Hired to Teach Next Year!

[duckman]

I have a series of job interviews coming up in the next few weeks for the 2008-2009 school year. In fact, I have several during a job fair on April 2nd. Have any advice?

[Passacaglia]

No advice here, but good luck, man!!!

[wade moore]

I'm not sure that it's possible to improve on rowech's advice.

[Vince]

I'm not sure that it's possible to improve on rowech's advice.

Yeah, that was pretty much spot-on. Good work Rowech.

And good luck man!

[MrDNA]

Rowech's #1 is the most important to me. If they like who you are, who you really are, you have an excellent shot no matter what else happens. Best of luck!

[duckman]

Thanks for the advice, rowech! And thanks to those who gave the well wishes!

[Godzilla Blitz]

Some random thoughts, in no particular order:

1. I'd expect to get a question about how you would integrate technology into your classrooms. In most situations, you want to be pro-technology when you answer this. I'm always surprised at how many candidates shoot themselves in the foot when they answer this question by taking an anti-technology stance. But more than this, 90% of the answers we get to this question involve some variant of PowerPoint or web searches. If you can get beyond this and have some decent ideas about some innovative things you'd like to try involving technology (or have done elsewhere), you'll be light years ahead of most people that answer this question.

2. Don't mention that it "takes a village to raise a child". This is the most overworked educational cliche in existence. Say it some other way.

3. This applies to almost any type of job interview, but keep your answers tight. One to two minutes each. Now matter the teaching style, teachers need to explain things concisely and thoroughly, and we see a lot of teachers who drone on in interviews, go off on tangents, and generally lack focus in communicating. Stay tight.

4. Spend a little time researching the district and the school. Districts and schools are so varied in approaches, issues, and concerns. A few minutes on the school's website can often provide information that you can work into your answers. One of the most telling stats for me is the percentage of students on a free or reduced lunch program. More than any other stat, this will often help narrow down the types of issues the school is facing.

5. I'd have a few questions for them as well. What is their mentoring program for teachers who are new to the school or district? What are typical class sizes in your desired department? Could you come by and tour the school while students are in session?

6. Two of the critical discussions in public educational today are the 21st Century Learner and the Achievement Gap. I'd be prepared to handle questions on both of these. Even if you don’t get asked such questions, I’d give at least a nod to these issues in my answers. Know what NCLB and AYP mean (just in case).

7. Get someone to do mock interviews with, and make them as realistic as possible. Make a list of questions and go through them several times before the interview. Have them toss in a few random questions as well. Try to find someone that will give you honest feedback, and not just tell you that you’re doing great. You need to know where you need to improve. If possible, videotape yourself doing these mock interviews. Your posture, gestures, and mannerisms say a ton about you (and are a huge issue in giving a positive impression as a teacher), and I guarantee one or two things will jump out at you when you watch yourself being interviewed.

8. We always ask candidates questions about classroom management. We also always ask a question about how you would motivate/inspire/encourage students.

9. I'm a big proponent of seeing prospective teachers teach, and we do a short mock class in our interviews. This, more than anything, is what I base my recommendations on. They should tell you if they are going to ask you to do a sample lesson, however.

10. Exhibit good classroom mechanics in your interview. Speak cleanly. Speak loudly enough for everyone to hear. When you are answering a question, engage everyone that is interviewing you. Look at them when you talk. Smile. Lean forward slightly when you are seated. Good teachers are good communicators, and I'd say a third of the candidates we interview do poorly in some way here.

11. Enthusiasm makes up for a lot. Good teachers should be energetic, enthusiastic, engaging, and optimistic. Don’t overdo it of course, but make sure these traits shine through in your interview.

Good luck! Let us know how they turn out.

[Mike Lowe]

To add to the first post:

Have your "educational philosophy" in mind. Don't need to have something memorized but I'll gurantee you they will ask it.

[Warhammer]

This is not limited to education interviews, but all interviews.

1) Always ask what the steps in the interviewing process are. This gives you some idea of what you need to do and what their time frame for moving ahead are.

2) I love asking what concerns and issues they have regarding your experience and background how it pertains to the position. That gives you the opportunity to directly address those issues. If they have no issues, proceed to #3.

3) Always ask for the next step in the process. If it is another interview, ask to set up a time for that. If it is a personality test, ask to set up a time for that. Do not be too pushy though. However, this shows that you have paid attention during the interview as well as shows interest in the position.

[Edward64]

1. Be yourself...they will see through it if you try to bs.

I actually disagree with this unless you are a 'perfect prototype/fit'.

