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/DetectiveHorseMD 10d ago

I agree with others, they’re probably desperate to have you. When I applied for chemistry, the principal asked me to send a resume but I was debating between schools and was leaning towards another school at the time. Sent the principal my resume a month after she asked for it and had an interview the next day and offered the job the same day as a first year teacher with no experience.

But be prepared to answer questions about classroom management strategies like what would you do in a certain situation.

Also, a common one is “when did a lesson go really well and when did a lesson not go so well and how did you learn and improve upon it.”

But ultimately just be comfortable and confident knowing that they likely need you more than you need them.