Tips for Successful Teacher Interviews

1. Frances Joyner Warnick, R-MC ‘00, VCU ‘07 Assistant Principal, Hanover High School Brian Maltby, VCU ’99, ‘07 Assistant Principal, Patrick Henry High School Tips for Successful Teacher Interviews

2. Getting Ready… • Cover Letter, Resume, Recommendations • On-line Application, meet deadlines • Transcripts, Praxis Scores (I and II) • Licensure (Provisional or Collegiate Professional) • Attire • Thank you notes • Successful Internship, Student Teaching

3. What you need to know before the interview? • What kind of school do I want to work at? • Knowledge of the school and/or divisions • Knowledge of the content area or grade level curriculum • Knowledge of standardized tests (SOL’s and NCLB • Knowledge of assessments (formative and summative)

4. The Interview • Be prepared –have research done • Be on time • Be friendly and greet office staff – write down names • Expect questions on your work experience, SOL work, education, leadership, technology, team building, etc. • Expect a written exercise – check for proper grammar and be concise • Dress for the position- suits are appropriate for all • Remember…be confident, firm handshake, eye contact, sit up straight, relax and smile • Send a hand written thank you note to everyone on the interview panel, that wrote you a recommendation or that assisted you in any way

5. Sample Questions • Curriculum – Share how you would utilize technology in the classroom. • Pedagogy – Please provide an example of how you would differentiate instruction in your classroom. • Management- How would you manage a situation in your classroom if a student consistently is being disruptive? • Personal Relationships – You’re 22, your students are 18, what topics are off limits? • Aspects of school – In what other ways can you support your school outside of the classroom?

6. Advice • Be prepared with key points about yourself that you want to come out in the interview. Find ways to share this during the process. Often you are asked at the end of the interview if there is anything else you would like to add. If so, share at this time. • Do your homework. Know the school. Practice answering sample interview questions. Bring your portfolio, know its relevance. Have several copies of your resume on hand. • Don’t have excessive amounts of perfume or jewelry/piercings. • If you would like to coach, be sure to say so. • If you are an alumni of the county or school or know anyone that works there, say it. • Don’t take bulky materials in to the room with you. • Be well rested and eat the morning of the interview.

7. Mini-Mock Interview • Any Volunteers? • We will ask each of you a question. You will have two minutes to answer. • Everyone else should be watching the person being interviewed and take notes. Be prepared to share your notes aloud and with the interviewee. • Watch- their body language (posture, eye contact, clarity of speech –umm, confidence, etc.), did they answer the question and how clear was the response? • Any additional thoughts for the person being interviewed or us?

8. After the interview I got the job!!! - Go meet your principal and familiarize yourself with the school. Get to know the layout of the campus and your co-workers. Learn traditions, participate and volunteer. Have a relaxing summer and prepare yourself for an amazing career. I didn’t get the job. • Be active. Scan internet for available postings. Keep applying. Consider becoming a substitute. This will get you get you into several schools and in front of many possible employers. Look into grad schools.