Dress professionally and comfortably. Be sure your outfit is one that will be nice in both a standing and sitting position. Also, try to find an outfit that is comfortable for sitting and won't have you shifting around every five minutes.
Arrive early. Promptness is always well looked upon by administrators. If you arrive early, you will have a chance to make observations about the school and/ or district before your interview.
Do a little research about the district/school before your interview if possible. This will give you information on issues the district/school feels are important and will help you better prepare for your interview.
Use a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eye during your initial greeting and again before you leave.
Have extra copies of your resume/ dossier ready to leave with the administrator. If you have a portfolio, be prepared to leave it if asked.
Write a thank-you note to the administrator as a follow up on your interview. This will help you stand out among the crowd. Be sure you get their complete name and title before you leave the interview.
Possible interview questions
What made you want to be a teacher?
What is your philosophy of teaching (OR of teaching math, language arts, etc.)?
What do you think makes a good teacher?
Describe what we would see in your classroom during reading, math, etc. if we were to walk in.
How do you feel about retention?
How do you feel about mainstreaming or pull-out programs?
How will you help our school meet our vision, goals and mission?
How would you handle an angry parent?
How would you handle an unruly or disruptive student?
Describe one unit you have planned.
What do you feel are your strengths?
What do you feel are your weaknesses?
Tell me about yourself.
Describe a typical day in your classroom (or a typical class period).
What are some ways you have incorporated technology into your classroom?
If you only had one computer in your classroom, how would you utilize it?
Prepare your own questions
What is your vision for the school?
Please describe the climate of your school for staff, students, and parents.
What are the demographics of this school?
What is your teacher turn-over rate?
How are parents included in this school?
What are some ways that parents support teachers here?
Do your teachers work well together?
How do your grade levels/ departments support each other?
Do you all do any lateral planning as well as team planning?
What are your expectations of teachers at this school?
What are your expectations for after-hours work and additional duties at this school?
What are some of your major challenges in this school?
What are some of the strengths of this school?
How are teachers supported and appreciated by the administration in this school?
Don't act too hasty!
Be VERY sure that the school and district environment is one where you would be comfortable working. Many new teachers take the first job they are offered and then regret it after the first 3 weeks. Some get additional offers and feel stuck because they'd already said "yes" for a position. Do not be afraid to ask for time to think about the offer. Find out their time table and try to negotiate a date for your answer. If you are offered a job on the spot, but end up not taking it, you still want to write a thank you note to the principal. Keep your options open!
