Some of Education World's Principal Files principals sounded a note of caution to teaching job prospectors. As a seasoned interviewer, I much prefer to work with a candidate who openly admits to being a neophyte, who will embrace the idea of having a mentor or two, and who is willing to learn. In this profession, none of us ever knows it all, and we have to keep sharpening our own blades to keep up. Cyndi Patterson also looks for signs that a candidate recognizes the need to learn more than college taught them. Don't attempt to tie the children to a chapter in a textbook.
Children are unpredictable.
When it comes to interviewing, a number of Education World's principal advisers emphasized the importance of honesty. If you don't know the answer, say so. Ralph Lowe looks for honesty too. If the candidates have had a strong practicum experience, they should just be honest, direct. Initially, Lowe was hesitant to offer any advice to prospective teachers.