Essentially, principals will be trying to select the person they think will make the best teacher and do the most for their school. Unfortunately, such information provides candidates with little insight as to just what questions might be asked or how to conduct themselves so as to be a strong candidate. Today's article is going to take this question to the next step; just what specific skill sets and qualities will interview committees commonly seek in their top candidates? This information will be more helpful in guiding your preparation. We will look at three.
Do you have the instructional skills we want? These instructional skills can cover a broad range of topics that include such things as lesson design, motivation, questioning and assessment strategies, brain-based teaching, technology, and so forth. You can be assured that the committee will have at least two or three questions that will ask you to describe the way you teach a class. Sometimes, the questioner will even provide a topic and ask how you might approach its teaching. In preparing for you interview, it will be wise to have a very organized understanding of just what elements you ordinarily include in your lesson design. Be able to provide a good example of a highly successful lesson you have taught. Brush up on good assessment and motivation strategies. Be able to outline how you maintain strong student involvement in your lesson. Clarity in these areas is essential to your success.
Do you possess sound classroom management skills? This area is often explored by use of a sample classroom management question. They supply some hideous situation you might encounter and ask you to explain how it would be handled. Within this area, you might also be asked about how you manage the curriculum or room environment. Be certain you have a clearly defined set of steps you take with difficult student behavior issues. Even better, have an example ready of some discipline matter you successfully handled. Be able to describe how you make your room an inviting place for instruction. Your ability to tick these items off in a highly compact and organized manner will speak volumes about your professionalism and skill.
Do you have the professional qualities that will fit the school culture and the personalities of the other teachers with whom you might work? Interview committees will be judging you with regard to a potential fit for the organization from the time you enter to the time you leave. They will assess things such as your passion and enthusiasm, work ethics, human relations skills, and other personable qualities you might possess. In other blogs, I have suggested that when everything else seems equal, the candidate selection is based simply on "who we liked best." There may or may not be specific questions asked in this area. But make no mistake; it is something strongly considered within every interview the committee will conduct. It is your job to convince them that you will be a team player, put the needs of the school and organization first, and work well with other staff.
To properly prepare yourself for each of these interview dimensions, it is important that you study the books on interviewing that contain sample questions and quality answers. Make note cards that have what you believe to be a good quality question on one side and your answer on the back. Go over these until you have them firmly in your mind. Once you have a dozen or so strong responses internalized, you will be amazed at how much more confident you will be when the interview day arrives. More importantly, you will deliver your answers with professionalism and certainty. Teachers who arrive at the interview with no serious preparation are far less likely to impress. You, on the other hand, will be the candidate most likely to stand out. That gives YOU the advantage, so use it and good luck!
Do you have the instructional skills we want? These instructional skills can cover a broad range of topics that include such things as lesson design, motivation, questioning and assessment strategies, brain-based teaching, technology, and so forth. You can be assured that the committee will have at least two or three questions that will ask you to describe the way you teach a class. Sometimes, the questioner will even provide a topic and ask how you might approach its teaching. In preparing for you interview, it will be wise to have a very organized understanding of just what elements you ordinarily include in your lesson design. Be able to provide a good example of a highly successful lesson you have taught. Brush up on good assessment and motivation strategies. Be able to outline how you maintain strong student involvement in your lesson. Clarity in these areas is essential to your success.
Do you possess sound classroom management skills? This area is often explored by use of a sample classroom management question. They supply some hideous situation you might encounter and ask you to explain how it would be handled. Within this area, you might also be asked about how you manage the curriculum or room environment. Be certain you have a clearly defined set of steps you take with difficult student behavior issues. Even better, have an example ready of some discipline matter you successfully handled. Be able to describe how you make your room an inviting place for instruction. Your ability to tick these items off in a highly compact and organized manner will speak volumes about your professionalism and skill.
Do you have the professional qualities that will fit the school culture and the personalities of the other teachers with whom you might work? Interview committees will be judging you with regard to a potential fit for the organization from the time you enter to the time you leave. They will assess things such as your passion and enthusiasm, work ethics, human relations skills, and other personable qualities you might possess. In other blogs, I have suggested that when everything else seems equal, the candidate selection is based simply on "who we liked best." There may or may not be specific questions asked in this area. But make no mistake; it is something strongly considered within every interview the committee will conduct. It is your job to convince them that you will be a team player, put the needs of the school and organization first, and work well with other staff.
To properly prepare yourself for each of these interview dimensions, it is important that you study the books on interviewing that contain sample questions and quality answers. Make note cards that have what you believe to be a good quality question on one side and your answer on the back. Go over these until you have them firmly in your mind. Once you have a dozen or so strong responses internalized, you will be amazed at how much more confident you will be when the interview day arrives. More importantly, you will deliver your answers with professionalism and certainty. Teachers who arrive at the interview with no serious preparation are far less likely to impress. You, on the other hand, will be the candidate most likely to stand out. That gives YOU the advantage, so use it and good luck!
My name is Robert W. Pollock. I am an educator, with over 34 years experience, a speaker, a consultant, and the author of 'Teacher Interviews. How to Get Them & How to Get Hired!. I have spoken to 1,000's of prospective teachers on how to interview and get the job. I have consulted with numerous schools around the country. Currently I am a professor of Education at Tusculum College, Knoxville, TN, where I also serve as the president of their alumni board.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7122478
No comments:
Post a Comment