Optimizing My NYC High School Job Search with YAML, yq, and Emacs

#!/bin/bash

TEMPLATES_DIR=~/applications/templates
SCHOOLS_DIR=~/applications/schools
YAML_FILE="$(dirname "$0")/../schools.yaml"

SCHOOL_COUNT=$(yq e '.schools | length' "$YAML_FILE")

for ((i = 0; i < SCHOOL_COUNT; i++)); do
    SCHOOL_KEY=$(yq e ".schools[$i] | keys | .[]" "$YAML_FILE")
    
    NAME=$(yq e ".schools[$i].$SCHOOL_KEY.name" "$YAML_FILE")
    PRINCIPAL=$(yq e ".schools[$i].$SCHOOL_KEY.principal" "$YAML_FILE")
    ADDRESS=$(yq e ".schools[$i].$SCHOOL_KEY.address" "$YAML_FILE")
    MISSION=$(yq e ".schools[$i].$SCHOOL_KEY.mission" "$YAML_FILE")
    VALUES=$(yq e ".schools[$i].$SCHOOL_KEY.values" "$YAML_FILE")
    KEYPOINTS=$(yq e ".schools[$i].$SCHOOL_KEY.key_points" "$YAML_FILE")

    echo "Processing school: $NAME"
    echo "Principal: $PRINCIPAL"
    echo "Address: $ADDRESS"
    echo "Mission: $MISSION"
    echo "Values: $VALUES"
    echo "Key Points: $KEYPOINTS"
    echo "----------------------------------------"

    TARGET_DIR="$SCHOOLS_DIR/$SCHOOL_KEY"
    if [ -d "$TARGET_DIR" ]; then
        echo "Directory already exists. Continuing.."
        continue     
    else
        mkdir -p "$TARGET_DIR"
        echo "Created directory: $TARGET_DIR"
    fi

    cp -r "$TEMPLATES_DIR/resume/" "$TARGET_DIR/"
    cp -r "$TEMPLATES_DIR/cover_letter/" "$TARGET_DIR/"
    cp "$TEMPLATES_DIR/teaching_statement.md" "$TARGET_DIR/teaching_statement.md"
    
    COVER_LETTER="$TARGET_DIR/cover_letter/main.tex"
    cat <<EOF > "$COVER_LETTER"
\documentclass[11pt,a4paper,sans]{moderncv}
\moderncvstyle{banking} 
\moderncvcolor{blue}
\usepackage[scale=0.9]{geometry}

% Personal data
\name{Eric}{Allatta}
\phone[mobile]{929-244-0482}
\email{ericallatta@gmail.org}
\social[linkedin]{linkedin.com/in/ericallatta}

\begin{document}

\recipient{$PRINCIPAL}{$NAME \\\\ $ADDRESS}
\date{$(date '+%B %d, %Y')}
\subject{Experienced math and computer science teacher application}
\opening{Dear Principal $PRINCIPAL}
\closing{Sincerely,}
\signature{0.3}{signature.png}   
\enclosure[Attached]{Resume}
\makelettertitle

Dear $PRINCIPAL,
I am writing to express my strong interest in joining $NAME as a Mathematics and Computer Science teacher teacher. I admire $NAME's commitment to $MISSION and $VALUES. After spending a decade in NYC public schools, including nine years as a founding computer science teacher at the Academy for Software Engineering, I am excited to return to a school that values innovation, collaboration, and academic rigor.

I'd like to highlight $KEYPOINTS.

During my time at AFSE, I developed and taught an integrated mathematics-computer science curriculum, using tools like Bootstrap, EarSketch, and Nand2Tetris. My approach led to a significant increase in AP CS enrollment and stronger Algebra Regents performance, demonstrating my ability to foster both rigor and accessibility in diverse classrooms. I also built data systems to support decision-making and guided student-led initiatives, such as data science projects that helped inform instructional strategies.

I thrive in collaborative, inquiry-driven environments and am eager to contribute to $NAME’s continued success in preparing students for a technology-driven world. Whether teaching AP Computer Science, Data Science, Algebra, or integrated CS-math courses, I am committed to helping students develop the skills they need to succeed.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can contribute to your school. Please feel free to contact me at (929) 244-0482 or ericallatta@gmail.com.

\makeletterclosing

\end{document}

EOF

    echo "Application folder created for $NAME at $TARGET_DIR"
done