Devon Hedrick-Shaw
@devonhs.bsky.social
Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Language & Literacy | Bilingual-Bicultural Education
Yes to analog hobbies!
January 28, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Yes to analog hobbies!
Thank you for inviting me. Best of luck to those on the market (or preparing to go on the market)! It was wonderful to engage with everyone.
January 28, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Thank you for inviting me. Best of luck to those on the market (or preparing to go on the market)! It was wonderful to engage with everyone.
For my job talk, the heart of my presentation didn’t change. I did though spend a lot of time researching the university and state/local contexts so I could speak to how my work might look in those contexts. I tried to make a case for how my research might support local, state, institutional needs.
January 28, 2026 at 1:48 AM
For my job talk, the heart of my presentation didn’t change. I did though spend a lot of time researching the university and state/local contexts so I could speak to how my work might look in those contexts. I tried to make a case for how my research might support local, state, institutional needs.
I think that's great advice. I think demystifying the process is helpful for all of us, including our loved ones.
January 28, 2026 at 1:45 AM
I think that's great advice. I think demystifying the process is helpful for all of us, including our loved ones.
Yes! I highly encourage everyone to attend these practice talks (as well as actual job talks for positions at your institution). They're great learning opportunities.
January 28, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Yes! I highly encourage everyone to attend these practice talks (as well as actual job talks for positions at your institution). They're great learning opportunities.
Yes, this is so, so important. As a candidate there's so much happening behind the scenes out of our control.
January 28, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Yes, this is so, so important. As a candidate there's so much happening behind the scenes out of our control.
I think this question is a great reminder that even when you don't "get the job," being on the market can be a great way to meet people that you'll possibly reconnect with at places like AERA or other conferences.
January 28, 2026 at 1:34 AM
I think this question is a great reminder that even when you don't "get the job," being on the market can be a great way to meet people that you'll possibly reconnect with at places like AERA or other conferences.
This was definitely the advice I got. I was told "it's a national search" unless I wanted to limit options.
January 28, 2026 at 1:28 AM
This was definitely the advice I got. I was told "it's a national search" unless I wanted to limit options.
I think it’s also important to practice responses to anticipated questions. Keep answers under 2 min. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen is when candidates get nervous and take too long to answer one Q, not leaving time for others. Committees usually have 7-10 Qs to get through in 20-30 min.
January 28, 2026 at 1:27 AM
I think it’s also important to practice responses to anticipated questions. Keep answers under 2 min. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen is when candidates get nervous and take too long to answer one Q, not leaving time for others. Committees usually have 7-10 Qs to get through in 20-30 min.
I guess I should add: Preparing applications meant drafting my base documents (cover letter, CV, research/teaching/mentoring statements) and getting LOTS of feedback.
January 28, 2026 at 1:23 AM
I guess I should add: Preparing applications meant drafting my base documents (cover letter, CV, research/teaching/mentoring statements) and getting LOTS of feedback.
Yes, I love that imagery!
January 28, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Yes, I love that imagery!
Apart from submitting the applications, search committees move at different timelines. The key for me was learning to be patient. Some committees moved fast, others took 1 month+ to get back to me, many I never heard back from.
January 28, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Apart from submitting the applications, search committees move at different timelines. The key for me was learning to be patient. Some committees moved fast, others took 1 month+ to get back to me, many I never heard back from.
Yes, this is so true. For us it was about having a conversation about priorities when pursuing our next step.
January 28, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Yes, this is so true. For us it was about having a conversation about priorities when pursuing our next step.
I also think it’s important to have a plan for different kinds of jobs. I was aiming for R1 but knew it was a long shot. I was ready to apply to teaching positions and district/school roles. We decided not to apply to post doc roles only because we didn’t want to have to move again.
January 28, 2026 at 1:08 AM
I also think it’s important to have a plan for different kinds of jobs. I was aiming for R1 but knew it was a long shot. I was ready to apply to teaching positions and district/school roles. We decided not to apply to post doc roles only because we didn’t want to have to move again.