So, you’ve got a teacher interview coming up? Congratulations! I know it can be nerve-wracking, whether it’s your first job or you’re transitioning to a new district or position. But don’t worry friend! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some valuable tips that will help you ace your teacher interview and land that dream job. We’ll cover all the essentials and make it stress-free. So take a deep breath, relax, and let’s dive into these game-changing tips together!
Step 1: Research
The best way to feel confident in a teacher interview is by knowing your sh*t so let’s start by arming ourselves with knowledge. Begin by researching commonly asked teacher interview questions. Some key topics to consider are special education/differentiation, classroom management, how you run your literacy block/math block, equity and inclusion, and school climate/community. However, keep in mind that the specific questions can vary based on the type of position you’re applying for. Put yourself in the shoes of a principal and come up with a list of potential questions to prepare for.
Some sample teacher interview questions to get you started…
- Tell us about a time you had a student in your class that you had to differentiate for. What did you do to ensure you were meeting their needs appropriately?
- Tell us about how you incorporate the current literacy curriculum into your plans each week?
- What would it look like if we walked into your classroom during a math block? What would we see & hear?
- Tell us about a time when you had a difficult class. How did you manage behaviors and expectations?
- How would you contribute to the climate and community of our school?
- Parent communication is very important in our community. How do you ensure clear, consistent communication with families?
Step 2: Write it Out
Once you have your list of potential questions, it’s time to jot down your ideal answers. You can start by writing out a paragraph for each question, or if you prefer a more concise approach, use dot-jots to outline your thoughts. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about certain answers—feel free to ask ChatGPT for assistance 🤪. The goal here is to have a well-structured framework to build upon during your interview preparation. If you are looking for tips on how to use ChatGPT, click to read this blog post!
A sample answer from ChatGPT to get you started…
Question: Tell us about a time when you had a difficult class. How did you manage behaviors and expectations?
Answer: “Ah, the challenge of a difficult class. I vividly recall a diverse group of students with varying abilities and behavior issues. To manage behaviors and expectations, I focused on building relationships, setting clear rules, and implementing a reward system. Differentiating instruction and maintaining open communication with parents also played crucial roles. Through patience, consistency, and a commitment to their success, I witnessed positive changes: increased engagement, decreased behavior issues, and a sense of community. This experience taught me the power of relationships and the belief in every student’s potential.” [Please note… don’t use this example as is! Keep reading!]
Step 3: Make it Personal
Now it’s time to infuse your answers with your unique personality and experiences. Especially if you were using ChatGPT for a little help along the way. You want to make sure your answers reflect your teaching philosophy, the school you are applying to, and your actual knowledge and experiences. Take your ideal answers and personalize them by incorporating real examples and anecdotes from your previous teaching jobs or student teaching experiences. Additionally, highlight any connections to the school’s mission statement, goals, or recent initiatives. This will demonstrate your alignment with the institution’s values and showcase your passion for education.
For example, to the above answer you could add in a specific student or specific behaviour that troubled you during your student teaching placements. You could also discuss WHAT rewards system you used (whole-class, individual for a student on an IEP), what specific things you do to build relationships with challenging students, etc. Without these specific anecdotes, the answer above sounds very robotic for a teacher interview – you want to make sure you sound like you’ve actually put things into action.
Step 4: Record Yourself
I know, I know, it may feel a bit awkward, but trust me on this one—it truly makes a difference. Turn on your camera, ask yourself the sample questions you’ve prepared, and record your responses. Take the time to watch them back and evaluate your performance. Identify any areas where you tend to ramble and refine those answers to be more concise and clear. Pay attention to your body language and other cues that may affect your confidence. Practice, practice, and practice some more until you feel confident and polished.
Step 5: Remember to Breathe ♥
Above all, remember to breathe. You’ve got this! Trust in your abilities and believe that you deserve that job as much, if not more, than anyone else. When you walk into the interview, envision yourself casually discussing your teaching beliefs and the successful programs you’ve implemented in your classroom with a supportive coworker. It’s just a conversation among professionals. Embrace your expertise, stay true to yourself, and let your passion shine through. This is just one teacher interview and what’s meant to be, will be!
Overall…
Congratulations on taking the initiative to prepare for your teacher interview. By following these tips, you’re well on your way to securing that first job or making a successful transition. Remember, researching the school, writing out your answers, personalizing them, recording yourself, and maintaining a calm and confident demeanor will set you apart from the competition. YOU GOT THIS!
