Interview questions (2008)

More advice from the STP (Principal during student teaching)

She asked me a question (during a mock interview) "Why do you want to be a teacher?"

I went on and on about "I this" and "I that".

She smiled and said..."well thank you, those are all good ideas...." Or at least that is what I'll tell YOU. What I am thinking is.... I don't know you, and at THIS moment I care more about MY students than your hopes and dreams. So...what I want to hear is about CHILDREN. Rephrase why YOU want to be a teacher into what CHILDREN need in a teacher...and then at the end, reference how your thirst for knowledge, love of discovering creative strategies, blah blah blah is going to help MY children."

Sheeeeesh...if she was that helpful ALL through my student teaching, and not just my last day... I would have been learning at her feet the entire time!!

 

I would say that it has to be a combination of the two (strictly one way is of no good without the other), with a leaning toward the caring side. The strict side would be in setting up procedures, routines, expectations, and rules in the classroom, modeling them and adhering to them...but that this would be through the students also being involved in the decision-making process. (Often they come up with better and tougher rules) We write them down together, then review and sign. this is what THEY believe a good class should do? Then Let's live this way.

But above all... we are setting up a safe and caring environment where students feel free to learn, grow, and take educational risks without fear of ridicule or resentment. this can only be accomplished by establishing that we are a family of learners within the school community.

 

Here's how i do it...

First play up your strength...enough said.

BUT...

the weakness....

I say, "If you would have asked me this question a year and a half ago, I would have said, 'hands down, MATH is my weakest subject. but SINCE then I have..."

talk about the studies you've read and put into practice, the strategies you are now finding success with in your students, how you are bring the subject alive for both yourself and your students, about how THEIR successes and enthusiasm are spurring you to even become better in the area, how you have learned of alternative learning strategies in which students approach a problem differently- but all wind up succeeding!!!... and so on.

EVERYTHING is a positive!

 

HAHAHAHA... you sound like you were interviewed by my masters level educational psychology and child development professsor. WHAT a mind opening class that was!

But...boy...to be asked about theorists? Hmmmmm, you wonder how that school is run? What is their main focus? Practice or children?

 

Ok... here's a question *I* have.

Not a interview question...but an interviewING one.

How do you FINISH an answer. I KNOW I will talk someone's socks off..so I try NOT to go too long, but then they are sitting there looking at me like...are you going to add more???

And I feel like I should add the Forest Gump line (imitating his voice) "...and that's all i have to say about THAT."

 

Good luck

I hope you had much success in your interview. If you don't mind, I added your questions to the list of teacher interview questions at h ttp://roadtoteaching.com/teacher-interview-questions/, so other student teachers can practice them.

Take care and good luck!
Eric

 

Hi all,

I'm a teaching assistant who just rec'd my teaching certificates. I went on a couple of interviews, but I get too caught up in my teaching assistant experience. I'm not sure if that is what P and Admin. wants to hear. I do say that I teach small groups in reading and math, but I don't plan. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

the way the telephone bankers do...

"Did I answer all of your questions?"

 

Kindergarten interview ?'s

I just got back from an interview for a Kindergarten position these are some of the questions they asked me

How would you teach the alphabet? Give examples

How would you teach your class that a nickle is worth five cents?
my mind totally blanked on that one

What are the list and describe the 5 reading components?

How would you teach to children with different abilities? ex. if some students dont know how to read yet

 

Add questions to Teacher Interview Site

I hope you hear good news from your interview. These were interesting questions you were asked, especially the nickel one. I added your questions to a list of teacher interview questions, under the Elementary section. I believe other job seekers / student teachers could benefit from these.

h ttp://roadtoteaching.com/teacher-interview-questions/

 

I have found thatthe inability to read is fairly common , especially in lower economic groups or with parents who just don't have the parenting skills necessary to do the job properly, aka teenage moms. Tie in your literature to the things that the child knows about... connect with what they know in their world. Start with letter recognition. For 30 minutes each day, set a "Reading time" for your class. Provide book baskets with all interst levels and ability levels at each groups table to read during "free" read/ SSR. Go and listen to each child "read" one of the 3 books they have chosen, and show them how to picture walk through a book, then look at the pictures to get the idea of what's happening, then sounding out your sounds and....
By working with small groups and having them "brainstorm" and having you write about things they know about and tell you, then you can "write" a book that they have "authored". Use leading questions, like : "Let's write a story together. What do you want to write about. The star pupil of the day gets to choose the topic. Who is in the story? Where does it take place? What does this person look like? etc. Then when it is done(usually takes 1-2 days) choral read the story. Have word wall words listed that they can use to identify to that story. Maybe have a magnetic wall where they can spell those WWW / popcorn words as a center. Might make this one a must do center, dependent on their abilities.

