for a 5th grade ML position. I wasn't told what it was for before the interview so hearing that was a let down. I have done 3 ML jobs and I want a regular position. So, the interview was scheduled for 12:45, but I didn't go in unitl a little after 1. It was with the P and AP. Here are the questions asked: 1.Tell us about yourself...bring your resume to life. 2. Explain Balanced Literacy. 3. Do you have an interest in oceanography? 4. Tell us about Foss science program. 5. How did you teach writer's workshop at summer school? 6. What does it mean to you to be a team member? Then they told me they were going to ask me "life questions" and there was no right or wrong answer: 1. What characteristic do you value the most in people? 2. What is your strongest character trait? 2. What hobbies do you have that you could apply to teaching? 4. If you had a million $ in the bank, and it would always be there, what would you do? You can't say teach. 5. What 3 places would you life to travel to? This was the killer!!! They asked me if I had ever done acting. Then they tole me I had to pretend I was doing a commercial on tv and tell the audience why I shoud be hired. I had 30 seconds and 1 minute to prepare. After it was over they said I did a good job, and that you wouldn't believe some of the things they get from that one. Anyway, things seemed to go well, they were very nice, complimentary, BUT, it is only a ML position ending in January I am getting sick of going on interviews for maternity leave positions...when I think they are for a reg teacher position. What gives? Is this the only way into some schools? Should I wait for another interview to come up in July, August??? Who knows what will happen.
Well unless you can afford to maybe sub after January I would probably not commit. However, if jobs are few, then maybe this is your "in". Good luck!
Kind of weird questions. I don't really understand questions # 3 and 4 (Oceanography and FOSS)- I know Foss kits- we have one in my grade for Rocks and Minerals...What's up with the oceanography question? The other ones on the top make sense to me or at least they seem similar to the questions we ask candidates on my district's hiring committee. The bottom questions are a little strange too- why so many? They sound a little like a 'get to know your friends email' that goes around ...Again 1-3 on the bottom seem ok, but the others? Huh? They should have gotten a feel for you from just interviewing you-our interviews take on a conversatinal tone on my hiring committee but we don't ask questions like the $1 million one...
That is the CRAZIEST bunch of questions I have ever heard. Hands down. The commercial one was weird. Seems to me to be a bit much, considering I know many people who are getting/got jobs with no interviews at all. But nothing surprises me anymore. I have come to the conclusion that since there the teaching market is so flooded here and so political, they have so many of us to choose from and they are in control. My personal "favorite" question was what would you do if a student threw feces at you?" Now, the nature of this question did not surprise me, but the timing did-he just said it randomly! As for ML positions, I have seen people do those and eventually get hired for a perm job, but I also have seen people not get hired, even though they did a good job-others got the perm jobs when they opened. I saw two people go through that and one was practically promised the next job and guess what-someone's niece got it. So, it is a 50/50 chance. I have come to the conclusion that getting a job here is 95% politics and 5% luck-someone gives you a chance. It is really that bad here. I do not know if you should wait or not...my gut says to tell you to wait, because you may get a perm job and if you dont get hired for a perm job then there will be ML jobs opening. OTOH, this is horrible job market and maybe you should take the chance. That was no help, but I see your dilemma.
Then again, it has occasionally happened that a new mom has chosen not to return from a maternity leave. And sometimes there are more than one in a school, so a half year can easily stretch to a full year. (We had 3 math teachers out on ML for the same 6 week period this year, in addition to one of the guys in the department who became a new dad during the same time period.)
That's true, although they didn't mention that in my interview. I guess I'll wait and see what happens. They made it sound like they wanted to hire me, but who knows. If they do make the offer, should I ask how likely it is that I will be able to stay all year?
No, it is all subjects, but i have a science background. They also do MARE so that may be why they asked about the ocean.
They wouldn't know yet. When my due date was in February, I told the principal in August...when that first trimester was just about over and the odds of a miscarriage were lower. Besides, they probably won't say yes until they see how you are in the classroom.
Well, the principal called today, actually at 3:15 and said he wantd to recommend me to the board for the 5th grade ML position. He said to call him back, but he'll be out of the office until July 5th. I don't know what to do. I don't have any other interviews lined up, but there's still July and August. Any thoughts???
Unless you sign a contract... you still have July and August to look for a position. I can't imagine that they would begrudge you the opportunity to work in a full-time position. Anyhoo... CONGRATULATIONS on a position!
Would you even have to sign a contract for a ML position? I was just considered a substitute when I took those positions. I'd take it! If something comes up later in the summer, you can worry about it then!
Call back and leave a message. I'm a believer in the 'bird in the hand' theory...if you don't have any pending offers hanging or interviews lined up I would take it, especially if it's a decent district and contract...July and August can go by fast.
ML's can definately lead to full time positions! I was one of those teachers who resigned to stay home with the kids. Although I did return from ML to finish the year, I didn't come back the following year. There may be teachers having babies in the later winter/spring that wouldn't have submitted their ML paperwork yet or even know their pregnant yet. I think LTS is a great way to work your way in. My first position was a LTS for a teacher who had MS. She ended up resigning that Feb and I was offered the contract, so you just never know!
