Landing your dream teaching job often requires a teacher demo lesson—and let’s face it, that can be nerve-wracking. When I was a student teacher, I had to teach several demo lessons as part of my interviews. Some went so well, the principal ended up using my lesson plan template for teacher observations across the district.

Over the past few years, I’ve coached new and first-year teachers around the world on how to confidently navigate interviews and teacher demo lessons.

We’ve talked before about what you should do during a teacher demo lesson. But just as important is knowing what to avoid. Let’s break down the most common mistakes new teachers make during a demo lesson—and how to sidestep them so you stand out for the right reasons.

1. Trying to Teach Too Much Content

One of the biggest mistakes I see is trying to cram an entire unit into a 20–30 minute lesson.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check with the school or district beforehand to confirm the expected length of your demo lesson.

The committee isn’t looking for a flashy, overly complicated lesson. What they want to see is whether:

• You chose an appropriate standard and objective
  
  
• Your students made progress toward meeting proficiency
  
  

Keep your lesson focused, intentional, and manageable for the time you’re given. Less is more.

2. Relying Too Heavily on Technology

We love a good tech tool—but let’s be honest: technology can fail at the worst times.

While integrating tech can enhance a demo lesson, it becomes a problem if:

• Your lesson depends entirely on technology
  
  
• You don’t have a solid backup plan
  
  

📌 Always have a non-tech version of your lesson ready to go, just in case. Interview committees want to see you can adapt quickly if things don’t go as planned.

3. Not Bringing Enough Materials or Supplies

Never put yourself in the position where you have to pause the lesson because a student doesn’t have what they need.

Come overprepared—bring extra supplies, handouts, and even lesson copies for the interview committee.

✔️ Tip: If your lesson includes manipulatives, printed materials, or student tools, double up just to be safe.

4. Only Checking for Understanding Once

Demonstrating your ability to monitor student learning is essential.

Don’t just ask a single question at the end of the lesson and call it a day. The interview team wants to see that you:

• Check for understanding multiple times
  
  
• Are prepared to reteach or pivot based on student responses
  
  

🎯 Include at least 3 checks for understanding throughout your lesson. Some great options include:

• Turn and talk
  
  
• Think-pair-share
  
  
• Thumbs up/thumbs down
  
  
• Exit tickets or polls
  
  
• Gallery walk
  
  
• Quick mini-quiz
  
  

5. Only Lecturing the Entire Time

Even if your lesson is packed with great content, if students are passive the entire time, it misses the mark.

Instead of just lecturing:

• Use the “I Do, We Do, You Do” model
  
  
• Incorporate student interaction and engagement
  
  
• Let students take ownership of their learning
  
  

The interview committee wants to see your teaching style—and your ability to get students involved.

6. Neglecting Classroom Management

Many new teachers are so focused on the lesson itself that they forget to set expectations. This is a big red flag in a teacher demo lesson.

You don’t need a full behavior management plan, but you do need to show that you:

• Set clear expectations from the beginning
  
  
• Use positive reinforcement ("I love how Jordan is raising her hand before speaking—thank you!")
  
  
• Explain your procedures as you go ("When we transition, we walk quietly and push in our chairs—this helps us stay focused.")
  
  
• Give clear reasons behind expectations ("This is what it should look like and sound like, and here's why that matters.")
  
  

The hiring team is paying close attention to how you manage the classroom. Show them you can handle a real-world classroom setting with confidence.

7. Not Being Flexible

Even with all the preparation in the world, things can still go off script. And that’s okay—what matters is how you respond.

True story: I once taught a demo lesson based on a specific curriculum topic a teacher asked me to cover. I prepped it thoroughly, only to find out during the lesson that she hadn’t even started the unit yet!

I adapted as best I could—and still got a job offer. Why? Because I stayed flexible and didn’t let the hiccup throw me off.

Final Thoughts: Mistakes to Avoid in Your Teacher Demo Lesson

To recap, here are the key things not to do during your teacher demo lesson:

• Try to cover too much content
  
  
• Rely completely on technology without a backup plan
  
  
• Show up with too few materials or copies
  
  
• Only check for understanding once
  
  
• Lecture the entire time
  
  
• Skip classroom management and procedures
  
  
• Freeze when something goes wrong
  
  

Your Next Steps

Ready to feel confident going into your next teacher interview?

🔁 Start here

• Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide —includes the top 10 questions and how to answer them with confidence
  
  
• Explore Land Your Dream Job —my step-by-step program to help you ace every part of your teaching interview
  
  

You don’t need to overthink your demo lesson—just stay focused, stay flexible, and show them the real you. The right school is waiting to meet you.