Categories

Content Type

Sources

Final exam; Interviewing for a teaching position requires more than book smarts

By Jason Lee, Source: Tribune Media Services

You’ve likely heard horror stories about interviews for teaching positions. Sure, it can be a stressful, nerve-racking experience, but teachers who have been there will generally tell you being as prepared as possible beforehand is the best policy.

With that in mind, consider these suggestions to be on the fast track to that teaching job:

Dress to impress

Your choice of clothing says a lot about you, and as they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

Women should dress tastefully – no shorts, halters, cutoffs or miniskirts. You want to look professional, so consider covering tattoos and removing piercings in body parts other than your ears.

Men should wear a nice pair of pants, collared shirt and tie. Polished shows are a good idea and they say a lot about you. Stay away from sneakers and jeans. The body piercing and tattoo advice goes for the gents, too.

Eileen Kohan, executive director of career planning and placement for University of Southern California, says “interviews are not the place for trendsetters.”

“If you want to dress to impress, take time to know what the office culture is,” Kohan suggests. “Let your personality and smarts be what they remember, not your outfit.”


Say it right the first time

Showing that you have quality speaking skills will demonstrate how you would perform in front of a classroom.

Also, being a blabbermouth during an interview just opens the door for saying something you’ll regret, says Rachelle J. Canter, author of “Make the Right Career Move” (Wiley, $21.95).

“Remember that an interview is a dialogue, not a monologue,” Canter says. “Resist the temptation to teach the interviewer, unless specifically invited to do so. Remember that it’s all about them and how you can best meet their teaching needs.”

Present your passion

There could be several qualified candidates vying for one open teaching position, so being passionate about teaching will make you stand out among the pack, says Brenda O’Hern, assistant professor in the graduate educational administration program at Widener University in Chester, Pa.

“The two qualities I look for in candidates, beyond the typical qualifications, include a passion for teaching and evidence of their love for children,” O’Hern says. “These are qualities that one cannot discern from a resume, but that come through – or not – in an interview.”

Know the terrain

It’s important to gain a strong understanding of the school district and surrounding community before the interview. Each district and school has its own unique model of how things are done, so going in with knowledge of how the district and school operates will show you’re ready to start on day one. In other words, do your homework!

© 2008, Tribune Media Services