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Here’s the situation:
You are looking for a job as a teacher. You have an interview, and now you need to prepare.
You have read your CV / Resume and have memorized your information to ensure you don’t contradict yourself during the interview.
You sent your suit to the cleaners and you already got a haircut. (Male)
You have a professional educator outfit, you got your hair done (Female).
Your appearance will get you top marks. You know where the interview location is, and you know exactly how much time you need in order to arrive 15 to 20 minutes – early.
Punctuality will get you top marks.
You have done your research about the new school.
That shows interest, knowledge and initiative. Again, you get top marks.
Now, what questions will you be asked?
Relax, don’t get nervous now.
Here are the questions. That’s the easy part. The part that is not so easy is what your answers are going to be.
Practice.
Practice in front of a mirror.
Practice in front of a camera.
Practice, whatever you do, practice.
The questions? Right, the questions…
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The questions come from Mr. George Couros. Who’s George Couros?
Here’s the short answer:
“I am the Division Principal of Innovative Teaching and Learning for Parkland School Division. I believe we need to inspire our kids to follow their passions, while letting them inspire us to do the same.” (George Couros)
Now, imagine you have an interview with George. Close your eyes and listen to the questions.
You (incredulously) What did you say?
Me (smiling) Go ahead, close your eyes. Trust me, OK? Close your eyes… Ready?
(Have someone read these questions to you, and pay close attention to the questions that make you feel uncomfortable, or unprepared to give an adequate, convincing response.
Those questions which make you feel uncomfortable require some thought, some reflection, and possibly even some research.
Next: Practice your answers…
Here are some of George’s sample questions: Source: http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/77
Teaching Practices:
1. Tell me about a lesson that you thought went incredibly well. Is there anything that you could change about it?
2. What does a great assignment look like?
Lifelong Learning:
1. What is an area that you are particularly interested in and what have you done to further your understanding?
2. If you were to come into our school today, what would be an area that you believe you could show leadership in to staff?
Relationships
1. What have you done in the past to ensure students feel that they are a part of your classroom?
2. As a teacher in the classroom, what are some of the roles you believe that you play in the lives of students?
3. Parental involvement can be a key component to the success of a child. What have you done in the past to bring parents “on board” to what is going on in the classroom? Do they have a say in what happens in the classroom, or do they simply need to be notified of practices, events, etc?
Motivation
1. Do you believe in a rewards system and/or honours? Why or why not?
2. What is your understanding of “Performance Goals” and “Learning Goals”? Which would you prefer?
Classroom Management
1. Are all consequences the same for each action in your classroom? Why or why not?
2. Do you have a set of rules for your class? If so, how do you go about creating this?
Contributions
1. What is something you are passionate about outside of “basic curriculum” that you could share with students in our school? How would you go about sharing your passion with others?
I always end interviews giving candidates an opportunity to ask questions, and then finally share anything that they wanted to highlight that may have been missed through the interview process.
Any comments or questions are welcomed on these questions as many administrators have different philosophies on interviews. This is just a possible sample that I may use for different positions.
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Good luck on your job interview!
