The semester before clinical teaching, all Sterling College students majoring in education are required to participate in the Clinical Teaching Interview process. This year, the Clinical Teaching Interviews will take place on Oct. 1, with individual interviews scheduled from 6–7:30 p.m.

“These interviews are an important requirement for education majors, because this is when we get to show our professors what we have learned and that we are ready to be in a classroom full-time. I’ve been preparing by updating my résumé, writing my philosophy of education and practicing responses to possible interview questions. In Senior Seminar, we’ve been working together as a class to prepare as best as we can for these interviews,” said senior education major Jessica Smith.

At each interview, there will be a panel of three interviewers comprised of Sterling College faculty as well as public school administrators and teachers. Along with the interviews, candidates are required to present a current résumé, two reference letters and a philosophy of education. Each interview will require candidates to present themselves in a professional manner and confidently share facts and experiences they have obtained to prove they are ready to start teaching.

“These interviews take a lot of work and time to put together, but all the effort is worth it when you see them walk through the door as professionals who are confident and ready to teach,” said Nancy Hicks, administrative assistant of education.

Additionally, this event prepares candidates for interviews that lead to employment the year after clinical teaching.

“A successful interview includes each candidate having a good introduction, making good eye contact, dressing professionally, speaking with correct grammar and being confident in what they know,” said Hicks.

After successful completion of the interview, the Sterling Teacher Education Program will place the teacher candidates for their clinical teaching assignments.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kan., with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.