Seeking employment teaching English or working with Special needs children

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Diannarae

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Jun 14, 2007
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Hi: I am desiring to relocate to the Punta Cana / Bavaro area and am currently seeking employment. I am finding it very difficult to research on line. I have emailed one application without it bouncing back!

I have a background working with persons with special needs, and program development and delivery. I am willing to be flexible in exploring a variety of work opportunities in order to establish myself (volunteering is also a consideration!). I will be in Punta Cana in September 15 through 29th and am hoping to be able to follow up on any leads I may receive.

I have a Adobe resume and a word resume if anyone is interested in viewing. If anyone can provide me with assistance in my endeavor I would greatly appreciate it.

Regards,

Dianna
 
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Captain Hook

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May 18, 2004
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you will never get a job by the net, you have to go find the schools in person. trust me i have gone through this. JUst find the addresses of all the schools that sound good and go there and sell your skills.
 
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Dolores1

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May 3, 2000
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The three main schools in Punta Cana are:

The Cap Cana Heritage School
http://www.heritageschool.edu.do/english_version.swf

Punta Cana Center for Education
Welcome to PUNTACANA RESORT & CLUB

Colegio Jardin Verde in Bavaro (Spanish, English as a second language program)
www.colegio-jardinverde.com

With school opening in August, I would think these schools already have their staff.

It is best to apply in person. Maybe for next year there could be an opening.

On the other hand, if you are a specialist in education of those with special needs, you could start a small school out of your own home. I believe this service is not yet offered in Punta Cana.
 
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MaineGirl

The Way Life Should Be...
Jun 23, 2002
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Children with special needs tend to be underserved here. Dolores has a good idea. If you have the background it may be a viable solution. Something else you might consider--consulting with private schools to do teacher trainings. Just a thought.

I just finished a special education course in the US. Am curious what specializations you may have--autism, brain injury, add/adhd, etc?
 
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Diannarae

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Jun 14, 2007
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Hi Dolores & MaineGirl: I was getting disheartened! My formal education is as a Social Worker who ended up providing service delivery in the Rehabilitation Field as we call it in Canada. I have an extensive background developing Individualized Programs (skill development training in the various skill domains), as well as Service/Project Development (New services in the Canadian Arctic - Inuvik NWT) and related staff development for employees working with special needs children and adults who resided in our Residential Services. The agency I worked for served individuals with every type of developmental disability, and with varying degrees of impairment mild to severe. We focused upon funtional skills development in order to foster the childs/adults ability to function more effectively in the community. So there was a heavy focus on social, vocational (discovering the individuals strengths and likes) and lifeskills development. I presently operate a Home Health Care Service and am not having a good time! I miss my Rehab work! I would like to take about a year off and see what I can accomplish in developing services for special needs children if there is a need. So please get back to me if you have further info. I will follow up on contacting the schools.

Thank you for your assistance

Dianna
 
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Dolores1

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May 3, 2000
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If you can take a year off without burning bridges go for it. You can rent an apartment in Punta Cana for around US$500 and then I would get a phone and internet service and then take my resume and explain my services to the schools listed above. I would speculate that among the families, there should be parents that have children that could use rehab services if offered locally. Word of mouth would do to spread the word on your services. You could also offer your services caring for the elderly, who may be impaired and would like specialized rehab services.

You also could come down for a tentative visit to the schools to see if they feel there might be some interest.

I believe it can be done. But you will have to generate the interest. The opportunities are there for the making.
 
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Diannarae

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Jun 14, 2007
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Thank you again, you are very helpful. I intend to be in Punta Cana from Sept 16 through to 28 and would plan my whirlwind tour of the schools for then. This may sound like a simple question..., how do you think I should approach this? Should I be setting up appointments now or should I wait until I am physically there and just show up at the schools. Normally I would set up the appointment ahead of time, but I am unsure as to the lay of the land! Second question: given that my verbal spanish skills are limited. Would you recommend that my resume and "pitch" be in spanish or english?
Thank you again for your help. Dianna
 
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Dolores1

DR1
May 3, 2000
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When you come in September and visit the schools, remember your chances are slight that they may still have an opening. You could request an appointment to discuss possibilities for a job for 2008-2009.

If I were you, I would also pitch for a job as a substitute teacher at the schools, as needed, regardless of the pay. What is most important is that you get references, and if they gave you an opening that way, you could start building local references.

I would also present a resume highlighting skills as specialist in rehab skills and in caring for the elderly, if you would be open to working with the elderly.

I would not pitch in Spanish if your Spanish is limited.

Some schools will offer a housing package, others may not consider your application unless you have relocated.

But, we have a saying here: "la peor diligencia es la que no se hace."

If you are serious, I would think you should come being able to afford living on your savings for six months, while networking to get a job or start your own business based on your skills.
 
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Diannarae

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Jun 14, 2007
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Hi Dolores: Thanx again. I will be able to live on my savings for at least 6 months while I pitch my vision (so to speak!) I am very motivated to fully explore this opportunity so It is my hope that it will pay off in some fashion. I am passionate about this type of work, and working with one child would be rewarding.
Question: - do you believe I should pre-schedule my appointments; or set up my appointments once I arrive??

Thank you again for your support. Dianna
 
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