Job Discussion Forums

[cschandler]

Have just gotten my first ever interview for a English teacher job in Prague, at the European Language Institute (I'm living in the States and am making a trip to the CR for interviews and such). They've asked me to prepare a 'demonstration lesson' for the interview, which I can guess about, but have never done before.

My questions are: Does anyone here have any knowledge of the ELI school and what they're like to work for?

and

What precisely will I be asked for in giving a demonstration lesson? Will I be working with imaginary students, sample students, or will I be teaching my interview committee?

I will happily take all advice that anyone has to offer on my circumstances.

CSC

[merlin]

It will almost surely be with live students.

[ITTP]

Hi cschandler.

In a demo lesson the school will sometimes have made up their minds within the first 10 minutes into your lesson whether they want to take you on - don't be put off if they thank you and ask you stop the lesson therefore before your are scheduled to finish.

Usually though, schools will keep you going through the whole of your demo lesson spot.

One piece of advice is to only agree to 1 free demo lesson.

If a school asks you in for more than 1 demo lesson then you should (quite fairly) request a financial reward for further demo lessons taught.

Merlin is right: demo lesson students are mostly 'live'
(no offense Merlin - I just found the funny side of your comment)

A demo lesson shows that a school takes its recruitment seriously.

Some general and obvious tips for your demo lesson (besides lesson content), will be to turn up about 10 minutes early, dress smart, make sure you make a personal contact with your students (ask for names, etc.).
Some schools do ask demo lesson students for their perspective on the teacher and this can sway final decisions.

Lastly - don't be nervous!

If you are qualified and have some teaching experience then this is your chance to show off a little and for the school to catch YOU.

All the best!

[Chris Westergaard]

On a side note, it is also common for the demo to be in front of the DOS or other teachers posing as mock students. Basically a school will make up their mind in the first 10 minutes. It's extremely easy to pick out people that are trained from the ones that are not. Smile a lot, and grade your language.

[rfx24]

Had a friend who applied to ELI and got the job. She said to put many details into writing your lesson plan. The woman who runs the school wants to see that you show a lot of work and intiative. My friend complained about the time sheet. If you turn it in late, you will get penalized. I was lucky enough not to have that rule in the school that I worked for. PS also try to apply for more schools if you can. Its good to see whats out there.

[cschandler]

Thank you all so much for this very useful info!

I will be leaving for the CR in a week, and this has helped me immensely in knowing how to prepare myself and what to expect.

CSC