Welcome to our new blog series, Tips and Tricks, where we provide practical advice for educators. You’ll find our Tips and Tricks every other Tuesday on the ATPE Blog, so check back regularly! This week’s post is on interviewing.

Interviewing for a new job can be a stressful process, but a little bit of preparation will go a long way toward easing your anxiety. Here are a few tips for a successful job interview, whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned veteran.

1. Research the school you’re applying to. Impress your interviewer by being well versed in the issues that affect the population the school serves. The school’s and district’s websites, current and past parents and employees, web searches, and public databases such as the Texas Public Schools Explorer and SchoolDigger.com are all good sources of information.
2. Bring several copies of your cover letter, résumé, and references. Even if you’ve already sent these in electronically, it’s a good idea to have printed copies on hand during the interview. 
3. Bring an interactive notebook that includes samples of your work. This can include projects, tests, quizzes, anchor charts, assignments, lesson plans, and syllabi.
4. Bring an example of a successful lesson you have taught and be prepared to present that lesson.
5. Be prepared to show how you have used STAAR and benchmark data to drive your lessons.
6. Provide examples of your collaborative efforts (for example, as part of a team or professional learning community).
7. Bring examples of literacy strategies and be prepared to explain them.
8. Bring examples of ways to integrate technology.
9. Be ready to answer classroom management questions, and illustrate your answers with personal examples when you can.
10. Don’t volunteer for something you aren’t interested in.

Good luck on your interview and in the coming school year! For more in depth job search tips, see ATPE’s new Professional Learning Portal class, Getting Yourself in Shape to Shape Minds, hosted by administrator Karen McCoskey.

Many thanks to ATPE Regional Representative Cynthia Villalovos. Cynthia is a former administrator who offered lots of great advice for this blog post!

What Tips and Tricks would you like to see on the ATPE Blog? Email comm@atpe.org with suggestions.