What to Bring to a Teaching Job Interview
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How Interview Materials Influence Hiring Decisions
- Foundational Documents: What to Bring and How to Present Them
- The Portfolio: Digital and Physical Options
- Lesson Plan: Bring One You Can Teach and Talk Through
- Demonstration Lessons and Micro-Teaching: What to Bring
- Presentation and Professionalism
- Virtual Interview Essentials
- Logistics and Day-Of Routines
- Special Circumstances: Panels, Fairs, and International Interviews
- What Not to Bring (Common Mistakes)
- Follow-Up Materials and Next Steps
- Practice, Reflection, and Confidence Building
- Quick Packing Checklist
- Putting It Together: A Two-Hour Pre-Interview Routine
- How This Fits Into a Larger Career and Mobility Roadmap
- Common Interview Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Final Thought: The Power of Prepared Evidence
- FAQ
Introduction
You’ve applied, been invited, and now you’re at the moment that separates preparation from opportunity. Teaching interviews are uniquely practical: hiring teams want to see evidence of planning, classroom thinking, and the habits you’ll bring to their community. The materials you bring can shape the conversation, make your answers tangible, and help you leave a confident, professional impression.
Short answer: Bring clear evidence of your qualifications and teaching effectiveness (updated resume copies, a concise portfolio with lesson examples and student work, certifications and references), the logistical items that keep you calm (notebook, water, breath mints), and a tech-ready kit for any demo or virtual interview. Supplement these with a teaching philosophy and a polished lesson plan for the grade/subject you’re applying for. If you want tailored, step-by-step help preparing a powerful interview package, book a free discovery call to walk through a personalized roadmap.
This article explains exactly what to bring, why each item matters, and how to organize everything so you arrive focused and ready to demonstrate your teaching practice. You’ll get a practical packing checklist, detailed instructions for physical and digital portfolios, scripts for presenting a lesson plan or student artifact, guidance for virtual interviews, and strategies for follow-up and negotiation. My background as an author, HR and L&D specialist, and career coach informs every recommendation here—this is the hybrid approach that helps global professionals align career momentum with international mobility and real classroom readiness.
How Interview Materials Influence Hiring Decisions
What interviewers actually look for
Interview teams assess more than credentials. They evaluate fit with school culture, classroom management approach, and evidence that your instructional choices lead to measurable student progress. Documents and artifacts let you move beyond claims—demonstrating that your planning, assessment, and reflection are intentional and results-driven. When you bring organized evidence, you help the committee draw a line from your experience to the outcomes they need.
The difference between polished and prepared
Polished means your items look professional: clean formatting, labeled sections, readable fonts. Prepared means they are tailored to the job and easily accessible during conversation. A polished but generic packet doesn’t help as much as a prepared folder with a targeted lesson plan and student sample tied to the age group and standards the school uses. Preparation communicates respect for the interviewers’ time and signals that you already understand the role.
Foundational Documents: What to Bring and How to Present Them
Updated Resume Copies
Bring multiple printed copies of your resume on quality paper—enough for each interviewer plus one for you to reference. Your resume should be current, targeted to the role, and highlight quantifiable achievements (student growth measures, assessment outcomes, program implementation). Keep a single-page version for early-career roles and a two-page version if you have extensive leadership, specialty certifications, or international experience to justify the extra content.
When offering a resume, place it in the folder or simply ask, “Would you like a copy of my resume?” This demonstrates readiness without forcing your materials on the panel.
Download free resume and cover letter templates to create professional layouts that print cleanly and emphasize your accomplishments.
Cover Letter (Optional But Useful)
Bring one or two printed copies of a cover letter tailored to the school. If you already sent a cover letter electronically, bringing a printed copy is still valuable when the interview panel includes additional staff or administrators who may not have seen your materials. Keep your letter succinct—one page highlighting your mission alignment with the school and a brief example of student impact.
Teaching Philosophy Statement
A one-page teaching philosophy clarifies your instructional beliefs and anchors the stories you tell in the interview. Use it to summarize your approach to differentiation, assessment, classroom environment, and community engagement. When you reference this during answers, the committee will see that your philosophy informs concrete practices, not just aspirational statements.
Certifications, Transcripts, and Licenses
Bring certified copies or scans of your teaching license, subject endorsements, and any national or international certifications (TESOL, IB workshops, etc.). For roles abroad, include documents that may be needed for visa or credential evaluation (degree certificates, apostilles if available, or clear scans). When possible, place originals and copies in a labeled envelope so you can produce them when asked, and be ready to state renewal dates.
