The Interview

This was probably the hardest interview of my life. It wasn't like the other high school interview with a high school principal I had; it wasn't like the first interview I had at this school with all of my old teachers. It was something all of its own.

I met with the principal and an assistant principal, one with a background in English. They were running a bit late, which I was prepared for, and almost glad for. Compared to the last interview where I was huffing and puffing to ge there on time, this was welcome. It started out light and friendly. I'm not saying that we weren't still friendly almost two hours later when the interview ended, but we were more serious.

It almost felt like I was on trial for my educational philosophy, or like a counseling session where they were trying to pull my thoughts out of me.

They really wanted to know where I stood on some issues and who I was as a teacher. (Of course. Yes, this is an interview, that's what they're supposed to be doing!) There are just certain things that are hard to quantify. How do I get students to behave? I named several ways and examples (bad examples). I tried to say it in so many ways. It boiled down to this: I don't know; they just do. There are intentional things that I try, but somehow, they just do what I say. It's almost like magic. I don't have a lot of students who try to get a way with things. I smile. I talk to them. I ask them about what's going on in their lives. I just care. And maybe that's just it. I care. That's not going to knock out 100 percent of all problems, but it's a good start. I think it also helps that I keep kids busy. They don't have spare time on their hands to mess around. We're always working and learning.

Two of the only things that could keep me from getting this job are
1. The other finalist
2. The fact that I don't have any experience teaching communications

Reasons why I might get this job
1. I have speech and debate experience, and they need someone to help with that activity
2. Speech and debate could help me with the communications class (as it's in the same department)
3. I really want it

This time, they told me the time table when I would hear back.

Tuesday.