- Teaching a Sample
Lesson
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- Many school districts require candidates to teach a sample
lesson, usually after an initial screening interview when the field
has been reduced to a manageable number. Sometimes you will teach
the lesson to administrators, sometimes to other teachers, and
sometimes to a class of genuine, live students. Usually, you'll be
given the topic in advance in order to prepare an effective lesson.
Sometimes, you'll have to respond to an immediate request to teach.
Whatever the situation, here's your chance to show them what you
have!
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- Infrequently, employers will ask to see a video of a lesson
that you have taught. If you have video taped several lessons, you
may want to edit those and make a "highlight tape" of your best
teaching moments. Analyze your video and be able to articulate in
an interview what you learned from it.
- The "Stress" Interview
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- Sometimes teacher candidates will complain that an interview
was stressful. Actually, you should hope for an interviewer who
asks tough questions. How else can you address issues and discuss
how you are an outstanding teacher? Teaching is a profession that
is emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging.
Administrators desire teachers who can meet these demands
successfully and professionally. During a "stressful" interview you
have the opportunity to prove you have what it takes to be cool
under pressure.
- The Panel Interview
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- Many school districts include a panel in the interviewing
process. This panel can be composed of district and/or building
administrators, teachers, school board members, and sometimes
community members. The process of the interview will be the same as
an individual interview. You'll be asked questions, and you'll have
the opportunity to ask questions. It is still two-way
communication. Obviously, you'll want to pay close attention to the
person who asks you the question, but when you answer, make eye
contact with all of the committee members. Slowly and naturally,
change your eye contact from one panel member to another. It is
similar to teaching -- you are communicating information to several
people at once.
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