Teaching Interview- portfolio- do I need one?

[sleepysox]

I've managed to get short listed for a permanent teaching job after working (through choice) as a supply teacher for the past 2 years.

I have just googled interview questions, so I can prepare, but came across an American site that mentions having a portfolio of children's work, exam results etc and this has panicked me no end!

Does this happen in the UK nowadays? I'm really hoping you say no!

Also, has anyone got any interview tips, or any advice on anything that might be useful really.

I'm so nervous already and the interview isn't until 12th July!

[sleepysox]

Just keeping this at the top where someone who knows might read it!

[Clary]

I am a governor and have interviewed a number of teachers and have never expected to see a portfolio of work.

I have seen one (sort of) but it wasn't very impressive and the candidate didn't get the job.

Interview tips - there will be questions on different issues, usually one on safeguarding (hot issue atm as I am sure you know), one on ICT maybe, one expecting an answer about ECM, prob one about discipline, maybe one about G&T.

Your lesson needs to be apporpriate to the age of children (I have seen some that weren't) and if you realise it's not, make sure you can change it on the hoof.

If the children have stickers with their names on, make a point of using the names (you'd be surprised...)

HTH will try to think what else and Good Luck!

[mrz]

I've sat on an interview panel a number of times and while a portfolio isn't essential those candidates who produced one earned "extra Brownie points" - probably even split on portfolio or not for successful candidates. Better no portfolio than trying to produce one in a hurry. Seems more common with NQTs ...

[sleepysox]

Thanks for all the detailed info.

I don't think I'll go with the portfolio idea, as I don't have much to put in one, and the school I'm applying for is one I supply for so they know me quite well. But I'm going to start collecting bits and pieces to go into one, for future job interviews.

Thanks for the interview tips Clary. As a supply, I'm quite good at changing lessons on the fly, so hopefully that's one skill I've got going for me!

My interview dress arrived in the mail today-I bought it from ebay and it fits perfectly, so I feel a bit more ready.

DH is going to watch the kids on Sunday so i can start preparing my interview answers.

I'll let you know how I get on!