Interview questions (2008)

How would you answer this one.....

What is the number 1 factor that contributes to student success?

This one was had me stumped:dunno:

I uttered the teacher....and couldn't elaborate...I'm really starting to hate interviews.........

 

Is there really just one factor?? I would have said that it's a combination of factors that work together to help create successful students. I'm curious what others would have said to this one. Good question. I would have been a bit stumped, too!

 

I completely agree with you, the question just threw me for a loop and I couldn't think straight. Now I would say a combination of things--but mostly teacher ability coupled with parental involvement.

 

Real world experiences. When students can relate their learning to the real world, then they are more likely to be successful. In addition, students need to be able to connect what they are learning now to what they have learned in the past.

 

I would agree with stg. I would also add the support the student recieves from home, school, and community.

 

STG--I knew you'd come up with a good one! Thanks!

 

Your welcome, rookie

 

I would say attitude...student and teacher. If the teacher believes the child can learn, then he or she works to make sure it happens. If the child believes in himself, then he makes the effort to learn. JMO

 

Ack! First Interview is Over!!!

OK, so this was my first teacher job interview ever. Just got home. This forum was so fantastic because it got me PREPARED. I studied, studied, studied and thought, thought, thought. I didn't get stumped, and they didn't really ask any new questions. They gave me some sample data forms they had prepared that indicated which students were mastery, which were partial and which were no where near. I had to tell them what my strategy would be in this situation (flexible grouping and reteaching). I think I did OK--didn't get stumped--but they were interviewing 7 people for the gig. So who knows? But I really appreciated all this info you guys had been cooking up. Great job!:thanks:

 

:clap: Well said!!

 

I feel you Camel, I am originally from Western PA, and had never run into ELL students. This year in my homeroom I had 3 who have been in NC for quite a while, and 1 who had only been here since May. He spoke very little english at the beginning of the year. I worked closely with the ESL teacher at my school, as well as used Babblefish to help translate things for me. My team teacher and I also made a bet with him to see if we could learn more Spanish or he could learn more English... He WON!

 

I just want to thank you guys for posting in this thread. This has been very helpful in my job search!

Questions I've had in my interviews that I remember were:

1.Tell me something about yourself. The vague one!
2.Upon entering a school, how will you know that students are disciplined?
3.How will you know that you've been a successful teacher?
4.Give me 3 attributes a good teacher must possess.
5.What do you look for in a principal?
6.Because I subbed, What are the things you have learned from subbing?
7.What will you do to improve as a professional?
8.How will you make a parent involved that constantly refuses to do so?
9.Describe your classroom management style.
10.And then I had this interview that just asked me (since i am generalist), what area are you most comfortable in? Then I answered math, and she asked, can you teach writing? reading?
11. How will you handle the discipline of 4th graders because in 3rd grade they are still babied?

 

The thing that comes to mind for me, although I am not quite sure how I would word this, is that I should have referred a student for special education services, but did not follow through. She struggled at first, however was showing progress. The mother was defensive about the support that the student needed. Working inner city, it is common that when a student is referred or retention is suggested the parent will transfer the student to a different school. I worked during lunch hours with this student, etc. Looking back, I should have retained the student.

Hmmm. Typing this out does not make me want to use this example in a future interview!

 

Interview Question:

How would you incorporate interdisciplinary studies in your teaching? (I teach Math)

Answer: (Just winging it here...) Integreating the core subjects whenever possible is important for student leanring. It shows them how they are overlapped in the real world. In Math, I incorporate Writing through the use of journaling. I have my students "journal" - Write out the process used to solve a math problem or what they've learned and how they will apply it etc. I also integrate facts about history or science into problem solving questions. It reinforces info. and facts in those subjects while students are solving a math problem.

Anyone else have a good answer? Not that mine is good!

 

Marilyn Burns has some really great books about integrating literature and math. I love Marilyn Burns.:2up:

 

I am too tired to answer the rest.

