Interview questions (2008)

Leave replacement interview

Hey guys i have an interview tomorrow for a leave replacement in a high school. I'm really nervous because i don't know what type of questions they are going to ask. If anyone has an experience in an interview for a leave replacement please help! I just need to know what type of questions they will ask. Thanks!

 

Job Search

I found out on July 31, 2008, that I did not get that job. I interviewed for one of 16+ availiable positions (spec. ed.). I am beginning to think that I am overqualified.

 

It only takes one YES, well maybe two..so you can compare...

Don't worry about the No's

Keep trying!!!

and follow me to the rum, tums and depression thread... until you are feeling better.

http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?p=733506#post733506

 

Interview question

I'm so glad I stumbled on this! I think it is a great idea! :up: I have 2 questions that maybe someone could help me out with. :help:

1.Describe the kind of student with whom you can be most effective


2. During your first five years of teaching/working in the XXX School District, what would be your major accomplishments

:thanks:

 

no problem! welcome aboard!

 

This is a great idea - I've been on about 12 interveiws in 2 years, and often I'm thrown a new question. My most recent was:

You teach middle school Reading. The class has to read a required class reading book. How do you get the student who says that they hate this book and refuse to read it to read this book?

Also, if you had to choose two required reading books for middle school, what two would they be?


Thanks for any pointers in case I am thrown these again!

 

You teach middle school Reading. The class has to read a required class reading book. How do you get the student who says that they hate this book and refuse to read it to read this book?

Also, if you had to choose two required reading books for middle school, what two would they be?


I actually had this happen this year. Two boys flat out refused to continue reading The Cay. I gave them one copy of the book and told them to create a test for the rest of the class. They were so into that and before you know it,they were reading(maybe skimming) the book. Then they started contributing to the class discussions and finally they rejoined the rest of the class.
P.S. they kept on asking me when I was going to give the class their test-

 

So on Wed I have a 4th correspondence with a district. It began with the application process of course--then the principal emailed us letting everyone kow there was over 100 applicants and they had cut it down to a smaller number--they then gave us a "screening interview" in the form of questions to answer and email back. After that I got a call saying that he wanted to do a phone interview--it had been narrowed down to 12 at that point--we did the phone interview on a Monday and just this past Saturday he called and said it was narrowed down to 5 and I was one of them--I am now going there (a 6 hour drive...haha) for an in-person interview on Wed--he has asked a lot already so I am just wondering what else might be asked. I am thinking possibly some "in-depth" stuff and more specific things. I am thinking a focus on literacy as this is a Kindergarten position--I am just wondering if anyone has any tips as to what i might want to focus on...thanks for any assistance for this nervous applicant who would give a vital organ for this job...hahaha

Megan

 

First, welcome to A to Z!

I think your are smart to focus on literacy. I was asked what my literacy block would look like and I stumbled through it. Personally, I'd would worry less about the basic strength and weakness things and focus on curriculum, helping reluctant learners, and ways of instruction maybe.

If you've taught before, have examples for some of your answers without rambling too much. Also, if you have experience they might ask you things like "tell me a time when you.....whatever". I remember having a question like that. It was "Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a student".

In addition, if you know they use certain programs there that you have used be sure to mention it.

Good luck to you and congrats on being one of the final 5. That waiting would be driving me crazy!

Lemon

 

Okay, I have an interview tomorrow morning and am going over questions and thinking of responses. When I had my screening interview with this district I was asked about best practices for teaching math, science, social studies, and reading. For once I had a major lack of time working in my favor, so my repetitive answers weren't so bad (we only had 25 minutes for the interview and I was asked a LOT of questions). My interviewer understood and said my responses were fine and what she was looking for; however, I was hoping someone could help me develop something specific about best practices for the subjects mentioned.

So, What are best practices for teaching reading/science/social studies/math?

Also, I'm having the hardest time coming up with a decent response to the question:

How do you teach writing?

I was also asked that during my screening interview, but hated my response (I mentioned mini-lessons, but forget what else I said).

Thanks, everyone! My nerves are rattled-- I want this job so badly!!

 

lilmisess..alot depends on the grade level..

 

math questions...temporary position

Okay. I just bit the bullet, and applied for some temporary jobs. Found an online assessment in my email and finished it. Totally bombed the last 4 math questions..because they were those stupid series, what comes next questions.

I hate those.
I hate those.

somebody please tell me the pattern, secret. I could never figured them out.

They even had some with LETTERS!

uh.. I remember one..

