Guest Speaker Reflection Principal Panel

Principal Panel

Through the single subject credential program we were visited by a few principals who provided us with information about the hiring process and what they look for when hiring a teacher.

We meet three principals:

Jose Manuel Villarreal: Principal of Juvenile Court System.

Advice to new teachers: Always put students first. This job is about saving lives. Use alternative educational techniques to engage students. Appeal to multiple intelligences and various learning styles.

Meg Jacobson: Principal of Vista Magnet Middle School.

Advice to new teachers: Have a willingness to collaborate with effectively and often with your colleagues. Use reflective teaching practices. Stay student focused and care about who your students are and how they learn.

Kyle Ruggles: Principal of La Costa Canyon High School.

Advice to new teachers: Be sure to survey your students, get to know your students. Teach in a variety of different ways and use a variety of different techniques and strategies. Develop connections with your students, parents, and colleagues. Bring technology into the classroom as much as possible and explain how you will incorporate it into your content area curriculum. Put the technology into the hands of students. Be sure to inspire and engage students with your curriculum. The more students care about your lessons the more likely they are to fully learn and retain your lessons.  

Advice when interviewing for a teaching position:

• Use professional language.
• Read up on the schools mission statement, beliefs, and culture.
• Explain how you are the perfect fit for that school based on what you know about that school’s mission and values.
• Don’t ask too many questions.
• Pace yourself but follow the time format given to you.
• Dress appropriately and professionally.
• Don’t be negative!
• Know yourself and know your story, beliefs, teaching practices etc…
• Explain any special talents or experiences that add to your teaching abilities and experience.

Reflection:

This was a great opportunity to get feedback from administrators in our area from schools and districts I’d like to interview with. I learned a great deal about how to best prepare myself for interviews and for my first year of teaching. One of the most valuable pieces of advice for me was “know yourself.” I think it is extremely important to know yourself and understand what your personal beliefs are and what kind of teacher you are and want to be.