Now that you have secured a job interview for that dream teaching job, whats next? Researching the school district and learning what you can before going to the interview would be a priority.
Here is an interview preparation scenario. You have picked out the appropriate attire and rehearsed answers to the interview questions you are anticipating in front of the mirror.
Do you feel ready to face the school administrator or the interview panel or committee?
Have you researched the school district and studied their educational mandate or district-wide goals and objectives?
Many teachers will sit in the interview hot seat before the same hiring board answering the same questions. One of those teachers will make a more meaningful connection with the hiring board. By being responsive to the needs of the school district, that special teacher job candidate could be you.
Before embarking on that teaching interview, a proactive job candidate will take the time to research the school district.
Being equipped with the appropriate information can provide you with an edge over your job search competition and allow you to take control of the interview. By obtaining additional knowledge about the school district and its goals, you will be more prepared. This preparation will give you the confidence to answer interview questions about the school community or district during the interview.
Keep in mind; it is not unusual to be asked by the interviewer to describe what you know about the school district or why you want to work in that school district. The knowledge you gained from researching the school district will help you create and ask relevant questions when provided with the opportunity to do so.
Wouldnt you find it frustrating to interview a potential educator who knows nothing about the school, its district, or its future goals?
Adequately researching a school district will help you determine whether your career targets and objectives fit within the directive of that district. Below are three questions that a professional educator should be able to answer before going to the interview:
Why do you want to work for our school district? What do you know about our school district? Do you have any questions for us?
Knowing the school district and the potential employer is as important as knowing exactly how you are going to answer specific questions.
Teacher Interview Tips W/MY SUPERINTENDENT
Interviews for Top Jobs at San Jose Unified School District
Student Nutrition Service Assistant I Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at San Jose Unified School District in Aug 2022
Interview
I interviewed with 4 managers. The questions were related to safety of the students. Questions about handling misbehaving students. The panel seemed to care about the students. Would you help others with their work.
- Do you work well under pressure? Would you assist others with their work.
Teacher Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at San Jose Unified School District (San Jose, CA) in Feb 2021
Interview
30 min interview. General scenario based questions and the questions were related to general education students. The interviewers were very friendly and made the atmosphere very comfortable. Overall it was a good experience.
- What is your teaching philosophy?
What candidates say about the interview process at Clark County School District
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You meet with the principal and a committee, three to four teachers, and are asked about your reading instruction. What testing you have done. What classes you took in College, if you have any teachin…Shared on May 15, 2018 – Teacher, Third Grade – Las Vegas, NV
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I was interviewed then fingerprinted. I did drug screening and was hired. it took 3 months. i was also required to take a class called trainer-the-trainer. That class was 9 weeks, onlineShared on April 20, 2018 – Nursing Assistant Instructor – Las Vegas, NV
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You are interviewed by a panel of several people including the person who would be your supervisor.Shared on October 15, 2017 – Public Information Specialist – Las Vegas, NV
How candidates received their first interview at Clark County School District
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Through online applicationShared on August 22, 2018 – Licensed Special Education Teacher (Secondary) – Las Vegas, NV
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Through their websiteShared on July 19, 2018 – Teacher’s aide for specialized students – Las Vegas, NV 89146
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Started as a subShared on June 4, 2018 – English Language Arts Teacher – Las Vegas, NV
What advice do candidates give for interviewing at Clark County School District
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Just be yourself open and honestShared on June 7, 2018 – School Bus Driver – Henderson, NV
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I would tell them to try to work at a school in the west side or south side of town. I would tell them to be careful of the intercity schools and the schools in the north side of town, because some o…Shared on June 3, 2018 – Long and short-term substitute teacher – Las Vegas, NV
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That its a great working place that everyone should at least try once they are always looking for someone new the only down fall is that you wont have a job for the summer because you are working for …Shared on May 7, 2018 – Bus Driver – Las Vegas, NV
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
It seems trite and like a softball question, but don’t let that fool you. Most administrators are looking for something more than, “I’ve just always loved kids.” If you don’t have a substantive answer, then why are you even applying? Schools want to know you are dedicated to enriching the lives of students. Answer honestly and with anecdotes or examples that paint a clear picture of the journey that you took to become a teacher.
If you have no experience in one teaching area, consider enrolling in a program to improve in this field before the interview. Lets say you are a new teacher still perfecting developing differentiated learning lessons. When the school district asks about your skills in this area, rather than respond with a negative, you can tell them about your initiatives to pursue professional development to learn new teaching methods or the book you just completed on the topic.
Adequately researching a school district will help you determine whether your career targets and objectives fit within the directive of that district. Below are three questions that a professional educator should be able to answer before going to the interview:
Researching a school districts behavioral management approach provides an opportunity to demonstrate well-developed skills and knowledge in classroom discipline. An unprepared candidate is more likely to list off behavioral management techniques in isolation. A prepared candidate will integrate behavioral management into her teaching approach. You want to show that you are proactive and positively changing students behavior through a holistic approach to education, not a reactive one.
Wouldnt you find it frustrating to interview a potential educator who knows nothing about the school, its district, or its future goals?
Why do you want to work for our school district? What do you know about our school district? Do you have any questions for us?
2. How would you handle a student who is constantly disruptive or defiant? Instead of focusing on how you would react, explain the ways you approach classroom management proactively so that small misbehaviors rarely become chronic or severe. Here are eight ways to maintain student cooperation and courtesy. If the interviewers press you on the original question, this advice on students with oppositional defiant disorder may help.
Commonly asked interview questions you can anticipate—plus tips and links to resources you can tap as you polish your answers. By
11. What questions do you have for us? Try this: “Please tell me the most important thing you know now as an educator that you wish you knew before you began your teaching career.” The answers you receive will reveal what your interviewers most value about education, and this insight will allow you to tailor your closing conversation to their interests.
Here are the types of questions you’ll be asked, along with suggestions and links to resources to guide you in preparing your answers and in practicing citing specific strategies and relevant classroom anecdotes.
4. How do you use data to differentiate instruction and support students identified with specific learning disabilities so all students can learn? First, be ready with the names of a couple of data-rich student assessments you’re familiar with. Your interviewers won’t demand that they be the same ones they use, but the fact that you’re aware of testing practices is important. Then, here are 20 differentiated instruction strategies you can use to prepare your answer on how you respond to data. Also, show your knowledge of these 11 learning disabilities and describe a few ways you work with parents and school resource personnel to meet the individual needs of each child.
FAQ
What can I expect from a school district interview?
- Tell us about your experience and how it related to the position?
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What Experience have you had that has prepared you for this position?
- What would you bring to our staff that would be unique?
- Describe the assets you have to offer this district?
What are the 10 common interview questions and answers?
- Tell me about yourself. …
- What are your strengths? …
- What are your weaknesses? …
- What do you like to do for fun or in your free time? …
- What extracurricular activities interest you? …
- What is your favorite subject? …
- What subject do you find the most difficult?