1 2 48 364

I think

I know, it doesn't help that I don't have the exact question. But doesn't anyone know what I am talking about?

 

MPK, I'm applying for a second grade position.

I like finding number patterns...

 

How do you respond to the questions when you are asked why you left in the middle of the year? I was forced to resign and I don't want to reveal to much information or bad mouth my administration.
:thanks:
Lisa

 

So, What are best practices for teaching reading/science/social studies/math?

Best practices for all subject matters are those which include a variety of teaching strategies, materials, and technology. A good teacher follows the curriculum, yet supplements as needed with outside resources.

Also, I'm having the hardest time coming up with a decent response to the question:

How do you teach writing?

In the case of pennmanship, handwriting is best taught thru repetition, using the board, student workbooks, lined newsprint, and easels. The teacher should model the strokes for each letter, and have the students copy the work. If a school wishes to use D'Neilan handwriting, the teacher should follow the exact guidelines, especially the placement of the paper on the desks, and position of the students' hands while writing.

In the case of grammar, I would introduce the parts of speech, and define their usage. I would introduce the forms of punctuation, and their usage. I would demonstrating proper spacing of words and punctation, using one finger space between words, or a pencil, and two finger spaces between periods.

Second graders should be able to produce 3 paragraphs in rough draft or sloppy copy format, without inventive spelling. At this level, students should be able to properly sound out words, and use a dictionary to verify spelling.

I would demonstrate the proper format for papers in my classroom, with a heading, proper paragraph spacing with indentions, and names on all succeeding pages.

At the beginning of the second sememster, I would expect students to produce 5-7 paragraphs, final copy format, with few errors. I would also inform my students that proper grammar and punctuation will be required all all written assignments, and they will be graded accordingly.

 

please tell me how to figure them out...

 

If you were forced to resign, and it's on paper, pretty much whatever you say what matter. Honesty is the best policy...with a twist.

"My postion ended."

The school will only verify that you worked there, your title, and salary. They are not supposed to say why you left. (legally!) Now, if you give them your former supervisor's name and number, they can say whatever they want, or pass the caller on to personnel/hr...but they are not supposed to bad mouth you either. They can say the same thing. They are no longer with us because the position ended.

So... don't say you were fired if you were... IMO Do the broken record routine. Repeat yourself, chnage the words, but say the same thing.

The district made some changes, and my position ended.

keep your cool, don't make any faces. If they really want to know, they may call. And tell them that, which will show you ain't scared of them calling. Which may get them to back down, and ask other questions...

The only thing that can ruin you is if the prospective employer asks, "Would you rehire this person?" and they say no. That is usually a reason for a job to reject you.

 

Interview questions: What happens when a student already knows the material? What happens when a student doesn't learn?(I guess they want to know about the specific material that the teacher has presented)

 

I know i'm way late, but never EVER mention "location" as a reason for joining a district. It's even more alarming for the interviewers if you list it as your FIRST reason. Also high achievement within that district is not an adequate reason to want to be a part of a district. Basically what you're telling the interviewers is, "i want my job to be as easy as possible, and your district gives me the best opportunity to coast through my teaching career."

You should state your answer in terms of the challenges that the district offers you. If it's a high achieving district, talk about how you could further challenge those students and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in a college environment. The district can figure out the location preference based on the address you provided them, and the fact that you actually arrived at the location.

 

Why can't you be both? You can show students that you care and at the same time let them know that you don't play! Never let them get away with any stuff they try to pull with you. Let them know right from the start what the rules; (They can help make.) are and don't slack off from them. Being consistent is a GREAT tool to have while you are a teacher. One statement that I hate to hear teachers say is, "I don't care!" I've heard it so many times AND it just pisses me off. It's a frustrated answer from teachers when they just don't want to deal with what the child's actions are BUT it comes across to the child as, "You are not worth my time and effort so get out of my face!" That is my own interpretation of it and it's a sign that the teacher needs a 10 minute break.:help:
R1
P.S This is not how you would answer the question at the interview. I was just explaining why I answered it as being both.

 

You don't want to play super teacher. Kid learned lesson, ok...next lesson, let him twiddle his thumbs. Wrong answer.

