that worked with educational leaders. I have seen excellent school boards and superintendents and not so good...

Before the Interview

Improving your interviewing skills is important as a teacher or administrator. Here are some tips that might help you land that job!

  • Obviously, find out the correct time, place, day and whether the interview will be in person or on a zoom meeting prior to the interview. It can be embarrassing and a job killer if everyone is not on the same page. Our school is located in Egypt so most of our interviews are on zoom with time differences of 6-9 hours in the States with different...

Tips for Interviewing: Questions to Ask

Good interviewers have developed critical attributes of effective interview questions and questioning techniques. Interviewing is one of the most important ways to see if your candidate is a "good fit" for your school. Interviews can be both in person and virtually but the components of interviewing are very similar.  I currently work in an American international school in Cairo where we try to hire as many Americans as we can for all faculty and administrative positions. The great majority...

Dealing With a Conflict

Conflict between and among people is a fact of school life. Something that can be unpleasant at best but you will have to deal with conflict on an almost daily basis.

As the educational leader, constituents may want to talk to you about a conflict or problem they have with someone or a situation. Frequently, they just want to talk to someone about the problem and do not want you to do anything about it. They just want to talk about the conflict and may solicit your advice. You have...

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