Interview questions (2008)

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My sentiments exactly, however we can't give that as an answer if we want to get hired. Well school is officially over in my area and hopefully these principals will start calling people in for interviews and I will have my job for next school year this summer. After reading the postings on this blog, I really got a positive attitude about the whole thing. I realized that I am not alone and that we are all trying to accomplish the same thing. To provide kids the opportunity to learn. Yes, the world does not revolve around me there are alot of good people out there trying to do the same thing. I guess if they paid us what they pay athletes and actors the competition would be vicious. Thanks all for your posts.
 
That is so interesting, I don't know what part of the country you are in but here in Houston, the secondary education field is always hiring and English or Language as well. I would do a fax blast to all the school principals in your are or email blast with your resume and have a positive attitude and visualize that class you will be teaching and it will happen. In fact print a picture of a high school class and post it where you can see it everyday and something will come up and you will get that job. Have you looked into private schools? They are always looking. Good luck and be positive, that was only one person's opinion. Also you need to network, find in your circle of friends or their friends if someone knows somebody, sometimes that is the only way someone can get hired.
 
TexFW1 said:
Wow, Awesome answer. If you don't mind I am going to steal your answer. I love it.

Some of the questions I have asked the interviewers are:
1. Do you have a mentoring program for 1st year teachers?
2. What kind of parent involvement do you see?
3. Do you have additional training for 1st year teachers?

They seemed to like my questions.


Texfw1
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But of course. I currently volunteer as a tutor and at some point I was hoping to weave my feelings on that into a response. For example, I was thinking of saying something like:

I have seen the effects of students who drop out of school. They end up 30 years old, working so hard to earn a living, raising a family on a small income, and now they are going to night school 3 to 4 nights a week trying to obtain their GED. This is not something I want for my students, and I will get them to work hard in school so this doesn't happen to them. That is part of my job.

How would you deal with discipline problems or disruptive students?

I would first try to stand in the general area of where that student is sitting to try to eliminate the disruption. (That really does work too). If that was unsuccessful I would speak to the student after class or ask the student to step in the back of the classroom to ask what is causing him to be disruptive. If that is unsuccessful I would move the student to another seat. (This also works well) If none of this works and the student is constantly disruptive I would call or email the parent to see if that would be helpful.

There are so many other things that could be done to stop the disruptions. My very last resort would send the student to the AP's office, and I would only do this as a last resort because once the student leaves my classroom his learning stops for that class period. He/she will no longer be there to listen to the class discussion, everything stops when he/she leaves. That is something I do not want to happen.
 
I had a similar question at my last interview. How would you handle a child who is disruptive in class? I said, I would first get down on their level (eye level) or touch the top of their desk to refocus their attention on their work, if not successful, I would move through the established steps of discipline. Last resort is to send to the principal or call parent unless there is violence. I believe that children know when you can't handle it and they get what they want which is to disrupt the class or get out of a difficult assignment. My interview was for kinder or 1st grade.
 
if he likes data he may like proof. Be sure your answers come with examples and the more measurable the better.
 
I posted these before, but I don't think they were answered. I have an interview on Tuesday and can barely breathe trying to fit all these questions and answers in my head.

1.What do you do if a parents says their child is bored in class?
2. How do you incorporate technology?
3.Tell me about a good guided reading lesson/what isgoing on during a guided reading lesson (I think this pertaisn to the workstations)?
4. Describe an activity/lesson that went well.
5. What workshops have you attened and what did you take from them (I have had the opportunity to see Debbie Diller and Laura Robb).
6. This is one I remember from years ago... how do you deal with difficult parents?
 
alrober2 I haven't set up any interviews yet, waiting on my application to be reviewed. But nervous, I am thinking I may have to be a Aide for a year to gain experience. This is a career change for me & I really do not know much about teaching. Have to find out about mentoring programs, etc. I am looking at North Tampa & South Pasco schools.
 
saiynee said:
I posted these before, but I don't think they were answered. I have an interview on Tuesday and can barely breathe trying to fit all these questions and answers in my head.

1.What do you do if a parents says their child is bored in class? Using documentation, I would show the parent what we're supposed to be learning at that time and compare that to what their student is doing. If their child is mastering the concepts, then I show where I have given their child extentions using the same concept.
2. How do you incorporate technology? SmartBoard, United Streaming, computer, overhead projector
3.Tell me about a good guided reading lesson/what isgoing on during a guided reading lesson (I think this pertaisn to the workstations)? While I am meeting with guided reading groups, other students are engaged in continuing to extend their learning on mastering concepts that we have already covered through hands on learning.
4. Describe an activity/lesson that went well. This could be from subbing, student teaching, in your own classroom. This is going to be different for everyone
5. What workshops have you attened and what did you take from them (I have had the opportunity to see Debbie Diller and Laura Robb). Those are great!!
6. This is one I remember from years ago... how do you deal with difficult parents? I always make sure that admin know when a difficult parent will be meeting with me. I always provide documentation so they see it in black and white.
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Good luck!
 
colie said:
How do you measure student assessment in each lesson?
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Sometimes by walking around and making sure they are on target. Other times by asking questions or listening to the questions they ask. Questioning their answers to see if they can explain it. Next through written assessments like jounaling or worksheets. Then by more formalized means such as tests and benchmarks.
 
