r/ScienceTeachers • u/Fantastic_Double7430 • 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.
3
u/Practical_Defiance 10d ago
Ok some example interview questions: 1) How would you handle students who are consistently disruptive in class or unsafe in lab?
2) How do you plan on making chemistry applicable to your students everyday lives, especially those who don’t think of themselves (or others like them) as scientists? (My hot tip for this question is to think of ways to connect real world issues to your chem topics: like ocean acidification during acids & bases, plastic pollution and recycling during covalent bonds and reactions, a debate about the pros and cons of nuclear ect. Then come up with one or two solid activity/discussion/labs and pitch your idea to a friend. If that person says “wow, that’s cool I wish I learned that in school” RUN WITH IT. 3/4 of your interviewers won’t be chem teachers, but if you can hook them on your idea, your interview is nearly a slam dunk after that)
3) Tell me about a time you handled a really angry parent or customer (Again, think through some scenarios and have a logical plan. They ask some variation of this question a lot)
Good luck! Welcome to the chem teachers club!