How should I prepare for an interview?

Read the website thoroughly.
- Scott McCue, Boston Preparatory Charter Public School

You should definitely read as much as you can about the school. Do not ask questions during the interview that are answered on the website. In addition, be ready to talk about your experiences and what you have done in previous jobs, tutoring, volunteer work, etc. Candidates should arrive at their interviews at least 5-10 minutes early.
- Dana Lehman, Co-Director, Roxbury Preparatory Charter School

Find out information about the school, and gather materials to demonstrate who you are. Be prepared for the classroom management questions, or the "describe a challenging lesson/student experience" question.
- Courtney Harter, Tufts MAT 2000, Headmaster of School Two, Leominster High School

Have experience that is relevant to the school. Highlight this experience. Absolutely do MORE than just read the school's website. Find out about the school and what its needs are and mission is. If possible visit the school. Chat with students. Find out what the strengths and weaknesses are and be specific about what you can offer.
- Emma Stellman, Associate Principal of Curriculum, Community Charter School of Cambridge

We ask for a portfolio that we can pass around during the interview. I'm interested in how the candidate thinks about curriculum development, assessment and I like to see examples of student work and how the candidate commented on that work. Be prepared to talk specifically about successes and challenges and use real examples. Also be aware of not talking too much for each answer. In our interview we have about 30-40 minutes and at least a dozen questions. We also allow time for the candidate to ask us questions. But if the candidate has gone on and on, that time will be less. The questions you ask as a candidate are also important. That shows how you are thinking about the job and your future in the school.
- Linda Nathan, Headmaster, Boston Arts Academy

Research the school before your interview. Arrive early enough to walk around the neighborhood and get a feel for the place. Have strong, comparable references ready to provide - eg. same kinds of schools, etc.
- Meg Campbell, Head of School, Codman Academy

If the school has a website, study it. Know the makeup of the community. If you can get a Progam of Studies and Student Handbook, look through them. Ask friends or acquaintances who may know the school to give you their perspective on it. Drive through the community before the interview, if you can. Take a look at the local newspaper. Practice you answers, and if you have some things to say that you want to get across, make sure you find an opportunity to say them. It doesn't do much good to say, "Oh, I'd like so much to work in your school, I've heard so much about it." We're interested in what you can do for us before we are in what we can do for you.
- Michael Jones, Principal, Lexington High School

How do I make myself stand out?

Share your love for and ability to relate to kids in the interview. Beyond content understanding and any ability you will grow into in terms of designing activities or assessments, the hardest thing to help new teachers learn would be that personality for relationships with kids. If you have that, enthusiasm, and willingness to be mentored, you will stand out, even over candidates who may know their content better.
- Courtney Harter, Tufts MAT 2000, Headmaster of School Two, Leominster High School

Don't be afraid to talk about mistakes or what you've learned--in fact, that can be impressive. We're looking for people who can reflect upon professional practice, who can begin to generalize from particular experiences. De-emphasize non-educational experience--it may make you interesting as a person, and that's good, but we're looking for teachers who know their disciplines and can work with kids. A follow-up thank-you note is always a classy touch.
- Michael Jones, Principal, Lexington High School

What should I wear to an interview?

Dress extremely conservatively and professionally.
- Dana Lehman, Co-Director, Roxbury Preparatory Charter School

Be professional, but suits are not required.
- Courtney Harter, Tufts MAT 2000, Headmaster of School Two, Leominster High School

Depends on the school. If the school has a dress code, dress up. If not, business casual. Men, wear a suit and tie.
- Emma Stellman, Associate Principal of Curriculum, Community Charter School of Cambridge

What should I bring to an interview?

We don't require anything. Sometimes people hand me reference letters. Videotaped teaching samples are great, but rare.
- Scott McCue, Boston Preparatory Charter Public School

We have asked interviewees to bring examples of lesson plans and unit or project plans. Often they show how you are thinking about breaking up a block, or show off your creativity, standards, or structure, all good things. Plus, as you talk through them it can really demonstrate who you are and how you think about teaching and kids - a great way to make yourself stand out.
- Courtney D. Harter, Headmaster of School Two, Leominster High School

Your portfolio, copies of the resume-even if you think we have it-I also like to see a two page curriculum or unit guide to show how you think about curriculum. It's great if your portfolio has student pictures too.
- Linda Nathan, Headmaster, Boston Arts Academy

Be sure you have copies of your resume, transcripts, letters, and certification if you have it, even if you've sent those things in already. The portfolios with lesson plans and photos usually are a distraction. It's one-to-one contact that makes the difference. Don't take notes during the interview, but it may be a good idea to jot down a few things afterwards.
- Michael Jones, Principal, Lexington High School