Describe Your Role As An Educator In The Classroom And Your Preschool Teaching Philosophy
Interviewers will likely want to know that your role as an educator is central to your philosophy in the classroom and that your actions support best practices within the classroom and daily student interaction. Consider explaining how you conduct yourself within the classroom and describing teacher-student rapport.
Example:“Central to quality education is ensuring students’ safety and well-being. Each student must know they are in a safe and accepting environment before they can pursue their education. I am available for students daily and have a genuine concern for their health and safety. I want them to become proactive students and life-long lovers of learning. To instill that trait, I exhibit a love for learning myself.
I value each student, and it shows in my classroom. In the past, I had a student whose parents were going through a difficult financial time. The child sheepishly told me she was hungry, and I made it a point to discreetly keep snacks and extra lunches for her so she would feel safe and unashamed. Additionally, I put the family in contact with a state agency for job assistance, and in a couple of months, she was flourishing both personally and academically.”
What Do You Love About Teaching Elementary Students
This question provides you with the opportunity to explain your passion for education. Most employers want to know your motivation for teaching elementary students because your passion and excitement for teaching often encourages students to do their best. Discuss your favorite teaching moments and why they make you passionate about this career.
Example:“I love getting to know the way elementary students take in information. Every student is different, and one approach won’t work for all of them. When I discover what they are really interested in and can apply that to my lessons, I love seeing their eyes light up when they understand what I am teaching.
For example, I had one student recently who couldn’t grasp the concept of gravity, but I knew he enjoyed sports, so I gave an example he could relate to. Suddenly, he understood the concept and became interested and engaged in the lesson. Those moments make me love being an elementary teacher.”
Best Questions To Ask In A Special Education Teacher Interview
In addition to answering questions during the interview, its also important that you use the interview as an opportunity to understand as much about the environment and expectations youll face if you receive a job offer. Here are 10 questions to ask during your special education teacher interview:
- Is there a set curriculum? If so, what flexibility does this curriculum offer to be tailored to special needs students?
- What resources are provided by the school or the district to support teachers?
- Will I be able to incorporate my lessons and materials in this position?
- Can you tell me a bit about the school and the district that I cannot learn from internet research?
- What opportunities are offered for continuing education and teacher development?
- What is the structure and frequency of staff meetings?
- Can you describe the working relationship between teaching faculty and other school staff, such as support and administrative staff?
- How long do special education teachers stay at this school, on average?
- Are there extra duties required of teachers, for example, chaperoning school trips or running extracurricular activities?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the school and the district in the coming year? What are your plans to work through these challenges?
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Interview Questions For Teachers
The 2012 AAEE Job Search Handbook for Educators lists these INTERVIEW QUESTIONS every teacher candidate should be ready to answer.
The interview is the single most important factor in the hiring process. To be competitive, it is important that you are prepared to respond to potential employers’ questions and discussion topics.
Take the time to think about your answers to these questions that may be part of your next interview. Where possible, use concrete examples from your educational and work experiences.
Learn About The School
What does the school value? Get a more intimate picture of the school and district by asking a few of these questions:
- What are some of the challenges facing your school and/or district this year?
- What are some of the goals you have for the school and/or district this year?
- What do you think the schools greatest strengths are?
- Do you feel that there are areas in your school that need improvement?
- What type of school discipline plan do you have in place?
- What type of anti-bullying measures is this school taking? What about the district?
- Are there any major issues that the school is addressing this year?
- How does the school district stand out from other districts in the state?
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Why Do You Want To Work In Our School
Often one of the first questions in most teaching interviews, preparation is vital to successfully answer this question. Think about why you would be a good fit to work or study in the school you’re interviewing at. Talk about why you’re interested in their school specifically, mentioning what you know about its ethos, values, demographics, educational goals and objectives, initiatives, or extracurricular activities.
Chris Hildrew Deputy Headteacher And Media Studies Teacher Chew Valley School Near Bristol
Candidates should have plenty of opportunities to ask questions during the day of the interview itself, so in the interview it’s fine to say: “I’ve had so many opportunities to ask questions that I think everything I wanted to know has been covered.” This shows the panel that the candidate has come prepared with a list of what they need to know and has taken the opportunities that their well-planned day has afforded.
