EDUCATOR'S ALLY
RESOURCES FOR
JOB SEEKERS
RESOURCES FOR JOB SEEKERS
COVID-19 & THE 2021-22 HIRING SEASON: WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?
With the hiring process having shifted to a hybrid model of virtual and in person interviews over the past year, many of our candidates have asked us how they can stand out and make the strongest possible impression without the ability to meet face to face with school administrators. To put your best foot forward in this new landscape, read below for some tips on how to navigate a virtual interview and how to put together the most effective virtual demo lesson.
COVID-19 & THE 2021-22 HIRING SEASON
THE VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
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Treat a virtual interview the same as you would an in-person interview.
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If you haven’t already added a bullet point or two to your resume about your experience with remote learning, definitely do so. You should also address your experience in this area in your cover letter for any specific referrals.
THE VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:
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Do your research on the school and position, and have thoughtful questions prepared
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Practice. Prior to your interview, call a friend via the technology you’ll be using for your interview to be sure everything works smoothly and you feel comfortable speaking and listening virtually.
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Test your technology and be sure you know how to sign into and use the video-conference software of choice.
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In advance of your interview, come up with a list of questions for your interviewer that can help you get a sense of the school culture. Examples of these include:
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Why do families choose your school?
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How long do faculty typically stay on board?
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How do teachers and students interact outside of the classroom?
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Do faculty stick around campus after their teaching responsibilities are over?
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Be prepared to speak about how you’ve approached remote learning. To do so, ask yourself these questions:
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What was the transition like for you and your school when the shift was made?
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What are the pros and cons of remote learning?
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What have you learned about yourself as a teacher this past year?
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How has your approach to remote learning evolved?
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THE VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
DURING THE INTERVIEW:
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Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted (by roommates, kids, barking dogs, etc.) with a neutral, uncluttered background.
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Know there could be a slight audio delay, so pause for a second or two after answering a question in case your interviewer has a follow-up comment.
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If you’re planning to take notes during the interview, limit typing as the noise can be distracting. In place of typing, try writing your notes by hand or wait until the interview is over.
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When you speak, look directly at the webcam. While counterintuitive (your inclination will be to look at the screen), this will ensure that you will be looking your interviewer in the eye.
COVID-19 & THE 2021-22 HIRING SEASON
THE VIRTUAL DEMO LESSON
Over the past year, many of our schools began asking candidates to share videos of themselves teaching, so a newly important aspect of a candidate’s profile is a video lesson. Having a video of yourself teaching a “live” lesson in front of students is a great addition to your file but if you don’t happen to have one take time to record a video of one of your lessons. Not only will this recording give schools a sense of your skills and the way in which you structure your lessons, but it will also demonstrate your approach to remote learning.
Links are easier to share than a large attachment which may be too big to email, so video demos can be uploaded to YouTube (you can adjust privacy settings, so they are visible only with a password), Google Drive, Dropbox, your teaching website (Weebly and Wix are popular), etc. Explain Everything Edu is a useful app that can record your screen as you deliver instruction.
THE VIRTUAL DEMO LESSON
A SUCCESSFUL VIDEO DEMO LESSON SHOULD INCLUDE:
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A detailed lesson plan to accompany the video and examples of any supplemental materials you will use
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The goal of the lesson, including:
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The essential question and lesson objective
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The take away you hope your students will have
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Skills your students will be practicing
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Specific vocabulary you’ll be using
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How you plan to assess the students’ understanding throughout and at the end of the lesson
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Clear and detailed explanations of instructions throughout the lesson; describe how you would engage the students and get them actively participating
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Questions you would ask the class and explanations as to why you’re asking those questions
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Wrap up of the lesson with clear closure and plans for assessment
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Should time allow, ideas for how to extend the lesson, including ways in which to tweak the lesson for different grades and enrichment activities students could do at home
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If you are recording a “live” remote lesson with your actual students, be aware of privacy concerns. Either get permission to share or don’t show their faces.
THE VIRTUAL DEMO LESSON
DURING THE DEMO:
Schools understand that a lesson recorded at home, in front of your computer, is no substitute for a dynamic lesson with live students, but administrators will be appreciative of your flexibility and your ability to be adaptable and nimble during these unpredictable times.
An added bonus: this a great opportunity to show off your creativity and tech skills! Remember to share the link of the video and supplemental materials with your EA Placement Manager so they have it on hand when schools request it.
EDUCATOR'S ALLY
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET
Whether you’re doing the hiring or you’re looking to get hired, know that your EA Placement Managers are here to serve as a resource for you during the hiring process—Check out our Services for Job Seekers to learn more and apply now to get started.