The Biggest Interview Myth

     In an article ("Ten Job Interview Myths Debunked") published in the October 12, 2011 issue of Forbes Magazine, David Couper, a Los Angeles career and executive coach and the author of Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career … Even When You Don’t Fit In addresses some common misperceptions about interviews.  According to Cooper, the biggest interview myth is that the most qualified candidate gets the job.  Couper makes the point that the final hiring determination most often comes down to personality rather than qualifications.  In other words, people are most often hired because of a "likeability" factor; not because they had the highest GPA, the most sterling letters of recommendation, or a resume jam-packed with accomplishments and awards.
     As one principal told me, "I want to hire a personality, not a grade point average!"

How would you differentiate your instruction to meet the needs of your diverse learners?

Q:  How would you differentiate your instruction to meet the needs of your diverse learners?

A:   During my student teaching experience I had the opportunity to work with several special needs students.  I quickly learned that there are some generalized strategies that I always need to keep in mind.  These would include 1) Being aware that special needs students may not want to be singled out for any special treatment.  To do so may identify their disability for other students.  2) I need to consider learning over a long period of time.  I realize that special needs students may require extended periods of time to master a concept or learn a specific skill.  3) I need to be especially careful that I don’t fall into the trap of focusing on the weaknesses of special needs students.  It’s vitally important that I’m aware of and that I seek to identify the individual strengths of each student.  And, 4) I want to provide opportunities for students of all abilities to learn from each other.  I want to be sure that everyone feels like he or she is contributing.  I know that all that is a tough order, but I’m eager for the challenge.

            Be sure you demonstrate your knowledge of special needs students, their instructional needs, and your willingness to teach them.  Always convey an aura of “positiveness” and enthusiasm in responding to this question.  Demonstrate that you are eager for both the challenge and the opportunity.

INSIDER TIP:      It’s always appropriate to talk about a setback or disappointment you’ve had in working with students.  But, it’s even more important to show how the experience made you a much better teacher today.