How to ace a teaching interview

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.