Interviewing...

So I don't know if anyone will want to take my interviewing advice since I have not been offered a job yet, but I also haven't been turned down ;) I just had my first interview yesterday and have another one on Thursday, so fingers crossed that I get offered something next week! 

I have heard mixed opinions about "teaching portfolios." Some people say to make one, others say not at all, and some say to make one just in case, but a principal might not even look at it. I made one because I would rather be safe than sorry! It was nothing too spectacular, just a binder with a few lesson plans that I could show or talk about at the end of an interview. However, every single page is laminated and there are dividers, so it looks professional and they know I put time into it. These are the sections my portfolio is divided into...

Teaching Portfolio

1. Cover Letter and Resume
2. Letters of Recommendation
3. Certification- This will be used for my actual teaching certification when I get it ;), but for right now it just has my teaching test scores (NES and AEPA)
4. Lesson Plans- I have three (one for Language Arts, one for Math, and one for Science)
5. Unit Plans- I have two (one for Social Studies and one for Math aligned to Common Core)
6. Samples of Student Work- A variety of Language Arts and Math assignments
7. Evaluation- My scores from teaching observations during student teaching
8. Miscellaneous pictures and things from my student teaching that will provide talking points at interviews, but didn't fit in any other section

There is nothing too extravagant, but I definitely wanted to include lessons from all the main subjects so administrators and teachers know I am capable of planning and creating a variety of engaging lessons.

I think even more important than the portfolio is the outfit. It is the first thing the interviewer will see and first impressions are very important! I wore a conservative turquoise dress from Banana Republic, because it is professional, but also bright and fun! I wore black flats  to keep it simple, but I am also tall so I don't wear heels. Pearl earrings and a pearl Dogeared necklace added a little something extra, without being too flashy! I really think simplicity is best, so I also wore a little less makeup than I usually do. :) 

Dress- Banana Republic, Necklace- Dogeared