A teacher interview discussion panel is help at the end of each semester as part of the teacher Alternative Certification Program at Manatee Community College.

The panel is made up of myself and four administrators (1 elementary, 2 middle school, and 1 high school).

We each spend about 15-20 minutes talking and answering questions about how to land a teacher interview, what we think the most likely teacher interview questions will be, and how to answer each interview question.

I can’t help, but think what an advantage these student-teachers have…they actually get to pick the brains of administrators in their own county prior to going on their first teacher interview!

Below are ten teacher interview tips that the administrators shared at the teacher interview discussion panel: (This is right from the horse’s mouth)

1. Definitely hand-deliver your resume.  An administrator MAY very well interview you on the spot.  Two of the administrators admitted that for certain teaching positions they have their secretaries contact them immediately if someone comes in to drop off a resume.
    
2. If you are substitute teaching to get your foot in the door remember…everyday is a job interview…dress the part, become part of the school community, and make contacts!
    
3. Make as many contacts as you can.  This is a teacher’s greatest resource when trying to land a teacher interview. A phone call from a teacher or another administrator…even if they don’t know the each other…will often get you the interview.
    
4. Research the school and the district!!  The administrators want to know that you have done your homework.  You should know everything you possibly can about that school/district. Know the mission statement and any major current initiatives that are underway in the school district.
    
5. Research the people conducting the interview.  Just as much as they want a quality teacher they want someone that they can work well with…they are looking for a relationship…a good fit!
    
6. They will Google you!  Therefore make sure to Google yourself and see what comes up.
    
7. Get rid of your MySpace account.
    
8. Have a professional email address…Don’t make silly mistakes like having an email such as sexylove69@aol.
    
9. Even the high school administrators want to know how teachers get parents involved.  Yes, the high school administrator expects teachers to call parents too!
    
10. Be prepared to explain how you cover something that you are NOT interested in.  Many teachers prepare for the question, “Take me through one of your favorite lessons”, but these administrators always ask, “How would you teach something that you do not want to cover but must.”  This is a great question, because the reality is you will not enjoy teaching every part of your curriculum.

The teacher interview discussion panel really clearly gave everyone involved a huge advantage over the competition  I hope you can take something away from my brief overview of the day and use it successfully at your next teacher interview.