Teacher Interview Tips: How to Land that Teaching Job

 

 

The school year is drawing to a close and some of you may have decided that the place you are currently employed is not the place you want to be employed when school starts again next year. So, you have decided to hit the pavement and look for another teaching position. If you are one of these educators, there are some things you should do as you prepare for your interview.

Teacher Beware

Be warned. Some principals have confessed to monitoring interviewees from the moment they get out of the car. Why? So they can see if you appear energetic or if you appear disinterested or bored. These principals also intentionally show up a few minutes late in order to see how you will handle the time while you are waiting. So, don’t just go to the interview. Appear excited from the time that you get out of the car until the time that you finish the interview. Bring along some material that you can read while you wait for your interview to begin.

Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

I have been asked over and over again at teaching interviews what is my greatest strength and what do I feel is my weakness. So, don’t be surprised when you are asked this questioned. Think about this before you go to the interview and have an answer readily available. Sell yourself to your interviewer. Highlight all of your accomplishments. However, don’t say that you don’t have any weakness. Principals and interview team members are checking your intergrity. They have already called your former employers and checked your record. Remember everyone has at least one weakness. It is okay to mention one “minor” problem that you might have. However, don’t give your interviewer reasons not to hire you.

The Reason You Left Your Old Job

This is a question is to be expected at any job interview. So, you be prepared to answer.  Be as honest as you can, but as careful as possible. Again, don’t give the interviewer a reason not to hire you. They want a team player so make sure that you don’t bad mouth your boss or co-workers. How do you handle discipline in your classroom?

Test Scores

Test scores rule the teaching world. You can’t escape them if you work in a public school. Be prepared to answer questions about your test scores record. Also, be prepared to discuss how you plan to contribute to increasing the school’s test scores.

Sample Work

Take samples of your students’ work, lesson plans, and other activities with you. Combine this into a portfolio and have it handy at your interview.

Before you head off to that teaching interview, be prepared.

For more tips, read my other article.
http://www.careerpath360.com/index.php/common-teacher-interview-questions-79/