Guide to Nailing Any Teacher Interview

Written by Caitlin Delohery

It is no secret that teachers are often very dedicated to their work. In fact, teaching is often considered a "calling" by those who enter the profession. From children to adults looking to reskill and keep up with the job market, students need skilled, informed, and compassionate teachers to guide them in achieving their educational goals. With such high demand for teachers, it is no wonder that the job market can be very competitive.

Fortunately, prospective teachers can take steps that will set them apart from the crowd. This guide lays out what candidates need to do to prepare for the job market, starting with information about obtaining a teaching certificate. It considers both national and state-level requirements for becoming a teacher. The guide then explores best practices for applying to teaching positions and putting the best foot forward in resumes and cover letters. Finally, it examines how to prepare for job interviews, giving examples of common teaching interview questions to prepare to answer. It also outlines how to follow up successfully to make the best impression on potential employers.

Taken as a whole, this is a comprehensive guide to help candidates land the teaching job of their dreams.

How to Get Invited to a Teacher Job Interview

Becoming a teacher is not as easy as one might think. Thousands of people are interested in becoming teachers, but that doesn't mean they'll all be successful. Before applying for teaching positions, candidates must have the proper credentials. This may vary depending on the type of teaching position they're searching for and if they are teaching at a private school or public. Most often, prospective teachers need to hold a bachelor's degree and a teaching certification.

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

A prospective teacher needs to first earn a bachelor's degree in their desired subject. If someone wants to teach in a public school, they will also need to pass the state's basic skills exam, which tests their knowledge in reading, writing, and math.

Depending on the state a person wants to teach in, they may also need to take certain classes. The state provides information on what classes to take, and that information is generally available on the state's education website. Candidates need to take these classes before they can get their teaching certificates. It's wise to take the classes as early as possible to speed along the process. Prospective teachers may be required to take classes such as child development, teaching methods, special education, and/or content area classes, depending on the state. These classes will help them prepare for their career as a teacher and provide credits towards certification.

Obtain Teacher Certification

After a prospective teacher finishes their bachelor's degree, they can apply for certification. A teaching certificate is a piece of paper that certifies that someone is qualified to be a teacher. The certificate is issued by the state board of education after a prospective teacher passes the required exams. No public school will hire someone who does not have this credential. There are different types of teaching certificates a candidate can earn, including a provisional or temporary certificate, a standard certificate, or a conditional certificate. A standard certificate is for full-time classroom teaching, and a provisional certificate is for people who are not yet ready to teach full-time. The different types depend on the type of teaching someone wants to do.

Before applying for certification, it's crucial that applicants make sure they've met all the requirements for their state. For example, some states require prospective teachers to complete a certain amount of student teaching before they can get their certification. Prospective teachers can also take online courses through their state's board of education to fulfill any requirements they might need.

Following the exam, the application will be reviewed and the applicant will receive a letter letting them know if they passed. If they pass, they'll be able to get their certificate and start applying for teaching jobs. State certification isn't a pass to teach anywhere, though. Teachers who want to teach in another state may need to go through the full certification process, though there are some states that offer reciprocal licensure with other specific states that have similar requirements.

Polish Resume and Cover Letter

A teaching candidate's resume and cover letter are often an employer's first impression of them. So, they must take the time to make sure these documents accurately reflect their skills. Here are some tips to help put the best foot forward.

Resume Skills to Highlight

To land a teacher interview, a prospective teacher's resume needs to highlight what makes them an ideal candidate for the job. A well-written resume can help them stand out from the competition and land the job they want. What's more, resumes are important because they provide a way for candidates to showcase their skills and accomplishments. Here are some of the most important skills to include on a teaching resume:

• Classroom management: Teachers will be responsible for managing a classroom of students. This includes maintaining discipline and keeping students on task.
• Communication: Teachers also need to be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, administrators, and other teachers.
• Organization: A successful teacher is organized and can keep track of multiple deadlines and tasks.
• Patience: Teaching can be challenging and frustrating at times. It is important to have the patience to deal with difficult situations.
• Creativity: Teachers need to be creative to engage students in the material. This means coming up with new and innovative ways to teach.

Candidates with these skills should be sure to highlight them on their resumes. A strong resume will help a candidate get their foot in the door and give them a better chance of landing a teacher interview.

Cover Letter Tips

The reasoning behind why cover letters are so important for teachers is pretty simple: employers want to see that candidates have good communication skills. Being able to craft a well-written cover letter demonstrates that a candidate can communicate effectively — something that is essential for any teacher. Because they are so important, writing a good cover letter can feel like a daunting process. The good news is that there are some things prospective teachers can do to make sure their cover letter makes the best impression possible.

• Candidates should start with an introduction to why they are interested in the position.
  • They should focus on why they specifically make a good fit for the position they're applying to.
• Candidates should mention their relevant qualifications and experience, highlighting any achievements along the way.
  • Even if a candidate doesn't have teaching experience, they can mention the skills they do have that would make them good in the classroom, such as leadership, the ability to think under pressure, or good communication skills.
• Candidates should use specific examples to illustrate their skills and abilities.
  • Hiring managers need to see specific examples of how a candidate operates to get to know them. Being too general makes it difficult to understand what kind of teacher a candidate might be.
• Candidates should close the cover letter by thanking the reader for their time.
  • It is also good to express their interest in meeting for an interview.

How to Prepare for an Interview for a Teaching Position

When an applicant's resume and cover letter work pays off, they'll be preparing for an interview. At this point, a candidate has likely already laid the groundwork by thinking about their skills, why they are specifically interested in the job they are interviewing for, and what they bring to the classroom.