More often than not, you need to (1) prepare to (2) present the ideal image ... which ultimately is 'some' bs'ing.

There is of course how much of this you can pull off, but I find that most people can 'improve' themselves.

Anticipate the questions, prepare for the answers, learn the buzz words.

[duckman]

I just got back from mock interviews conducted by actual principals through the college. I did very well thanks to the advice given here.

Thanks for your help, fellas!

[Barkeep49]

Sorry I missed this the first time around. Good to hear you had some success!

[JeeberD]

Good job, duckie. I'm rooting for ya!

[AENeuman]

4. Do your best to not be intimidated. Many principals/administrators will attempt to already put their power on display for you during an interview. Sometimes it's a test and sometimes its an ego. The ones who do it as a test are the ones you want to work for. You'll be able to tell right away.

By far the most important, at least for me. I got a flat tire on the way to the interview, on the hottest day of the year, and was over an hour late. I showed up with nothing to lose. Later they said it was that attitude that got me the job, and they knew it right away.

Also, be ready to describe a lesson that you are proud of, one that shows all the bells and whistles.

[Racer]

Apparently, I accidentally posted this in the College Basketball 2k8 thread. Here's my advice.

1. Don't bs.
2. Find a good interviewing book.
3. Prepare for the interviews.
4. Don't listen to the advice of your friends and family even if they think are experts.

[duckman]

Strangest thing happened yesterday. I got a letter from a former mentor teacher that I had a field experience with asking me to not use her as a reference. I asked her, when I left the field experience, if I could use her as a reference for employment, and she "would be happy to help." Here is the exact letter I received from her:

"Please remove my name from your Resume References/Recommendation list for a teaching position

Ms. __________"

Pretty cold, huh? Now, I'm sending out a replacement reference list to those that were interested in me. I hope this does not hurt any chance with these employers because of the replacement list and/or any comments she made to school districts. I also sent a letter to the mentor teacher telling her that I am taking her off my references.

I am not sure what to make of it.

[Barkeep49]

I agree that this is a weird thing.

[Passacaglia]

I wonder if she is looking for a new position herself, and is a freak about competition?

[JeeberD]

You shouldn't have snuck out the next morning, dude...

[duckman]

I wonder if she is looking for a new position herself, and is a freak about competition?

That's a possibility. Also could be:

1) She's lazy and didn't realize the work that writing recommendations and filling out evaluations were.

2) She has a friend going for the same positions as I am.

3) I did something during my time there that she never told me about that pissed her off.

I'll probaby never find out, but it's still fucked up that she did this to me.

[duckman]

You shouldn't have snuck out the next morning, dude...
Dude, trust me on this. I wouldn't fuck her with your dick and HA pushing.

[Izulde]

Yeah, that strikes me as really odd, but hopefully it doesn't hurt you too badly.

[duckman]

I had two good interviews this week. One with a high school within the district I am teaching. My mentor teacher gave a recommendation to the principal, so he had me come over Thursday. They were pretty noncommital at this time because of the budget crisis (Oklahoma is probably going to cut education funding for the following year). I think they are wanting more experienced teachers if they have to a reduction in force.

Today, I drove two hours to interview for the 9-12 English teacher at a small district in southern Oklahoma. He told me he would contact me in the next few weeks if he decides to recommend me for the position to the school board. They like to meet new teachers before they hire.

[tarcone]

Good luck.
Make sure you tell them you love children.

[Barkeep49]

I also wish you good luck.

[duckman]

Just got the call a couple of hours ago. I was offered an 8th grade teaching position at middle school nearby and I accepted. Oh, happy days! :D

[Izulde]

Congratuations! :)

[Fidatelo]

Grats! I remember 8th grade... good gravy was an I an asshole.

Good luck! :D

[Radii]

congrats!

[PurdueBrad]

Just got the call a couple of hours ago. I was offered an 8th grade teaching position at middle school nearby and I accepted. Oh, happy days! :D

Congratulations, you'll love teaching!

[terpkristin]

Fantastic!! Congrats, and good luck!

/tk

[MikeVic]

Congrats!

[Eaglesfan27]

Congratulations! :)

[CamEdwards]

Congrats!

[sterlingice]

congrats :)

SI

[Barkeep49]

Congratulations, you'll love teaching!
I certainly wish you a hearty congratulations.

But I don't claim that you'll love it. I can tell you that I basically wanted to be a teacher from the time I was 8 and this, my fourth year of teaching, is the first year where I didn't serious contemplate leaving the profession. And I am, at least according to my job reviews, an excellent teacher. It's hard work, and I think that if you're doing it right frequently emotionally dispiriting. Over time I've learned how to handle those disappointments and focus on the successes I've achieved, but it's not an easy thing. If you ever need someone to vent to please don't hesitate to look my way.

