I have an interview today for elemantary teaching position and i need some help!?

Question

I had almost 6 interviews in the past 4 months and i didnt get any reply. I have a good resume plus im doing my masters but the problem is that i know that i dont do good in interviews. I need to know how should i talk to the interviewer?? Should i be friendly? or should i ask questions about the school? should i ask the interviewer after i'm done with the interview by when you will let me know if i got the job or not??any ideas that i can use or say during my interview would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

This is what I would do....

1 research on the school - and the position - ie the subjects and the level. U MUST know the school and their plans..... before u enter... and NOT ask them about the school.....

2 after they asked the questions - u tell them about the school and what's great about it - and tell them how u see the school can grow

3 tell them what u will be doing (as if u are hired) and what are the plans are - the 3 weeks, 3 mths, 3 quarter plans for the class....

4 tell them what sort of innovation u can bring to the school and your plans

eg

your school carters to the mid range students. these students are x*x but at the same time they are x*x hence, it is necesssary to help them. they may also have these problems ... (family, etc....)

I will... plan plan... to do this and that and this and that... so the the students will be able to understand me better and relate to my teaching...

I will also do this.. and that .... so that....

In the end, I want to make a difference... even if it is only for 1 student...  it is important...

good luck

Answer 2

When they ask if I have any questions..I usually ask

What do you think will be the greatest challenge to the person who fills this position?

How would you describe your administrative style?

What is your vision for this school?

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Sounds like you need to "practice interviewing" before you go for real jobs.  I went to my local employment development office and took a (free) 1 day workshop in interview skills.  I learned quite a lot, got some new perspectives, and practiced how to answer questions.  Be professional, wear the right colors,  have sample questions w/answers in hand before you go in to the interview.  Be confident of your own skills.  Remember when they say "tell me about yourself", they don't want to hear about your personal likes and dislikes, girlfriends or boyfriends, pets, etc.  They want to know who you are, why they should hire you, and how you'd fit in with their faculty.  If you want the job, say so.  "I believe I'd really enjoy working here" or something like that lets them know you are interested without you saying "can I have the job?"  Always follow up an interview with a written thank you note.  It isn't often done anymore, so it may just give you the edge over someone else.  Check out the school's webpage and API scores before the interview.  You might even ask another teacher who works there about the "climate".

Answer 4

u must tell them that u like social, i love teaching children, i hope my teaching will gv a great impacts to them, help the development of the country! juz say more bout good things urself n dont be completely too honest! (mostly ppl will see ur attitude n personality coz they think it is more important than ur master! if a person has a great certificates like master, professional or higher but contain a bad personalities, then it will fail u!) but still, u r much more better than me coz im juz finished my high school n nau im daycare teacher! (with such a low salary! but still im happy!)

Answer 5

Can I give you one thing that might help?  Make sure to spell elementary right.  Really, I'm serious about this.  It could be a major put off to an elementary school.  They might think, if they can't spell this, what kind of teacher would they be?

Good grammar, including spelling, punctuation and capitalization, is important to a school.  (Always cap I, then didn't, don't in your message above...please don't forget to put in the apostrophes!)  This especially goes for good grammar in your speech.  Try not to use slang terms or improper forms ("he don't"  "I seen"  "I have went"  eeek!).  These will also put you at the bottom of the list of applicants.

If you are going to interview for a teaching position, you need to come across as someone who is confident and able to handle a classroom full of kids as well as parent interactions and administrative interactions.  Have a good idea of how you would conduct discipline in your room (always have good plans for dealing with most problems yourself instead of sending them to the office).

And ask the school some basic functioning questions.  Are there computer labs open for your students to use?  How do specials work?  How many other __ grade teachers will there be that you will work with?  What textbooks are being used?

If you do not get a response from this school either, I suggest you find some friends and do a pretend interview with them.  Ask them to give you feedback as to what you might be doing wrong.

Normally a school SHOULD call you and let you know you didn't get the job, but in reality, especially at this late in the summer, they are pressed for filling the position and possibly trying to fill several, along with all the other things to get ready before the kids come.  If you don't hear anything, assume it was a no.

Answer 6

I am currently doing interviews for teaching myself. I always make a list of questions that I want to ask. Such as always ask about the their last years state scores and their plan to increase them. What about the diversity issues within the classrooms? Let them know that your plans for their school. Learn about the schools funding and how will you cut corners to save them money?  I mean what can you offer them? Remember that in all reality a school system is a business that must meet the guidelines of your state. Make a list and memorize it. Go into the interview with confidence that seems like its apart of nature. Dress well, carry yourself well, and remember that you are the best teacher and the one for the job. Good luck!!

Answer 7

When you say that you don't do well in interviews, try to think specifically about what that means.

Do you find yourself fidgeting? Then make a plan to hold your hands a certain way, and periodically check to see if your hands are still still.

Do you find yourself drawing a blank when you're asked a question? Several days before the interview, sit down and write out a list of the questions you think you will be asked. Next, practice answering them until you are able to respond smoothly and clearly.

I could go on, but I think the best thing to do is try to analyze a previous interview, pinpoint what you were not satisfied with, and then come up with a plan for improvement. Most difficulties can be overcome once they are identified.

Good luck with your interview. Remember to smile, and thank the interviewer for their time. Right now there are more teachers than jobs, so prospective employees can afford to be a bit picky. Sometimes they see thirty or more people for just one position, and it can be quite exhausting.

Answer 8

I am currently in an Alternative Certification Program. Workshops on interview and techiniques apply certain guidelines that we must follow. You need to carry a portfolio, which includes your philosophy of education, resume, probationary certificates, previous experiences you have had working with children. You must also be well prepared. You look at everyone directly in their eyes and show confidence. Remember, there are others with higher credentials. But most important, you have to sell yourself. Don't take it as they are out there to get you, but they are helping you sell yourself. The more positive things you can say about yourself, the more credible you will sound. And read, read a lot. Go over your teaching books and try to learn them by heart. You will leave them very surprised. What the faculty is looking for is someone who shows that they know hwat they are getting into.

Answer 9

First, make sure your grammar is correct.  No principal will hire you with bad grammar.  Make sure you talk about yourself and your accomplishments.  These principals sometimes have 5-10 people (or more!) that they interview, and you must make yourself stand out.  I would definately be friendly, and also ask a few questions about the school.  Ask about school size, if new teachers have a mentor, what grade level/ subject they are hiring for, etc.  Lastly, no, do not ask when you will hear something.  Most interviewers will tell you they will make a decision by the end of the week, etc.  If you do not hear from them in a week, then it is ok to call.  Good Luck!

P.S.- Make sure you dress appropriately, and I don't just mean that you shouldn't have cleavage hanging out.  Teachers and principals want someone who has a very professional appearance.  Make sure you have nice make-up or a clean shaven face (wasn't sure if you are male or female?), always fix your hair (no pony tails!) and splurge on a nice "interview outfit".  I would suggest nice dress pants and a button up, or jacket.  I like to add a little something extra like really nice shoes, or jewelry, or maybe a scarf, to let them see the "fun" side. (Nothing too much though!)