[golden_rule]

Although I am already employed, I "was" in the process of looking for a new position. I did 7 interviews (2 via phone) and 4 demos (1 video) and all 45 minutes between May 15th and June 15th. It was stressful because I hate interviews and demos.

But I believe I did really well in my interviews and demos and got great feedback, (especially from the 1 hour interview I had at a "prestigious" middle school which I followed up with and they never even bother to call me back).

Despite my efforts and taking personal/sick days, I was not offered a single position. So I gave up. But I was contacted this week to do a demo for next week for a new middle school which is hiring for 8th grade. I hate doing demos during the summer. Last summer I did a demo for my current position and was hired halfway through it. That should have been a sign.

My conundrum for this position is the following:
Guidelines for Demo Lesson:
--If you plan to use technology, you must provide your own laptop (we have SmartBoards in every room.
(this sent chills up my spine since my current school does not have reliable technology and I learn to deal without it and even used AN OVERHEAD PROJECT!)

--Your lesson must be no more than 15-20 minutes long. It's ok if you don't get through a whole lesson "arc"!

--You should plan a lesson in the content area that matches the job you are applying for.

--You should prepare for 10 - 16 sixth and seventh grade students, some of whom will be ELLs, some of whom will be students with IEPs.

WHAT CAN I DO IN 20 MINUTES TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION ON THESE PEOPLE!!!

Frankly, I was discourage and thought about not doing it. But since I have free time this summer, I might as well. Plus it is always a treat for me to go into different schools to check out their learning environment.

ANY IDEAS?

7th and 8th grade in NY is American/NYS History and I want to plan a lesson on a topic focusing on content for before 1865.

Or should I do a current event lesson?

Whatever I do, I know it must be ENGAGING AND HAVE TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATED.



THANKS!

[tmbg]

Maybe you could take a historical theme and do a modern day tie-in....like take the immigration era and tie it in with the Donald Trump controversy. You could use interactive maps for the technology part.

[spedder1]

Are they expecting you to use the Smartboard through your own laptop? Do you have Smart software on your laptop or are they installing it for the time you will be there?
I love the idea of relating history to current events and getting the students involved that way.
I used the Smartboard during most group lessons and 1:1 with my self-contained Sp. Ed. students (moderate to severe). The technology was extremely engaging for them and 4 of the 6 became emergent readers!
Kathy

[amiga13]

I'd do some kind of (5 min) minilesson intro (the historical period or event), have them read a bit about it, and then, as suggested, guide the kids through a compare and contrast to a current event (or maybe they read a quote by MLK or other philosopher). Make the adult interviewers your kids and have them respond.

[Rockguykev]

My 8th grade US stuff is on my website at http://www.mrroughton.com/us-history if you want to check it out. It is highly interactive and inquiry-based. Most of it uses technology and is adaptable for the various levels that will be in the room. They are all nearly 45 minute lessons though so you'll have to make some adjustments. At least it will get you thinking.

[golden_rule]

Thanks so much! All of this is very helpful!

[golden_rule]

They don't expect me to use the smart board, but if I do, I have to use my own computer.

[apple annie]

I would be reluctant to use their technology unless you have a chance to go a day early and set it up and test it out. It can be so unpredictable, and you only have twenty minutes. No time to waste trying to figure it out.

And I would definitely do a current event tie-in.