A question I got asked:

Q: Do you think you could ever get burnt out of teaching?

umm..whats a good answer for this? I probably looked like a deer in the headlights!! stumbled my way through, and can't even remember what I said!
 
Newbie in Tampa said:
A question I got asked:

Q: Do you think you could ever get burnt out of teaching?
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Wow, Newbie, that's a tough one. If it were me I'd probably say that I wouldn't because it's a constantly changing profession. Each new class that comes in is a unique blend of personalities and what worked great for one might not for the next. Tweaking lessons and finding new activities are things that keep me interested in the job; if I just used the same plans all the time I would get bored. I also get really inspired by listening to what other teachers do, which is why I think it is important to go to teacher conferences and share ideas.

Of course in reality people DO get burned out and I don't think it's something they plan ahead of time. I think it is also important to realize when you've had enough and move on, otherwise the students suffer. (I'd probably only mention this last bit in an interview if they really pressed the issue.)

~Briana~
 
I would say...you should treat that child like you would any other child. It's not fair to the child to put him down academicaly just because of your feelings toward the child. Its the same thing if you really liked a child and started playing favorites...well that's what I would say.
 
Newbie in Tampa said:
One more I just remembered....
Question: What would your reaction be to a child you did not like?
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When a student irritates me, what I do is try to find out more about him or her. I talk to other teachers, if I can I check his file. What I'm looking for are things like, what does he do well, what do other people like him for--because usually there's someone who does--and what might be driving the things he does that irritate me. As I get to know him, it gets a lot easier to accept him as he is. It's my job to teach the kids that I get, not to judge them.
 
interview questions

Well, I just finished up a whirlwind trip of seven interviews all over town today :eek: Not the most fun I've ever had, but I definitely feel more confident in my interview skills. A lot of the questions were the same but there were a few that I was not prepared for.

QUESTION: On the first day of school you see a group of students running down the hall pushing and acting foolish, and you then find out that all of these students will be in your classroom. What are you going to do? (she didn't like my answer, but I did not much like the school....)

QUESTION:What comes to mind with the phrase "site-based management"?:dunno:

QUESTION:Who is Madeline Hunter? :dunno: I knew the name was familiar but that's all. I could kick myself now after looking it up ( http://www.windows.ucar.edu/teacher_resources/sci_schools/HunterLessonP.pdf ). I spent a whole semester writing lesson plan after lesson plan using the Madeline Hunter Model!!!:down:

QUESTION:What will you do when you have 15 different students in your classroom reading at 15 different levels? How will you teach them? (K-4th setting) I said flexible grouping...but I'm sure there is a better answer...

QUESTION:I was also asked a couple of times to describe a perfect lesson for math or language arts. One time I was asked to describe a lesson in which I used Bloom's Taxonomy. I know what Bloom's is and I have plenty of lessons using these questioning strategies, I just never thought about the fact that they were going to ask me to completely describe a lesson. I just hadn't prepared for that question.
 
colie said:
How do you measure student assessment in each lesson?
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I got asked a question similar to this one in almost all of my interviews today. I made a point to say that I would do informal and formal assessments throughout the lesson. This could be "all write" where all of the students write their answer on a paper or personal white board, using thumbs-up/thumbs-down, having the students work with manipulatives so I can see their work. By having on-going assessments throughout the lesson I will better know what the students are understanding or struggling with on an individual basis. By assessing throughout the lesson in this manner, I am able to see all the students' progress and not just the one I call on. Also, many of these techniques can be done somewhat secretly so the student doesn't feel singled out if they are not understanding. And of course the post assessment at the end of the lesson (worksheet, project, etc.) to see overall if the objectives have been met and what skills need to be worked into future lessons.
 
Went to a job fair today and have an interview at 330 for a 4th grade bilingual classroom. Any tips? anyhing is appreciated. Did I mention this is my first interview ever...I'm a nervous wreck.
 
Good luck, missy! I'm sure that they will ask the same type general questions as anything else. Tell us about yourself/why you became a teacher, classroom management/discipline plan, how you would meet the diverse needs of your students.
 
Im really scared if they start asking questions about writing which i know they will anyone have anything on that? Writing strategies?
 
missy- with writing, I do a lot of modeling, the students and I read good/bad writings and figure out how to make it better. If the districts use the New Jersey Writing Project, you could always tell them that you are excited about the opportunity to learn more about writing through their conference.
 
