6. Create a portfolio – even if your interview doesn’t require it. Before my interview, I took the time to create a really solid portfolio that I thought accurately shows what I value as a teacher. I organized my syllabi, classroom management plan, examples of differentiation, examples of various kinds of assessments (projects, essay prompts, and in-class exams), and some of my favorite lesson plans. Even though I only used the portfolio once during my interview (to show differentiation), it was an exceptionally valuable exercise that really allowed me to reflect on my teaching and how it matches up with my philosophy. This gave me a lot of concrete examples and evidence to use during my interview, even if the portfolio remained in my purse – and it helped me to see the “why” behind all the individual parts in my teaching.
I feel like a lot of what landed me this awesome teaching job is mental: I figured out why I’m teaching, how I’m teaching, and how everything I do in the classroom fits with that philosophy. I went beyond the classroom scope to see myself as a holistic human being, and what other areas of my life inform who I can be on campus and what value I can add. I wasn’t afraid to apply for the dream jobs, and I carried myself with confidence in my skill set.
Yes, I was terrified it wouldn’t work out. Yes, I wanted to do whatever I could to get a job; any job. But I stayed true to who I am as a teacher, and sought out a good fit for myself. Do the work to figure out who you are (or want to be) as a teacher, be confident in that person, and your fit will come soon, too.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
