My interview with MOE

My Interview with MOE

Simple, efficient and short. These are probably the words I can use to describe the entire interview session today. My interview was scheduled at 1530 hours. In the letter, I was informed to arrive fifteen minutes earlier so that the personnel could verify my certificates. I was there early but when I reached the counter, they told me to wait. I asked if they needed my certificates. They said that the verification process only takes place after the interview.

And so I waited for my turn.

I walked into the interview room. The room was sufficiently equipped with two tables formed in a L-shape. In there sat a gentleman and two ladies. The gentleman was the chairman while the other two ladies were the members of the interview panel.

The panel welcomed me and invited me to sit down. I returned the courtesies and sat down, ready to be bombarded by the questions that they might have. As usual, they started off asking me to describe myself and why I made the decision to be a teacher. I told them my story. They were pretty convinced.

I told them about my experience in Norway with the little ones. I told them about what I like in my previous two jobs. I told them about my motivators, that fame, money and authority are not the things that would make me tick. In fact, it is the softer aspects of life like satisfaction and happiness that keeps me going.

The chairman then suggested that he play the devil’s advocate. And I responded, “Sure. Go ahead!”

The chairman asked me how I would deal with a situation in which I have a class of lower performing students and students who are disruptive. In such a situation, I would group the students into different groups based on what is causing them to behave or perform poorly. Then, based on the causes, I would sort out strategies to help them get on track. And of course, throughout the entire process, I should consult senior teachers who have more experience. They would be able to provide constructive feedback. Of course, the scenario is only for a class. I brought up the aspect that a teacher manages a few classes at the same time. I would have to apply the same approach for all classes. In the process, I would have to learn to prioritize so that I can get things done. I also mentioned the importance of discipline. Class discipline is a very important aspect of teaching. A teacher may have the most effective lesson plan, but all goes down the drain if the teacher is not able to maintain discipline in the classroom.

From the body language of the panel, it seems like they are happy with my answers and they could somehow see that I am passionate about my decision. I know what I am doing and what I want out of a teaching career.

One of the members did ask if I am aware of the bond that comes with the teaching position. This is in relation to the reason why I quit my last job in order to be with my fiancé. I replied that I am aware and this aspect has been taken care of. I have agreement from my fiancé that I will have to stay in Singapore for the next few years an not follow him should he be expatriated.

On the whole, I was able to articulate my ideas and messages quite eloquently. At the same time, the way I spoke conveyed confidence as well.

The interview lasted about twenty minutes.

I have done whatever I could. The rest is up to the Almighty one up there to determine if I should be in a position to influence the young ones and whether I am up to the job.