Oh! I had a job interview yesterday.

Question that took me for a whirl: I am going into special ed

How would you handle a contensious parent

I looked goofy answering this one and wanted to say if I could handle myself as a parent I can handle any parent. I have a child with moderately affected by autism.

Stephanie
 
i have a lot of questions in my applications..what would your discipline plan look like. I've beenthinking and I would say that i want my students to be part of making the class rules and that they would know exactly what their consquences would b if they didn't follow the rules. I need to also be very consistant in following up with the consquences.
do you think they are lloking for a certian type of discipline plan? Or does this sound pretty good?
:) thanks
 
Newbie in Tampa said:
A question I got asked:

Q: Do you think you could ever get burnt out of teaching?

umm..whats a good answer for this? I probably looked like a deer in the headlights!! stumbled my way through, and can't even remember what I said!
Click to expand...

Newbie in Tampa:

Yesterday I went to an interview at a middle school in the Tampa area and the questions they asked were right from the Haberman test. Do you remember taking that? The good thing about this version is you can explain why you are choosing this or that question. The questions the principal asked were from a printed form, so they could be similar if you go to the interview day or are just interview in the Tampa area. For example here are some questions I was asked:

I was asked about what do you think causes teacher burnout?

What do you consider an at risk student to be?

How would you find out more information on your at risk student?

I was asked what do you enjoy to do?

What if you were teaching your students about a certain topic utilizing what you enjoy doing and I came in your class and told you to stop what would you do?

What if I still said no they need to work on FCAT preparation?

I was asked what if the teachers knew that they were forced to stop what would you tell your students when they asked?


Ok I hope that helps everyone. There were more questions but they are slipping my mind right now. :)
 
alrober2...
I, too, graduated with a Bachelors in English and no education background. An advisor at my university told me that I didn't need an education minor; I kind of wish I had! My first 2 interviews didn't go as well as I expected it to go; however, after reading Harry Wong's "The First Days of School" and familiarizing myself with classroom management skills, classroom procedures, teaching strategies, etc., I nailed my 3rd interview and eventually got a job at a middle school (as well as passing the FTCE English 6-12 test; makes you more marketable!).
My county is currently under a huge budget cut, and my principal had to let me go since there were other teachers in the building with English certification who have been there longer. Several teachers have encouraged me to go ahead and take the Elementary K-6 test since there are several elementary positions open/opening. I took it today, and I hope I passed!
Good luck with your search, though. I didn't think I was going to land anything since I didn't go through any education program. I've been blessed to have worked at a school this past year where the administration was very supportive of making sure I was completing the requirements to obtain my professional teaching certificate. You also are assigned a Peer Teacher your first year, so that way you won't feel too lost. :)
 
1st year teacher here needing some help
question:


What types of assessments would you use in your early childhood classroom? I keep getting this question, but apparently I must not be answering correctly b/c still have no job..what would you say?
 
alrober2 said:
Newbie in Tampa:

Yesterday I went to an interview at a middle school in the Tampa area and the questions they asked were right from the Haberman test. Do you remember taking that? The good thing about this version is you can explain why you are choosing this or that question. The questions the principal asked were from a printed form, so they could be similar if you go to the interview day or are just interview in the Tampa area. For example here are some questions I was asked:

I was asked about what do you think causes teacher burnout?

What do you consider an at risk student to be?

How would you find out more information on your at risk student?

I was asked what do you enjoy to do?

What if you were teaching your students about a certain topic utilizing what you enjoy doing and I came in your class and told you to stop what would you do?

What if I still said no they need to work on FCAT preparation?

I was asked what if the teachers knew that they were forced to stop what would you tell your students when they asked?


Ok I hope that helps everyone. There were more questions but they are slipping my mind right now. :)
Click to expand...

These are the exact questions I was asked as well!! I remember her saying if I walked in and told you to stop what would you do? I gave her a answer and then she kept pressing me...felt like a bad interrogation. Needless to say...the rejection letter came in the mail =( oh well...try try again!
 
Here's some questions that I was asked at a job fair today:

1. What would you do if you were the only member of your grade level team who disagreed about a decision that was made?

2. What is/are your pet peeves?

And later...at an interview at I had at a school today I was given this writing prompt: Your grade level team has decided to do a farm themed unit. List three ideas that you would contribute - one whole group activity, one literacy center activity and one math center activity.

*Thank goodness I had 30 minutes to gather my thoughts, edit and turn out a coherent piece rather than rambling on in a one on one interview! :)
 
I got this question today and I think I totally bombed it....it really threw me for a loop..
Rate your professionalism on a scale from 1 to 10....
 
rookieABC-wow! That would have thrown me for a loop. If 10 was the very professional, then I would have said around an 8-9. I am very professional in the work setting. There will; however, always be room for professional growth.
 
how about:
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
I said, " dedicated, focused, easily adaptable"
 
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