References and Letters of Recommendation
Prepare a typed list of references with names, titles, phone numbers, email addresses, and a one-line description of your relationship to each. If you have one or two strong letters of recommendation that add perspective (mentor teacher, department chair, school leader), bring copies in your folder to offer after the interview if requested. Always check with references ahead of time and brief them on the position you’re applying for.
Student Work and Assessment Artifacts
The most persuasive evidence in a teaching interview is labeled, anonymized student work that shows learning progression. Include examples that illustrate how your instruction moved students forward: a pre/post assessment, improvement samples across a unit, or a piece demonstrating differentiated support. Label each artifact with context: grade/subject, learning target, interventions, and outcomes. Be concise—choose two to four high-quality artifacts rather than a bulk of middling examples.
The Portfolio: Digital and Physical Options
Why bring a portfolio?
A portfolio consolidates everything you claim on your resume into tangible examples. It helps interviewers envision your classroom practices and lets you narrate instructional choices while pointing to evidence.
What to include in a teaching portfolio
Include the following in a clear, tabbed arrangement that’s easy to flip through:
- Brief cover page with your name, grade/subject target, and contact details.
- Resume and teaching philosophy.
- One to three targeted lesson plans with standards alignment and assessment strategies.
- Student work samples with context and reflections on outcomes.
- Classroom management plan and examples of routines or procedures.
- Evidence of professional development: certificates, workshop summaries.
- Assessment data summaries showing student growth, if available and de-identified.
- Optional: short video links (hosted privately) demonstrating instruction.
Keep documents concise and annotated—each item should take no longer than 60–90 seconds to review. Interviewers often scan portfolios quickly; the annotations show your reflections without requiring them to read every page.
Physical vs. digital portfolio: when to use each
If the interview instructions ask for a physical portfolio or you anticipate an in-person lesson, bring a professional binder with clear sleeve protectors. For convenience and to reduce weight, keep a compact printed packet of key items and a digital portfolio on a tablet that you can hand over or display.
For virtual interviews, prepare a digital portfolio hosted on a simple, secure platform. Have direct links open on your browser and be ready to share your screen. Test that videos and files play smoothly.
Preparing multimedia artifacts
If you include short teaching videos, keep them under three minutes and annotated with the learning objective and reflection (what you planned, saw, and would adjust). Host videos privately and ensure links work offline if you’ll be showing them from a personal device. Use captions or notes so reviewers can quickly grasp the context.
Lesson Plan: Bring One You Can Teach and Talk Through
Choosing the right lesson
Select a lesson that aligns with the grade and subject for which you’re interviewing and that showcases your instructional strengths—whether inquiry-based, project-centered, or standards-focused. The lesson should be complete but concise: learning objective, warm-up, guided practice, independent practice, assessment, and differentiation notes.
How to present the lesson during an interview
Prepare a two-minute verbal summary that highlights the learning objective, how you check for understanding, and how you scaffolded learning. If asked to teach a sample, deliver a 10–15 minute segment demonstrating clarity of instruction, effective questioning, and how you would assess student outcomes.
Have materials ready: a printed lesson plan in your folder, sample student handouts, and any technology needs noted clearly. If the interview setting doesn’t allow a live demo, be prepared to walk the panel through the lesson with student work and assessments.
Demonstration Lessons and Micro-Teaching: What to Bring
Materials for an in-person demo
Bring handouts, visual aids, manipulatives, and any classroom anchor charts you would use. Pack spare copies for the panel if appropriate. Ensure materials are age-appropriate and clearly labeled.
Technology and AV prep
If using a laptop or tablet, bring necessary adapters, a clicker if you present slides, and a backup thumb drive with your materials. Save files in multiple formats (PDF, PPT) to avoid compatibility issues. Test any interactive tools you plan to use (Kahoot, Nearpod) and have a static alternative in case of Wi-Fi problems.
If asked to lead a group activity
Plan for a quick transition into small-group work or pair-share. Bring clear directions printed on a slide or handout and timing cues. Show how you would monitor, provide feedback, and regroup students to share outcomes.
Presentation and Professionalism
What to wear and how to present yourself
Dress in professional, comfortable attire appropriate for the school’s culture. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly more formal. Grooming matters, but substance matters more—let your materials and answers show your competence.
Bring breath mints and a small grooming kit to freshen up before you walk into the building. Keep your phone on silent and out of sight.
Speaking with clarity and intention
Practice concise, outcome-oriented answers that tie back to student learning. Use the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe interventions or programs, but frame results in terms of student growth and behavior.
Body language and presence
Make eye contact, sit with an open posture, and use gestures sparingly to reinforce points. When nervous, slow your pace and breathe; clarity beats speed.
