Every year as spring rolls towards the end of the school year, all teachers are doing two things: (1) either praying their contract is renewed, or (2) looking for a job. For new teachers the task is daunting. I can surely write that and know the truth in the statement, because here I am, a new teacher, interviewing. If preparation for interviews and sitting through panels of employers wasn't nerve wracking enough, the fact that there are fewer jobs to go around due to budget cuts is down right scary. I personally know teachers' whose contracts were not renewed, and now they are vying for the same job all the recent graduates are searching for, and all the other teachers' whose contracts weren't renewed are searching for. I have been on several interviews this year, and this is what I have learned:
1) Your resume is important, your references are important. Bring plenty of copies of each.
2) Know your teaching philosophy. Do you demand obedience from your students? Do you like peer interaction? What are your goals in assessment? I haven't had an interview yet that hasn't had that question.
3) Smile. Yes it is serious, but the face you show your perspective employer is the face they are picturing in front of their students.
4) Be up to date on the teaching standards for the grade you are applying for. How can you teach effectively without knowing what the students are expected to master?
5) This one is my personal advice. Be genuine. They can see through a fake person just like you can. Be genuine about your goals, your personality, and about WHY you want to be a teacher. I'll give you a hint, if your reason is about you, then you are in the wrong profession.
6) Only apply where you want to teach. I know that sounds silly, but if you don't like the campus or feel unsafe at the facility, how effective are you going to be in the classroom if you are worrying about other things?
I don't think that I need to go over the standard important things like dress professionally, brush your teeth and hair LOL, so I won't bother. As I sit here typing this, I am pondering my next interview. A panel of 9 people who will decide if I am the right fit for their school. A new teacher with only a year of experience under the belt and that experience through substitute classrooms and intervention rooms. I do wish everyone the best of luck who is doing the same thing I am and through such tough economic times. Happy Interviewing!
1) Your resume is important, your references are important. Bring plenty of copies of each.
2) Know your teaching philosophy. Do you demand obedience from your students? Do you like peer interaction? What are your goals in assessment? I haven't had an interview yet that hasn't had that question.
3) Smile. Yes it is serious, but the face you show your perspective employer is the face they are picturing in front of their students.
4) Be up to date on the teaching standards for the grade you are applying for. How can you teach effectively without knowing what the students are expected to master?
5) This one is my personal advice. Be genuine. They can see through a fake person just like you can. Be genuine about your goals, your personality, and about WHY you want to be a teacher. I'll give you a hint, if your reason is about you, then you are in the wrong profession.
6) Only apply where you want to teach. I know that sounds silly, but if you don't like the campus or feel unsafe at the facility, how effective are you going to be in the classroom if you are worrying about other things?
I don't think that I need to go over the standard important things like dress professionally, brush your teeth and hair LOL, so I won't bother. As I sit here typing this, I am pondering my next interview. A panel of 9 people who will decide if I am the right fit for their school. A new teacher with only a year of experience under the belt and that experience through substitute classrooms and intervention rooms. I do wish everyone the best of luck who is doing the same thing I am and through such tough economic times. Happy Interviewing!
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