Monday, May 30, 2011

How should you get ready for your teacher interview?

Below is an article contributed by Candace Davies, founder of A+ Resumes for Teachers. This is an incredibly important topic to discuss because you’d be surprised at how few teachers actually prepare for their interview.

Practicing Interview Questions and Answers is the Best Way to Prepare for a Teacher’s Interview

By Candace Davies, Global Career Management Professional, Creator of “A+ Resumes for Teachers”, and Author of “Teachers’ Interview Edge”

Getting ready for an interview is probably the most ignored part of landing a new teacher or principal job. Many believe it is simple until they enter an interview room in front of a group of interviewers who are listening closely to your every move and every sentence. Then, reality sinks in! The interview team might include the superintendent of the school district, school principals, teachers, and parents, making it vital to address your answers to all involved. The more you get ready for an interview; the chances of you securing an offer will increase.

Below are a couple of frequently asked teacher job interview questions and probable responses to give you some tips on what to include in your responses.

Bear in mind, these are just possibilities and should be used at your own discretion. Each candidate's background, teaching style, and experiences are different, and the answers should reflect those differences. There is one thing you must remember that applies to each person who interviews --- don't lie! Also, take into account, that you should modify your answers to match the exact needs of a school or school district in which you are interested.

Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I observed your class?

What I most enjoy in teaching is hearing my students explain, in their own words, what they learned in a particular lesson and watching them enjoy participating in a lesson. When you observe my class, you will see that I get my students engaged in our discussions and activities. You will see that my students actively participate in each lesson. I make sure that all of them have a chance to speak, express their thoughts, and share them with the class. I enjoy how their faces brighten every time I recognize their efforts to learn by saying, "Very good," "That's a great idea," "Good job," and other encouraging phrases. At the end of the lesson, you will hear the students explain what they learned. Most of all, you'll know that I enjoy teaching because the children in my class look happy.

How do you differentiate your teaching? Please provide a couple of examples.

My teaching is unique in the sense that while teaching approach is holistic, it is also inclusive and individualized. It is holistic because I not only share knowledge with my students, but I also elicit knowledge from them. For instance, when I was teaching mathematics, I didn't simply teach formulas and methods of solving mathematical problems. I also explained to my students the value of understanding numbers and the great things we can use math for, such as the ability to think logically. I include all students in my lessons. For those who have difficulty, I use cooperative learning, peer tutors, and re-teaching techniques. I attend to the individual needs of the students by modifying assignments. For example, when I had a group of gifted children in my class, I regularly gave them special assignments to work on that would stimulate higher level thinking skills and had them present their work to the class.

I want to help you succeed in your career, and that means navigating that all important teacher interview.

Don’t waste another opportunity because you don’t know the most effective interview techniques. Take the steps toward furthering your career by discovering the secrets to successful interviewing with my eBook “Teachers’ Interview Edge”

No comments:

Post a Comment