What You Can Learn From A School’s Website
When preparing for an international teaching job interview, one of the most valuable (and often underused!) resources is the school’s website. A school website can provide a valuable insight into the school’s culture, values, philosophies, and academic approach.
Utilising the information you can find online is a great way to prepare yourself for an interview and stand out from other candidates for all the right reasons!
Here’s what to look for:
1. Mission and Vision Statements
These statements provide the school’s core values and long-term goals, and reveal what the school is prioritising. It could be academic excellence, holistic development, global citizenship, pathways into higher education - to name a few!
A school’s overarching values are what bring together staff, students, parents, and the wider school community. Being familiar with these and able to reference them in your interview is essential for the school to see you as a good fit!
2. Curriculum and Programs
Look for details on the curriculum (IB, British, American, etc.), subject offerings, and any special programs like language support, inclusion, or extracurricular activities. Understanding the curriculum helps you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their teaching approach as a whole.
3. Leadership and Staff
Many schools feature bios of leadership team members and sometimes even teaching staff. Reviewing these can give you a sense of the school’s leadership style, faculty diversity, and general culture. Being able to see what kinds of qualifications and experience other staff members have can also be a useful insight into the kinds of teachers they want on their team.
It’s also a helpful way to find out who might be interviewing you, so you’re starting your interview extra prepared!
4. Student Life and Community
Sections about student life often highlight house systems, clubs, field trips, or school events such as sports days and graduation. Overall, it’s another excellent way to gain insight into the school culture and community engagement efforts. If a school emphasises a lot of community events, it might especially value teachers who contribute beyond the classroom. In other words, useful information to have up your sleeve.
5. Parent Communication and News
Newsletters, blogs, or press releases provide current updates on school events and priorities. These can offer clues about what the school is most proud of, and what it expects teachers to contribute to or celebrate. If you see a school has an exciting upcoming event advertised on their website, don’t be afraid to mention this in the interview! It’s a great way to show you’ve done your research, and could be a standout moment that sets you apart from other candidates.
In Summary:
A school’s website is more than a promotional tool, it's a window into the daily life, values, and expectations of a school. Use it wisely to inform yourself as much as you can before an interview, and you’ll be prepared, confident and ready to make a great first impression!