Inside: It’s that time of year again. I’m not sure why teacher interviews are at the same time of year as state testing, do you?
Rocking a Teacher Interview is Possible
First of all, you’re amazing! You completed your degree or are returning to the classroom, and that’s more than most people can say! Celebrate your successes and accomplishments first and foremost! If you’re a first-year teacher, don’t stress. It’s not much different than teachers switching schools, grade levels, or positions…I promise! Just remember that you’ll impress people with WHO you are, not the number of years you’ve been teaching! Now let’s get to the 3 easy insider tips to rock your upcoming teacher interview!
Tip #1: Do your research
I’m not talking about just looking up the school and typing it into Google or Google Maps. I’m talking about doing some digging! Don’t hold back! After all, you need to be able to visualize yourself working there. Make sure that the school is a fit for YOU! Don’t feel like you have to apply to every school you see if it’s not a fit for YOU!
What to look for
Take some time to look at the district’s websites and the nitty-gritty information. It won’t be the most exciting information, but it will show you how the school district operates. Look at their mission statement, programs offered, highlights of events, etc. After that, do the same to the specific school’s website. See what you can find out about the school, the Student Handbook, grade-level pages, you name it! Also, this is a great time to look at their social media accounts! You can gain a lot of insight from their Twitter pages (most districts have those or a FB page)! Click on the pictures and see what the school is doing!
How this helps
Use this information in your letter or email to administrators. Once you know you can contact principals directly, use this to your advantage. It’s your time to show your future administrator that you’ve done your research. Make sure to include why you feel like you’re a fit for their school. If you can’t email principals, then sprinkle in some of the highlights during your interview. Take the time to point out things you liked, how they align to projects you do/your style and have an idea of how to build upon what you’ve learned. YOU are an asset to the school and back up what makes you unique with what you discovered.
Tip #2: Have questions for the interview team
Most of the time, your interview will be with an interview team. You might have a combination of campus administrators, specialists, curriculum coaches, grade level teachers, counselors, etc. Expect a wide variety of people (and personalities), so you can adequately prepare for a “group” style interview. If you end up having a few people on the interview team, you’re still well-prepared! Regardless, there will always be a time when they ask you if YOU have any questions. Don’t just sit there and nod. If you can’t think of a follow-up question to something you’ve talked about, then I have you covered!
7 of my favorite teacher interview questions
- If you had to recommend this school to someone, what would you say?
- How would you describe your campus culture?
- What’s one thing your administration does that makes you love to work for them?
- What is something unique that your school does for students that goes above and beyond?
- How are your strengths as a teacher celebrated and/or appreciated at your school?
- What additional activities will I be supporting in my role as a _______?
- How would the parents of this school describe what it’s all about?
What do I do with the information?
Keep in mind that the way they answer (or not answer) will help you read between the lines. Take what they say with a grain of salt, as they’ll be putting their best foot forward. Depending on who is on the interview committee, they may hesitate or give “non-answers” to keep the peace. These are all good things to be aware of. Don’t be so nervous or consumed to miss these subtle details. Above all else, do what feels right to you! If the school feels like a fit for you, go with your instinct!
How this helps
It will show the interview team that you want to learn more and that you came prepared. Most of the time, people nod and sit there and say they have no questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and have a dialogue. Who knows, maybe your questions will give them something to think about after you leave!
Tip #3: Have something extra for a teacher interview
There are inevitably numerous candidates for your desired position. However, not all of them will go the extra mile to stand out. That’s where these tips come in handy!
Leave a lasting impression
- Digital Portfolio (Great for an online interview. This could include a variety of pictures, links, videos, etc. that show off your talents)
- Letter or Work Sample (This could be a memory/item that’s significant to you and has shaped you as an educator. It could be from a student, colleague, parent, professor, etc.)
- Follow Up Thank You (This could be a letter, card, or email. Remember to customize it with something personal from your interview, not a generic thank you note)
- Sweet Treat Souvenir (If you’re a current student teacher for the school or know the school well, think about leaving behind a little “Thank You” treat. This could be a notepad with a cute Thank You note written on top.)
How this helps
You want to stand out for all of the right reasons. You may not answer every question “perfectly”, but how you handle the interview is key. Remember to remain professional, exhibit a positive attitude, and remain poised. These things will leave a lasting impression beyond your answer.
Remember, most people won’t put in the extra effort to do any of these things. The extras are what allow you to shine even more!
Bonus Tip
OK, one last tip for how to rock a teacher interview. Don’t answer with generic answers. What is an example of generic answers you ask? These are things that everybody would say, such as “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher” or “Students are so fun to work with”. Skip those at all costs, period!
Now kick those nerves to the curb and rock your teacher interview!
Always rooting you on,
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