Both new education graduates and experienced teachers must present the best of their skills and experience to principals when seeking a teaching job. Because teaching requires a combination of pedagogical background knowledge, a strong repertoire of instructional strategies, seamless classroom management skills, and a nurturing attitude, candidates must effectively present as much evidence as possible in a short amount of time that they have what it takes to contribute to student learning.
Practical Interviewing Tips
Teacher candidates should have an electronic portfolio prepared. The portfolio may contain a brief statement of their philosophy of teaching and learning, video clips of their student teaching or prior teaching experiences, photographs of work samples or the classroom environment, certification information (including any extra endorsements), and letters of recommendation.
If the portfolio is not requested at the time of application, bring 1-2 copies to the interview to leave with the human resources manager or principal. Be prepared to discuss what is in the portfolio and to mention or use the video clips and photographs to illustrate key points in the discussion whenever possible.
Effective Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management Techniques
A big concern of most principals is whether or not a new teacher is able to run a classroom. Ensuring quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of a large group of children is not easy, and is made more difficult if classroom management skills are lacking. Teacher candidates must be ready to clearly illustrate the ways in which they were effective instructors and skillful classroom managers.
Before the interview, think about previously established and successful classroom routines. Gather stories and examples from student teaching or prior positions that illustrate quality instruction experience in the major content areas (language arts, science, social studies, and math). Finally, be prepared to share how specific instructional or behavioral problems were solved.
Nurturing and Contributing Faculty Member
Beyond the technical aspects of good teaching, principals also want to be sure they are hiring someone who will be a contributing member of the faculty and caring role model for children. Demonstrate these qualities by providing examples of community service, committee activity, or other school involvement or leadership. Discuss successes, but don't be afraid to disclose problems encountered along the way, as long as a solution was found and the overall experience was beneficial.
Working with children requires a personality that is warm and inviting, and during an interview, principals are looking for that extra something that makes a candidate stand out as the nurturing adult that can make a difference in a child's life. Smile, show an appropriate sense of humor, and be poised, polished and professional, all why demonstrating the warmth that allows the interviewer to see the humanness behind the accomplishments in the classroom..
Teacher candidates face a great deal of competition when interviewing for a classroom position. The better prepared candidates are, and the more able they are to point to specific qualities and experiences that make them uniquely qualified for the position, the more likely they are to be hired.
Further Reading
Pollock, Robert. Teacher Interviews: How to Get Them and How to Get Hired! Reno, NV: Advanta Press, 2002.
Warner, Jack; Bryan, Clyde; and Warner, Diane. Inside Secrets of Finding a Teaching Job: The Most Effective Methods for Both New and Experienced Educators. St. Paul, MN: JIST Publishing, 2006.
Barbara Abromitis - Barbara Abromitis, Ed.D. is a freelance writer and educational consultant, with degrees in reading education and educational psychology, ...
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