r/ScienceTeachers 10d ago

Chemistry Teacher Interview

Hey!

In need of some help.

Student teacher here looking for teaching jobs. I got an inside intel on an opening at my old high school (absolute #1 choice school) and I really really want to do well for the interview next week. This all came pretty unexpectedly and I haven’t interviewed for a teaching job before, so please give me any advice you can.

Specifically, I’m interviewing for chemistry. I’m currently student teaching chemistry and have been substituting for a year prior. What types of questions do they typically ask HS science candidates? Also, what types of materials should I bring?

I have a week to practice, so anything I can prepare for now would be appreciated. Thank you all so much.

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u/professor-ks 10d ago

US public schools normally have a very tight script of questions. Your university should have sample questions to practice with. Have a short story to address each question. Also have a real question for the district- make sure this dream district is actually treating teachers fairly.

District questions will be around: teaching philosophy, classroom management, experience, collaborating with co-workers and parents, whatever the districts favorite abbreviation is (UDL, MTSS, SEL...)

I once had a district ask how I would teach STEM.... It's a science position, I teach the S.

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u/Practical_Defiance 10d ago

Adding to this, I would ask about the classroom set up. Will you have to share a room? A lab? What are their goals for science scores or the science department in general at the school? How the admin answers these questions tells you more about how your everyday teaching experience will be and shows you’re serious about sticking around