Congratulations—you’ve made it to the interview stage! Now, it’s essential to ensure you stand out, not just through your experience but also in how you convey it. In my experience interviewing teachers, I’ve encountered many impressive CVs that showcase remarkable qualifications. However, during interviews, candidates often falter by merely outlining their roles without providing specific examples. Heads of schools and principals frequently say that the best candidates offer clear, relevant examples that illustrate not only what they’ve done but also the impact they’ve had.
What most people do to prepare… and what really matters
Let’s be honest—when gearing up for an interview, many of us engage in the usual preparations. We review common interview questions, explore the school’s website, and perhaps read a few articles about their ethos. But then comes the enjoyable part: we might spend a bit too long looking into local housing options, the best dining spots, and flight costs. Before you know it, you’re envisioning yourself in that ideal new life, enjoying coffee at the trendy café near the school gates.
While all of this can certainly build excitement, there’s a vital aspect of preparation that often gets overlooked—showcasing your impact through examples. The interviewer already has your CV and references; they are aware of your qualifications and previous roles. Now, they want you to bring that experience to life. It’s your responsibility to provide the concrete stories that demonstrate how you’ll make a difference in their school.
The key to acing your teacher interview? Here’s the STAR interview method!
The STAR Technique is a helpful method for structuring your answers, providing the detail and context that schools are looking for. Here’s how it works:
Situation: Set the scene by briefly describing the context or challenge you faced.
Task: Explain your role and what you aimed to achieve.
Action: Describe the steps you took to tackle the challenge.
Result: Share the outcome, ideally including data or specific feedback that highlights your impact.
Three STAR method examples for success:
Example 1
Situation: “In my Grade 4 class, I observed that transitions between activities were taking too long, resulting in restless behaviour and wasted time.”
Task: “I needed to streamline transitions and enhance classroom behaviour to maximise learning time.”
Action: “I implemented a visual timer and employed positive reinforcement strategies, including a reward system for smooth transitions, which allowed students to earn extra story time.”
Result: “Within four weeks, transition times decreased by 30%, and incidents in the classroom dropped significantly, as recorded in behaviour logs. Colleagues noted the calmer atmosphere, and parents appreciated the positive effect on their children’s focus.”
Example 2
Situation: “While teaching Year 10 Maths, I noticed that a group of students was consistently struggling with algebra.”
Task: “My goal was to bridge the knowledge gap and enhance their confidence in this crucial area, ensuring they could achieve their predicted grades.”
Action: “I developed a focused intervention program that included weekly after-school sessions, simplifying complex concepts into digestible parts. I also utilised assessment data to customise lessons, incorporating flipped learning so students could review essential concepts before class.”
Result: “By the end of the term, 80% of these students reached their target grades, with some even surpassing them. Their progress was evident in our school’s internal mock results, leading to a 15% increase in overall class performance.”
Example 3
Situation: “As a school coordinator, I noticed that our students had few chances to connect with the local community, which is a fundamental value of our school.”
Task: “I set out to create a partnership with a local NGO to offer service learning opportunities for our students, aligning with our focus on global citizenship.”
Action: “I facilitated discussions with the NGO, involving students in the planning stages to ensure their interests were taken into account. We organised a community art project centred on sustainable practices, weaving these themes into our curriculum.”
Result: “The project was a great success, with over 100 students taking part. It not only enhanced their learning experience but also strengthened our school’s relationship with the community. The initiative garnered positive feedback from parents and the NGO, and I had the opportunity to present our approach at a regional education conference, highlighting our dedication to experiential learning.”
Remember to highlight YOU
A common mistake during interviews is saying “we” instead of “I” when discussing your achievements. While it’s important to show that you can work well in a team, this can sometimes overshadow your personal contributions. Interviewers are interested in hearing about your specific role in those success stories. What actions did you take to ensure the project’s success or to overcome a challenge? By emphasising the “I” in your examples, you can effectively showcase your unique skills and the impact you made.
Practical tips for interview preparation
To prepare well for your interview, it’s essential to document your experiences and think about examples that demonstrate your skills and contributions. Reflect on moments where you truly made a difference in your students’ lives or helped your school achieve its goals. Keep a record of these instances, highlighting both your achievements and areas of growth. While teachers often focus on what could be improved, it’s equally important to acknowledge and celebrate what went well.
Customise your examples to fit the specific school you’re applying to. If you’re interviewing at a school with a structured curriculum, emphasise how your teaching methods align with frameworks like assessment techniques or project-based learning. For schools that adopt a more inquiry-based approach, share examples that illustrate your dedication to student-centred learning and collaboration.
Show schools how you fit their culture
As you prepare, remember that heads of schools want to see how you’ll fit into their unique culture. Use the STAR interview method to not only share your achievements but to show that you understand the school’s values and how you can contribute to them. By doing this, you’ll not only prove that you’re qualified—you’ll show that you’re the perfect fit for their team.
