Jillian Zavitz
-Programs Manager
-Working at TTC since early 2008
What exactly is a Programs Manager?
Well the Programs Manager is someone who does a little bit of everything. I am primarily responsible for interviewing, hiring and training new teachers. I have a staff of over 20 regular teachers that I keep track of and am always on the look out for new teachers. I also write blogs, teach lessons, am an emergency go to person for everything. I am always researching on how to be better, how to train and manage people online — and most recently have been involved in many interviews about my experiences related to human resources for major news outlets.
How did you get involved in this type of online work?
By chance — google is a great tool for everything — especially finding jobs. I started out as a teacher with just a few individual students — and then quickly moved up to Programs Manager and have been in this position ever since. I love being involved in something that has so much potential — and seeing that what I do directly impacts the outcome — which is of course why I give it my all — all the time :)
A typical day?
Involves me looking at my google calendar — figuring my schedule for the day. Sometimes my day starts at 1am or 3am and goes until 10pm that night — of course not continuously. I teach on average 6hs/day (throughout the day), then do some Programs Managing (maybe 2-3hs/day). I chat and talk with Marc the General Manager on a daily basis — figure out new information and new action plans. It’s very busy — I don’t have a regular schedule — normal sleeping times or eating times. But that is perfect for me — as I am more of a laissez faire type gal in all aspects of my life anyway – luckily this just fits in perfectly.
Advice for teachers who want to get into working online?
It’s hard work — not easy at all — but it’s SOOOOOO much fun! This is the best job that I’ve EVER had — and I’ve had some pretty awesome jobs before. I get to work from home — make up my own schedule — and meet people from ALL over the world.. it’s pretty sweet if you ask me. You have to be the right kind of person for the job, and if you have a look at some of my earlier posts you’ll see what it takes to be a “wow” online teacher.
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