SPU Interview Day

I finally found out that I got at interview at SPU for the ARC program!! It will be next week on Saturday March 10th. The "Alternative Routes to Credation" program is basically a fast-paced intensive teacher certification program that has a Master's component. It consists of a 4 week cohort in the summer at SPU campus, followed by a full year of student teaching and night classes at SPU 1-2 days a week, and then finally the Master's componenent the following summer. Then I get to be a teacher...yay!!!

So, If I dazzle them next weekend, I will be MIA for a while!

I am a little nervous as I don't feel super-prepared for this interview and it's a bit intense:

The ARC Interview Day provides the committee with important information about each applicant that is not reflected in the grade point averages, test scores, and letters of recommendation of your application file. Our attention will be focused on those interpersonal and communication skills that are supported by research as characteristics and dispositions demonstrated by effective teachers. These include:
·         Presentation of Self – Confidence, high self-esteem, energy, body language
·         Initiative & Tolerance for Stress – The ability to get involved and take action with the tasks at hand when under pressure.
·         Communication Skills – The ability to express yourself clearly by organizing your thoughts and presenting them coherently, both orally and in writing.
·         Problem Analysis – The ability to identify issues or problems and to think analytically about them (e.g. identify relevant information and causes, weigh outcomes).
·         Sensitivity & With-it-ness – The ability to read and to respond to the feelings and needs of others both verbally and non-verbally while monitoring group activities/interactions and your role within them.

How to prepare for the ARC Interview Day.

The interviews will be conducted in a small group setting and I encourage you to relax and be your very best self. It is important to be open and honest, engaging and accessible. This way, you will be able to confidently and effectively take part in the process.

You will be assigned to a small group of approximately 10-12 fellow applicants. Come prepared to tell us a little about yourself and to teach a “mini-lesson” of seven to nine minutes relating to any topic that is within your endorsement area (the subject / discipline area that you would like to teach). The intent of the mini-lesson is to actually teach something about which you are passionate in your endorsement area, rather than lead a discussion about what you would teach. You will be asked to clearly state the objective of your mini-lesson before you begin. You are also asked to attempt to engage the rest of the group during your lesson as you would try to interact with a group of students in a class setting. Feel free to use any interactive props, manipulatives, handouts, etc. if you feel that this will help you in your lesson. It is your responsibility to provide these. There will be a whiteboard in the room where you will teach, but I cannot guarantee access to dry erase markers. You are advised to have some with you, just in case. You will not have access to a computer podium or to a dvd/vcr - television screen for the lesson. As you plan your lesson, do remember that the facilitator will be quite strict in adhering to the total time limit. This will have to include any set-up time you may require.

So.....basically I have to be awesome. So that's what I will be working on the next week. I am thankful that I have a sister and some close friends who are teachers! I will be asking for a little help for sure.

My sister Melissa just told me that I shoudl just tell them I work out, but I am not quite sure that's what they are looking for!

Wish me luck!!!