As the Lead Mentor at WISE ITT, I have the privilege of guiding and supporting individuals who aspire to become part of the dynamic world of education. Each application and interview I review tells a unique story, and I want to share what stands out to me in candidates who truly shine.
Here’s my top 5!
1. The power of enthusiasm
One of the first things I look for is passion – this means a genuine enthusiasm for teaching, learning and making a difference. This enthusiasm isn’t just about loving the subject you’ll teach, but also being eager to share that love with students and colleagues alike. Your passion fuels creativity, innovation and the ability to adapt to the quickly evolving landscape of education.
2. People skills: The heart of teamwork
Teaching is a team sport. Beyond classroom walls, schools thrive on collaboration among teachers, administrators and support staff. I value candidates who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, whether that’s through clear communication, empathy or the ability to inspire others. Being a team player means being open to giving and receiving advice, contributing ideas and working toward shared goals.
3. A willingness to innovate and take risks
At WISE ITT, we always encourage creativity and innovation. I look for candidates who are unafraid to step out of their comfort zones and try new approaches to engage and inspire students. This could mean exploring fresh teaching methods, integrating technology into lessons or rethinking traditional practices. Your ability to think outside the box makes a lasting impact.
4. A growth mindset
Education is as much about continuous learning for teachers as it is for students. I look for candidates who are reflective, willing to take feedback and committed to personal and professional growth. A growth mindset means seeing challenges as opportunities to improve and embracing constructive criticism as a chance to become a better teacher.
5. Subject knowledge and skills
Of course, subject expertise is essential. Whether you’re passionate about math, science, the arts or any other subject, your ability to communicate that knowledge effectively is key. But more than just knowing your subject, it’s about how you make it accessible, engaging and relevant to all of your students.
Crafting a stand-out application
When you’re preparing your application, take the time to showcase these qualities. Highlight specific examples where you’ve demonstrated teamwork, creativity or resilience. Share moments where you’ve successfully implemented innovative ideas or collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Let your passion for education leap off the page.
Preparing for your interview
The interview is your chance to bring your application to life. Be ready to discuss not only your experience but also your vision for education and how you can contribute to the WISE ITT community. Don’t shy away from talking about challenges you’ve faced – and how you’ve overcome them. This shows your resilience and ability to grow.
Final thoughts
At WISE ITT, we’re not just looking for candidates with skills and knowledge. We’re looking for individuals who are ready to inspire, innovate and contribute to a supportive and collaborative environment. If you can bring enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to grow to the table, you’ll fit right in with our team.
So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your teaching journey, we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to WISE ITT.
By Carol Stephenson – Lead Mentor, WISE ITT