I had to write a report card comment for an at-risk student. Wondering what you guys write for your at risk students? I also had to look at a writing piece and say what the student did well and what would be the next teaching point for that student. I had to also guess what the student's reading level was and explain why I thought that.
How about this one: Interview Question: What innovative instructional practice will you use to engage each of your students in meaningful, authentic and rigorous work while motivating them to be self-directed and inquisitive learners?
Yeah, me too!! I need advice on questions that I expect to be asked at any interviews I have. The first one has to do with why I am looking to leave my current school (I'm currently a LTS). Truthfully, I don't want to leave my school, but I don't know if I'll have a contract for next year; my principal is fighting to keep me in my spot and frequently calls HR to see if they can give him any information about a full-time contract for me. Anyway, I don't want it sound like I'm only applying to ABC School in neighboring school system (in the city where I live) because I'm looking to keep all of my bases covered. How could I word my response so I can show that I really am interested in their school, but that I'm not leaving my current school because I want to? The second one has to do with my students' success. The teacher who resigned was HORRIBLE and had no business ever setting foot in a classroom. Her classroom management sucked, she was mean to the students, very negative, rarely smiled (in fact, she pointed out two students to me-- in front of them, mind you-- and told me to never smile at them or they'll walk all over me), very disorganized, and never gave the children opportunities to grow. Basically, I had 9 weeks to undo, in most cases, 2 years of damage (she looped with her class). Anyway, since I came in their self-esteem and confidence has clearly increased. They are eager to participate in class, think outside the box, and now no longer worry if they'll get yelled at for giving a "stupid answer." (Yes, she did/said that.) The best part is that most of their scores SKY-ROCKETED. Before, maybe 4 students met or exceeded benchmark standards, and the majority of the students were identified as needing intensive intervention. Now, over half of my class has met or exceeded benchmark standards. Those who did not definitely showed signs of growth. (Most of them had IEPs as well.) SO... how do I highlight my success without coming across as negative towards the previous teacher? I don't want to bad-mouth her even though she really was the worst teacher I have ever met. Thanks in advance for your help!!!
lilmisses~for the first question I would say something along the lines of, "Currently I am in a long term sub assignment in <grade> at <school district>. As much as I have learned and grew in this position, as of right now, there are no plans for the school to continue this position. I look forward to branching out and working at <district applying for> in order to continue my growth as an educator." On the 2nd question, I wouldn't even mention the other teacher just mention what you observed in the classroom and the successes in self-confidence and scores.
did you really get asked this? ive read it two times and cant even quite understand exactly what they are going for! it's so unneeded to throw in a bunch of big words to make your question sound good!
Tell me about it. Actually, a friend had this on an application and emailed it to me because she's way confused. After thinking about it last night I am figuring that Marzano's strategies would best fit this question. That's what I told her, at least. Who the heck knows.... Anyway, it always helps having a response prepared for instructional strategies (innovative or not); I know I've been asked about it in every interview I've had.
Hi, I am new and wondered if anybody has any ideas about these 3 questions. It has been a very long time since I interviewed - thanks for the help! 1. Describe motivational methods and skills that have helped you to become a better teacher. 2. What type of activities would you implement within your lessons to promote higher level learning skills? 3. Describe an innovative non-traditional teaching strategy that has been successful for you as an educator.
Originally Posted by txteach2b Someone mentioned putting the questions from this thread on notecards. I have done that, and they're saved on my computer. If anyone wants a copy, just PM me. I have all the questions except for the ones posted today. Hello txteach2b, I would love a copy of the interview questions you have put into note cards; i have an interview next week. Thank you
Teaching Technique questions INTERVIEW QUESTION: Describe your typical teaching style. What teaching techniques do you use? INTERVIEW QUESTION: Describe a teaching strategy you used to maximize the learning potential of all students. Does anyone know the difference between teaching style and teaching strategy? TIA!
Style~how do you teach? Lecture, cooperative grouping, guiding discussion. Strategy~These are specific strategies for the above. Jigsaw for cooperative grouping, lit circles, reading/writing workshop.
