Become the Go-To Teacher Candidate on One Topic (and Why It Gets You Hired)

Oct 28

Most teacher candidates spread their papers across a dozen topics and end up known for none of them. This chapter is for the candidate who wants one thing to be known for, with three questions to help you pick it and a list of ways to build on it before your first interview.

This is Chapter 9 of 51 from Road to Teaching (2025 edition). Read the whole book free, in order, at Read the Book.

By Dr. Eric Hougan

“What’s the use of running if you are not on the right road.”German proverb

A clever way to differentiate yourself from your peers is by becoming an expert in one or a few areas. As you progress through your teacher preparation program, strive to organize your studies, whenever possible, around a central theme. When given an opportunity to choose a research topic, stick to one education topic of interest to you. Perhaps you have an interest in interdisciplinary teams, cooperative learning, racial equity, or special education. By building on a central theme throughout your academic career, you do the following:

Become an expert on that topic, building on your knowledge with each class you take and teach.
Reduce your workload, by using your research for more than one project.
Build references and research that may be used later for a graduate degree.

In his bestselling business book Good to Great, Jim Collins (2001) identifies the concept of sticking to one theme, at which you become an expert, as a core element in high-performing organizations. Collins recommends developing your theme or area of concentration from your answers to these three questions:

What are you deeply passionate about?
What can you be the best at?
What drives your work?

Take time to reflect on these questions. You may even find it beneficial to inquire from a trusted individual from your network on what they perceive are your passions and what drives your work. Once you identify and begin researching a topic that interests you, remember to organize it in a manner that makes the most sense to you. It might be best to create a single folder to keep all your work and research together. The current educational context offers numerous areas where specialized expertise is highly valued. Consider exploring topics such as:

Project-based learning implementation
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Data-driven instruction
Formative assessment strategies
Blended or hybrid learning models
Culturally responsive teaching practices
Students’ social-emotional development
Inquiry-based STEM education
Digital citizenship and media literacy
Restorative justice approaches
Differentiation for diverse learners
Environmental education

Once you’ve selected your focus area, consider how you can deepen your expertise beyond coursework. This might include:

Attending specialized conferences or workshops
Joining professional organizations related to your interest
Following thought leaders in the field on social media
Subscribing to journals or newsletters focused on your area
Participating in relevant research projects with faculty
Creating a blog or digital portfolio showcasing your knowledge
Volunteering with organizations that align with your expertise
Seeking mentorship from professionals established in your area of interest

As you build your expertise, look for opportunities to share your knowledge. This might be through presenting at student conferences, contributing to class discussions, or even offering a brief professional development session at your practicum site. These experiences not only reinforce your learning but also help you build confidence in positioning yourself as an emerging expert in your chosen area.

Remember that developing expertise is a journey, not a destination. Even as you focus on a particular concept or approach, stay open to how it connects with other aspects of teaching and learning. The most valuable experts are those who can see both the depth of their specialty and its relationship to the broader educational ecosystem.

Key Takeaway

Choose one educational focus area that aligns with your passion and potential for excellence, then build expertise systematically through coursework, research, and practice. This concentrated approach creates a distinctive professional identity while providing material for presentations, interviews, and career advancement.