Please Read The Following Infor mation Car efully.
Be Sur e To Br ing Your Admission Ticket (Postcar d) To The Event.
We look forward to seeing you at CNY-TRD 2013! Please read the following information carefully. An
ADMISSION TICKET (postcard) to the Teacher Recruitment Days at SUNY Cortland on April 18 and19,
2013 will be mailed to you. It indicates the time to report for your scheduled Registration and Orientation
Session. BE SURE TO BRING YOUR ADMISSION POSTCARD TO THE EVENT!!! If you do not
receive an admission postcard by April 8, contact your campus Career Center.
LOCATION
The entire TRD event will take place in the Park PER Alumni Arena at SUNY Cortland. Check-in,
orientation, and interview sign-ups will take place on Thursday, April 18. Parking is available in the Rt. 281
College parking lot. Shuttle buses will transport you a short distance to the PER Center where the event is
being held. Do not attempt to park closer to the PER Center as University Police will re-direct you back to the
parking lot. You will be ticketed if you are parked anywhere else on campus. You can find a map of the
SUNY Cortland campus and other important information on the TRD web site www.cnytrd.org
TIME
The time to report for the Required Check-in and Orientation Session is printed on your Admission
Ticket Postcard. There are two designated sessions because of the large number of accepted candidates.
Bring your Admission Ticket postcard to the event. This ticket will serve as your pass into the event.
Tickets are NOT TRANSFERABLE. You may also want to bring this info pack with you to TRD.
* Elementary and Special Education certifications will report by 8:00AM for your Check-in
and Orientation session with Interview Sign-ups taking place from 8:30AM to 9:30AM.
*All other certifications will report by 9:15AM for Check-in and Orientation session with
Interview Sign-ups taking place from 9:45AM to 10:45AM.
*Candidates who have dual certification in Elementary or Special Education as well as another
certification area will automatically be assigned to the first session.
Check-in and Orientation is on the second floor of the Park PER Center Corey Gymnasium. Use
Ice Arena entrances to the building. **NOTE - Doors open at 7:30AM for the 8:00AM session and at
8:45AM for the 9:15AM session. Interviews will be held from late morning through the afternoon of April
18, and continue on April 19.
Check your campus and school district policies regarding absence from classes and student teaching
assignments. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make all necessary arrangements. It is required that you
attend Day 1 since Interview Sign-ups takes place on Day 1. Attending Day 2 is optional.
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PREPARING
 You can access a current listing of the districts, which will be updated periodically, under the heading
“Attending Districts” on the TRD website. You will also find “Helpful Links” and “Interviewing
Resources” on this site.
 Check with your Career Center to research districts of interest and their geographic locations. Also, take
advantage of services available on your campus (resume critiques, interview workshops, mock interviews,
interview guidebooks). A resource center with school district information will be available on-site at TRD.
 Please keep in mind that many candidates will be vying for the same school districts. Try to maximize
your time by exploring alternative school districts.
TRANSPORTATION, FACILITIES & SPECIAL NEEDS
 Transportation to Cortland is the candidate’s responsibility. Carpools are encouraged as parking may be
crowded. You may wish to check with your Career Center for information regarding carpool
arrangements.
 The Poolside Snackbar, located on the mezzanine level of the Park PER building, will be open for lunch
from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A number of restaurants are within close proximity to the College.
 Information on hotels and restaurants in the Cortland area is attached (pg. 4). This information can also be
accessed through the TRD website.
 If you have any physical mobility difficulties or special needs that require assistance, please contact your
career services office.
RESUMES & INTERVIEWS
 Bring at least 25 final copies of your resume. There are no copier s available on-site. One resume will
be required at each interview sign-up. Extra copies may be distributed to districts with whom you were not
able to interview during the open sign-up period. Do NOT bring credential packets to the event.
 Appropriate interview attire is requir ed for all candidates. Because of the nature and location of this
event, the committee encourages women to wear low-heeled shoes. You will find them more
comfortable for climbing stairs and negotiating the slippery concrete surfaces in the Ice Arena. Everyone
should keep in mind that regardless of outside temperature, the Ice Arena is cool. If you have wardrobe
questions, check with your Career Center.
 It is possible that your interviews will be spaced several hours apart. Please plan accordingly. You may
wish to bring a book or other materials to work on during this time.
The TRD Committee has worked hard to provide this opportunity for candidates. We hope you will find it
helpful to your job search efforts!
PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY  CAZENOVIA COLLEGE  ELMIRA COLLEGE  ITHACA COLLEGE
LE MOYNE COLLEGE  SUNY @ CORTLAND  SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE  SUNY @ ONEONTA
SUNY @ OSWEGO  SUNY @ POTSDAM  SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY  UTICA COLLEGE  WELLS COLLEGE
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Directions to SUNY Cortland & Parking for TRD
PLEASE NOTE: Student parking is in the Route 281 Par king Lot, located right off of Route 281. Shuttles will run from the SUNY Cortland
Route 281 parking lot to the PER Center where TRD is held.