I just wanted to thank everyone for posting interview questions and answers here. I found it very helpful and studied up on them before an interview. Here were the questions from my interview (I know that some are similar to what is already on these boards, but I just wanted others to know that these same ones keep recurring, so be prepared): 1. What is your main teaching strength? 2. What is your weakness? 3. What would you do with a disruptive student? 4. What student behaviors are a red flag that something is wrong outside of school? 5. What if a principal told you that a teaching method you were using was ineffective? 6. What is your teaching philosophy? I must have answered the questions correctly, because I got the job!
What do you feel your role is on the IEP team? Why do you think diverse learning environments are important? What are your short and long term professional goals? What has been your greatest professional accomplishment thus far? What has been the most difficult situation you have encountered while teaching?
active engaging compassionate hmmm i'm having trouble thinking of words to describe a successful classroom. The first two I chose because I want my students to be involved not just sitting at their esks listening to me, I like hands-on teaching. Engaging goes along with this but more so is about the teaching and learning being fun and interesting. I choe compassionate because I ant the students to care for eachother and feel like a team or a family. There are a lot of other things I am thinking of for a successful classroom but I cant narrow them down into a word! Maybe "high expectations"?
For the strength question, I said that I know how to build up an excellent classroom climate. I then went into all the ways that I do this (high ratio of positive to negative comments, refer to the class as a group - "Nice job, room 307", establish clear and consistent rules and routines, let each student know I am delighted they are in my class, that they are a valued member of the group, etc.). I think your weakness answer is fine. I just said that I am very demanding of myself, over analyze things, beat that dead horse. I think your disruptive student answer is fine. My answer was that after I build up a climate of respect and caring, most students respond well. But if there is a disruption, I give a "teacher" look, maybe stand by the student, remind him of the rule, redirect him, and if that fails, give a consequence. I am consistent and unemotional with the consequences. I never let them know if they are pushing my buttons, because then they'll be pushing my buttons all day. I also said that I never give up on a student, that I hang in there until I find an approach that helps the student to make better choices. Some red flags that I mentioned are acting out, not giving eye contact or interacting socially with peers (withdrawing), sleeping during class (and I gave an example of a student I had who fell asleep during class because it turned out that her mom just had a baby and the girl had to walk the baby at night so that the mom could get some sleep), bruises or broken bones. For the principal question, I said that I would show the principal data that would back up the effectiveness of the method - data, classroom observations, logs - but that I would certainly be open to whatever the principal had to say. For the teaching philosophy, I said the same as you - that all children can learn, and I added that I am the person who is responsible for their learning, and if they don't get it, I have to find a different approach. As long as they are trying, they don't have to feel any pressure, because they know that if they fail, it is my responsibility to find a way for them to succeed. I hold myself accountable for their success or failure. Hope this was helpful.
As a first grade teacher, describe your language arts program. Walk me through a guided reading lesson. What are other students doing during your guided reading? A child has been misbehaving in your class. The parent doesn't see this as a problem and doesn't believe the child is misbehaving. What do you do?
Mass, what was your response for the guided reading question? I havent done GR myself but i thought it was basically run the same way?
I would just like to contribute a few to this thread, since I know it was very helpful to me in getting my job. Here are the ones I had from my last interview (in which I got the job!!): What does it mean to you to be a teacher? Describe which teaching methods work best for you? Is it important to be liked by your co-workers? Why or why not? Give us some examples of how you've integrated reading and writing in other subject areas. How do you use technology in the classroom? How do you keep students from getting bored? What are the most important things to get done in the first few days of school? How do you plan to keep up with current teaching practices? Give examples of how you would communicate with parents, teachers, and administrators. What could you bring to _____ Elementary that we do not have here? Hope this helps the job seekers!
application questions... help Can anyone help with these questions? I would really appreciate any ideas you have. I am trying to renter the education field after being home with my children for awhile. I've sent in many apps but no calls for interviews... thinking maybe I'm way off on my app answers like these??........... 1)DEscribe your collaboration style? 2)How important are an organization's mission and vision statemant? 3)What is your vision for education? 4)Describe your technology skills. Provide an example of how you utilize technology in your current position. (I don't have a current position... that is why I am applying!) 5)In what ways are you qualified to address the issue of diversity as a part of your instructional program? 6)Describe the classroom conditions that best facilitate learning. Include strategies you would use to assure maximum learning for all students. I would really appreciate any help ... thanks!!
