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Step 1
**Resume or CV?**
Outside of academia (teaching), job-seekers use resumes. But in the world of teaching, we use curriculum vitae (CVs). What's the difference? Well think of a CV as an expanded resume.
It provides more detail than a traditional resume and doesn't have page limitations. In other words, you can write a 10 page resume if you'd like. -
Step 2
**What goes on a CV?**
Everything you'd put on a standard resume, you'd put on a CV. However, you'd expand by including subjects or subject areas you've taught and/or are capable of teaching. You'd also include any publications and articles you've written. If you've conducted research, you'd put that on there too. And I also suggest including your teaching philosophy so the employer can see how you approach things. -
Step 3
**Teaching interviews are more friendly**
One thing that's very different in teaching interviews is that we are generally on a first name basis. In other words, it's quite common to address an interviewer by his or her first name. This catches many new teachers by surprise!
The reason why is because in the classroom, we'll work closely with our students. And so the personal touch is very important to ensuring our students succeed and learn! So you must understand this and appear extremely personable. -
Step 4
**Expect to actually instruct**
Another difference is that many teaching interviews will have you do a test-teach. This is where you actually demonstrate your ability to instruct in front of real people! Who are they? Generally, they're current faculty and maybe supervisors (deans, chairs, etc.).
I've even been involved in test-teaches where real students were present. This was to get their reaction and see if they'll feel comfortable in your classroom. However, having actual students present isn't the norm. Why?
Because it's possible you'll be lousy or not interact well-enough. Schools and departments have reputations and they don't want them tarnished. So real students aren't usually exposed to someone new until they've actually been hired. But I suggest preparing for it just in case. -
Step 5
**How test-teaches work**
Each school or department may have their own variation, but here is how most tend to work. You're expected to instruct for a period of 5 to 20 minutes. However, most are in the neighborhood of 10-15 minutes.
You will either be given a topic or subject area to instruct or will be free to choose your own. I've personally experienced both ways in my career, so I suggest being prepared for them.
Most test-teaches are done in real classrooms. Remember, its purpose is to see you in action, so it's important for the employer to simulate an actual teaching environment. So if your test-teach will be on say MS Word, then expect students to be sitting in front of computers.
TIP: There may or may not be a projector in the room! I've had test-teaches where there was an LCD or overhead projector, and others where they weren't in the room.
I suggest asking if you'll have access to a projector so you'll know in advance. But plan for both situations just in case!
Make sure you excel in your test-teach! This is what will really make the final decision. In other words, you may be a highly-trained professional with lots of experience. But it's how you behave in the classroom that makes the difference.
I've seen plenty of very knowledgeable instructors who didn't interact with students well. Or who didn't seem to explain things very well. So be on your best behavior and showcase what a great teacher you are!
Finally, expect students to ask you questions and/or misbehave. Remember, they're simulating a real classroom environment and these things can and do happen. Most times, students in your test-teach will be nice and attentive. But there may be one or two who are not. The employer is evaluating how you handle this. So it's important you handle it well should it arise! -
Step 6
**Teaching style**
This definitely is being evaluated during your test-teach. They're looking at how well you instruct, explain yourself, field questions, and manage your time and the class.
But it may also come up prior to your test teach. In other words, before you get to the test-teach phase, you'll need to go through a traditional interview. Perhaps it'll be done by phone or face-to-face. An employer may ask how you instruct or view teaching.
TIP: Use appropriate teaching methods for the situation!
Those who are successful in the world of teaching will vary their approach depending on the classroom dynamics. Remember, each group of students is different! So one form of instructing may work in one case but not in another.
And as someone who's taught both on-campus and online, I can tell you there's a huge difference in how we instruct. If you'll be doing some online teaching, you must show an awareness of this in order to succeed!
Finally, make sure you connect with your students and make them feel comfortable in the classroom. You want to create a positive learning environment! -
Step 7
**Dress**
Some teaching interviews are more formal; others are informal. You should dress appropriately for that particular school! In other words, most public school teachers don't wear suits and ties. So you'd tend to stick out like a sore thumb. They generally dress in business casual. So your dressing more like the actual environment shows your awareness of how things would really work if you get hired.
I've taught at both formal and informal schools. However, overdressing won't hurt you. But dressing more appropriate for the actual environment bumps you up a notch! And of course, you want your clothes to be clean and pressed.
Comments
Life-is-sweet said
on 5/27/2009 I am going for my second teaching interview and your article has given me a wealth of information. Thank you, this is great.