Virtual Interview Essentials
Environment and camera setup
Choose a quiet, neutral background with good natural or soft lighting. Position the camera at eye level, check the frame, and minimize distractions. Use a wired internet connection if possible and close other apps to maximize bandwidth.
Tech checklist
Have your device charged and an external charger available. Use a good microphone or headset for clarity. Test your camera, microphone, and screen-share process at least 30 minutes before the interview.
Virtual documents and sharing
Organize digital copies of your resume, portfolio, and lesson plans in a single folder. Open materials before the interview so you can switch quickly between items when asked. Use short, direct links or share files through the meeting platform rather than emailing large attachments live.
Logistics and Day-Of Routines
Arrival timing and first impressions
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early for in-person interviews—enough to check in, breathe, and review notes without appearing rushed. If arriving much earlier, find a neutral spot nearby to relax.
What to carry in your interview bag
Carry a professional folder or briefcase containing your printed materials, a notebook and pen, a small water bottle, and a compact grooming kit. Keep personal items tucked away so they don’t distract during the interview.
Managing nerves
Use a short routine before the interview: a 60-second breathing exercise, a two-line affirmation about your professional strengths, and a quick skim of your lesson plan’s opening lines. A calm, concise routine helps transfer nervous energy into presence.
Special Circumstances: Panels, Fairs, and International Interviews
Panel interviews and multiple interviewers
Bring enough materials for all panel members and name labels if requested. When answering, address the questioner first but scan the room to include others. Keep responses targeted and give space for additional follow-ups.
Job fairs and quick interviews
For brief conversations, prepare a one-minute pitch that summarizes your teaching philosophy, core strengths, and the contribution you’ll make in a school. Bring a half-sheet business card or a QR code linking to your digital portfolio.
Interviews for international positions
Bring extra documentation for international hires: notarized degree copies, passport, visa paperwork, teaching license translations if available, and clear scans of reference contacts with international dialing codes. Be prepared to explain credential equivalency and highlight training relevant to the curriculum (IB, British, American standards, etc.). If you plan to relocate, prepare a one-page summary of your mobility timeline and supports you’ll need.
This is where Inspire Ambitions’ hybrid philosophy is most useful: your career decisions and your international mobility plan must align, and preparing consistent documentation reduces friction during hiring and relocation.
What Not to Bring (Common Mistakes)
Avoid overstuffing the portfolio
Bringing a giant binder with every lesson you’ve ever written signals lack of focus. Select targeted, high-quality pieces tied to the role you want.
Don’t bring sensitive student information
Always anonymize student work and assessment data. Never share identifiable information without explicit permission.
Avoid flashy, unrelated props
Props should be pedagogically relevant. Avoid novelty items that distract from your instructional goals.
Follow-Up Materials and Next Steps
What to send after the interview
Within 24–48 hours, send a concise thank-you email tailored to each person who interviewed you. Reference one or two highlights from the interview and attach any requested documents (e.g., a digital portfolio, full lesson plans, or videos). If your resume could benefit from the free templates, customize and polish it before sending.
You can strengthen your follow-up by attaching select artifacts from your portfolio or linking to a short video that illustrates a high-impact lesson. Keep attachments small or use secure links.
Use free resume and cover letter templates to refresh documents before you follow up and leave a strong final impression.
When and how to inquire about next steps
If the interviewer indicated a decision timeline, wait until that window has passed before checking in. If no timeline was given, it’s reasonable to follow up once after a week. Keep your tone professional and curious—ask if additional materials would help their decision.
Negotiation and offers
When an offer comes, ask for written details (salary, benefits, start date, professional development opportunities). If relocation or visa support is needed, clarify timelines and responsibilities. Save salary discussions for after you receive an offer unless the interviewer brings it up.
If you want a strategic one-on-one review of your offer and how to approach negotiation—especially with international considerations—book a free discovery call so we can map out your negotiation approach and mobility timeline.
Practice, Reflection, and Confidence Building
Practice the hard questions
Practice answers to behavioral and scenario-based questions that require a demonstration of classroom management, differentiation, and assessment decisions. Record yourself or run mock interviews with a colleague.
A structured course can help you practice with targeted exercises and feedback. If you want guided practice and a curriculum to build confidence, consider a step-by-step career course to strengthen your delivery and evidence presentation: build your career confidence with a structured course.
Reflection after each interview
After every interview, spend 20–30 minutes debriefing. What went well? Which answers needed more evidence? Which artifacts were most effective? Use reflections to refine your next packet and to build a professional narrative that’s consistent across interviews.
