Typical interview for a teaching position. It was not difficult. I would say that leaving the interview I did not feel impressed or excited about the prospect of the job. I also would say that it didn't seem like a very welcoming environment to work in.
The main problem I had was after the interview. I received a phone call saying I was being considered for the position, but that they were going to reopen up the application to see if they were more applicants and make sure they got "the best candidate for the job." That was a red flag that really made question if I wanted to work for them. I understood why they were worried, because they were looking for someone with a slightly different certification. I was missing one of the certifications they were looking for, but I was actually getting ready to test for the certification. I asked for an update and let them know that I was testing for that certification. I received a reply that made me feel like I was just someone they were stringing along until they could find someone better. I withdrew my application since I had received other offers from multiple school districts and decided to accept one of the other positions I had been offered.
I feel they way they handled the situation could have been done better. It seemed very rude and unprofessional the way they handled the situation. I'm glad I had other offers. I would not want to be dragged as the last resort if they can't find someone who they deem to be better.
FYI - I am 6 year teaching veteran with multiple certifications (Bio 9-12 and Earth 9-12) and MA in Secondary Education, specifically Biological Sciences.
I understand wanting to find the best fit for the district, but don't promise a response and then not really give one.
With this experience, even if I would have been offered the job I would not accept it. I would also not apply to this district again. They seem to be very dishonest even if that was not their intent.
