Moving abroad and teaching in the U.S. is a big decision! As an Ambassador Teacher with Participate Learning, you will be sharing your home country’s culture while experiencing personal and professional growth. If you have started your application to teach in the U.S. or are considering it, you may be wondering about the interviews.
There are two interviews during the application process. The first interview is after you have ensured that you meet all the program requirements and filled out the online application. In the first interview, you have the option to pre-record your answers to a set of questions or to do a live, virtual interview with an admissions specialist. The focus of the first interview is to review your credentials and verify your eligibility to participate in the program.
The second interview is a chance for you to show us your teaching and communication styles, and for you to ask Participate Learning any questions you have. This virtual interview is 45 minutes to an hour long. During the interview you will discuss a lesson plan template and sample letter to parents you have prepared beforehand.
Below we offer five tips from our admissions team to succeed in your interviews and to set you up for success as you go through our application process!
1. Ensure that your English speaking and writing skills are proficient.
Both of your interviews will be conducted in English to ensure that you are comfortable communicating in the language. Your English does not need to be perfect! However, it is very important that you can communicate with your principal, other teachers, and parents in English. Even if you teach in a dual language or world language classroom, you will be using English every day as part of your life in the U.S.
2. Display your creativity and teaching skills during your lesson presentation.
During the second interview you will briefly present a lesson, giving the interviewer a good understanding of what the lesson would look like if they saw it in person. This is a chance for you to demonstrate your teaching skills! Engaging your audience and showing creativity in how you present the lesson will give your interviewer a better idea of your teaching style. Using any visual aids or other materials you would have used in the lesson is a great way to display your creativity.
3. Show professionalism in your background and clothing.
Since this is a job interview, be sure your background is professional. It is best to have a well-lit, quiet setting to do the interview. While some background noise is expected, don’t conduct the interview in a noisy space or where you will be interrupted. Be sure your clothes are also professional business attire, similar to what you would wear to school.
4. Be flexible and open-minded.
To have a meaningful and successful cultural exchange experience, a teacher must be willing to try new ideas and experiences. Being flexible and open to new ways of doing things will help you succeed in the U.S. education system. It is more important to have this mindset than to have a certain number of years of experience. You do not necessarily have to have many years of experience to be an effective Ambassador Teacher.
5. Make sure your technology is working.
Before both of your interviews, check to make sure the sound and video are working on your device. Check the lighting to ensure that your space is well-lit and your face is visible. Make sure the battery for your device is fully charged, and if possible, have a backup device ready in case you run into technical difficulties.
Now that you have these tips, you’ll be ready to succeed in your interviews! If you want to learn more about our program requirements, school locations, or teaching positions, see our website.
