Need Some Teacher Help

[SRUAlmn]

Sounds like you did great! I've never had to teach as part of an interview, but I helped the principal interview my potential TAs, and they had to. Let me know if you get a call and I can help you with some ideas Also, you may want to email the principal tomorrow and just do a thank you for meeting with me, I enjoy the school, etc... kinda thing. When I was hired, my principal said that stood out to him that I did that.

 

[horseshowmom]

That's a very good idea about thanking them for the meeting. Email is fine if you're fairly positive that the principal checks it (I hate to say it, but not all of our principals use their email at all ). Otherwise, you could drop them a handwritten note.

As for the teaching aspect of the interview, that's the first time I've ever heard of that. Boy, talk about being put on the spot! I'm sure you'll do fine though (and there's probably a good chance you'll get the second interview - since you're already subbing there, they were probably interested in you already).

Good luck on the next round!

 

[JoyG]

I know you've already had the interview...

But if you get called back for the mini lesson...go with the suit again!

Have you ever read "The First Days of School" by Harry Wong? He has some great things in there to say about how you dress as a teacher.

I had a coworker who taught first grade and she wore a suit and high heels every single day! She is now one of the Elementary Education supervisors for the entire Buffalo City school district. She is highly qualified of course, but I can't help thinking if her professionalism is part of the reason she was considered for the job.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I, personally, think you have to be careful with the age group, though. We had a teacher at my school who dressed to the nines every day, including high heels. She taught Pre-K and I think the kids were afraid of her and didn't feel comfortable around her because she was so professional and they were, well, 4. It seemed like they couldn't relate to her and listened out of fear rather than respect, you know?

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Have you ever read "The First Days of School" by Harry Wong? He has some great things in there to say about how you dress as a teacher.

I just re-read the section on dressing professionally today. I love that book it has been a great guide and I can't wait to utilize some of his ideas when I do get a full-time job.

No news yet, either way. They said they would e-mail if I was not chosen or call to set up the next interview so we'll see what tomorrow brings! Thanks again for all the great tips!!

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Unfortunately I did not get a job offer from that interview. I made a call to check on the status, after hearing nothing for over a week, and they said they chose a candidate who had past experience. I understand that and I know it is legit but JEEZZZZ how am I supposed to ever get a job if no one will hire me because I don't have experience. So now I am in the hunt again and if all else fails I will begin subbing again in about 2 weeks.

On a similar note, I have been browsing job listings and have applied for a few positions at Early Childhood Learning Centers and Daycare facilities. I'm not 100% qualified because I don't have the ECE certification but I would be willing to work on it if I got hired and really enjoyed working with the younger age group. I'm not sure if it will help me get a future teaching job but at least it would be fulltime with benefits!! Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[SRUAlmn]

Aw!! I'm so sorry. It's funny you posted because I was just thinking about you today when I was setting up my classroom and wondering how you made out. Just remember, when one door closes, another one opens

 

[klmall]

Wow! Must be more candidates for secondary teaching positions in your area than ours!

I work in one of our largest high schools in our county (17th largest school system in nation) and we would never have 120 candidates for one position! Maybe 120 for all the US History total for our 25 high schools. Is that what you were referring to?

And we don't ever require a second interview with teaching a mini-lesson except for some of our instructional specialist positions.

So congratulate yourself for getting through the first stage of a very rigorous process!

I used to work with candidates for all kinds of positions and I always told them to look back at the interview experience and see what they could gain or learn from it.

Keep trying! Those who interviewed you can spread the word about you to other schools! You never know how that can payoff in the future.

 

[JoyG]

Unfortunately I did not get a job offer from that interview. I made a call to check on the status, after hearing nothing for over a week, and they said they chose a candidate who had past experience. I understand that and I know it is legit but JEEZZZZ how am I supposed to ever get a job if no one will hire me because I don't have experience. So now I am in the hunt again and if all else fails I will begin subbing again in about 2 weeks.

On a similar note, I have been browsing job listings and have applied for a few positions at Early Childhood Learning Centers and Daycare facilities. I'm not 100% qualified because I don't have the ECE certification but I would be willing to work on it if I got hired and really enjoyed working with the younger age group. I'm not sure if it will help me get a future teaching job but at least it would be fulltime with benefits!! Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Sorry about that job.

I ended up taking a PreK position in a private school my first year teaching. Have you tried non public private schools? The pay was only $13,000 a year (back in 96) but I really needed it for experience sake. The next year I was able to get hired in public schools.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I vote for the skirt combo.

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Wow! Must be more candidates for secondary teaching positions in your area than ours!

I work in one of our largest high schools in our county (17th largest school system in nation) and we would never have 120 candidates for one position! Maybe 120 for all the US History total for our 25 high schools. Is that what you were referring to?

Nope, they had 150 applications for that one single position. It's a small district, and well-paying, but I never would have thought that many people would be applying!!! It is crazy and now I am at a loss for what to do. I am still applying a few places and then if nothing else going to sub again. It's just a little frustrating because I am not getting any feedback when I interview so I don't know if I am doing anything wrong, they all just say "you did well, it was a pleasure to meet you, but we hired someone with experience!" grrrrrr I am getting so frustrated!