A second targeted time to use a structured course is during your debrief phase—courses that combine practice, templates, and coaching sharpen your skills more quickly than solo practice. Consider enrolling if you want a systematic approach to interview readiness: follow a step-by-step career blueprint.
Quick Packing Checklist
- Several printed copies of your resume on quality paper
- One concise cover letter (tailored to the school)
- Teaching philosophy (one page)
- Portfolio or binder with labeled artifacts and lesson plans
- One fully developed lesson plan with student handouts
- Student work samples (anonymized) with context and reflections
- Certifications, license copies, and transcripts (copies + originals if requested)
- Typed reference list with contact details
- Tablet or laptop with digital portfolio and video links loaded
- Tech adapters, USB drive, and backup files
- Notebook, pen, and timing cues for demos
- Water bottle, breath mints, small grooming kit
- Professional folder or briefcase to keep everything organized
Use this checklist as the minimum baseline—tailor up or down depending on the interview type.
Putting It Together: A Two-Hour Pre-Interview Routine
90–120 minutes before
Spend the first 30 minutes reviewing the school’s website, mission, and recent news. Align two concrete examples of your work with the school’s priorities. Next, rehearse how you’ll present your key artifacts: one sentence per artifact to introduce it, followed by a 30–60 second explanation of impact.
30–60 minutes before
Organize your folder, ensure your tech is ready, and perform a short breathing routine. If you’re in-person, freshen up and make one last check of your attire and materials. If virtual, run a final technology check and close distractions.
10 minutes before
Arrive or join the meeting with time to spare. Take a breath, smile, and step in ready to connect.
How This Fits Into a Larger Career and Mobility Roadmap
Teaching interviews are discrete events, but they’re also steps on a career path that may include leadership roles, international placements, or specialization. Treat each interview as an evidence-building opportunity: archive your best artifacts, lesson reflections, and student data so you can reuse and adapt them for future positions or credential evaluations abroad.
If your ambition includes working internationally, align your documentation and professional development toward globally recognized frameworks (IB, TESOL, Cambridge). Mapping this trajectory early reduces friction when you pursue mobility and ensures every interview item contributes to a coherent professional brand.
If you want help aligning your interview materials with a long-term mobility or leadership plan, book a free discovery call so we can build a focused roadmap that blends coaching, HR insight, and global mobility strategy.
Common Interview Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Pitfall: Over-explaining without evidence
Avoid long anecdotes that lack tangible outcomes. Lead with the action and end with the student-centered result. When you describe an intervention, cite a specific artifact or data point and offer a concise reflection.
Pitfall: Bringing too much and losing the thread
Too many materials dilute impact. Choose high-quality items that tell a clear story and arrange them so the narrative is evident in the first five minutes of review.
Pitfall: Technical failures during a demo
Always have a backup plan: static handouts if tech fails, printed slides, and alternate activities. Test devices and have chargers and adapters ready.
Pitfall: Ignoring cultural fit
Research the school’s mission and values and weave language from that context into your responses. Demonstrating alignment with culture is often as important as technical skill.
Final Thought: The Power of Prepared Evidence
Your interview materials do heavy lifting: they make claims credible, they keep the conversation anchored to student outcomes, and they show the habits you’ll bring to a school. Preparation is not about perfection; it’s about matching your evidence to the school’s needs and telling a consistent, confident story.
Ready to create a personalized roadmap that turns your materials into a persuasive interview package? Book a free discovery call with me and we’ll build a simple, actionable plan tailored to your next teaching opportunity. Book a free discovery call
FAQ
What are the three absolute must-bring items for any teaching interview?
Bring copies of your resume, a single polished lesson plan with any required handouts, and a concise portfolio item such as anonymized student work showing learning growth. These three items let you speak confidently about planning, instruction, and outcomes.
Should I bring a full binder or keep it minimalist?
Keep it minimalist and targeted. A neat binder with well-labeled sections and two to three high-impact items is far more effective than a bulky packet. Panels appreciate clarity and relevance.
How should I present student work during a panel interview?
Bring anonymized student samples with brief labels indicating the learning target, the student’s starting point, your intervention, and the outcome. Offer one sentence to introduce each piece and be ready to expand if asked.
What’s the best way to follow up after the interview?
Send a personalized thank-you email within 24–48 hours to each person who interviewed you. Reference a specific moment from the conversation, attach any requested documents, and offer to provide additional materials if helpful.
This roadmap reflects practical steps gleaned from HR and coaching experience and is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and momentum. If you want structured practice, templates, or one-on-one feedback on your packet, consider building your readiness with targeted resources and coaching. Book a free discovery call and we’ll map your next steps together.
