3 Essential Elements for a Stand-Out Teacher Interview

The speaker begins the webinar by expressing excitement and checking if the webinar is live across platforms. They confirm that the session is recorded and available for registered attendees post-event, along with handouts and links. The speaker greets participants by name and explains that the live webinar is separate from the Facebook or YouTube live streams. They encourage viewers to register via a link in the description for access to resources. The speaker also mentions an in-depth two-part course on resumes and interviews for teachers, available at a discount, and invites participants to stay until the end of the webinar for more details.

The speaker discusses the importance of researching the school for an interview, emphasizing that schools have unique focuses such as arts or sports. They advise participants to align their interview responses with the school's profile to show initiative and understanding. The speaker also stresses the need to be prepared to discuss support for reading and math, as these are common areas of focus in schools. They introduce the concept of 'thinking before speaking' during interviews to ensure measured and thoughtful responses, sharing an anecdote about an impressive candidate who paused before answering interview questions.

The speaker provides guidance on common interview questions, such as why someone wants to become a teacher. They suggest crafting clear and inspiring responses, possibly drawing from personal experiences or the influence of a teacher in one's life. The speaker also addresses how to describe a typical lesson, recommending a structured approach that includes a bell ringer, objectives, whole-group instruction, group activities, individual work, and a debriefing session. They emphasize the importance of aligning lessons with state standards and using the 'I do, we do, you do' method.

The speaker advises on how to answer questions regarding support for reading and math goals in schools. They suggest using content area reading strategies and finding ways to incorporate reading and math skills into various subjects. The speaker encourages showing understanding of cross-curricular engagement and the importance of supporting school-wide goals in these areas. They also recommend visiting the school district and school websites for information that can be used to tailor interview responses.

The speaker shares personal strategies for building confidence before an interview, such as listening to inspiring music or TED Talks. They emphasize the importance of feeling good about oneself and one's contributions to a school. The speaker suggests that confidence can be boosted by engaging with content that makes one feel capable and ready to offer value to the school community.

The speaker outlines key points to remember for a successful interview: aligning with state standards, using data to drive instructional decisions, and supporting school goals. They provide examples of how to incorporate these elements into responses to interview questions. The speaker also directs participants to additional resources, such as their YouTube channel and a book titled 'Teach: A Survival Guide for New Teachers,' which offers templates and guidance for lesson structure, objectives, and other teaching aspects.

The speaker promotes a comprehensive two-session course focused on resume building and interview skills for teachers, available at a discounted price. They highlight the course's interactive format and the inclusion of templates and practice interviews. The speaker also mentions the availability of their book on Amazon for those with Kindle Unlimited, and invites participants to follow them on TikTok and other social media platforms for shorter educational content.

The speaker addresses strategies for dealing with challenging interview questions, such as how to respond if students don't understand a lesson or if a student refuses to participate. They recommend using data to identify gaps in student understanding and to inform differentiated instruction. The speaker also suggests finding alternative ways to present assignments to engage unmotivated students and emphasizes the importance of not assigning zeros, instead offering support and alternative solutions.

The speaker discusses classroom management techniques for dealing with disruptive students, advocating for established routines, procedures, and consequences. They mention strategies like planned ignoring and proximity control, and the importance of reinforcing positive behaviors. The speaker also touches on the challenge of re-teaching lessons without falling behind, encouraging teachers to find creative ways to reinforce and reteach concepts within limited time.

In the closing segment, the speaker reiterates the importance of focusing on state standards, data, and school goals during interviews. They remind participants to have a clear understanding of why they want to become teachers and to research the school's goals and characteristics. The speaker also mentions an upcoming webinar series for aspiring administrators and invites participants to follow them on various social media platforms. They conclude by expressing gratitude for the participants' engagement and promising to share additional resources via email.