 

Here is a question I got:

Describe your knowledge, experience, and perceptions of school reform.

 

I had a 15 minute and go screening interview today. 9 questions in 15 minutes. These are the ones I can remember:

1. Use three words to describe yourself.
2. If I were to walk into your classroom what would I see.
3. How do you use differnetiated instruction.
4. How do you use discipline in the classroom.
5. What is your greatest strength/biggest weakness.
6. What is your idea of a well rounded Language Arts program.
7. What is your classroom management style.

I can't think of the other two right now.

 

I was always told with the weakness question to list something that started off as a weakness, but turned into a strength. That way you are answering the question, but showing them that you address your weaknesses and improve them.

 

Question:
How would you make the parents feel comfortable if worried about new school? (school opening for first time this fall)

If 2 girls were fighting (k-6), how would you deal with it?

If I walked in during a reading lesson, what would I see?

 

Interview Question:
Give me examples of methods you utilize in your classroom to challenge and meet the needs of your higher level students.

 

jw13

 

I have had recently:

1) Give 5 words to describe yourself
2) What is your classroom management plan?
3) How would you use cooperative groups in the classroom?
4) How would you use your teaching assistant in the classroom?
5) How do you reach all students?
6) What is your knowledge regarding (school district's literacy program)? This is where I put in information that I got from their district website and other research as well.

I had an interview last week where the P asked 12 questions but I can't remember them all now!

 

Questions from today's interview

Here is a list of questions I had this morning at my interview (at least, as many as I can remember).
1. Tell us about yourself, what your experiences teaching have been up until now. I gave a summary of my education, and all the different places I've worked as a sub.
2. What would a reading lesson look like? I described a balanced literacy approach
As a follow up, they asked if I had any experiences with Guided Reading.
3. What would a math lesson look like?
4. What would an effective classroom environment be like?
5. What experiences have you had using technology? I used this time to show them my All About Me brochure, then talked about lessons I've done with KidPix, Inspiration, Powerpoint, and SmartBoards
6. What are your experiences with spec. ed/gifted students? I gave examples from my LTS jobs (one was in an LD inclusion class, and one had 6 of 12 students who were spec.ed)
7. How do you keep in contact with parents? Again, I gave examples from my long term sub jobs, and mentioned that I'm really interested in trying a classroom blog once I have my own classroom (got some interested looks for that one)
8. What are some techniques you have used in your subbing for discipline? (something similar to this)
9. What 2-3 words best describe you? I said flexible (gave examples from subbing), hard worker, and caring.
10. They asked something about how I think a team-teaching situation should work. I talked about loving team teaching and gave an example of team-teaching with an LD teacher
11. Another question had something to do with how do you work with others. I think I talked about how I get along with pretty much everyone and that I like working with a variety of people/personalities, but that if there was a conflict I would try to get things cleared up as soon as possible so we could continue our working relationship.
I think that's most of them. How do you think I did?

 

So Scooter, how did you answer #8, Techniques for discipline used as a substitute? or #2's follow up on Guided Reading? What kinds of math program do they use? How did you answer that one?
Just curious. These are very similiar the questions I was asked on my last interview.
Thanks.
Munchkin

 

Well, for the discipline techniques, they basically wanted to know what I was familiar with (since I've never had my own classroom, I only use whatever the classroom teacher has in place when I sub)...so I told them about using color changing cards, using a stop light (with clothespins for each student) - both in K-3 grade range. Then I talked about a reward system I used in a LTS job where the kids sat in tables, and how each table earned points for an end of the month reward.

#2. I just explained that I had used guided reading in my first LTS job (a 3rd grade position in their district) and how in my last LTS job we used guided reading once a week (but not daily)

For the math one...I had talked about all the different programs I've used (Everyday math, Math expressions, Investigations) and then talked about how I set up a lesson (review of prior knowledge, introduction of new topic, exploration time/use of manipulatives, white boards with full class for practice - and so I can monitor individual student understanding, and then time to start homework to clear up last minute questions).