Exact GPS coordinates for the PER Center:
42.599014, -76.187246
Directions from 81N (driving from the south to Cortland)
Take Exit 10 and turn left toward Cortland. Follow Rte. 11 North (which turns into Port Watson Street in Cortland) for 2.5 miles. Remain straight
on Port Watson to Main Street. As you cross Main Street, Port Watson will turn into Tompkins St./Rte. 13 South. Remain on Tompkins for 1 mile.
Turn right onto Pashley/Folmer and look for signs to the event. A uniformed Police Officer will assist you with parking. *Preferred route for
students from Binghamton University, SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland.
Directions from Route 13 North
Take Route 13 North to Route 281 North (in Cortland). Turn right at Lankler Drive. Uniformed Police Officers will help in directing traffic.
*Preferred route for students from Ithaca College, Keuka College and Elmira College.
Directions from 81S (driving from the north to Cortland)
Take Exit 12. At the light, turn left onto 281S toward Cortland/Ithaca. Proceed down 281S for approximately 2.8 miles (you will go through 4
traffic lights). Parking will be on your left in the 281 Parking Lot on the SUNY Cortland campus.
*Preferred route for students from Syracuse University, LeMoyne College, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Potsdam, Utica College and St. Lawrence
University.
There will be a shuttle bus running from the 281 parking lot to the event in Park center.
*Wells College and Cazenovia College students can park in any of the locations.
A campus map can be found at http://www2.cortland.edu/dotAsset/21f5ad1f-ae9f-4141-9710-3b40be8e4b46.jpg
TRD takes place in the athlete facilities part of the SUNY Cortland campus. Here is a map of the athletic facilities part of campus.
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ACCOMMODATIONS AND EATERIES
CASUAL DINING
Pita Gourmet
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Comfort Inn
Applebee’s
41 Main Street, Cortland
756-4442
Groton Avenue Ext., Cortland
753-3238
2 1/2 Locust Ave.
Exit 11 of I-81
607-753-7721
Rt.13, Cortland
753-6031
Ponderosa Steak House
King Sub
Bob Evans Restaurant
West Road, Cortland
756-2383
137 Main Street, Cortland
753-7092
1 River Street, Cortland
753-6196
The Skillet
McDonald’s
Community Restaurant
Cortlandville Mall, Cortland
758-3642
Rt. 81 & Clinton Avenue, Cortland
753-3402
HOTELS/MOTELS
Budget Inn
Rt.11, Exit 12 off I-81
(5 minute drive)
607-753-3388
Econo Lodge
Rt.13, 6/10 mi. from
Rt.81, Exit 11
10 Church Street
607-756-2856
10 Main Street, Cortland
756-5441
Taco Bell
CHINESE RESTAURANTS
Denny’s Restaurant
2 Locust Avenue, Cortland
753-8084
Holiday Inn
Doug’s Fish Fry
2 River Street
Exit 11 of I-81
607-756-4431
3638 West Road, Cortland
753-9184
Ho Ho Buffet
Rt. 13 (near K-mart)
753-8122
Imperial Motel
1 Main Street, Cortland
756-8195
158 Clinton Avenue, Cortland
756-9805
145 West Road, Cortland
753-3200
Hunan Wok
Hollywood Restaurant
FAST FOOD
27 Groton Avenue, Cortland
753-3242
A&W Root Beer Drive-In
J ack Danielson’s
Route 13 & 281, Cortland
756-2021
60 Main Street, Cortland
753-7753
Burger King
Groton Avenue Plaza, Cortland
756-4022
7 Valley Motel
46 Tompkins Street
607-753-1515
Super 8 Motel
188 Clinton Ave.Ext.
Exit 11 off I-81
607-756-5622
Wendy’s
157 Clinton Avenue, Cortland
753-3710
Hong Kong
Friendly’s
28 Port Watson St.
607-753-3383
9 River Street, Cortland
758-3228
BAKERIES/DONUT/COFFEE
SHOPS
Coffee Mania
160 Port Watson Street, Cortland
756-9933
& Groton Ave. Plaza
Koffee Kup Restaurant
1098 State Rd. Rt. 222, Cortland
756-1957
Blue Frog
Groton Avenue Ext., Cortland
753-0351
Marketplace Mall
64 Main Street, Cortland
758-7989
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WHAT RECRUITERS LOOK F OR
The following is a list of the qualities most employers will look for when interviewing prospective employees.
The bottom line to the interviewer is: “Who will be an asset to the organization?” and “What will you do for
me?”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Self-motivation
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
Self-confidence
A willingness to work
Evidence of achievement
* academic-GPA, honors
* extra-curricular involvement
* competition
* work experience
6. Personal qualities and attributes
* the ability to get along and work well with others
* positive attitude
* poise
* self-expression
* appearance
* realistic goals
* enthusiasm
* keen interest in one’s work
7. Knowledge of the organization and position
HANDLING INAPPROPRIATE QUESTIONS
A more complete listing of questions you are likely to be asked begins on the next page. Be sure to review
them and be prepared to respond to several of them throughout the course of the interview.
