Teaching positions can be difficult to come by. Each state has a different method of training and hiring teachers. They all pay differently. Most public schools pay on a "Salary Schedule" which is a grid with years in the classroom going down one side, and college or other credits going across. Private schools sometimes use this as well, or may pay based on merit or other factors. Be sure you understand the hiring and payment process before you apply. It's always better to be over prepared than under prepared. I have a listing of State Teaching Websites, so you can check it out to figure out your own particular situation.I have interviewed to be a teacher twice. Once when I got out of college and again when I returned to the work force when my child raising leave was up (I'm lucky, in my particular district you can retain tenure for 5 years). On the opposite end, I've also been empaneled to interview prospective teachers, principals, and vice principals. I have learned a lot in this processes.
If you have suggestions to add, you can add them in the comments section, or email me at classroomhacker@gmail.com and I'll create another post with your suggestions! If you have a good list of candidate questions, I'm very interested in those as well.
Here are some key points to get you started:
1. Be prepared. Do your research on the district and or school -- so you can recite back to them their numbers, API scores, etc. and how you will benefit them more than any other applicant.
2. Positive classroom management. Make it clear that you value discipline over all, because once that is in order then the fun of learning takes place! They want to know you're not going to be sending children to the office every day. That you can take care of things in a loving but firm manner.
3. Parent contact. Show examples of letters you send home to parents at the beginning of the year. Show examples of home communication. I do a weekly update -- called the "Weekly Wrap Up", it looks like it's tied with a ribbon, and on it I list what we've learned, tooth loss count, birthdays, upcoming dates etc. Also those "I was caught being good!" are great cards to send home. Tell them how you call three parents a week to tell them how great their children are in your class.
4. Show a few projects you have done. Even if it's Open Court which is all laid out for you, show how you spiced it up, put your own stamp on it. Bring in photos and samples of children's work.
5. Bring a binder or bound materials with copies of pictures, letters from parents, former students, co workers and bosses as well as letters and sample projects I listed above -- that you can leave with them is a great reminder of your interview.
6. Dress like a professional. The interviewer wants to imagine you as a teacher. They are not good at this unless you look like one. Dress for the job you want, make sure you look like a 'teacher'. Men should come wearing long pants, a tie, a suit jacket. Women should wear a dress, a skirt or a nice outfit. I would never wear jeans, flip flops, shorts, tee shirts with slogans, baseball hats, or tank tops to an interview.
7. Double check everything. Check all spelling on every paper you give to them. This is a teaching job after all LOL. I once interviewed someone who spelled the name of the school wrong. You tend to remember those things.
8. Relax. If you are confident, smile, and give a firm handshake you've done your best.
9. Follow up. Write a thank you letter and post it as soon as you get home. NOT an e-mail. A real hand written note.
If you don't get the job you want:
1. Make an appointment. Every district/school is different. You may need to make it with the principal or with someone at the district office level. Ask how to get your foot in the door. Keep calling and showing your shining face. I made cookies for the lady in HR who held my hand through some tough times.
2. Subbing. You have control over your hours and where and when you teach. Subbing here in Sacramento, a credentialed teacher makes 150 a day. Plus we are year round so there's really no 'down' time in the summer. This is an awesome way to get real experience. It often leads to long term sub which turns into a job which turns into tenure! It worked for the woman who took my job when I went on maternity leave with my middle child.
3. Be nice. You may not feel nice if you've been rejected. No one likes that! Always being nice to everyone counts LOL. I once had an applicant declare "If I don't get the job I want here I'm leaving this district for good". Word got around about that person, who did leave the district and will have a difficult time returning now.
4. Volunteer. If you have children in school, volunteer to work in their classes. Look at the district's website to see if there are paying jobs that are classified, like yard duty or after school care. Make it known you are looking for full time employment (or whatever you're looking for). Word travels FAST in schools and districts.
Do you have more tips or words of encouragement to the newbies? Please respond, I'm very interested to hear what you have to say.
