Mock Interview Process

Today our class went through a mock interviewing process. A select few in the class were selected as principals and everyone else in the class would take on the role of a teacher candidate pursuing a position at the principal's school.

Dressed for successful the principals examined a variety of resources to examine the candidates to make sure they were a perfect placement for their elementary school. As teacher candidates we were placed into three interviewing groups, since this would be a complete group interview to show how competitive a position in an educational field is. We were asked a variety of questions based on inquiry, direct, and cooperative learning. Technology purposes and scenarios in the classroom were also involved in the questioning process.

I have been on job interviews for part time jobs, which I believe helped me through this process. I know the setting and how to answer questions in a form that would not only impress the interviewer but also show my skills and knowledge. However, the job interviews that I have been apart of in the past had many differences from this process. This mock interview showed me how important it is to study and evaluate all education purposes and processes that I have learned since my first education class at Mount Saint Mary. I learned how important it is to express your personal teaching philosophy to whomever is interviewing you for a position in an elementary school or any educational field. Sharing your belief both inside and outside of the classroom with express not only your knowledge but also your hope for the children that are our future.

One question that stood out to me during the interview was when I was asked to create an objective for a given lesson about habitats. When asked this question, from my knowledge of many different lesson plans and methods I imagined a lesson plan format in my mind. Quickly, I placed each specific piece of the habitat lesson that the interviewer gave me. Then I reflected, quickly and swiftly of course, and create an objective for the students to complete with a ninety percent accuracy rate.

Even though we were being interviewed by our peers everyone in my group was professional and attentive to the questions they were being asked. At times, I glanced around the room and saw how professional and passionate my classmates were throughout the interviewing process. From listening to my fellow classmates, within my group, answers to the questions I believe they all answered with poise and knowledge. Megan was one of the teacher candidates in my interviewing group and in my opinion she did great! She answered the first question that each principal asked the group with many educational ideas, resources, and references. Melodie and Joe were also teacher candidates in my interviewing group and they also answered the given questions with integrity, knowledge, and passion.

Overall, the involvement and process of this mock interview was immensely helpful for my future. It showed me not only to be professional but also to be knowledgeable. Dr. Smirnova gave us amazing advice at the end of the class that prior to an interview we must research the school we will be interviewed by, know the school's overall policies and philosophies, and always express our knowledge of using technology in the class by sharing projects we have done with students while attending college including the outcomes and recent studies that may have been conducted concerning the project.