As a former teacher I have had several experiences, both good and bad with the interview process. I was asked to join the team five out of six times I went through this process, so I am writing to share my experiences and advice. The job I didn’t get offered was one of my first interviews and completely my fault. I have learned a lot since then.
Be prepared. Do not panic. Do NOT tell them your astrology sign.
However, not getting that job was a great learning experience and very humbling. That being said, I will also be covering more things NOT to do during an interview.
I am going to share my tips, tricks, and strategies to nail the interview process and ultimately get the job! For any questions, cover letter and resume help, or you just need a little support please comment below, join my Facebook group Educators Live and Learn, or shoot me an email. I would love to help!
At this point in time if you already have an interview set up, that means you’ve already created and submitted your cover letter and resume. Here are just a few reminders on those.
Resume
There are tons of templates out there to choose from and fill in the blanks. If you have just graduated, I’m hoping you had a team of others helping you master your resume. If not and you are starting completely from scratch, that’s OK. Google it. Ask for help. Research. See what other teachers have done. What their objective is, how they outlined, what key words they included, how much or how little information is there, etc.
Cover Letter
Same thing with a cover letter. Research and find examples. This letter is what will be read and can determine whether or not they will move on to your resume. This is your chance to sell yourself “in a nutshell.” Think of it as a nice little story about you as a teacher and why they should want you. You want to include your qualities and characteristics that make you a qualified educator, your experience and skills you bring to the table, and any professional development, leadership roles, or anything else relevant that makes you shine.
Portfolio Ideas
Cover Letter
Resume
License and/or Certifications
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Work Samples
Education Philosophy
Behavior Management Plan
Classroom Management Plan
Professional Development Certificates and Training
Volunteer Experiences
I have actually never had an interview team look at my portfolio, but I’ve always felt more prepared with it sitting there on the table. I felt it showed my professionalism, and could utilize it at any point they wanted more information or samples.
What to Expect During an Interview
More than likely it will be a team of people interviewing you, usually the Principal and other teachers. They will be sitting at a table across from you, taking turns asking you questions. They will be taking notes either on computers or on a printed out interview question form. The Principal will most likely be the one asking about your background and experiences and referring to your resume, while the others ask the previously selected questions.
It’s also alright to be a little nervous, this at least shows them that you care. If you fumble up your words, or hear yourself starting to say, “um” or “like” too many times, take a breath and get back on track and to the point.
The interview process could last around 30 minutes or longer. Get to the point of what you want to say and utilize all the time you have efficiently. There will probably be others waiting to interview behind you so be courteous to all, but definitely get your time in.
Be Professional
Dress to impress: professional and appropriate. Ladies wear a dress, suit jacket, buttoned up blouse, dress slacks, etc. Gentlemen put on a damn tie! This is not the time to be casual. Those days you will long for once the school year starts, but right now pull out all the stops. Research professional business attire if you need to.
This is also not the time to show up right at the time of your interview. I know I shouldn’t have to say this, but be early! Interview schedules can get off track when they’ve planned a whole day for them. Make sure you are there with plenty of time to make yours if they are ahead of schedule. You also want to take that time to breathe and relax before going in. No one is going to look at you twice if you are running across the parking lot last minute and enter huffing and puffing.
Walk in tall and smile. Shake everyone’s hand in the room and show your confidence. Make eye contact. Speak clearly, appropriately, and with correct grammar. No slang!
Be Prepared
Like anything you want to do well, you need to practice and be prepared. Most importantly, you need to have an idea of what you will say when answering questions. Come up with your responses to as many sample questions as you can. Do research. Know the acronyms. Use key words (listed below). Practice answering the questions out loud, in a mirror, with a real person, or record yourself.
Have someone you know ask you the questions and give you honest feedback. If you can find someone in education to do this, jackpot! Not only have they been through the interview process, but they will be able to give you insight and relevant teaching practices to use from their classroom experience.
If the interview will be held over the computer, make sure you are set up in a place with a background you want them to see like a simple bare wall, not your dirty laundry. Pull up the program you’ll be using and see where to position your face and if you need to adjust the height of your table or chair. Put on pants just in case…
You can also have notes posted behind your computer to glance at, without it being too obvious. This would actually be a great scenario!
There are things you can try to plan ahead in an attempt to eliminate any hiccups during the day of. This in turn shows your professionalism and preparedness right away. If there are issues with internet connection or program functionality, stay calm and adapt. It may turn into a phone interview…yay!
Phone interviews are great! You get to look at all your notes you’ve prepared without anyone seeing you. Just remember while on the phone that it is still an interview and not to accidentally talk like you normally would on a phone call.
Sample Questions
To see a list of over 30 different sample questions go to my previous post:
30+ Sample Questions for a Teaching Interview.
Take your time answering the questions. It’s alright to say, “That’s a good question, let me think about that for a moment.” Don’t just blurt out the first thing that comes to your head without thinking first. That opens the possibility of panicking and ultimately spiraling out of control down the road of nonsense, irrelevant information, and possibly inappropriate information, i.e. your astrology sign (true story).
Key Words and Phrases
There are many key words, phrases, and acronyms that can make you stand out, or at least seem like you know your stuff. If anything, here is a list of things you will eventually learn about and/or need to know (off the top of my head and in no particular order). So start researching now!
- Data-driven
- Documentation and Tracking
- Formative and Summative Assessments
- Standardized Testing
- Google Suite: Drive, Classroom, Slides, etc.
- Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- English Language Development (ELD)
- Learning Maps and Pacing Guides
- Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
- STEAM or STEM
- 21st Century Skills and Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- 4C’s: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking
- Hands on Learning
- Student-centered learning
- Cycle of Inquiry (COI)
- Professional Learning Community (PLC)
- Response to Intervention (RTI)
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
- Small-group intervention
- One-on-one intervention/support
- Standards and Objectives
- Differentiation
- Engagement
- Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI)
- Scaffolding
- Fair vs. Equal
- Curriculum
- Lesson planning
- Professional Development
- Life-long learner
- Teachers are each others best resources
- Culturally Diverse
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
- Deescalate the situation
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Student Study Team (SST)
- Communicate and Collaborate
- Learning Styles
Whatever grade-level or subject area you’re interviewing for, you’ll want to make sure you take a look at the CCSS for it. Have an idea of what you would be covering in the classroom, and be able to use some as samples.
One of my most confident interviews where I nailed it and got offered the job on the spot, was ultimately made up of using key words and phrases. I had been teaching that grade-level for two years and finally felt like I had a clue. I used relevant information based off of classroom experience and what I had learned, and it went great!
Extra Requirements
Once you get hired you will most likely need to complete a background check, Tuberculosis i.e. TB Test, and a Physical. You may also need to have an official, sealed copy of your transcripts to give to the district.
Additional Advice
-Seek help and advice from educators or someone who has been in your shoes.
-Stay calm and remember that even if you don’t get the job, you’ve gained interview experience and will have an idea of what to expect the next time. Never turn down an interview.
-You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. You need to make sure the school would be a good fit for you. Prepare some questions to have for them.
-Don’t over-think it too much.
-Be concise and too the point. If they would like more information they’ll ask.
-Don’t ramble or spiral, and stay on topic.
-Look at the school website and read their mission statement. Try to get an idea of what they’re all about.
-Update your portfolio and have the newest and most relevant information first.
-Smile.
-Be aware of your body language and presentation.
-Be confident, but not cocky.
-For the love of God, don’t cry!