Interview Tips for Teachers

Towards the end of last semester, the education club at my school organized a "Principals' Panel." I knew I wanted to go to this, but didn't really know what it was about: the poster just said "three area principals will be visiting; dress professionally!" Anyways, turns out it was good that I went: it was essentially a panel about interviewing tips, straight from the source. I took away a ton of advice from this event; here's Part 1 of my notes - focusing on what characteristics employers are looking for in prospective teachers.

Question: What qualities are you looking for in candidates?
- someone I can work with (i.e. get along with as a co-worker)
- speaks articulately
- really knows him or herself as a teacher
- I can have a working relationship with
- can grow
- is flexible, agreeable
- bright, articulate
- has command of content
        - has a specialty in content area
        - has the content of pedagogy; e.g. knows how people learn, how to design effective lessons
- passion, fire for the work
- strong belief in the power of public education
- an ability to design questions
- a willingness to learn
- "matches" or fits with the team
- ability to communicate orally and in written format
- acceptance: is willing to accept others for who they are
- congruence: means what they say, is able to prove they've done what they say they have (this was mentioned particularly regarding the interview setting, when some candidates are apt to embellish)
- empathy

Qualities especially emphasized were: flexibility, articulateness, agreeableness (able to work with the team), and content knowledge. I think it's interesting that these are not just education-focused - I believe these are all qualities that any interviewer in any industry will be seeking.

Installment #2 coming soon! Stay tuned :)