Interviewing is a great way to not only showcase your experiences and skills to employers, but it also allows you the opportunity to see if the district(s) with whom you’re interviewing are a good fit for you!
In general, school districts are looking for teachers who:
- Have good interpersonal skills and enjoy working with students
- Are knowledgeable about the science of teaching and the content of their discipline;
- Have had a variety of experiences;
- Are organized;
- Have good communication and classroom management skills;
- Will present a good model for children;
- Can build a good rapport with other teachers, parents, and the community
Be prepared to demonstrate competence and confidence in each of the above areas. Assess yourself. Make it a point to practice as much as you can with trusted friends, family, or other teachers. Make time to set up a practice interview with your career center! Interviewing, just like teaching, is a skill that gets better with practice!
A good interviewer will evaluate the qualities you have that are not revealed in your resume: what motivates you, what kind of personality you have, what you value, what your ambitions are, how well you communicate, and if you’re a good fit for their district or school.
The more information you have about a prospective school district, the better prepared you will be during the interview. Knowing about the school district is vital to your interview preparation.
INFORMATION TO HAVE ON A SCHOOL DISTRICT
- Demographics of the district – geographic boundaries, size of the district, student enrollment, grade levels served, number of teachers employed.
- Mission statement; district-wide goals and plans for the future.
- Instructional programs and learning objectives for its students.
- Pupil achievement in reading and math.
- Special honors or recognition by state or federal agencies for academic excellence.
- Class size.
- Key personnel.
- Books and technology resources being utilized.
- Extra-curricular and sports programs offered.
- Parent involvement.
- Staff development programs available, including mentoring programs for new teachers.
- District challenges (e.g., budget constraints, staff reductions, meeting learning standards, physical plant)
- Salary schedule.
- Residency requirement.
HOW TO RESEARCH A SCHOOL DISTRICT
Check the school district website to learn key facts, personnel, awards, parent communication, sports information, community involvement, and other pertinent facts to educate yourself about the district.
Western New York School District Directory
Directory of Public Schools and Administrators in NYS
School Information for Public, Private and Charter Schools Nationwide
National Public School Locator
- Drive through the district. Acquaint yourself with the students’ socioeconomic environment.
- Talk to the teachers and administrators, and if possible to the students.
- Attend in-person and/or virtual events or meetings to get a sense of the environment.
- Talk with parents and teachers of children you know who attend school in the district.
- Talk with faculty, student teaching supervisors, and fellow students about school district information.
- Become a substitute teacher in districts where you are interested in working!
- Follow them on Social Media to learn about programs and current district events.
INTERVIEW TIPS
Before The Interview
- Assess yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses before your interview.
- Research the school district. You should have some knowledge of the school district and the community.
- Verify the details. Find out the exact time and place of the interview. Arrive or sign on at least five minutes early. There is no excuse for being late, ever! Learn the interviewer’s name, and its proper pronunciation, and their title.
- For virtual interviews, set up a comfortable and professional space without distractions. Be sure to check internet connection to ensure you have no connectivity issues prior to the interview.
- Practice! Prepare answers for the questions listed below. Practice out loud with a friend or schedule a virtual mock interview with a counselor at your career center.
During The Interview
- Show enthusiasm and also listen! Give specific examples of your experiences, personal qualities and strongest skills.
- Focus on the positive. Should the recruiter ask about challenges or weaknesses, own the challenge and focus on what you’ve learned and how you’ve improved – don’t give excuses or blame others. You’ll create a better impression by being candid, tactful, and accepting that you’re always learning.
- Be aware of your non-verbal communication. Watch what you’re doing while you’re talking. Nervous hands and feet can distract the interviewer’s attention, even in a virtual interview setting. Watch your posture – sitting up straight projects confidence, poise, and interest throughout the interview. Your attire also sends a strong message, so dress conservatively and appropriately.
- For virtual interviews, if you wear glasses, be aware that there is reflection of your computer screen and/or phone that can be seen by interviewers. Stay focused on the interview!!
- Ask questions! For example: how many classes a day will you be expected to teach, how training is provided, how involved are the parents in school activities, what are the students like, how are teachers assigned to extra-curricular activities, how you will be evaluated. See below for additional questions to ask.
After The Interview
- Follow-up promptly. Be sure you have the name (correct spelling), title, and contact information of the recruiter. You should send a brief thank you email highlighting your interest and appreciation of the recruiter’s consideration.
- Provide whatever credentials, references, or transcripts are requested by the school district as soon as possible.
SOME OTHER DO’S AND DON’TS IN SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING
Do
- Be your professional self
- Be prompt, neat, and courteous to everyone
- Ask relevant questions
- Listen to the interviewer and the entirety of their questions
- Research the organization/school district website and recent news.
- Follow procedures.
- Provide specific examples of your skills and experiences by using the STAR method in your interview
- Think of your potential service and contribution to the school district.
Don’t
- Be late for an interview.
- Criticize yourself or others.
- Make elaborate promises.
- Come unprepared.
- Ask about starting salary or benefits.