When my prinicpal found out that I had classroom management classes they were very impressed. I got a phone call the next day telling me I had the job and I wasn't even graduated at that point. It was FEb. I got the job and then signed the contract before MAy. I have been there every since.
I am from a super competitive market (Michigan) and I interviewed in NC. I am used to the Michigan market and had a spectacular portfolio. They were impressed- down here, they had such a need for teachers that people don't really use them. People also don't dress all that professionally. So, I went in with a suit and could show examples to my answers with my portfolio. I was called and offered the job before I got back to my hotel- maybe 20 minutes after my interview!
My principal told me it was my sense of humor during the interview. I was relaxed enough to crack a joke.
My district was hurting for qualified subs. It's to the point where they are asking parents with college degrees to get an emergency sub cert. Anyway, I showed up and I guess was head and shoulders above their group of subs. I had three teachers approach me at the same time with their calendars trying to book me. I got about 10 days of work scheduled that day!!! The principal was walking by and heard me. I played "simple gifts" on the recorder to get their attention and I got the principal's attention too. He commented on it and I was offered an interview the next hiring season.
For me it was based on the experience they had with me during my internship... having known me and seen me as a teacher, they wanted to keep me around as soon as they had a position.
Qualifications and experience; the district, like most, was hurting for physics and chemistry teachers. I'd also taught for a couple of years previously, so I wasn't being hired cold with no teaching experience.
My headmaster told me later that he hired me because I sparkled when I talked about how I would teach reading and math.
My principal told me I interviewed really well, but what sealed the deal was when I taught a lesson to a basic skills summer class. Apparently, I had excellent classroom management, getting a certain student to focus and behave. The Reading program we use implements centers everyday for about an hour, and my principal wanted someone who could control their class during centers. I guess I was the one! We'll see next week when I officially start centers!
In this case, my references, portfolio and composure during a stressful three interview day (which included getting stuck in the mud on the way out to a Hutterite colony for an interview) impressed the Superintendent so much I was offered a full time position in the only city in the division.
I created a pretty stellar portfolio with lots of pictures, letters of recommendation, etc. I also did a phone interview, so I was much more relaxed, as I was living out of state when hired for this job.
A heartbeat and degrees in math . Seriously. I teach middle school math in an inner city school. I also had 5 years of experience at a community college.
Oddly, it was my odd non-teaching background and how I worked in the private sector for a decade before completing my teaching certificate. The school is a very outside-the-box place, and P wanted an outside-the-box kind of educator. That's at least what got me the phone call for an interview, which is when my hyperenthusiasm seemed to win him over within ten minutes. It's the only time I've ever walked out of an interview knowing I'd totally nailed it.
I subbed--a lot--for the two schools where I've taught. They were able to see me working in long-term jobs.
I brought a mini portfolio. I also had done my homework about the school, I was a product of the district, and my answers to every question were on point. For some reason I was not nervous and I actually had a good time, which I guess showed.
I graduated in 2007 and was the permanent/on site sub at the school I work. I was able to show them my work ethic and classroom managment skills as a sub and I believe that is what got me the job.
I answered the phone. :lol: No seriously I filled out the www.teachgeorgia.org information on a Sunday night late and the principal that hired me called @ 7:00 a.m. my time (8:00 here) Monday. I did the preliminary phone interview, faxed him some more information, did a 2nd phone interview (with basics about the position) and moved by the end of that month. No portfolio, didn't even meet the principal until I had moved and gotten settled. I started my 6th year there this year (3rd principal).
I left a portfolio with letters of reference from parents in my LTS and 3rd grade class. I also showcased how I incorporate technology into my classroom, and teacher created materials.
