In a world in which shrinking educational budgets seem to have become the norm, it is more important than ever to employ teachers who are excited about their chosen profession --- individuals capable of pulling together available resources to get the most bang for the classroom's limited buck. Keep a few interview skills in mind if you are a new graduate seeking work in the classroom.

Know the School
If you are interviewing in an unfamiliar district, ensure you do your homework before sitting down across from the principal for that ever-important interview. Research questions, such as whether the school has any special programs that sets it apart from others or whether there is a basketball team headed to state competition. Don't be afraid to strut your knowledge of the school's greatest strengths.

Toot Your Horn
When the principal asks what ways you can improve the school's or district's overall performance, have an answer ready. Show that you're a person with ideas who has the sort of mind and personality to know how to implement them. Be excited by your ideas; others will be too.

Understand Policy
Nowhere is understanding regulations more important than in the school's discipline policy. Some school systems have a uniform discipline code. The days of the paddle-wielding gym teacher are mostly gone and lawsuits over student "abuse" figure prominently in the worries of most superintendents. If possible, obtain a copy of the school's discipline code prior to interviewing and memorize it you have to.

Explain Your Plan
If you are given the chance, describe in general your plan for the perfect classroom. Include things like seating, lesson plans, scheduling and the way in which you would conduct yourself in front of students. If you can successfully paint a mental picture of yourself standing before 30 students, chances are the interviewer will be able to see that picture, too.

Big Picture
Get a feel for the entire school. Explain to the interviewer how you would integrate your class into this larger entity. Consider the special study sections, such as Black History Month, that are implemented school-wide. Also, describe what sort of activities would you introduce to your students that would dovetail with this larger lesson.

Be Yourself
Administrators deal with people all day long --- aides, teachers and parents. Many of these situations are stressful or difficult. The chance to sit back and interview a bright young teaching candidate may actually be the high point of their day. Be pleasant, listen and speak clearly and confidently.