And you don't want to go to the other extreme either. Push and push, like NCBL, until he passes out! This is a trick question. The teacher (everyone jump in!) does not have the sole responsible for the student's learning. The student, parent and teacher must work together as a team. Students are not vessels that we pour knowledge in. If that was the case, welll...that's another thread... salary for acheivement... we would be paid for how many kids we crank out. What if they fail? We are out of work? No...the kids must be responsible, and their parents. When you have done all you can do, (and... and this is very important) you have documented your efforts (telephone log, copies of extra homework, receipts for extra workbooks!) then you are safe to say to principal, "This is what I have done, this is what parent says, and this is his response. What would you suggest?" If you present your case to P this way, there is no other answer.. Results prove where student should go. Not your fault, his fault, parents fault. His work shows he is not ready to move on.

 

and the reverse play...another way to ask the same question

"Why did you/are you leaving your current position/city?" If you are leaving a cold climate to come to a sunny one, that is pretty clear! But, if you are leaving a sunny one to come to a blizzard in the middle of January (yes, I did), they will wonder about you too! Make sure you have your answers ready.

Why did you leave that beautiful weather?

Uh, (resist the urge of saying... "So I would not be on the news for strangling my ex.")



you know that, but they don't have to...

 

Okay, in my last interview, they stumped me with, "What are your best qualities as a teacher?"

I mumbled something about years of experience in childcare settings and my advanced degree--stuff they could see from my resume.

I know noone can tell me what MY best qualities are, but what would you say yours are?

 

I would make it clear that weather has nothing to do with my desire to educate. And though i wouldn't say it, i would be offended if a district assumed that were the case.

Actually, my case went one step further. Last February when i was interviewing again, i was asked why i left the previous job. So i gave them the honest answer that i was fired for applying to other districts without first informing my Vice Principal. I also explained that i lived 60 miles from my school, and was applying to schools in my own county. The location issue was able to gain some sympathy (especially since the reason for leaving was kind of pathetic on my former school's part, and i passed all evaluations), without my mentioning anything about the geography of the current location (and strangely enough, the school that i ultimately accepted is in the same city as my first school, and next week i'm moving BACK to the town i lived in, 60 miles away! This school starts much later and fits better with the train schedule though, so no issues this time!)

 

An interview Question that I went BLAH, BLAH, BLAH ON....

What are some of the Math programs that you use with your class? I mumbled something about how I taught Math to my Pre-K class and totally blew it. Finally, the lady said, "Yeah! That's what I was looking for! Their level of understanding." (I personally thought she just wanted me to leave.)
Can any of you who have been teaching Math for a while help me with this one? What Math programs are out there that you can use in Elementary classrooms?
THANKS,
Rebel 1

 

Sounds like your teacher has been reversing roles. She's leaving you with the kids while she makes copies. I would imagine you are no longer with this teacher, right??

Sure, I could throw out some names like, Math Their Way or Saxon Math or Houghlin Miflin Math... but if you have not worked with them, I would not mention them. I would say, I have heard of this that or the other, but as an assistant, my job was to prepare students and assist them. I am notexactly certain which math programs my teacher was using.

If you mentioned any names, they would expect you to talk about them, or be very excited and imagine you know all about it. That, IMO, is worse than not knowing.

If you were just handing out copies and helping the kids, you wouldn't necessarily know the title of the books. Some schools include their assistants with the inservice training on their programs, others don't. Looking at worksheets is kinda vauge.

Now, on the otherhand, if your teacher was using SRA Open Court Reading, I am quite sure you would know all about that, because there are so many components, and it would be drilled into your head as she followed the program daily. The puppets, worksheets, textbooks, everything has this title all over it, so it would be hard to miss it. In fact, you are supposed to start your lesson with a chant... "Open Court, Open Court"

Needless to say, not one of my favorites.

I don't remember any such madness with Saxon math. What I do remember is lots of maniplitives. Bags and bags of cubes, counting blocks, flash cards, etc.

What you might do is pretend you are parent, call the school, and ask them what type of math program they use.

 

Thanks Master Pre-K. I am still with this teacher AND she continues to do it BUT I don't mind NOW because the children are closer to me and always want to hang out with me. She stays in and puts the beds out and meanwhile the children and I are having a ball outside. I feel bad because they would say right in front of her, "Ms. (My first name), You're the best teacher ever! or "You're our favorite teacher!", etc. I try to change the subject BUT they keep on doing it. Such is life.

Thanks again for your GREAT reply. I will check these programs out on the net just in case I get asked this question again in a future interview. I like the suggestion about calling the schools and asking about what Math programs they are using.
You're funny!
R1

 

You're quite welcomed Rebel!

