CMEA Mock Interviews, Spring 2021

by Anne Fennell, CMEA President-Elect

In May, CMEA offered free, online mock interviews for aspiring music educators across the state of California. Many thanks to the following individuals who volunteered their time to provide the interviews and review the students’ cover letters and résumés. Read on to learn a few tips, gather insights, and why practicing for a job interview is a valuable opportunity.

Reflections From Our Interviewees

Emmerick Doan, CSU Long Beach ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Instrumental Music Educator

Cruz Gonzalez,

University Of the Pacific ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Music Educator

Carly Fox,

CSU Northridge ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Choral Music Educator

Spencer Hart, UCLA ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Instrumental Music Educator

Jamie Trinajstich, CSU, Fullerton ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Instrumental Music Educator

Natalie Mendez, CSU Northridge ‘21 Aspiring Elementary Music Educator

Why was the mock interview valuable to you?

The mock interview was a great preparation for a future job interview. I was asked several questions pertaining to my current experience and what I could bring to a music program. It was a great experience to be able to prepare for this and see how I did on the spot. - Natalie Mendez

This mock interview helped me to better understand the types of topics I should prepare myself for, as I start my career as an educator. It was a very valuable experience that allowed me to feel more confident about finding a job. - Spencer Hart

The mock interview showed me what my strong suits and weak points are, when being interviewed. The interviewer was so helpful in guiding me in the right direction to put me on the most direct path to success! - Carly Fox I was able to answer questions that were tailored to music specialists and received feedback immediately. It was constructive to reflect on my responses with the interviewer, and then I was given a chance to rephrase and reinforce with the advice I had received, just like a rehearsal! - Cruz Gonzalez

The mock interview was valuable to me because it allowed me to get a feel of what an actual interview will be like. As in music, practicing for an interview is also important, so the more you answer questions aloud to someone, the better you’ll get at understanding how you react, your response time, and how to better prepare for next time. - Emmerick Doan

There is always room for more practice when it comes to interviewing. The more practice you receive, the better and more concise your answers become. More importantly, having extra practice improves your comfort and how naturally you answer the question, which will only help in an interview. - Jamie Trinajstich

I got great feedback for the interview responses that worked well and tips on how to better phrase my weaker responses. I also got a general feel for the kind of questions I could expect for future job interviews. - Natalie Mendez

From this interview, I learned that there could be a wide range of people who I will be interviewing with that might not have much musical experience. I learned that it is important to be as clear and concise as possible in my responses to each question. - Spencer Hart

I learned to “sprinkle” more specific music education techniques and methods into my interview, such as the Kodály method or Orff Schulwerk. - Carly Fox

From the interview, I learned how to make my answers concise so that it best answers the question without rambling too much. I also learned about my own little quirks when it comes to speaking and being the interviewee, which allowed me to be aware of those little “-isms” while practicing on my own. - Emmerick Doan

I learned to give a little more than the question asks and to find ways to be my own “tie-breaker”. I also received wonderful advice on how to clean up my résumé. This experience also drastically helped me practice the timing of my responses. - Jamie Trinajstich

Would you recommend this to other aspiring music educators and why?

This mock interview will prepare you for a future job interview and will give you great coaching on how to improve your interview skills. - Natalie Mendez

This beneficial opportunity is like being in a real job interview without all of the added pressure! I was also able to ask a trustworthy source all of the questions that were boggling my mind.

- Carly Fox

This interview helped me prepare for an interview I had scheduled a few days later. You can never practice “too much” for an interview and should always take any opportunity for growth and improvements. - Jamie Trinajstich

Always take the opportunity to better your own professional development. Even if you don’t think you’re ready for a mock interview, it will help you to be even better the next time!

- Emmerick Doan Anne Fennell, M.Ed.,

San Diego Unified School District

Michael Stone, M.Ed.,

Bakersfield City School District

Brad Van Patten, Ed.D.,

Irvine Unified School District

Marcheta Williams, Ed.D.,

Madera Unified School District

What one key trait or aspect are you looking for in a candidate?

A great musician who wants to do what’s best for each child.

- Dr. Brad Van Patten

I look for individuals who are passionate about teaching children. A key question is ‘Why are you entering the music education profession?’ If you are teaching to positively impact the lives of your students, that will be a crucial trait. If you are only passionate about music, that is not enough. Kids first! - Michael

Stone

I'm looking for someone who is excited to teach and connect with students and who also wants to give each student the best learning opportunity possible. I also want a candidate who is a lifelong learner who is passionate about making and sharing music.

- Anne Fennell

I am looking for a candidate that is not only committed to student learning, but sees themselves as the one responsible for student learning. The candidate should show a passion for student success. If a student is not succeeding, be willing to ask the question, ‘What else can I do and should I do, to ensure their success?’, while not blaming a student’s motivation, background, or family, as a reason for someone’s lack of success. A committed teacher is willing to take on the responsibility of the success of a student. - Dr. Marcheta Williams

Why did you volunteer your time for the mock interviews?

I am passionate about supporting new teachers and helping them become the best possible educator. As a veteran teacher I feel it’s important to support the future of our profession. - Anne

Fennell