It is not appropriate for the interviewer to ask personal questions unrelated to the qualifications of the job for
which you are interviewing. Such inappropriate (illegal) questions could include: “What does your spouse
do?”, “Will being married or having children interfere with your ability to travel and relocate?”, “Are you
planning on getting married (having children) soon?” There are many more examples of discriminatory
questions. Every candidate needs to make a personal decision on how to respond to these inquiries. Regardless
of the method you choose, this situation should be handled tactfully and politely. There are three ways to
respond to illegal questions:
1. Alert the interviewer to an illegal question.
2. Simply answer the illegal questions.
3. Determine the underlying concern and address it in your answer. For example: “Are
you planning to have (or do you already have) children? The underlying concern could
be your ability to perform all aspects of this position effectively.”
However, if you feel that there was discrimination and you were turned down for a job based upon your
response to an illegal question, the necessary legal steps can be taken after the interview. It will then be up to
the interviewer to prove that discrimination did not take place.
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A CANDIDATES GUIDE TO LEGAL & ILLEGAL QUESTIONS
Teacher Recruitment Days
A half dozen federal laws protect job applicants from questions that might be used to discriminate against them.
Basically, the employer must prove (if challenged) that an interview question is directly related to the duties of
the job for which you are applying.
Listed below are items that can be used during the interview and items that are illegal to ask. Your job resume
and employer application form also need not contain this information. You may, however, voluntarily provide
any of the information below.
Questions likely to be asked and you should
answer:
Where have you worked before?
What duties have you performed on past jobs?
What are your short & long-range career goals?
Why are you interested in this organization?
Tell me about yourself.
What education have you completed?
(If a certain level is required for the job.)
How did you learn about this job?
Can you list your references?
What is your Social Security number?
What is your address and phone number?
What special qualifications do you have for this
job?
May I answer any questions about the job or
organization?
What are your greatest strengths and greatest
weaknesses?
Why does this job interest you?
Why did you select this particular career?
Are you willing to travel, to relocate?
What job skills do you have?
(What specific skills are needed)
Do you have a license for the field?
(If required)
Questions you need not answer:
Are you married?
With whom do you live?
If married, are you expecting to have children soon?
What does your spouse do?
Were your parents born in this country? (It is legal
to ask for positions requiring a security clearance.)
How old are you? (It is legal to ask if you are
legally old enough to work)
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?
Where do you bank?
Have you ever been arrested? (It is legal to ask to
provide information on criminal convictions)
How tall are you?
How much do you weigh? (It is legal to ask about
height & weight if they are necessary for the
performance of a job)
How many children do you have?
If you have children, what kinds of daycare
arrangements have you made?
What memberships do you hold in social, religious,
and community groups?
What is your military service status?
If a veteran, what kind of discharge did you
receive?
Are you physically handicapped?
(Note that questions of this type focus on the job,
(Note that these questions delve into your personal
life and are not legitimate occupational
your specific qualifications for it, and your career
goals.)
qualifications.)
Source: The Career Opportunities News, PO Box 109, Garrett Park, MD 20896
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Sample Interview Questions for Teachers
 Why did you decide to teach?
 How would you individualize instruction?
 How would you work with students below grade level, especially lower socioeconomic
students?
 What is the most memorable ethnic experience you have had in the classroom?
 Which grade level would you prefer? Why?
 How would you use aides and parent volunteers?
 What are your opinions on discipline in the Elementary/Junior/Senior High level?
 How do you use lesson plans?
 What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
 What are some of your teaching experiences?
 How would you handle reading in the content areas?
 How do you plan to go about getting a job?
 What do you think about the course that combined math and science?
 How do you define education?
 What do you think of individualized teaching?
 Why should our school district hire you?
 Are you interested in team teaching? Why?
 What level (high, middle, low) of students do you want to teach? Why?
 What is your best quality?
 You are assigned to five classes (two different subjects). What do you do the first day?
 What do you know about our school district?
 What are your attitudes toward grading, discipline, and lesson planning?
 What are the qualities of some of the best teachers you studied with?
 Do you share any of their qualities?
 What is your philosophy of education?
 How do you run your classroom in terms of techniques of teaching and discipline?
 How do you feel you relate with minorities in the classroom?
 On a scale of 1 to 9 (1 being low and 9 being high), how would you rate yourself on the
following
items and why:
a) communicating with people older than yourself
b) getting along with student-age individuals
 What would you do or how would you treat a student who refused to do the work you
assigned?
 How would you handle a student who continually “acted up” in class?
 On a scale of 1 to 9 (1 being low and 9 being high), rate how you think you come across in
these areas:
a) impression on interview
b) knowledge of material
c) how you relate to other people
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