While the precise format for an interview may vary from site to site, no matter where you are, there are some general tips and tricks for succeeding in your interview. Remember to:
1. Smile. Teachers are expected to be good-natured, friendly people; you can convey this by smiling during your interview.
2. Listen. Make sure that you listen very closely to what the interviewer is saying. Maintain eye contact, pay close attention, and be sure to ask pertinent questions.
3. Pause before answering. You don’t have to give a quick answer. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts and reflect; then give a well-thought response.
4. Don’t filibuster. Although some people would disagree, admitting that you Add New don’t have all the answers can be a positive trait and not the end of the world. If you’re stumped by a question, let the interviewer know that you don’t have a clear and concise answer. Tell the interviewer that you would probably seek the advice of a veteran educator, especially if it’s in the best interest of your students.
5. Dress to the nines. Like the old adage says, “always dress to impress.” Women should wear slacks or a nice suit and closed-toe shoes; men should always wear a business suit or at the minimum slacks, a shirt, and tie.
6. Participate in a mock interview. Before the interview, have someone from the field of education (friend, family member, professor) conduct a mock interview using a list of commonly asked interview questions. If this is done correctly, then the interview should be a breeze.
7. Break out the portfolio. The majority of teacher education programs require students to begin creating a portfolio beginning with their introduction to education and culminating with their student teaching experience. Ask your interviewer if you can showcase your portfolio during the interview.
8. Research. Make sure that you take the time to learn as much about the interviewing district as possible. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the mission and vision of the district can really impress interviewers.
Remember, practice makes perfect! It’s a good idea to practice answering questions you think you might face in your interview before you have to answer them in the moment. Practicing what you’re going to say ahead of time can help you sort out your thoughts and sharpen your diction. Common interview questions include:
1. Education and Background
Briefly describe your education background and explain how it has prepared you to teach.
2. Work Experiences
What work and volunteer experiences have you had, and how have they helped prepare you for teaching?
3. Strengths and
Weaknesses
What do you consider to be your particular strengths as a beginning teacher? What are your weaknesses, and how do you plan to strengthen them?
4. Teaching
Why did you select teaching as a profession?
5. Meeting Diverse Needs
How do you plan to meet the diverse needs of students in your classroom? Give an example of how you would plan to meet the special needs of a student in your classroom with a disability.
6. Curriculum
What kind of curriculum do you think is appropriate for the students you will teach? What was your most successful lesson?
7. Preparation and
Planning
What are things you will do to prepare and plan for instruction? What kind of planning have you done?
8. Instruction
What instructional strategies do you think are most effective? How will you meet the individual needs of your students?
9. Evaluation
What techniques will you use to evaluate student learning?
10. Classroom Management
What kind of classroom management techniques do you plan to use?
11. Parent/Family/ Community Involvement
Describe how you plan to involve and communicate with parents.
12. Philosophy/Beliefs
What are your core values and beliefs about education? About students? What is your philosophy of education?
13. Collaboration
Do you get along well with others? What are some people skills that you use when collaborating with others?
14. Extracurricular Activities
What extracurricular and community activities have you participated in? What extracurricular activities would you be able to supervise?
Practice answering these questions while watching yourself in the mirror, or have another person act as an interviewer. Learn what it feels like to say your answers out loud to another person, and you’ll ace your interview when you have to say the words for real!
