CASE #024: Guide in Applying for RQA Part 2

Your name is on the list, you have passed the first step of deliberation and you are scheduled for the EPT exam, interview, and demo. To some division offices, the schedules may vary. But during the time that I applied, the exam, the interview and the demo was scheduled consecutively.

English Proficiency Test (EPT)

This exam will test your proficiency in the use of the English language regardless of your major and level. This will cater to all applicants (elementary, junior high school, and senior high school) and will comprise 15% of your score. The test is divided into parts: comprehension, verbal skills, grammar, vocabulary, etc.

Our test was scheduled at 8:00 am and the venue was at Pasig Elementary School. I went there as early as 7:00 am to give me time to look for my name among the list of names posted on each designated room. It never hurts to come in early. This will give you ample time to prepare yourself or find solutions to sudden squeaks that may come along the way.

Just like the LET, you will need a No. 2 pencil and a black ball pen for filling out forms and shading the answer sheet. Since this is an English exam, calculators are no longer needed. Bring snacks and water so you can munch and hydrate while taking the exam which usually lasts from three to four hours. Do not forget to bring a hand fan or those portable electric fans so you can keep yourself ventilated while answering the tests. Take note, classrooms in public-schools are not air-conditioned. You are lucky enough to end in a classroom with working electric fans. Or worse, working electric sockets!

The Demo Teaching

For our batch, demo teaching was schedule for Junior High School Teacher applicants in the afternoon the same day of our EPT. But since I applied for Senior High School teaching post, our demo and interview were scheduled the next day.

Normally, you will be asked to create a lesson plan on the spot as the panelists (supervisors and principals) will be drawing out topics that you would discuss. But due to lack of time, the rules were tweaked a bit. We were asked to choose our own topic and create our own lesson plan.

Lesson plans should be either detailed or semi-detailed. You can search online to find formats. There are teachers who were nice enough to upload samples which you can follow.

TIP: In cases like mine, choose a topic that you have the mastery of. That way you will not have a hard time discussing them and you would be able to answer questions should there be any.

You also would need to prepare your own instructional devices. Powerpoint slides can be a plus but, remember, not all public schools have LED projectors or Smart TVs that can present your slides. So, its best to rely on your good old Manila papers, cartolina, markers, and your creativity.

During my demo, a generous teacher applicant was kind enough to bring her own LED projector and allow us fellow applicants to use it as well. But because of lack of space, the projector was only able to project an image as big as a cartolina. My fellow applicants just posted a white cartolina on a not-so-whiteboard to have a space for the projector to project on.

TIP: While creativity can be a bonus pogi points especially for elementary levels, you may consider limiting the gimmicks and special effects in your visual aids. Remember, what matters most is your delivery. So, make sure that posting your visual aids will not sabotage your delivery of the lesson.

TIP: Think of worst case scenarios. Bring your own supplies (Scotch tapes, double adhesives, whiteboard markers, chalk, etc.). Not all public schools will be willing to provide supplies for you, so you better be prepared.

TIP: It would also be helpful if you practice before the day of the demo. So, you would know the timing in changing the visual aids, including posting them up on the board. While double adhesives are way cooler to use than Scotch tapes, I would still stick with the latter. Scotch tapes are easy to use and unlike double adhesives, it will not require you time to be able to peel off the other side just to be able to post it. Just make sure you have cut out a considerable amount and taped it on a table edge before you start your demo or better yet, bring a tape dispenser.

During our batch, the panelists asked us to draw out a number from a box which will be our chronological arrangement for the demo. The demo would last for around 10-15 minutes depending on the panelist. If they have seen enough, they will ask you to stop midway your lesson or ask you to proceed to the next part.

Prepare copies of your lesson plan for each panelist. It would be safe to prepare 3-6 copies as you will never know how many panelists will be sitting in for you demo. It’s better to have excess copies than fall short and have the other panelist strain their necks because they would have to share to your one and only copy. It would also be best to file it in a neat folder which can also be properly labeled. Remember, presentation is everything! IMPRESS, IMPRESS, IMPRESS!

Engage your fellow applicants in the lesson. Imagine them as your own students. Do not be afraid to ask them to participate in your prepared activities. Have a lot of confidence. If there are no other people to act as student, do not be shy to ask the panelist as participants. Confidence earns pogi points. Just don’t overdo it.

In return, be cooperative in the demo sessions of your fellow applicants. If they have participated in yours or you would like them to participate when your turn comes, show some enthusiasm and engagement in their lessons as well. But do not ask questions that would put your fellow applicants in a bad light. Remember, karma is digital nowadays. What goes around, comes around and at lightning speed.

You can also research for other tips that could be shared online by former applicants and teachers as well. YouTube offers lots of sample demo teaching videos you can watch. Also, there are FB groups for teacher applicants where you can ask around for tips and pointers. I tried joining this group: Teacher Ranking Tips United and they have been very helpful.

to be continued...