Ten Tips to Ace Your Teacher Interview

Spending your summer going from teacher interview to teacher interview is not ideal, but think about it: It is a perfect opportunity to start brand new, touch new lives, and make new teacher friends.

How exciting is that?

  It has been a long while since I have interviewed for a brand new teaching position. The last time I interviewed, it was a transfer interview, inside my own district to be at my current school.

I guess it went well. Ha!

Today I wanted to write 10 things to do when coming for a teacher interview. Whether you are a brand new teacher, or you are a veteran teacher with 20 years of experience, going to an interview is always nerve wracking!

1.Predict Possible Questions

If you have taught for a while, you can anticipate some of the questions that can be asked at any interview. If you are a new teacher, this is a list of possible  teacher interview questions that may come up:

• What is your philosophy of teaching and learning? {THIS IS A BIGGIE!}
• How do you use technology in your classroom?
• How you deal with behavior issues?
• Why do you think you are the person qualified for this position?
• Describe a great instructional activity to do with your students?
• What are three professional traits that describe you?
• What ways do you collaborate with your teammates?
• What challenges do you foresee and how might you overcome them?
• How do you promote diversity and leadership in your classroom?
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Now these are just a few questions. There is no way around it, please be prepared for the tough questions and be prepared to speak about yourself. Depending on your specialty, your questions may be more specific than not and your answers may vary. However, please know that you can write them down and rehearse your answers, being prepared beats improvisation every time!

2.Speak Data

Oh data. Hate it, love it… it is safe to say that it is here to stay.

 This is one of the best teacher interview tips I have for you today: Teachers who are most proficient at using data, understand their students’ results and create a plan of action  to turn deficiencies into reteaching.  They reflect, not only on what students got wrong but why. Speaking of how YOU use your assessment data  is extremely important, specially if you are interviewing for a Title I school or for a data driven administrator.  

3. Speak from Your Heart

Establishing relationships from day 0 (hello meet the teacher night) is paramount for a very successful school year. Needles to say, showing how much you care, how much you enjoy working with children is a must. You should take the time to explain how you greet your students in the morning, how you get to know them throughout the year, how you persevere at reaching them,  and the type of  specific language that you use to promote a growth mindset.  

4. Be Vulnerable

I personally do not allow myself to be vulnerable, but  only with those who have earned the right to hear my story. Or… with those who need to hear it from me. Your teacher interview is a perfect time to show your interview panel how human you are. Speak of your strengths as a teacher, but also speak of your weaknesses and how you rely on others to help you. I assure you, no one wants to hire a robot!

5. Bring in Your Portfolio

Nothing speaks more professionalism than bringing in your vitae, written recommendations, and a sample of your accolades. Do you have a masters degree? Are you a nationally board certified? Make sure to take the time to speak of your accomplishments without sounding braggy… I know, easier said than done. However speaking of who you are professionally says volumes about your self-improvement as a teacher. Bring a lesson plan, transcripts, and Praxis scores, even your teaching license!  

6. Appearance

Eye contact, being assertive, LISTEN, and dress to impress. Your teacher outfit is important… I am not saying wear your prom dress, but you should dress as professional as you can. All of these count, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

7. Have your Own Questions Ready

This is your interview too. You are trying to predict if the school that you are applying to is a good match for you.  Normally, there is a chance at the end of each interview for a Q&A session. These are some of the questions that you may ask during your teacher interview:

• How does this school promote parent involvement?
• How does the administration support their teachers when behavior issues arise?
• How does the administration communicate about any issues with the staff?
• What professional development is offered?
• How would you describe your school culture?
• How is the general community involved?
• Why is this position open?
• What challenges is the school facing right now?

All in all, showing interest and avoiding talking about the salary will help you more than you think!  

8. Send a Follow Up E-mail

Always, always, always make sure to send a thank you email after your interview, it doesn’t matter how the interview goes. If nothing else, you are showing your professionalism and this small gesture goes a long way. It not only shows your true interest in the position, but also displays a great sense of gratitude. A follow up e-mail can also carry communication about the choices made after the interview.

9.Speak the Lingo

Knowledge is power, and this knowledge that you have about the teaching profession is conveyed through words. Every single administrator wants to hire a knowledgeable teacher, who can translate theory into practice for the benefit of ALL students. Mention about the following:

• Differentiation
• Balanced Literacy
• Formative assessment
• Teaching methods
• RTI or MTSS
• Interventions
• IEPs
• Research Based Strategies
• Diversity
• Children’s’ Literature
• Writing Workshop
• STEM – STEAM
• Coding

And more!

10. Collaboration Over Competition

This one personally strikes a chord with me. I have started working at schools where my new team mates have told me that they are the best teacher in the building. And in my heart I have always known that insecurities are loud, and confidence is silent. This being said, I show up to work every morning striving to do the best for my students.

I have had great teams to collaborate with, and teams that I could not wait to get out of.

Because of this.

During your teacher interview you need to convey the great traits of a team member: reliable, hard working, and very ethical. Make sure to name specific times in which you acted as a leader, team builder, and a good friend. Drama and gossip have no place in any school, and this is a perfect time to tell the interview panel how you feel about this nonsense. I have also created this Teacher Interview Cheat Sheet to help you get prepared for your teacher interview. You can download it by clicking on the picture below:     I really hope that you have enjoyed  this article. I also hope that my teacher interview tips help you land the teaching job of your dreams!