Hope that helps.

 

Garden Grove...I got put into their applicant pool, still haven't received a call. :|

 

How about this one for Special Educators looking for jobs:

What do you feel are the major issues in special ed. today?

 

So I just had a second interview which was a phone one-- which is still nerve racking! =) She had some good questions for me!

1. What are the first five things you would do when you get reign of your classroom right before school.

2. What are three things that you want most from the center/district/place, you know.

3. Place in number order the importance of developing relationships with these people.

Director/Principal
Students
Students Parents
Colleage Teachers

I said students first, definitely! Without them, there is no need for any other relationships. Then I said teachers next for valuable resources and support, student's parents third because they can give you insight to what is going on with their children and director fourth.

She said that she really liked my answer because although they are all important, it tells her my values and how honest I am. She said she had lots of people tell her director first because they thought that that was what she wanted to hear.

The interview went REALLy well and she told me that I was the favorite of the first interviewer, and that I was one of the best that she had interviewed before. BUT I don't have my Ohio licensure nor will I have it until August (end) and although she thinks it is stupid, that her superiors really don't want to hire someone without an O license.

Totally understandable, I wasn't originally applying for K, but for pre-K. The first interviewer thought that K would be good for me (yes) but the license would have to come through sooner. SUCKS! Ahhh well. She says she will put the word in to hold a pre-k position for me and that she will keep my name and number in case someone happens to back out in August. And then I will have that K job.

So great interview, big confidence booster for me, but too bad so sad, licensure is lame! =)

 

Had an interview today. I think most of the questions, at least the ones I can remember, have been asked before on here, which has been super helpful! One I remember that I don't think I've seen was:

"(during student teaching) how did you involve/incorporate the students' parents in the classroom?"

 

Thank you for adding these. I've been going through this thread in prep for my very 1st teaching interview on Friday. I wanted to have some intelligent questions to ask the interview panel - so thank you for posting yours! They're exactly what I was looking for.

 

i love this thread! here are some questions from an interview my friend had the other day. i'm going on the same interview and will most likely be getting the same questions so I would appreciate any help!!

What are you most looking forward to when you begin teaching?
What would you do if two kids start a serious
argument in the middle of a lesson?
If 90 percent of your students failed an
exam and you had to review the material again,
what would you do with the other 10 percent?
What are the two important things that you
must have in order to be a good teacher?

 

The district I've applied to uses an online-screening process. Each school you apply to asks two questions online. If they like your answer, you get an interview. I applied at a lab charter school.

Question #1: Describe how you meet the needs of diverse learners in your classroom?
To meet the needs of diverse learners, a teacher must first understand the needs of every child in the classroom - not merely those with documented needs (IEP, ESOL). I have each student answer a survey, where I ask them to candidly explain what they like/hate about Language Arts, where they feel they are successful/unsuccessful, how they learn most effectively (audio, visual, kinesthetic), and what types of assignments they like best. I look at each student individually, compile the needs of the class, and plan my lessons accordingly. Each lesson is designed to be interesting and promote class discussion; each lesson is presented so that audio, visual, and kinesthetic learners have the opportunity to experience the lesson in a way that will be most meaningful to them; and accompanying assignments are designed to both engage the student and expand their knowledge and comprehension of the subject matter. I assign individual work; group work (pairing students with care); I hold individual conferences each quarter to discuss goals, successes, and concerns; I re-teach where necessary; give positive feedback and constructive criticism; and always, always, always listen to the student regarding their experiences in the classroom.

Question #2: What are your beliefs about education?