Before the interview, candidates should take these steps to prepare:

• Research the school
• Plan how to get to the interview
• Pick out an appropriate outfit
• Print out copies of their cover letter and resume

Be Prepared to Discuss Work Experience

If a candidate has their sights set on landing a teaching job, they will need to make sure that they are well-prepared for the interview. Part of being prepared for an interview is knowing how to highlight one's work experience in a way that will impress the interviewer.

Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1. Focus on Classroom Experience

If a candidate has been working as a teacher for any length of time, they have likely accrued quite a bit of classroom experience. When preparing for an interview, candidates should take some time to think about their most successful teaching moments. What made those moments successful? What did they do that contributed to the success of their students? Candidates should be prepared to share specific examples from their classroom experience that demonstrate their teaching abilities.

2. Discuss Teaching Philosophy

One's teaching philosophy is an important part of who they are as a teacher. It is also something that potential employers will be interested in hearing about during the interview. Candidates should take some time to think about their core values and beliefs about teaching and being a teacher and be prepared to discuss it in detail during the interview. Candidates should ask themselves: What are my fundamental beliefs about teaching and learning? How do those beliefs impact the way I approach my work?

3. Share Insights on Education Trends

Teachers are likely to have strong opinions on current education trends. Whether a candidate is for or against certain trends, they should be prepared to share their insights with potential employers. Interviewers will be interested in hearing candidates' thoughts on topics like standardized testing, Common Core, and educational technology. Applicants should be sure to back up their opinions with concrete examples.

4. Highlight Professional Development Activities

Most teachers are lifelong learners who are constantly looking for ways to improve their practice. Applicants should be sure to mention any professional development activities they have participated in. Interviewers will want to know that teachers are committed to staying current in their field and are willing to invest in their professional growth. Applicants should share specific examples of how the professional development activities they have participated in have helped them improve as a teacher.

5. Talk About Leadership Experience

Candidates who have served in any leadership roles — even outside of the classroom — should be sure to mention those during the interview. Employers will want to know that applicants can take on additional responsibilities and are willing to step up and lead when necessary. Applicants should share specific examples of times when they have served in a leadership role and discuss the impact their leadership had on their school or workplace.

It's also good to think about the questions one might be asked at the interview and come prepared with some questions of their own.

Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

Teacher interviews may be stressful. There are so many variables to consider. What will the interviewer ask? What's the best way to respond? Here are some of the most frequent teacher interview questions and how to respond to them like an expert.

Once a candidate knows what to expect at the interview, they can go into the conversation with confidence. They can focus on their strengths, be prepared to answer common questions, and have a few questions of their own up their sleeves.

Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview

Asking questions at a teacher interview is a great opportunity for candidates to show that they've done their homework and they're genuinely interested in the job. Applicants should avoid asking general questions that could be easily answered with a quick Google search. The interviewer wants to see that candidates are invested in the job and that they've done their research. Candidates should also delve into questions that will give them insight into what the job entails. Here are some questions to ask at a teaching interview:

1. What is the school's policy on teacher development and professional growth?

Asking this question has two benefits. One, it shows that a candidate is interested in developing their skills as a teacher. And, two, it can give a candidate a good idea if the school can help them meet their professional goals.

2. What opportunities are available for teachers to collaborate?

This question can help a candidate get a sense of the culture at the school.

3. What is the student population like at the school?

This is a good way to get an idea of the demographics of the students. This can also illustrate to interviewers that a candidate is thinking about their students and committed to serving them.

4. What challenges do you see the school facing in the coming years?

This question can help a candidate assess how the school responds to challenges — both throughout the school year and in the interview room! It will also give candidates a sense of the culture and what the school's priorities are.

5. What support is available for teachers who want to use technology in the classroom?

This question illustrates that a candidate is thinking about the everyday experience of working in the classroom. It also shows that the applicant is resourceful and already seeking avenues of support to be the best teacher they can be.

6. What is the school's policy on teacher evaluations?

This question shows that a candidate is future-focused and has a growth mindset. It illustrates that they are open to feedback and want to use it to improve continually. This is a great skill to have in the classroom.

7. What are the expectations for teachers in terms of student achievement?

This illustrates that a candidate is committed to their students' success and aligned with the school's goals for achievement.

These are just some questions a candidate should ask at a teaching interview. They should also be sure to prepare some questions about the position itself, such as what the duties would be, the class size, and the school's curriculum. By asking thoughtful questions, candidates can show that they're interested in the position and that they're prepared to take on the challenges of the job.

After the Teacher Interview

After a candidate has interviewed for a teaching job, it's important to follow up with the interviewer. This shows interest in the position and gives candidates another chance to sell themselves as a teacher.

Here are some tips for following up after a teaching interview:

1. Send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer within 24 hours. This reiterates one's commitment to the position and shows that one is thoughtful and engaged.
2. State the position that one interviewed for. Schools may be hiring for many positions at once, and candidates want to make sure the school knows specifically who they are and what search they are involved in.
3. Mention something discussed during the interview and how the candidate would be a good fit for the job. In the note or email, candidates should be sure to include specific things they learned or enjoyed about the interview and reiterate why they want to work at the school.
4. Reiterate one's interest in the position. Candidates should tell the interviewer they look forward to hearing from them soon. They may also want to include their hopes for the future or what they're looking forward to about the position.
5. Follow the school on social media. Showing interest in the school beyond a simple follow-up email or note is just another way to express interest. Following them on social media illustrates that a candidate is engaged with their work and community.
6. Follow up with a phone call if one hasn't heard back from the interviewer after a week or two. Though some candidates fear appearing pushy, it's okay to follow up if one hasn't gotten a response. It gives another sign to the school that a candidate is truly interested in the position.

Following up after a teaching interview is a simple way for a candidate to set themselves apart from the crowd and increase their chances of getting the job.