You might want to ask a table-turning question: “What do you think the best thing about this school is?” Although it makes you memorable it also runs the risk of making you seem like a show off. On two very memorable occasions in my experience, candidates who have come into the interview as frontrunners have talked themselves out of a job offer with a barrage of questions to the panel ranging from the self-aggrandising to the irrelevant, clearly saved up during the day in an effort to impress us. It doesn’t.
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Give An Example Of When You Have Improved Teaching And Learning In The Classroom And How You Knew You Had Been Successful
Think of evidence before the interview so you are prepared with clear examples of success. Consider taking a few examples of your work, maybe feedback from others or data around student improvement. Don’t be shy when talking about where you have improved teaching and learning, as this is something your interviewers really want to know about.
Tell Us A Little Bit About Yourself
This is not really a question, but your response is important. This is one of the most common interview questions and one of the most crucial. Keep in mind that even though the question is about you the answer that most interviewers are looking for needs to give them a good idea about how you are a good fit for their school system. Keep this in mind when answering. So instead of saying Im a mother of three and married to a wonderful man, you should highlight your greatest assets that you will be bringing to the table as a teacher.
. You can summarize achievements that you have made recently or in the past, you can make allusions to how your future plans fall in line with the goals of the school system and how you can contribute to the students that you will be teaching. Focus on the achievements that you have made that will make the biggest impression with the interviewer and that will make him or her feel as if you would bring something valuable to the table.
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Questions About Elementary Teaching Experience And Background
Here are some questions about your experience and background to give the interviewer a better idea of your qualifications:
- Why did you leave your last teaching job?
- Describe how your academic training and work-related experiences qualify you for this position.
- What concerns did you have in your last teaching position?
- What did you learn from your last teaching job that will help you in our school?
- What do you love about teaching elementary students?
- What do you find frustrating about teaching elementary students?
- What qualities should good elementary teachers have?
- What is your teaching style? What methods do you use?
- What special knowledge, skills or talents will you bring to our school?
- What books or articles have you read that contribute to your success as an elementary teacher?
Common Interview Questions For Teachers
The lightbulb moment when it just clicks, when a student gets a concept or nails a right answer and they are thrilled. The joy they get from reading something interesting or exciting. The note they write telling you how grateful they are to have a teacher like you. These are just some of the joys that come from being a teacher.
If this sounds like a dream to you, getting a teaching degree is the first step to getting inside a classroom. Teachers must have a bachelors degree in order to qualify to get licensed. WGU offers teaching degrees that can get you licensed in all 50 states. After you accomplish in-classroom teaching hours and get your licensure, the journey is really just beginning.
Getting a degree is just one step, after that you have to nail a teaching interview to get offered a position to teach in an actual school. Put your degree to use by preparing for teaching interviews so you can impress with more than your resume. Preparing for a job interview can help you properly showcase your skills, education, and experience. When you know how to give a great impression, youll be able to land your dream job. This guide will go over common questions in teaching interviews and the best way to answer them.
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Interview Questions That New Teachers Want To Prepare For
Whether you are a brand new teacher looking to land your dream job as an educator or a veteran teacher that could be looking for a change of scenery or relocatingthis blog is for you! When it comes to teacher interviews oftentimes we stress out over what they could possibly ask us. We could be walking into a room of strangers so focused on how to answer correctly that we sometimes forget to be ourselves. Lets face itthe unknown is scary!
Well, here we go because I am going to offer you some tips and secrets to landing that job! I was lucky enough to sit on both sides of the table. Ive been asked numerous questions over the years as well as the opportunity to ask questions as an administrator for incoming teachers. I am providing you with 20 Interview Questions that New Teachers Want to Prepare For! By all means, this is not an exhaustive list, nor is it the only list of questions that may come your way. However, this is a great start to prepare for that upcoming interview!
How Much Experience Do You Have Working With Computers
Sample Answer: I have lots of experience working with computers. During college, I actually took some online classes that helped me to further expand my knowledge of computers and the Internet. I am familiar with both Mac and Windows formats, and can easily navigate both operating systems. I also have extensive experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. I also maintain my own blog.
