teachers help please

[SDCali]

I know there are several teachers on this board, and I need some help.
I have a job interview on Monday, and am looking for some advice and tips to help me get through the interview. The job is relatively close to home and same distance to the beach (about 15 or so miles depending on the school I end up at).

[bluesnowcone]

im a student, teachers are lame, all they do is think that they are right and yell at you.

[kitesurfer]

Ahh you need to to speak to theya.

[thaya]

bluesnowcone2000 - Some teachers are actually really nice human beings you know!

SDCali - Ok, I’ve only got 20mins so I’ll try and give you some quick tips, but apologies for the grammar!

In England, things are probably a bit different but something I say might be of use, so here goes:

Our interviews are a whole day thing. We have a tour of the school and so called “informal” chats with HOD’s DP’s and DHA’s etc. Then we teach a class we’ve never met on a random topic for an hour (I use “Bach’s Rescue Remedy” to control my nerves – it’s fantastic – put a few drops on your tongue). After that, we eat lunch with the dept and others, and then have a formal interview of about an hour in the afternoon.

Things to remember:
1)When you’re walking around the school, ask lots of questions – anything you can think of – look interested.
2)Look at the displays – think about anything that stands out – you’ll usually be asked what you noticed by the head later on.
3)Consider the behaviour of the kids – are they running round like lunatics – what’s the uniform like- do you hear lots of shouting are there smashed windows, dodgy corridors and graffiti? If so, seriously consider whether you want the job. I taught in an inner city school and it was TOUGH!
4)Read the prospectus and any reports about the school before you go – it might prompt questions and you want to know what the achievement is like. How big are the class sizes? Will you have your own room all day? Will you be responsible for a tutor group?
5)Ask what they can do for YOU (!) You’re choosing them as much as they are choosing you. What are the opportunities for professional development? What extra-curricular things can you get involved with? Mention everything you’ve done in training or at your last school – even little things. Ask if you can set up your own sports/film/anything else club!
6)Consider your subject – how does it relate to other subjects? You’ll be asked what you would do about a child who doesn’t like it/wants to drop it/ wont work because its “boring”. Why is yours important? Why do you teach it? What made you become a teacher (corny I know)? You’ll have questions on discipline – what would you do if little Johnny hit Sarah and then started jumping on the table? Other popular questions include – how do you raise the achievement of boys? 3 words that describe yourself & 3 words that pupils would use to describe you. Are you a teacher because you like your subject or are you a teacher because you like teaching and would teach anything? When you answer to not to waffle too much and be conscious of your body language – look enthusiastic not scared as hell (even if you are!) Oh and they might ask you”if you were teaching a lesson on…. how would you go about it? Always include a variety of teaching and learning styles.
7)Read about the latest educational reports and policies – know your jargon too or you could struggle with a question. The latest stuff for us is TLF’s (teaching and learning facilitators) and AFL (assessment for learning). Read the syllabus – is it what you want to teach? Is it restrictive? Can you be creative?
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. What makes you a good teacher? How can you use ICT in a leson?
9)If you have to teach a lesson then it needs a wow factor – something exiciting and unusual. Write your aims on the board/handout, and don’t forget a plenary, oh and ask pupils how the aims have been met at the end (they like that!)
10)Take sticky labels so you can see their names – get everyone involved in the lesson, be firm and fair but friendly (works for me). Try to enjoy it – have a laugh and try to build a relationship with the class (it works for me anyway, but teachers all have different styles, so be yourself).
11)Make sure you check that they have any resources you need first – tv, computer, cd player etc. Deal with any bad behaviour – they want to see how you react.
12)Checklist – essential items I always take:
Sticky labels, board pen, pen, pencil, scrap paper, hair grips, mints (for after lunch!) watch and spare – you’ll be lost if you don’t know the time, bottle of water, deodorant (if you’re stressed an it hot weather it’s essential!) and tampax (you just know it’s gonna happen!) – if you’re female that is!!! I think you are?
13)Remember, you’ve got an interview so you’ve done well and you stand a good chance of getting the job. Think positive! Good luck!

Hope some of this helps. I wont be online again till monday, but let me know how it goes.

x

[kitesurfer]

Nice essay theya 10/10.

[pat42]

im a student, teachers are lame, all they do is think that they are right and yell at you.

You must be a naughty boy!!!! (or girl)


The thing is............they are right

[bluesnowcone]

im a boy, and i know some teachers are nice, like theres a teacher in my school who surf, but most of them are to strict and have a short fuse

[jennie]

hmmm a few years ago i would have agreed with you bluesnowcone, but infact when i was at college, i got on really well with my tutor she was pretty cool and we used to go out drinking together.....bit strange i know but she was only a few years older than me....i still go out with her now, shes a good mate of mine!

[SDCali]

WOW, I didn't think I would this much response. Because school is out for the summer I don't expect I'll be teaching any classes though and it is for a districtwide opening, so I don't know which of several schools has the openings. The interview is for a math position, I can really relate to those students/people out there that never liked math, but things have changed. I realized early on that I didn't have to like math to be good at it, and share that knowledge with others.