I know we have some experienced teachers here, and I'm a recent college graduate with an education degree. One of the things that my education classes really didn't cover, and that I regretfully didn't bring up with my cooperating teacher during student teaching is what should I expect when I interview for a teaching position? 

I had an interview for a substitute teaching position and it was fairly straight forward. Is the "real" teaching job interview similar? Are there things I should ask? Are there things I need to bring with me? I'm looking to see/hear what the experience is like, and how to best prepare for it? Or perhaps I'm just putting too much thought into it.

This is an extremely good question, and I'm sorry I missed it.  Have you gotten to experience an interview yet?  I'll tell you about my first experience when I have a little more time.

Singelli : I haven't yet, but I hope I can experience one in April or May. Any kind of input or experiences would be awesome, though. Thanks in advance

historyguy12 :  I'm sorry it took me some time to get back to you on this matter. I'm kinda surprised no other teachers have responded... maybe they haven't seen this thread?

play4fun :
rcarter2 :
You guys are always full of awesome advice and observations.

As for my interview....
I can't really remember much about it, unfortunately. It was almost seven years ago and so far, I've been blessed with keeping my job, so it's the only one I had. However, I can tell you of what I remember the most, as those details probably had the biggest effect on me.

For one, I was interviewed by four people simultaneously. Since I had never experienced a job interview at all (my other jobs had miraculously just been 'given' to me), this was quite intimidating. I didn't know interviews were ever conducted by groups, and this was the principal, assistant principal, and two seasoned teachers grilling me.  Oddly though, I don't remember any really difficult questions being asked.  I do remember them asking what my motivation was, or what my teach philosophy consisted of.  I got called out on the fact that I stated I really wanted to make mathematics applicable in the classroom.  The math teacher who was a part of the interviewing committee asked me was also the head of the math department, and she asked me to give an example on how I'd make math applicable.  She was the interviewer who intimidated me the most, but once I got hired, I realized she was the sweetest woman I've ever known... and she became my best friend in the workplace.

I guess my experience really just brought me to the conclusion that you can't let yourself be too intimidated. Just be natural and answer according to your true feelings.  Don't memorize a bunch of big words or a script that you think will make you look impressive.  Search yourself and make sure you know HOW you want to teach, WHY you want to teach, and WHAT you want to teach, and you'll be well set.

Well, what to expect just depends on the school. Personally, the interviews I have done were not super thorough, but definitely in depth. I had lesson plan examples and stuff like that, but didn't need them. One common question I would get is "What is your teaching philosophy?". Really have that answer down. Other common topics of discussion would be the following-

- Classroom management. They want to know how you will run your classroom. Of course, what kind of discipline and tolerance policy. But they also want to know what kind of classroom environment you want to establish.

- What experience do you have with incorporating modern technology with your class? What do you plan on doing to incorporate it?

- How you would tier your classroom to accommodate for a variety of learning styles as well as learning capabilities.

- Leadership. They likely will ask you to talk about an example in your life in which you had to be a leader.

- Incorporating other content into your classroom (if you are a middle school or high school teacher).

Those are things you will very likely need to answer in your interview.

rcarter2 : This answer was much more useful than mine.  LOL

I'll probably be looking for a new teaching job this summer.  I imagine I could interview horrible and still get a position, since math teachers are so highly needed. However, I'm still nervous. I'd like to make a good impression to increase my chances, and I've been extremely lucky in my career path.  I've been working for nearly ten years now, but I've only ever once had an interview. (I don't count the Teach for America process.)  All my other jobs were kind of just handed to me.

That being said, I also feel a little at ease about it. I've learned so much in the past six years, that it's easier for me to vocalize my ideas and opinions on teaching and methods and management.  I know all the trigger words and teaching fads as well, so I have a better idea of what and interviewer might be looking for, even if I don't quite agree with it.  If I were you, historyguy, I'd probably talk with some current teachers and ask them what their professional development has been like. Whatever they've learned there, will be your key words... strong ideas you can use to impress your potential principal.

Singelli :

rcarter2 :


Thank you both for you input. Sorry it took me so long to reply, life has been busy. Before I started college my sister introduced me to a few of her friends who were either in school or just graduated with their teaching certifications, I think I'll reach out to a few of them and see what their thoughts are.

Early this week I hope to be able to set up an interview for a teaching position this fall. I'm kind of thinking, just getting an interview will be a great learning experience, I hope I can get the job but outside of that I really want to learn as much as I can.