Knowing what to bring to a teacher interview can feel overwhelming. But having a checklist of what to bring can help ease your stress.
That’s what I wish I had before I had to prepare for a mini lesson an hour before my interview.
True story! I had just flown into New Mexico from Oregon and had forgotten some of the materials for my mini lessons for my interview.
So what did I do?!
Yep… I redid all of the materials I left in Oregon in the car during the 1 hour drive while my mother drove me.
Lucky me, I made the materials in time and got offered the job.
The point is, having a checklist would have saved me A LOT of stress. So here are a list of things to bring to a teacher interview (so you don’t forget like I did).
Don’t have time to read this? Download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide where I send you a checklist of everything you need to bring with you to your interview.
OR get a step by step process to confidently preparing to land your dream job in a single weekend with the Teacher Interview Workshop!
From important documents to professional attire, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to impress your potential employer and land that teaching job.
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Extra copies of your resume and cover letter.
One of the things you definitely want to bring to a teacher interview are copies of your resume and newsletter. Notice that I definitely said COPIES and not just one.
It’s always a good idea to bring extra copies of your resume and cover letter to a teacher interview. You never know how many people are going to be at your interview, or who might drop in without you knowing.
This shows that you are prepared and organized, and it also allows you to give a copy to each interviewer if there are multiple people conducting the interview. Make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to the specific teaching position you are applying for.
P.S. Make sure to include the District or School Motto in your cover letter!
Teaching portfolio with lesson plans and student work samples.
Another item to consider bringing to your teacher interview is a teaching portfolio. This can include lesson plans, student work samples, and any other materials that showcase your teaching skills and experience.
A teaching portfolio can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to plan and deliver effective lessons. Just make sure to only include materials that are relevant to the position you are applying for and that you have permission to share any student work samples.
Have some stories and experiences planned ahead of time that are relevant to your portfolio. That way when someone asks you an interview question, you can refer back to your portfolio as an example.
References and contact information.
One important item that I always recommend to bring to your teacher interview is a list of references and their contact information. This should include at least three professional references, such as former supervisors or colleagues who can speak to your teaching abilities and work ethic.
Make sure to ask for their permission before including them on your list and provide their current contact information. This can show the interviewer that you have a strong network of support and can provide additional insight into your qualifications and character.
Professional attire and grooming.
In addition to references, it’s important to dress professionally for your teacher interview. This means wearing business attire, such as a suit or dress pants and a blouse or button-down shirt. Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and fits well.
Avoid wearing anything too flashy or revealing. Additionally, make sure your grooming is on point. This includes having clean hair, trimmed nails, and minimal makeup or jewelry. You want to present yourself as polished and put-together to make a good impression on your potential employer.
Want a step by step process to confidently preparing for your next interview?
Learn more about the Teacher Interview Workshop: a step by step system to confidently preparing to land your dream job in a single weekend!
Questions you want to ask the interviewer.
One important item to bring to a teacher interview is a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. This shows that you are interested in the position and have done your research.
Some questions to consider asking include:
- What is the school’s approach to discipline?
- How does the school support professional development for teachers?
- What is the next step in the hiring process?
Asking thoughtful questions can also help you determine if the school is a good fit for you.
Thank you cards for the interview.
While not necessarily something to bring to the teacher interview itself, it’s always a good idea to have thank you cards ready to send after the interview. This shows your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration, and can help keep you top of mind as they make their hiring decision.
Make sure to personalize each card and mention specific things you discussed during the interview. Sending a thank you card can also help you stand out among other candidates who may not take this extra step.
Paper to write down any notes.
Paper is another important thing to bring to a teacher interview. It’s always a good idea to bring a notebook or notepad to your teacher interview to jot down any important information or questions you may have.
This can also show the interviewer that you are organized and prepared. You can use this notebook to write down the names of the interviewers, any important dates or deadlines, and any questions you may have about the position or the school.
Just make sure to ask for permission before taking any notes during the interview.
Mini lesson materials and lesson plan.
Another important item to bring to a teacher interview is a sample lesson plan and any materials you may need to teach a mini lesson. This can demonstrate your teaching skills and give the interviewer a better idea of how you would approach teaching in their classroom.
Make sure to choose a lesson that aligns with the grade level and subject area of the position you are applying for. And don’t forget to bring any necessary materials (like I did cough cough), such as handouts or visual aids, to make your lesson engaging and interactive.
Sample lesson plans.
Bringing a sample lesson plan to a teacher interview can be a great way to showcase your teaching skills and demonstrate your ability to plan and execute effective lessons. Make sure to choose a lesson that aligns with the grade level and subject area of the position you are applying for, and bring any necessary materials to make your lesson engaging and interactive.
This can give the interviewer a better idea of how you would approach teaching in their classroom and set you apart from other candidates.
In Summary
Overall there are several important items to bring to a teacher interview.
These include:
Extra copies of your resume and cover letter
Teaching portfolio with lessons plans and student work samples
References and contact information
Professional attire
Questions to ask the interviewer
Thank you cards for the interview
Paper to write down notes
Mini lesson materials and lesson plan
Sample lesson plans
If you want all of the items you should bring to a teacher interview in one place, download the Ultimate Teacher Interview Guide!
Want to have a step by step process to preparing for your next interview? I want to formally invite you to the Teacher Interview Workshop. A 1 hour workshop that walks you through everything you need to know how to confidently stand out from the crowd during your next interview.