[tarcone]

Congrats

[Lorena]

Oh yeah, uh huh.. oh yeah... uh huh

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii61/maple_doorider/Smilies/GrinDance.gif

Grats duckie and good luck!

[Cap Ologist]

I certainly wish you a hearty congratulations.

But I don't claim that you'll love it. I can tell you that I basically wanted to be a teacher from the time I was 8 and this, my fourth year of teaching, is the first year where I didn't serious contemplate leaving the profession. And I am, at least according to my job reviews, an excellent teacher. It's hard work, and I think that if you're doing it right frequently emotionally dispiriting. Over time I've learned how to handle those disappointments and focus on the successes I've achieved, but it's not an easy thing. If you ever need someone to vent to please don't hesitate to look my way.

+1

[JeeberD]

Junior High? *shudder*

Best of luck to ya, duckie!

[Barkeep49]

I kinda regret my post from last night since Duckman you should celebrate your accomplishment of getting a job and I rained on your well deserved parade. However, I stand by the content of what I wrote.

[duckman]

Without sounding overdramatic, I understand that I am facing an uphill battle as a new teacher, but I feel that if anyone can handle the ups and downs of the profession, I can. I've been through some very unsettling situations throughout my young life and I have managed to persevere in those situations like going through a divorce at a young age, not seeing my son through his first few years because of physical distance, rebuilding that relationship when I moved back to Oklahoma, nearly losing my leg or life because of a staph infection, living with a disability, having to recover from neck surgery, etc. I will not fail because I refuse to let myself fail. And that's not because I won't have any failures, but because I don't look at failures as failures anymore, but as new learning opportunities.

Well, I guess I was a little overdramatic. :)

[duckman]

I just had an interesting discussion with my former mentor teacher. I told her that I accepted the position with the mentioned school and that I was canceling interviews. She told me to continue to interview until I signed a contract. I feel that is very unethical. What do you think?

[PurdueBrad]

I certainly wish you a hearty congratulations.

But I don't claim that you'll love it. I can tell you that I basically wanted to be a teacher from the time I was 8 and this, my fourth year of teaching, is the first year where I didn't serious contemplate leaving the profession. And I am, at least according to my job reviews, an excellent teacher. It's hard work, and I think that if you're doing it right frequently emotionally dispiriting. Over time I've learned how to handle those disappointments and focus on the successes I've achieved, but it's not an easy thing. If you ever need someone to vent to please don't hesitate to look my way.


Believe me, I do agree with you here BK. The job can be an incredible grind but I've found if I put blinders on and focus just on being in the classroom with the students (as opposed to all the other crap that goes along with teaching) it can be rewarding. Mind you I've had a rough couple days of teaching but still wouldn't leave. The only time I've contemplatd leaving is for $$$. Prior to being a teacher, I made in the lower six digits but got a promotion that was moving me out of what I enjoyed and I found teaching to be the answer. Once I coped with the $ though, I don't really see myself leaving.

[PurdueBrad]

I just had an interesting discussion with my former mentor teacher. I told her that I accepted the position with the mentioned school and that I was canceling interviews. She told me to continue to interview until I signed a contract. I feel that is very unethical. What do you think?

My student teacher FINALLY signed his paperwork seven weeks after being hired. The job almost fell through twice which, if he stopped interviewing, would've been a nightmare for him. I actually agree with interviewing and if you get an offer you would consider, I would contact the initial school and say, "I am ready to commit to your school but for the sake of security, I need to sign my paperwork so that I know I have a job next year otherwise I may have to consider other opportunities." See what the response is. My district were on the verge of hiring two teachers last year but the board ultimately didn't approve the hires despite being told by principals they got the job. That left them out in the cold.

[Eaglesfan27]

Different line of work, but I've also continued to interview after I "had been hired." Until the paperwork is completed, nothing is definite.

[Barkeep49]

With a school job don't forget that you have to be approved by a school board which can hold all sorts of things up having exactly ZERO to do with you.

[ColtCrazy]

I just had an interesting discussion with my former mentor teacher. I told her that I accepted the position with the mentioned school and that I was canceling interviews. She told me to continue to interview until I signed a contract. I feel that is very unethical. What do you think?

I've always been told that nothing is final till the school board approves it. I don't think it's unethical for you to continue interviews as a backup plan...just as long as you don't commit yourself to another position. Chances are you'll be approved soon and it'll be a nonfactor anyway.

