Whenever I address a group of alternate route teachers, I am always struck by the level of concern that exists due to the understandable lack of actual classroom experience. As one prospective AR teacher asked, "How do I compete against all these other teachers who have two and three year's experience?" It is a common concern, and it is legitimate. For alternate route teachers, the one area where they may seem at a distinct disadvantage to more traditionally trained teachers is that of direct classroom teaching. And it is for that very reason, we need to change the interview dynamics and shift the committee's thinking more in our favor. I know, I know. Easier said than done and just how are we supposed to pull that one off? Let me assure you that it can be done. Better yet, because you are reading this article, you will now know just how!
First let's understand, simply because you are coming to the interview through the alternate route, it does not mean you don't have valuable experience. Do not be apologetic regarding your background during the interview. Point to your experiences in the real world with pride and understand that those experiences have value in the classroom.
Let's consider what the real question is regarding the teacher every school is looking for in its ideal candidate. It is not... that's right NOT... what teaching experience do you have?! The real question is; do you have the capacity to meet the requirements of this position? There is a difference between background experience and professional capacity. As you go through your interview and answer each question, your most important goal is to show where you have the ideas, the skills, and the passion... i.e. the capacity to meet the needs of this position. Using this strategy, it is possible to not only show yourself the equal of other candidates, but the better of those candidates.
Now... I should tell you right off, it is entirely possible that the committee has never actually thought about this concept in exactly this way. In fact, there may be people on the committee who still hold the old paradigm that experience is the determinant factor. For that reason, every alternate route candidate needs to set the table on the very first question. You need to seed the idea that "capacity" is the most important factor in the hiring process, not just experience! You need to make this clear because everything you do from that point on will be to demonstrate your "capacity."
Now, here is a sample of how you can do just what we are talking about. Here is the way that first question might go:
Q. Tell the committee a little about your background and why you think you will be a good fit for this position.
A. Thank you for this opportunity to describe my skill sets and speak to how I will be a great fit for this position in your school. Let me begin by saying that I realize you are not just seeking someone with a little experience and a few classroom ideas. From carefully reviewing your website, I know you are really looking for a person who has the skill sets and ideas that will clearly identify him/her as having the capacity to take this class and make it a truly special place. To do that, I know the successful candidate is going to have to (insert two or three core values or directions you know about the school here). As we go through this interview, I fully intend to demonstrate how I not only have the capacity to be a good match to those goals, but rather a great match.
This sets the interview tone and from here you should match up a few of your background skills and experiences to the school's needs. Provide some conversation about your wish to be a part of staff development programs to further improve your value to the district. Underscore how you intend to be a full part of the school and its programs, not simply a classroom teacher. Keep your answer on target, sharp, and within a timeframe of two minutes. Tick each matched item off in a nice, crisp, organized fashion. You will have ample opportunity to expand on these ideas later. However, by placing this framework in the minds of the committee, you have created an opportunity to step right past the problem of limited experience and ace the entire interview.
First let's understand, simply because you are coming to the interview through the alternate route, it does not mean you don't have valuable experience. Do not be apologetic regarding your background during the interview. Point to your experiences in the real world with pride and understand that those experiences have value in the classroom.
Let's consider what the real question is regarding the teacher every school is looking for in its ideal candidate. It is not... that's right NOT... what teaching experience do you have?! The real question is; do you have the capacity to meet the requirements of this position? There is a difference between background experience and professional capacity. As you go through your interview and answer each question, your most important goal is to show where you have the ideas, the skills, and the passion... i.e. the capacity to meet the needs of this position. Using this strategy, it is possible to not only show yourself the equal of other candidates, but the better of those candidates.
Now... I should tell you right off, it is entirely possible that the committee has never actually thought about this concept in exactly this way. In fact, there may be people on the committee who still hold the old paradigm that experience is the determinant factor. For that reason, every alternate route candidate needs to set the table on the very first question. You need to seed the idea that "capacity" is the most important factor in the hiring process, not just experience! You need to make this clear because everything you do from that point on will be to demonstrate your "capacity."
Now, here is a sample of how you can do just what we are talking about. Here is the way that first question might go:
Q. Tell the committee a little about your background and why you think you will be a good fit for this position.
A. Thank you for this opportunity to describe my skill sets and speak to how I will be a great fit for this position in your school. Let me begin by saying that I realize you are not just seeking someone with a little experience and a few classroom ideas. From carefully reviewing your website, I know you are really looking for a person who has the skill sets and ideas that will clearly identify him/her as having the capacity to take this class and make it a truly special place. To do that, I know the successful candidate is going to have to (insert two or three core values or directions you know about the school here). As we go through this interview, I fully intend to demonstrate how I not only have the capacity to be a good match to those goals, but rather a great match.
This sets the interview tone and from here you should match up a few of your background skills and experiences to the school's needs. Provide some conversation about your wish to be a part of staff development programs to further improve your value to the district. Underscore how you intend to be a full part of the school and its programs, not simply a classroom teacher. Keep your answer on target, sharp, and within a timeframe of two minutes. Tick each matched item off in a nice, crisp, organized fashion. You will have ample opportunity to expand on these ideas later. However, by placing this framework in the minds of the committee, you have created an opportunity to step right past the problem of limited experience and ace the entire interview.
My name is Robert W. Pollock. I am an educator, with over 34 years experience, a speaker, consultant, and author of 'Teacher Interviews. How to Get Them & How to Get Hired!. I have spoken to 1,000 of perspective teachers on how to interview and get the job. I have consulted with 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.
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