Helpful Hints for Interviewing with School Districts

Probably the single most influential factor in the application process, the one that carries the most lasting impact on both the candidate and the school administrator, is the first interview.  The interview is important for the obvious reason that those 30 or so minutes spent in an interview may very well determine the future course of your life.  A direct, sincere, relaxed applicant who can talk about him/herself in an objective manner without dominating the conversation can have a positive effect that will carry over into the teacher's work in the district. Remember, interview training is provided by the Boise State University Career Center--take advantage of this opportunity to practice your interviewing skills.

Preparation

1. Determine the exact time and place of the interview.
2. Collect current information about the district and the community--location and size of the district, what texts are being used, etc.
3. Prepare a list of questions, review them, and keep them in mind. Many of your questions will be answered by the interviewer as he/she tells you about the district.
   1. Community size, economic stability, climate, living accommodations, cultural and recreational opportunities, transportation, etc.
   2. Resources available to a new teacher: consultants, supervisors, aides, in-service workshops, supplies, etc.
4. Self-confidence--regard the interview as a pleasant professional experience.  Organize your material so that you will be able to make an intelligent presentation.
5. Dress--use the "Three C's" as a rule of thumb... Clean, comfortable, and conservative. Good grooming and posture are definite assets.
6. Arrive early; come alone.
   1. Leave time to complete application forms if necessary.  Be sure you are prepared with the necessary information.
   2. Have material available for note taking after the interview.

The Interview

1. In most instances, the interviewer will introduce him/herself; make certain you have his/her name.  Greet the interviewer by name - "How do you do, Ms./Mr. Jones" - smile; be natural.
2. Take cues from the interviewer.
   1. Shake hands.
   2. Sit down.
   3. Let the interviewer direct the structure of the interview -- formal or informal.
3. Be ready for all questions, for example:
   1. "What can I do for you?"
   2. "Tell me about yourself."
   3. "Why are you interested in this district?" (Research pays off here.)
4. Look alert. Sit up straight and look at the interviewer.  Be sincere, forthright, and show you are interested. Smile.
5. Be careful in your enunciation and grammar.  Avoid slang!
6. Do not start an argument.
7. Refrain from making slighting remarks about anyone.
8. Few offers are made at the time of the interview.  If a contract is offered on the spot, be certain that this is the position you want, then accept.  If you have the slightest doubt, be courteous and tactful in asking for time to think it over.
9. Answer questions adequately, not with just a "yes" or "no" but also not too lengthy.
10. Be sure to talk about yourself in an organized, objective manner.
11. Termination of the interview.
    1. Interviewer usually takes the lead, such as "Have we covered the important points?  It has been a pleasure talking with you."  You should receive some idea when you will learn of the decision regarding you.  If not, ask. If you are really interested, say so.
    2. Express appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the district and for his/her time, then leave.

Follow Up

1. Provide any requested forms, reference file, transcripts, or other information promptly.
2. Letters--see Appendix III.  Prompt correspondence is good public relations.

Sample Questions Asked in an Interview

These are examples of questions asked in an interview.  Be prepared to talk about lesson plans, discipline, and your organizational skills.

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you want to work for our district?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Where do you see yourself five years from now?  Ten years?
5. Describe your typical teaching style.  Techniques used.
6. Why should we hire you over all the other applicants?
7. What role do you think the principal should take?
8. Tell me about your student-teaching experience.
9. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
10. How have you involved parents in the learning process?
11. What has been your most positive/negative teaching experience?
12. How would you teach reading/math/science in your classroom?
13. Describe an ideal curriculum in your area of study.
14. How have you emphasized the development of basic skills?
15. Describe a lesson plan that you developed (objectives, format and evaluation).
16. How do you use lesson plans?
17. Define cooperative learning.  How have you used it?
18. Do you use homogeneous or heterogeneous grouping?
19. How do you motivate students?  Yourself?
20. What kind of relationship do you have with your students?
21. How do you reinforce self-esteem in your students?
22. What is your philosophy of education?
23. What is the ideal education philosophy for a school district?
24. What is your philosophy on homework?  Grading? Report cards?
25. Would you rather teach the slow learner or advanced learner? Why?
26. What classroom management system do you use?  What are the basic principles of effective discipline?
27. Describe the ideal position for which you are looking.
28. How would you change the public schools for the better?
29. What do you like most about being an educator? Least?
30. How do you evaluate your teaching?
31. How is your classroom organized?
32. How would you use an extra 5-10 minutes at the end of class?
33. How would you work with a mainstreamed, learning-disabled student?
34. How do you handle the different ability levels of students?
35. What role does active participation play in your teaching?
36. What is your opinion on competency based instruction?
37. If a student tells you s/he has engaged in an illegal/immoral activity, what would you do?
38. Do you plan to continue your education?
39. What issues in education are of greatest concern to you?  Why?
40. What class did you like the most/least, and why?
41. What is your role as a teacher?
42. What if a parent complains that your standards in class are too high--you are ruining their child's chances for college?
43. How would you involve parents in the classroom?
44. You notice a significant behavior change in a student.  What action would you take?
45. What would you do if you suspected that a student is being abused at home?
46. What would you say to the president of the school board if s/he protests the detention you assigned to his/her child?
47. How do you evaluate your students' learning?
48. What innovative ideas would you like to initiate in your classroom?
49. Do you have any questions for us?

Sample Questions to Ask the Employer

These are examples of the type of questions you might ask in an interview.  You will want to develop your own questions.  Each employer is different, and what is appropriate at one school may be inappropriate at another.

1. What do you consider ideal experience or education for this position?
2. Do you use ability grouping in your schools?
3. Would I be part of a team teaching situation?
4. Do you have open classrooms in your schools?
5. Could you tell me about the other educators who would be working with me?
6. Are extracurricular assignments available for teachers interested and qualified?
7. Does your district offer faculty in-service training days during the school year?
8. What reading/math series are currently being used?
9. Do you have an active parent-teacher organization?
10. What percentage of your graduates continue their education?
11. What is the retention rate for secondary students?
12. What types of support personnel are employed by this district (counselors, coordinators, language and reading specialists)?
13. Are computers available for classroom use?  Are they connected to the Internet?
14. Do you have a media center, resource center, resource materials?
15. Does your district use the state guidelines for curriculum or other guidelines?