Here's my answer: I believe that education is the foundation for the rest of our lives. A child's experience in school shapes whether or not they will become life-long learners. To help foster a love of learning, I try hard to make education an organic experience for my students. Not every lesson in life comes from a textbook, therefore, I take every opportunity to connect and teach from everyday experiences. I believe children learn most effectively when their education is presented as an exciting search for knowledge. I also believe that students are more willing to learn when they feel that they have a say in their education - including lessons and assignments. The role of the teacher should not be as the absolute authority on every matter, but rather as a guide to help students along the path of knowledge acquisition and self-discovery.

Gaaah. Still waiting. Any comments or ideas?

 

I'm curious about how others would answer this one.... Revamp the material and reteach to the 90% while occupying the 10% that passed with a challenging project?

Or integrate the 10% that passed into small group work and peer tutoring while reteaching the material?

 

Here are questions I got today: (Keep in mind this position was for elementary Learning Support)

1. Tell us about your background
2. How would you integrate tech. into your classroom?
3. Tell us about your behavior management system
4. Go through the IEP process starting from when the student is identified. (They want to make sure you know all the timelines)
5. What is a NOREP? (answer-Notice of Recommended Educational Placement)
6. Give examples of how you would differentiate instruction.
7. What special talents or skills would you bring to the district?
8. If you were in a fully inclusive classroom with the reg. teacher and yourself, what would I see when I walked in? (I really fumbled on this on...I knew what to say but it came out all wrong)
9. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself and do you have any questions for us?

This is all that I can remember that they asked me. Good luck everyone!!

 

I had my first interview today! It went ok...the dean seemed to like me but the other teacher interviewing me was MEAN. I guess it was a good cop-bad cop routine. Anyway, here's a few of the questions (FYI: this was for a science teacher position at a montessori/prep school, teaching grades 4-8):

- What do you tell a parent who's freaking out that their kid only got a 97 on a test? (this is a prep school, apparently parents freak out about this sort of thing there) My answer was that I would reassure the parent that their child is doing fine, and that we learn the most from our mistakes. I don't believe in just giving a test and stuffing it in a backpack, never to be seen again. I would go over tests and work through problem areas, that way everyone could see what they need to do to improve, etc.
- How do you handle a child who is frustrated that he or she is unable to learn something? I said something about acknowledging mental "roadblocks" and that sometimes all we need is a fresh perspective. I would use small group activities so the child could hear how other students are working through problems, and if they were still having difficulty, we'd scheduled some one-on-one time together to see if we can work through the problem.
- How would you handle lab?
Safety first! I would create an exam that everyone would have to pass, 100%, before we would begin labwork (given the first week or so of school, and everyone can take it as many times as necessary until they have 100%). That way, everyone has memorized the rules and if anyone does anything in an "unsafe" way, I can simply refer back to the test. I would of course review key safety concepts before each lab, and stay actively involved while the kids are doing their labwork.

This is the one that threw me:
- How would you assess your 4th grade students differently than your 8th grade students?
First off, I was under the impression up until this point that the position was for 6th-8th grade, so that threw me off a little. I was stumped. I mean, it seems obvious, but I couldn't get words out. I've never taught in a classroom setting before, so I haven't really "assessed" anyone formally yet. I admitted that I was unsure, and said that standards would be different for different grades, obviously. Gah!

I'm going to read through the 30 or so pages of this thread I haven't seen yet in order to prepare for my interviews on Monday! Thanks everyone for contributing to this thread!

 

How about the question when a P asks why are you switching from Z District and want to work here? (besides the honest answer that Z district is awful with high turnover, lack of leadership, teachers are treated awful, etc.) What is a good answer and doesn't imply that I am just job hopping around??

 

or also something like I can always find the good or positive in a child even my most challenging ones. They are just kids and need me to be the supportive stable and non judgemental person in their life or something like that.

 

Had my first ever interview on Friday. I was so happy to have this thread to "study" from... I was actually asked "Why should we hire you over any other candidate?" And I had an prepared answer!

Other questions:

How would you explain to a student the difference between "who" and "whom"? (Interviewed for English position)


And on this lovely Monday morning, my mind has gone completely blank on the other questions asked.