"The Interview"

[KarenB]

Just a quick recap......college grad (this May) in early 40's, two DSs and a DH, and just had my first interview for a teaching position this morning.

Well......I went in very nervous and I was immediatly made very comfortable and relaxed by the principal and other teacher. I taught my lesson. I think it went OK......it is hard to "pretend" that 2 adults are a class of 20 ten year olds.

I answered all the questions honestly. All 1 1/2 hours of questions. I did not give them answers that I thought they wanted to hear but what I would really attempt to do in the classroom. The interviewers looked at each other and nodded in agreement often and told me what a great job I did on the interview.

Of course I had to over think the situation and ask myself whether they said I did well because I would be called back or because they just wanted to give me something positive for when they turned me down.

I was also told the salary and some benefits, when and with whom the second interview would be, when the selection went before the board, my schedule for an average day, etc...given lots of information with and without the asking.

It was my very first interview, so I have nothing to compare it to. I do have another interview with another district on Monday.

SO......my goal was to get on the local sub list for next year(I did) and to get at least one interview in this summer (I have at least 2) so I am VERY happy.........



....but I would really like this position!

Thanks for your support from my "what to wear" thread and I'll keep you posted!!!
Karen

 

[Micca]

Sounds encouraging. Good job on the interview.

 

[pnelson]

I am also finishing up my teaching credential. I have subbed but am not looking for a permanent job yet. Is the teaching profession open there or is the job market tight?? In Calfiornia, they were desperate but now they are not hiring. I haven't done my student teaching yet-I've heard that you often get a job from that?? Also, I did go for one interview, but did not have to "teach". Is that common??

 

[mhopset]

Good luck I hope you are offered 1 of the positions

 

[Rajah]

Glad it went so well and I hope you get the position you want!

 

[KarenB]

Thank you!!!!

pnelson....we are in a very small community surrounded by other small communities. Jobs are pretty few and far between here, but if you want to travel to bigger cities, there are apparently many openings. I never really paid attention since I knew I would be staying put. My income is a second income, we own a home and have two children in school.

At the moment, the district I student taught in has no permanent openings. Many "should" be open the following year I am told. I would like to wait, but I feel if I can land a job nearby, I should take it and not wait for something in the district I student taught in as much as I would enjoy it here.

I believe the "teaching" during an interview is becoming more common. I did have to do it today, but not in the district for Monday. Good luck!

Karen

 

[crs7568]

Everything that you described sounds like they were very interested in you. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I have never had to teach a lesson as part of my interview. It must be bizarre.

Yikes! 90 minutes of interviewing sounds pretty taxing. On the positive side, they must have been impressed by you because I am sure that they do not devote that much time to people who they are not seriously considering for a position...they would be interviewing all summer. Keep us posted about the job search!

 

[DisneyRoys]

I am also working on my degree. I will student teach and graduate next year.

I have never heard of anyone having to teach a lesson in an interview - I can imagine how nervous you must have been! Many of my classes have us teach elementary lessons to our classmates. Maybe lessons at interviews will be the new trend and they are trying to prepare us while we are still in college.

Good luck getting the position you want!

 

[jamsmom]

I don't think anyone around here has ever had to teach in an interview. I would be scared to death!

 

[Aurora63]

As a teacher who has been on many job interviews myself, I have to say I am surprised you had to teach a lesson! That would send me over the edge!

Someone asked if people often get jobs from their student teaching experience. This does happen a bit. Also, subbing can be a great way to get your foot in the door. That's how I got my first job.

KarenB, you said you were 40...I think your age will work for you. I am only 26, and my age has often worked against me...I seem very young, maybe not too experienced...I think your age will help you to be taken seriously.

Good luck! I hope it works out for you!