Unfortunately, several teachers are content with switiching roles, and it's the kids who suffer. Not that you are unable to give them what they need, but the kids know that she is ignoring them. In theory, kids and parents shouldn't know who is who, but we know. Make sure you are not in a situation where you have all the kids for you are alone for more than 15-30 minutes, or depending on your state..you could be in trouble for being out of ratio! And...in either case...the certified teacher should always be present, and if not, another certified staff or sub!

I often wonder what is up with teachers who take coffee breaks, cigarette breaks, cell phone breaks :crosseyed, and generally stay out of the room as much as possible?! I wonder if they are in denial, and really want a change...older kids, an office job? who knows. Whatever the case, it seems obvious that they are trying to get out of that room.

I know you don't want to think about it, but it will be terrible for a principal or another admin. person to come in and find you alone, and you have to explain where she is. Trust me, they will be timing her to see how long she has been out. You may not want to see her go, but if this continues, some changes may occur!

 

Oh! Not to worry! I'm qualified. I'm Master Teacher Qualified and all that stuff from another state. I just passed the Pre-K-4 Teacher qualified exam for Texas SO I can easily take her job BUT she has Seniority. A lot of the stuff I started in our Class; Velcro Management System, Star Chart, Science Center, etc. has now been adapted by other classrooms and IF the Director doesn't see that THEN (?). (Immitation is a form of flattery.)The ratio is 18 to 1 in this lovely BIG state. I can handle it, considering that I came from a low income State funded Pre-School where the ratio was 8 to 1, plus the State ratio was 12 to 1. Thanks so much for your advice.
Remember......STAY COOL & ENJOY SCHOOL,
Rebel1

 

There are definitely some good responses on here.... I wish I had stumbled on the board before I had interviews. Unfortunately, while I know what I'm doing in the classroom and when teaching, I stink at explaining it during interviews. Will definitely review this thread when interviews pop up again!

 

Welcome K-5Teacher!
Glad you decided to join the club. It's a GREAT board and very informative. All the Posters are very helpful with their responses. Hope you stay a while.
Rebel1
...STAY COOL & ENJOY SCHOOL...

 

There's nothing wrong with saying a positive reply lilmisses1014. What I meant is don't cut down your last BOSS. I have found out from a lot of the teachers I talk that they wish that their Bosses would thank them more. (Good luck on that.) I have come to realize that the PAYCHECK is A GOOD ENOUGH "THANK YOU" in the eyes of most Bosses SO I just do my thing and remember that my main concern is that I am making a "POSITIVE DIFFERENCE" in my students' lives and helping them become future productive citizens and TEAM PLAYERS.
Rebel1
"WE LIVE TO TEACH ANOTHER DAY...
so LIVE EACH DAY LIKE IT'S YOUR LAST!"

 

OH, I'd never cut down a boss in an interview. The principal where I student taught was awful; she hated her job, hated the students, and treated the teachers (with a couple of exceptions) like crap. There were a few of us ST in the building and she never bothered to introduce herself to us or learn our names. However, I would never say that in an interview. Fortunately, that question never came up for me.

My principal at my old school couldn't thank her teachers enough. Always offering praise and encouragement; there was no room for cattiness or negativity.

 

What techniques will you use to connect students’ prior knowledge, life experience, and interests with learning goals?

How will you create a classroom environment that engages all students in purposeful learning activities and encourages constructive classroom interactions?

 

Here are some interview questions I had today. It went well, so I'm hoping today was my lucky day!

1.Describe you would approach the teaching of Literature and language Arts.


2. Full inclusion is part of the educational environment. How would you meet the needs of a full inclusion child and design a program?

3. What would you expect your students to have gained after having you as a teacher?

4. If you were assigned to teach a combination class what would you do to ensure that all the students in the class met their grade level standard of achievement?

5. We have many bilingual and at risk students in our schools. What will you do to make sure that these kids are successful.

6. Describe your classroom management plan.

 

I think it would be if the students are engaged in lesson/ activity.

 

I just had an interview. Some of things I was asked were:

Many people today say that kids just aren't motivated and don't want to learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

What would you do if you notice a student openly cheating on a test?

You have a student whose performance in your class is less than idea. His or her parent comes up to you to gloat how well their child does at home. How would you respond to this?

How important is student behaviour?

These are the only ones that currently stick out. I will try to remember more later.

 

My classroom would be filled with student work, current events, school notices, and information regarding the community. I would make sure each and every student is able to give their input on our subject matter. I will constantly revamp my lessons to make them meaningful and engaging.

 

I think the first and next to last were trick questions.

 

EXCELLENT ANSWERS!!:clap: