DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University will host its annual School of Education Interview Bootcamp on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. in Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms of the University Commons.
The Interview Bootcamp connects School of Education student-teachers with alumni and local school administrators to strengthen interview skills, provide individualized feedback and build professional networks across regional school districts.
Approximately 20 Millikin School of Education alumni, now serving as educators and administrators in Illinois schools, are expected to return to campus to lead this year’s event. Through mock interviews, panel discussions and breakout sessions, they will help prepare future teachers for a successful transition into the profession.
“The Interview Bootcamp remains one of the School of Education’s signature annual events,” School of Education Director Dr. Chris Cunnings said. “It creates a powerful bridge between our current student-teachers and the accomplished alumni who once stood in their shoes. Their willingness to return and mentor speaks to the strength of the professional relationships built at Millikin.”
An alumni-led panel will address common challenges new teachers face in their first year, along with strategies for navigating the job application and hiring process.
Three rounds of 15-minute mock interviews, each followed by five minutes of feedback from alumni, will provide hands-on experience in a realistic interview setting. Additional sessions throughout the day include resume critiques, professionalism discussions and professional headshot opportunities for both students and alumni.
The event will open with welcome remarks from Dr. Cunnings and following the formal program, administrators may conduct call-backs or interviews with specific candidates.
“This day is about more than interview practice. It’s about building confidence and connection,” Cunnings said. “We want our students to graduate knowing they are supported by a network of educators invested in their success. Our hope is that one day they’ll return as alumni to guide the next generation.”
Interview Bootcamp Schedule of Events
| Alumni Arrival and Breakfast | |
8:15-9:00 a.m. | Student Teacher Check-in Begins |
| Student Teacher and Alumni Professional Headshot Photo Session 1 | |
8:45-9:00 a.m. | Alumni Welcome by Dr. Chris Cunnings, Millikin Director of the School of Education |
9:00-9:10 a.m. | Student Welcome and Opening Remarks by Dr. Cunnings |
9:10-9:40 a.m. | Panel Discussion with Student Q&A |
9:40-9:55 a.m. | Small Group Breakout Session #1 |
9:55-10:10 a.m. | Small Group Breakout Session #2 |
10:10-10:20 a.m. | Break |
10:20-10:40 a.m. | Interview Round 1 |
10:45-11:05 a.m. | Interview Round 2 |
11:10-11:30 a.m. | Interview Round 3 |
| Lunch |
11:30-12:25 p.m.
| Student Teacher and Alumni Professional Headshot Session 2 |
12:25-12:50 p.m. | Small Group Resume Critique Session and Professionalism Discussions |
12:50-1:00 p.m. | Millikin Alumni and Development Office Welcome and Thank You |
1:00-1:05 p.m. | Concluding remarks by Dr. Cunnings |
1:05-1:20 p.m. | Alumni Debrief and Plan for 2026 (Closed Door Meeting) |
After 1:20 p.m. | Admins – Call Backs or Interviews with Specific Candidates |
