You can never go wrong with a suit and tie. If called in for additional interviews, you might want to ask what attire would be the best choice, since many schools dress down over the summer. The first interview is your absolute first chance to impress - choose the suit.
Always wear a suit. There are only two occasions during which I think it's okay to skip the suit: when you are teaching a demo lesson (in which case, you should wear the suit but take the jacket off while teaching - make sure you have a good shirt on underneath the jacket) and when you are told by the person offering you the interview that a suit isn't necessary (which I've never heard of happening, but it's not impossible).
The "lowest" I ever went in terms of dress was a shirt and tie with dress pants, without the jacket. I only did that if I knew the culture of the school was more casual, or if it was brutally hot (I interviewed a Chicago public school with no AC once). Otherwise, it was always a full suit.
In a word: suit. In more words: Please do yourself a favor and wear a suit. Your competition will be wearing them.
Wear a suit and a tie. Look really good. I have a P who really doesn't care much about dress code during the school year, but I can tell you even she cares when it is interview time. It is brutally hot in Arizona and my interviews have been when the temperatures are HOT! Still wear a suit coat.
I'm kind of over the whole suit thing. I interviewed at four schools last year wearing a button up shirt and slacks, and was offered a job at three of them. Granted, they knew I was coming directly from working with a high-need population where wearing a suit wouldn't have been remotely feasible for teaching, but my new view is that until I'm ready to go into administration, I have no use for a suit coat or tie.
Wow, after reading this thread I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I have never worn a full suit to an interview. I always make sure to look professional with a shirt and tie, but I've never done the full suit. I've been pretty successful at interviews too. Actually, the most recent interview I had (which resulted in an offer) ended with the team of teachers jokingly asking me if I'd be willing to dress down a little more once school starts, because it was way too hot for a shirt and tie! Obviously it's different everywhere you go!
Although I am a female I agree I think a suit is too much. Teachers don't actually wear suits in the classroom, why wear one to the interview? I too fell into thinking a suit would help my chances at interviewing when I first started out looking for jobs. It didn't make a difference. 10 years later, I interviewed this year all in dresses. I actually do not own dress pants or a suit. I teach in jeans and nice shirts. I chose dresses because most interviews were before or after school and I didn't want admin catching on that I was interviewing and it worked out fine for me. I had even kept my one pair of flats in my bag to change in and out of because I don't even wear "shoes" to work. It's sneakers, boots or flip flops given the season. There's no dress code in my public school system. Business casual is totally fine for an interview.
Please wear a suit. If possible, make sure it fits well. Not to turn this into a style forum, but fit matters. You really have to find brands and cuts that fit you correctly in the shoulders. For me it's either HartSchaffner Marx (can get them on sale $429 from $600+) or Walmart brand ($70). Cost doesn't matter at all with fit. I have interviewed people. Not wearing a suit would catch me off guard.
As a man, I couldn't disagree more. In addition, some of us still do wear suits in the classroom (although I may start off with the jacket and take it off at some point, since I think the long sleeve restricts my movement). IMHO, there is no choice in an interview except to wear your best. Some things in life still count. If I were hiring, all else being equal, the suit wearer would stand out to me. As others posted, then you can adjust to the typical wardrobe found in your school.
If called in for additional interviews, you vps germany might want to ask what attire would be the best choice, since many schools dress down over the summer.
There are only two occasions during which I think it's okay to skip the suit: when you are teaching a demo lesson (in which case, you should wear the suit
Make sure you have a decent shirt underneath your jacket) and if the person granting you the interview tells you that a suit isn't required (which I've never heard of occurring, but it's not impossible).
