Teaching Interview: Preparation Equals Confidence

You've earned your teaching degree and now you're ready to take on the challenge of that long-awaited job-but first you have to get through the interview. Making a good first impression can set you apart from the pool of potential candidates. Some of it comes naturally--but the key is being prepared.

When I first interviewed for a teaching position, protocol typically called for a meeting with the principal. The process has evolved, however, and the trend now is to be interviewed by a team that includes at least one administrator, a few teachers and possibly a school-board member or district representative. Don't worry, they know you're going to be nervous. Nonetheless, they will see what you have to offer their school.

Before the Interview
Find out as much as you can about the school, the community and the student population. Visit the school and district websites. Observe teachers at the school, if possible. In order to relieve some of your anxiety, inquire about the format of the interview beforehand. Review the state curriculum standards for the grade level or subject area. Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience and assets (click here for tips). Don't spend too much time designing the portfolio: some interviewers will be interested in examining it, but others may only give it a quick glance at best.

Questions the Interviewers Might Ask
A variety of questions could potentially be posed. Click here for a list of interview questions for K-12 teachers and counselors-and here for more questions directed specifically toward elementary teachers. It's good to read through such a list and take time to ponder how you might respond. In particular, be prepared to discuss your thoughts on the following topics:

1. Describe your discipline plan.
2. How would you handle a disruptive student?
3. How do you reach students who don't understand the first time around?
4. How do you communicate with parents?
5. What is your homework philosophy?
6. How do you incorporate differentiated instruction?
7. How do you assess students to make sure they're learning the required skills?
8. What are your professional goals?
9. Do you have any special talents? (What they really want to know is whether you're willing to coach a sport, head up the school yearbook committee, and so on.)
10. Describe a bad experience you've had in previous teaching experiences and how you'd improve upon it.
11. What is your greatest strength? weakness?
12. How do you stay current in education?

Questions You Should Ask the Interviewers
The interview should be a two-way street. Generally, your questions will be reserved for the end of the interview. Take a list of the questions you'd like to have answered. They will be specific to the job, but might include the following topics:

1. What are average class sizes?
2. What kind of technology is available in classrooms?
3. What types of teaching materials are provided for subject/grade level?
4. How would you describe the administration's management style?
5. In what ways do administrators support faculty in times of parental conflicts?
6. If there's a particular program that you know has been successful in other schools, ask if they use it--or would consider it.

The Day of the Interview
Be sure you're well-groomed and professionally dressed. Take deep breaths. The interviewers are looking for know-how, of course, but they are also looking to see if your personality will mesh with the school environment. If you're unfamiliar with a program they mention, don't be afraid to say, "I really haven't learned anything about that yet, but it sounds interesting." Make eye contact with the interviewers and call them by name. Most of all, remind yourself that you have a lot to offer and will be a great teacher.

It's always a good idea to follow the interview with a thank you note to show your appreciation-this will also help to keep you in the administrator's thoughts.
If you've been on either end of a teaching interview, feel free to leave your experiences or suggestions in the comment section.

To read more education articles by this author, click here.