Help!!! Can someone help me answer these in terview questions I heard today-I think I was ok on a few, but not all of them: 1.How many years have you been teaching?(Is there an eloquent way to say I've been a volunteer, sub., tutor, & intern, but never really had my own class yet-so 0?) 2.Tell me about a time when you had a child that was misbehaving and what did you do about it? 3.Pick a lesson that you developed(in my internship say. . .)and describe the planning that went into it. 4.How do you assess what a child is learning (@ the end of the unit/chapter/section)? 5.How do you ensure that your students will meet your high expectations? 6.Why is teaching your CHOSEN profession? 7.What position are you looking for?(I had no idea what spots they even had OPEN as I really would like to teach 2nd grade or below.) 8.How will you address the learning needs of your students?
This is one of the question I got How would your references describe you? I was blocked and I don't even remember what I said.
I have been asked this question at almost every interview and I think it is one of the questions that costs me the job. I have practiced for it but I have no idea what they are looking for. INTERVIEW QUESTION: Who is the most difficult student you have ever had and why? I usually say something about a student that was failing social studies so I made an arrangement with her mother to tutor her for free after school. I add in some things about differentiating instruction for her and how she began to progress much more rapidly with tutoring. I also saw a question posted about why should I hire you. Some people answered it ok but this website focuses on that question specifically. It can be a job killer if you do not answer it right. http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-the_big_question_why_should_i_hire_you-379
That is actually a hard one [not like any of these questions have been easy]. I would say this is the time where you really need to think back and figure out if they said anything that would help you answer this question. For example. The only experiences I really have in education are from my practicums and student teaching. One of my references is my University Supervisor. To answer this question, I would think back on our conferences [we always had one after he observed my teaching]. I would try to remember how he would describe the way I taught. Some things he saw that he was extremely impressed with [and he was a former principal at the high school so I took his words to heart] was the way I asked many higher order thinking questions and how I constantly monitored my students through questioning and walking around the classroom to observe how they worked and addressed any problems they may be having long after the lesson was over. That's my answer. I don't know if that will be of any help or is even a good answer since I'm still fairly new to all this, lolz. Any constructive criticisms?
Ok, here are some application questions I've come across recently: 1. What does the phrase "Every child can learn more than he/she is now learning" mean to you? 2. What strategies would you use to ensure the success of all students? 3. How do you differentiate instruction? 4. How do you motivate your students? 5. How do you use technology to enhance learning experiences for your students?
I have a question. It's not an interview question, but it's about the interview process. When answering these questions, does anyone find themselves repeating answers used in questions already asked during the interview? If so, is that bad?
I don't think its bad as long as it answers the question. I know in my interview yesterday, they skipped a couple of questions because I had already answered them in previous questions.
more interview questions Here are the questions from my interview i had on thursday. The ones that I can remember anyway. 1)Tell me about yourself 2)Does a student have to love you in order to learn? Do you have to love all your students? 3)What are your hobbies? 4)Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation - a student, parent, etc 5)How many times do you question/reflect after you do something? (several times a day, a few times a week or month) 6)What does it mean to have an at risk student? What would you do to help them? 7)If I took a picture of your classroom what would I see? 8)Is there something you've learned in your teaching career , like a theory, belief or experience that you feel strongly about? 9)Let's say you were cooking with your students (since i brought up cooking as a hobby). The lesson was going perfectly and the students loved it. At the end of the lesson, your principal walks in and wants you to stop and not do that lesson again, what do you do? What do you do if your students really want to do the lesson? Spent about an hour with the principal and then was given a tour of the school. At the end I was offered the position! I'm still in shock. :woot:
hey all- i'm going on an interview for a leave this week. i called and asked for what type of position it was for and they said they had multiple. Some are self contained and some are resource. I'm trying to prepare but theres so much to remember! i had a few questions: 1) discipline plan- i was thinking of using money and rewarding students for doing a good job. as for consequences, i thought a teacher look, verbal warning, filling out a discipline form and coming up with a consequence. any suggestions? 2) disruptive student- i am also nervous i'm going to get situational questions related to a disruptive student. like if a student refuses to do work, or starts yelling. i was thinking that i would carry out my plan but if it that didn't work i wouldn't know what to say. 3) teaching reading- it's such a general question. any advice? thanks so much everyone!