Good Luck with the teaching spot. Seems some areas are short on positions. I'm lucky to have had a spot for awhile, but my wife just got her degree and she's having trouble finding a spot. Just not a lot of openings around us...she had her first interview today at a school 45 minutes away. :(

[duckman]

I really need to learn to be patient with these kind of matters. Just waiting for the word to go to the administration office to sign my personnel paperwork and contract. The principal told me I can come by once school is out to get textbooks and any other materials I needed, so I can begin planning.

I've kept interviews with schools that I have an interest in teaching and canceled ones that were too far from home. I turned down an offer to teach in a rural school in far southeastern Oklahoma. I want to stay close to my son.

Hopefully, the wait will not be too long, so I can get this burden off my shoulders. :)

[MacroGuru]

Duckman,

First of all, congratulations...second, stay passionate about teaching, and what you teach. If you have the passion and love, you will definitely alter some of the lives of your students.

I have always said, once I sell the business, my retirement is teaching at the HS level. I figure it isn't that much different than teaching in the business world, which is what I have been doing since 1999.

[LoneStarGirl]

To add to the first post:

Have your "educational philosophy" in mind. Don't need to have something memorized but I'll gurantee you they will ask it.

Actually I have had four interviews in the past two weeks and nobody asked me this... I was suprised

[Cap Ologist]

I really need to learn to be patient with these kind of matters. Just waiting for the word to go to the administration office to sign my personnel paperwork and contract. The principal told me I can come by once school is out to get textbooks and any other materials I needed, so I can begin planning.

I've kept interviews with schools that I have an interest in teaching and canceled ones that were too far from home. I turned down an offer to teach in a rural school in far southeastern Oklahoma. I want to stay close to my son.

Hopefully, the wait will not be too long, so I can get this burden off my shoulders. :)

I remember when I was going through that process. The principal told me she'd pass my stuff along, I didn't find out for about 2 weeks that the HR person was on vacation. Would have saved a lot of stress if I'd known that.

[clintl]

Congrats, Duckman! I'm just finishing up my first year of teaching, and ready to spend the summer planning all the things I want to do differently next year.


I have always said, once I sell the business, my retirement is teaching at the HS level. I figure it isn't that much different than teaching in the business world, which is what I have been doing since 1999.

You're in for a big surprise.

[MacroGuru]

Congrats, Duckman! I'm just finishing up my first year of teaching, and ready to spend the summer planning all the things I want to do differently next year.



You're in for a big surprise.

Actually, for over 2 years part of a company I was with stopped at schools and had technology day, we took over the classroom, gave the teacher a break and taught the kids.

It's what made me make that statement. That and the fact I have always wanted to be a teacher, but kind of had technology training jobs that pay really well fall in my lap that has made it rough for me to leave.

[Barkeep49]

Macro, teaching adults or being a guest teacher is a completely different experience than teaching kids. Clint's 100% right when he said you'll be in for a surprise.

That said I really hope you get the chance to teach since many of the better teachers I saw during my teaching training had done other things for a while and then become teachers. And with your tech skills your students could really have some great learning experiences.

[duckman]

My new boss emailed earlier today. She has set up an appointment with the HR director to sign my paperwork on June 9th. That's the same day as the school board meeting, so I'm guessing that she wants to get the contract approved later in the day.

[Barkeep49]

That's sounding good.

[duckman]

I signed my letter of intent today along with my personnel paperwork. I was given all the textbooks for next year and my photo ID. My contract will go in front of the school board next month. I was told that I can start putting my things in the classroom after July 20th.

I am officially done with interviewing. :banana:

[JonInMiddleGA]

I signed my letter of intent today along with my personnel paperwork.

Can you still sign elsewhere if the head coach takes another job?

[duckman]

Can you still sign elsewhere if the head coach takes another job?
That's what they called it. :D

[finkenst]

I signed my letter of intent today along with my personnel paperwork. I was given all the textbooks for next year and my photo ID. My contract will go in front of the school board next month. I was told that I can start putting my things in the classroom after July 20th.

I am officially done with interviewing. :banana:

congratulations.

my sister just quit her teaching job and is moving halfway across the country without a job lined up.

[duckman]

My contract went in front of the school board and was approved. I begin my orientation August 12th. :)

[SFL Cat]

Congrats...please review the "Can A Child Molester Ever Be Considered Hot?" thread before you start!

[Edward64]

Congratulations.

[JeeberD]

I can assure you that duckie will never be considered hot...