Tip: Todays schools have evolved to the point that many things are done online or via computer. Many schools have digital lockers that allow students to complete their homework and turn it in online. To keep up, teachers must demonstrate a working knowledge of computers and cyberspace. If you are not that familiar with computers it definitely wouldn’t hurt you to get a book or two, and maybe do some research online to learn how to better utilize technology in your classroom and get familiar with popular programs like Microsoft Office.
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Tell Me About A Time When You Accomplished Something Satisfying/overcame A Difficult Challenge
Brown says that with either of these questions, the interviewer wants to hear: When you come across things that are obstacles, how do you overcome them? He also emphasizes that accomplishments and challenges often come hand in hand. So answering this question shows that drive for achievement that interviewers want to see in teachers.
Do You Typically Have A Positive Outlook On Things If So Give Some Examples
Sample Answer: I definitely have a positive attitude when it comes to most things. I have always found that a positive attitude is very contagious, and inversely, so is a negative attitude. I believe that staying positive is important in the classroom. It facilitates the learning process and helps you to develop a great relationship with your students and fellow teachers. I have never achieved anything with a negative attitude. I prefer a can-do, positive, and upbeat atmosphere in the classroom, both for learning and teaching. Positive teachers yield positive students and positive students are effective learners.
Tip: Obviously, school districts want teachers with positive attitudes. And really, when you think about it, what interviewer doesn’t want someone with a positive attitude? I don’t think I’ve ever been in an interview where they asked, “Do you generally have a positive attitude and outlook on things?” and you answer with an enthusiastic, “YES!” only to hear them say, “Well… I guess you’re not really what we’re looking for then. We were hoping to find someone that could be a real downer. You know, someone that could consistently bring down those happy, positive people who are always looking at the bright side of things.”
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Describe A Time You Felt Challenged By A Student How Did You Handle The Situation
Behavioral interview questions are particularly helpful in hiring effective teachers. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Ask questions that help you understand how the teacher plans, implements, and assesses lessons. Additionally, seek information about their classroom management and how they handle challenges with students, parents, and colleagues.
In this case, see if the candidate treats students fairly and respectfully. How do they respond under pressure? Do they take issues with students personally, or do they handle them professionally?
Would You Be Interested In Getting Involved In After School Activities If So Which Ones
Sample Answer: Yes, absolutely. I have lots of skills that can be applied to after school and extracurricular activities for the students at this school. From coaching or helping to coach the academic team to sponsoring the cheerleading squad, I would love to get involved wherever I am needed. I believe that being involved with students beyond the three oclock bell is important for establishing rapport and trust, and besides, it is so much fun!
Tip: School districts are always on the lookout for those teachers who are willing to give more of themselves than what their paychecks provide. Coaches, sponsors, leaders theyre all needed and in vast numbers. It is also a good idea to be willing to attend school events, like ball games or track meets. This shows that you support the school.
It’s important to note that while getting involved in extracurricular activities is often favorably looked upon, it is not necessary to get the job. If you are the kind of person that just wants to get your feet wet and get used to the whole teaching thing before deciding if you can take on more responsibilities, that is perfectly fine. As always, it’s best to just be honest.
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Proactive Classroom Management Strategies
Instead of handling disruptions after theyve happened, it can be more effective to set up conditions in which they are less likely to occur. Here are eight classroom strategies that teachers have shared with Edutopia, all backed by research.
1. Greet students at the door: At Van Ness Elementary School in Washington, DC, Falon Turner starts the day by giving each of her students a high-five, handshake, or hug. During that time, Im just trying to connect with them. Its kind of like a pulse check to see where they are, she says.
In a study published last year, greeting students at the door helped teachers set a positive tone for the rest of the day, boosting academic engagement by 20 percentage points while reducing disruptive behavior by 9 percentage pointsadding roughly an hour of engagement over the course of the school day.
2. Establish, maintain, and restore relationships: Building relationships with students through strategies like greeting them at the door is a good start. Its also necessary to maintain them over the course of the school year, and to repair them when conflicts arise. The stronger the relationship and the better we understand our students, the more knowledge and goodwill we have to draw on when the going gets tough, writes Marieke van Woerkom, a restorative practices coach at the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility in New York.
Reminders are commonly verbal, but can also be visual , auditory , or physical .
