This document provides information for teachers preparing for interviews with principals in the Unified District. It outlines the objectives, agenda, and content of an interview preparation workshop. The workshop covers preparing for different types of interviews, what to bring, making a good first impression, sample interview questions, and what principals look for in candidates. Specifically, principals seek candidates with a fit for the school culture, strong teaching skills, and evidence of student achievement and success.

1. Interviewing with Unified District Principals
The Office of Strategic Teacher Recruitment and Staffing
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2. Objectives
This session will focus on:
• Understanding how to prepare for a job fair and a standard interview
• Interviewing tips to remember
• Knowing what MCS Principals are looking for in a candidate
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3. Workshop Agenda
Preparing to Interview
Know What to Expect
Prepare for the Interview in Advance
Make a Good First Impression
Interviewing Practice
What MCS Principals Are Looking for in a Candidate
Questions
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4. Preparing to Interview
As you prepare it is important to:
1 Know what to expect at a job fair and standard interviews.
2 Prepare for the interview in advance.
3 Make a good first impression.
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5. Know What to Expect
The 3 Different Types of Interviews Principals Use to Evaluate Candidates:
Interview Type Overview
• Usually 5-10 minutes at a large event
Job Fair Interview • A networking opportunity and meet-and-greet
• Schedule a follow-up interview/visit at the school
• At the school and typically run about an hour
Standard Interview • Generally one-on-one format, though sometimes a panel
may interview you
• May meet with principal, AP, teachers, or others
• Create lesson plan
Demonstration
• Teach lesson during school hours or during the interview
Lesson
• Debrief with hiring representative
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6. Prepare for the Interview in Advance
What Should I Bring to an Interview or Hiring Event?
 Wear a suit or equally professional attire.

Multiple copies of your resume and professional references.
We recommend using high quality or “resume stock” paper.
 Letter of recommendation from former principal and student
achievement data. Evaluations you would like to highlight.
 Any sample lesson plans or other supporting documents.
 A pen and a notebook for taking notes.
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7. Prepare for the Interview in Advance
Demonstration Lesson Tips:
• State the objective of the lesson clearly
• The opening should be attention-grabbing and make a connection
to students
• Include: modeling, guided practice, and independent practice in
the subject area/grade level for which you are applying
• Be sure the activity is engaging for students
• Prepare to debrief. Reflect on how the lesson could be better and
specific steps you would take to improve. Plan for differentiation
and strategies for re-teaching if necessary.
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8. Make a Good First Impression
 DO  DON’T
Dress professionally (a suit is preferred). Don’t arrive late.
If asked, briefly explain the reason you Don’t bring external frustrations to the
were excessed, but be positive. interview.
Demonstrate your interest in the school. Don’t speak negatively of previous
employers and/or colleagues.
Answer the interviewer’s questions. Don’t make claims without providing
supporting evidence.
Highlight your experience and Don’t downplay your achievements.
achievements.
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask. Don’t ask questions about things you can
learn on your own.
Thank the interviewer and gather follow-up Don’t expect to receive an immediate offer.
information.
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9. Interviewing Practice
Principals may ask some of the following questions:
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you become a teacher?
• Why are you interested in education?
• Why are you searching for a new position?
• What are you looking for in a school community?
• What is your classroom management system going to be?
• How do you handle disruptive students?
• What is the most important contribution you can make to the
students?
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10. Interviewing Practice
• How would you answer this interview question:
• How do you handle disruptive
students?
• Take these steps to formulate an answer:
Quick Tip:
• Make sure you understand what the
question is asking. Principals want to hear
evidence in your answers. If
• Make a general statement that you will you share a professional
support with evidence: strength, be sure to back it
up with evidence that makes
• Provide three pieces of supporting evidence your case.
to back up your answer
• Supporting evidence 1:
• Supporting evidence 2:
• Supporting evidence 3:
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11. Interviewing Practice
Question How do you handle disruptive students?
Abstract I maintain discipline in the classroom.
Answer
Concrete I institute a classroom management system that includes an
Answer With escalating series of consequences for inappropriate behavior
Evidence and positive reinforcement for productive behavior. For
example, if a student is talking during class, the first
consequence will be a warning; the second will be a meeting
during lunch, and a third will be a meeting with parents. I apply
this system consistently to all students, which creates a
classroom environment that minimizes disruptions and
encourages learning.
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12. Interviewing Tips to Remember
• Research the school • Be confident. • Send a thank you note
and learn about the via email, reaffirming
• Provide examples and your interest in the
school culture prior other specific
to the interview. position.
supporting
information. • Give principals time to
• Gather your resume, respond to you.
references, and • Listen to the
classroom data. interviewer and • Make sure all of your
answer his/her communications are
• Prepare a sample questions. of professional quality.
lesson with a clear Proofread before your
objective, engaging • Make eye contact with send!
activity, and strong the interviewer
throughout the • Remember – every
plan. interview. communication you
• Prepare thoughtful have with a hiring
questions for the manager is part of
principal. your application to
that school!
Before The During The After The
Interview Interview Interview
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13. What Are MCS Principals Looking for in a Candidate?
• Fit with school culture
Fit • Willingness and enthusiasm for involvement beyond the
classroom (ie: Tutoring, after-school activities, sports)
• Goal-driven with an ability to problem-solve in the face of
challenges
Skills • Effective classroom management
• The ability to engage students with a variety of learning
styles
• The ability to give examples from your experience
• Strong ideas for student motivation and examples of success
Evidence • Data which shows student achievement in your class
• Sample lesson plan
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14. Questions?
The Office of Strategic Teacher
Recruitment and Staffing
Website www.teachmemphis.org
Hotline 901-416-9905
Email info@teachmemphis.org
Teach Memphis
Mailing
Address
2597 Avery Ave, Room 148-B
Memphis, TN 38112
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