What to Take to a Teacher Job Interview: 8 Essential Items for Success
| by Angel Clark
Preparing for a teacher job interview can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Bringing the right materials can make a significant difference in making a positive impression.
If you’re wondering what to take to a teacher job interview, this post is for you. We’ll cover what to take on a teacher job interview, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident. We’ll also discuss how Moreland University can support you in landing your dream teaching job.
- Resume Copies
Even though you’ve likely submitted your resume electronically, it’s always a good idea to bring several printed copies to show your preparedness and professionalism.
To prepare, ensure your teacher resume is updated, well-formatted, and tailored to the specific job. Highlight your teaching credentials and certifications. Make sure to print your resume on high-quality paper and transport it carefully (in a folder, for example) to avoid creasing or tearing the paper.
Optional: Cover Letter
While often optional, a well-written cover letter can highlight your enthusiasm for a teaching position and reiterate key points about your qualifications. While this may also be something you previously submitted electronically, it’s great to have an extra copy or two on hand in case requested and for your reference.
Like with your resume, you’ll want to ensure your cover letter is tailored to the school and position, showcasing why you are a great fit.
- Teaching Portfolio
When thinking about what to bring to a teacher interview, a portfolio should be at the top of the list! A teaching portfolio provides tangible evidence of your teaching skills, philosophy, and accomplishments.
Include lesson plans, student work samples, assessments, student growth data, classroom management strategies, and any other relevant materials. This is also a great opportunity to highlight any clinical learning (student teaching) or other teaching experience you may have.
Organize your portfolio neatly and consider using a digital version on a tablet for easy viewing. If you’re using a digital portfolio, have your portfolio link ready to share and, if possible, open it on a device for quick reference.
Moreland University’s teacher preparation program walks candidates through creating a valuable teaching portfolio that’s helpful during the teacher interview process.
- Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can vouch for your skills, experience, and character, providing a third-party perspective on your abilities. If you already have letters of recommendation, bring copies to your teacher interview. These letters can be from previous employers, mentors, or colleagues. Just ensure they are recent and relevant!
- Professional Development Documentation
In a teacher interview, showing your commitment to continuous improvement and staying current with educational trends is essential. To help illustrate this, it can be helpful to bring certificates or proof of attendance for workshops, seminars, or courses you’ve completed.
If you’ve completed or enrolled in a master’s program related to education or your field of expertise, be sure to highlight that as well. Moreland University offers a 100% online master’s in education in six high-demand specializations, helping you uplevel your teaching skills and get ahead in your career.
- List of References
Potential employers may want to contact your references to learn more about your work ethic and teaching style, so it can be helpful to bring a list to a teacher interview.
Before your interview, prepare an organized typed list of reference names, positions, contact information, and a brief description of your professional relationship. Make sure to let your references know they may be contacted!
- A Lesson Plan
It’s always a good idea to bring a lesson plan with you to a teacher interview in case you are asked to present or discuss a lesson plan. This can also be a great way to showcase your teaching philosophy.
For a teacher interview, it’s best to choose a lesson plan that’s appropriate for the grade level and subject you wish to teach. This lesson plan should also showcase your creativity, instructional strategies, and alignment with educational standards. Be ready to explain your planning process and the outcomes.
- Questions for the Interviewers
Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the position and helps you gauge if the school is a good fit for you.
Prepare a list of questions about the school’s culture, professional development opportunities, student demographics, and expectations. Tailor your questions to show that you’ve researched the school.
During the interview, be sure to jot down any additional questions that arise so you can be sure to ask them before the interview is over. Remember, asking questions is an important part of ensuring the role is a good fit for both you and the school!
- Notepad and Pen
Taking notes during the interview can help you remember important points and shows that you are engaged and serious about the opportunity. Doing this by hand during an in-person interview is often preferable to typing on your phone or other device. Make sure you bring a professional-looking notebook or fresh sheets of paper and a reliable pen or pencil.
How Moreland University Prepares Teachers for Success Before, During, and After Teacher Interviews
- Comprehensive Training: Moreland University offers a rigorous teacher preparation program that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for the classroom.
- Practical Experience: The university emphasizes hands-on teaching experiences, ensuring you have practical examples to discuss during your interview.
- Portfolio Preparation: Moreland’s program walks you through preparing your teaching portfolio, ensuring you are well-prepared for the job market.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with Moreland alumni and faculty who can offer advice, mentorship, and potential job leads.
Knowing what to take to a teacher job interview is essential for making a positive impression and demonstrating your preparedness. By bringing these key items and leveraging the support from Moreland University, you can confidently showcase your qualifications and stand out as a top candidate.
To discover how Moreland University can support your teaching journey — whether through a teacher preparation program or master’s degree — simply request more information.