Biggest thing I have seen in my 5+ years as a substitute in hundreds of classrooms, is that you MUSt show enthusiasm, patience and above all...be organized!!! Be organized to the "nth" degree, and your kids will fall in line. Then divide your class into multiple ability groups. Don't make them all one learning level, unless that is what your school district wants you to do. Run your group time/ center times this way. Change the children's groups around as needed. Good luck

 

How would you answer the following?
1. What do you feel you need to know about each student in order to teach them in a way that they can benefit from your classes?

2. How do you address the lesson plan so that your students can all learn and remember what you are going to teach them?

Rebel1

 

Lemon

 

Thanks Lemonhead!
Rebel1

 

Last year when I interviewed, I was asked what I would do to bring staff together and connect with others?
I told them I would bring food!

 

interview

hi i dont really have a better idea but would have like to chat more on interviews. am preparing myself on interviews and amshort of idea. if possible please add me on msn or mail me on nibella07@hotmail.com

 

This one is kind of specific but I'd love to hear how you'd answer it anyway:

1. All of your teaching experience so far is in Kindergarten, do you feel you are capable to teach the upper elementary grades (3,4,5) and why?

also I'm never quite sure how to answer this:

2. Desrcibe your classroom management plan/style.

I mean I have one I just never know how to actually word the answer they are looking for if that makes any sense!

3. How do you differentiate instruction?

 

Re: Classroom Management Question

Hi.

In answering this question, think of your broad classroom managementphilosophy. Follow this up with a personal triumph involving classroom management and then relate this example to your philosophy. For instance, in one interview I explained my belief that relationships, routines, and rigor are critical components of effective classroom management and provided concrete examples of how I incorporate them in daily class work.

Check out h ttp://roadtoteaching.com/teacher-interview-questions/teacher-interview-question-what-is-your-approach-to-classroom-management/

 

First Job Interview

My names alexis and i just went on my first elementary school interview with the district coordinator. i probably worried and stressed about this interview for three weeks. I was pretty prepared with questions and answers because this forum is awesome!!!! i just wish i would have found it sooner!!!! here are some of the questions that he asked me. if anyone has any advice as to question 4, please let me know.!!!

1. If I put you in a third grade classroom, what is the most important aspect to have as a teacher?
2. How do you feel about classroom management?
3.We have 4 computers in every classroom that aren't being used. How will you incorporate technology into every day lessons?
4. If you couldnt get in touch with a parent and their number was unlisted, would you go to their home with a guidance counselor to talk with them?
5. Whats a standout lesson?
6. How would you handle classroom rules?

number 4 really stumped me and i hesitated when i should have just said what i felt and not worried about what they wanted to hear. UGH

How are you supposed to feel when you leave the interview?

-alexis

 

Hi and welcome, Alexis!! On #4, I would have said that I would have taken additional steps to contact the parent such as trying to get a number from the emergency card (it is state law that all parents provide a working number in case of emergency), sending a letter to the home with the child/through the mail. Document all attempts to contact the parent. And when all else failed, then go to the home w/ a guidence counselor.

There is no "right" way to feel when you leave the interview. There have been times when I have left thinking I did horribly, just to get the call offering me the job. Then there have been times where I have left feeling like I did awesome, just to turn around and not get the job. Just view every interview as practice for the one that will lead to a job. Good luck!

 

This thread is great for people like me - it has been so helpful and I figured I could give my situation and get any advice I can. I live in GA and I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2004 in Consumer Economics (obviously unrelated to education) and I have since started Walden University to get my masters in education and complete a teacher prep program. I have volunteered in elementary schools a little bit and have observed since starting the program. I will student teach in Sept and finish student teaching and the program in December. I am nervous about getting a job one because it will be in the middle of a school year, two because of my background, and three because of the current economic situation. I will have all of the GACE testing completed hopefully by the end of March. Any advice on landing my 1st teaching job? I want to teach K-3rd grade and am so excited about doing so just very nervous. Thank you so much!

 

Very useful post. How about how do you mange X amount of naughty kids for X grade?

 

Interview Question

Hi Everyone,

Just got back from a job fair and this question stumped me because it was vague. What would you say?

"What should the primary focus be in an elementary classroom?"

 

Interview Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I need suggestions on what you say your weaknesses are....I am having a hard time with this......I have a few but there are some you might not want to tell on your first interview! :huh:

 

LITERACY

I think it's the cornerstone of education.

 

Thanks McKennaL !