Download - Teachers Interview Edge
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
A+ Teachers’ Interview Edge
Bring “IT” to every interview
A+ Teachers’ Interview Edge
152 of Teacher Interview Questions and Answers you need to succeed, plus many other helpful resources
to ensure you success in your job search.
Visit our site at http://resumes-for-teachers.com
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FIRST THINGS FIRST!
You cannot and I repeat cannot reprint, sell, copy, or give this book to anyone. It is only for those that have purchased the book from A+ Resumes for Teachers.
If someone has sold you or given you this book, please contact Candace at:
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Toll-free: 1-877-738-8052
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All Rights Reserved: Copyright 2008 - 2011
Disclaimer: All the information in this book is the views of the author, and the views and opinions of the author can change. This is a GUIDE ONLY and the information should be used with DISCRETION and wisely, at your own risk. The author and 969989 Alberta Ltd. operating as A+ Resumes for Teachers disclaim any liability for personal or business loss caused by using the information in this e-book.
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
Table of Contents
1. 152 Interview Questions Page 5
2. 152 Potential Answers Page 16
3. Job Search Resources Page 158
What are Principals Really Looking For in a Teacher?
How to Create a Teacher-Focused Resume
A Teacher Cover Letter is Critical
Why Your Teaching Portfolio is Important
Finding a Teaching Job
Tap Into Job Search Networking
4. Interview Resources Page 174
Research the School District - Don't Skip This Step
Interview Questions - Prepare for Anything
Behavioral Interviews - Why Many School Districts Use Them
What Job Interviewers Analyze and Evaluate During a Demo Lesson Plan
Interview Day - The Look
Arriving at the Interview
Four Stages of a Teacher's Job Interview
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
Don't Miss Your Opportunity to Ask Questions
Ten Tips to Close Your Teaching Interview with Professionalism
Five Critical Things NOT to do During the Interview
Don't Underestimate the Value of a Thank You Letter
4. Additional Resources Page 192
Your Beginning Job Search Checklist
Your Active Job Search Checklist
Discover & Articulate Your Accomplishments Form
School/District Research Worksheet
Your Interview Preparation Checklist
What to Bring to an Interview Checklist
Interview Checklist
Questions the Interviewer Should Not Ask You
18 Possible Questions to Ask the Panel or Interviewer
Post Interview Evaluation Checklist Form
5 Thank-you Letter Templates You Can Customize for Your Own Use
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
Let’s Get Started! Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions because you get the chance to change lives on a daily basis. So, it’s no wonder that you desire to gain employment in this field!
Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran, you probably know that the process of finding employment in the teaching field can be an overwhelming task, if you are unprepared. Quite often, more experienced teachers are automatically invited to continue teaching at the beginning of each school year, leaving those new to the field out of luck. Another reason for job seeker frustration is that available teaching positions may be limited and competitive.
However, there are still great opportunities out there and there are definite ‘tricks’ you can employ to make the job hunting process much, much easier and interview success a near certainty. Interviewing within the education field is a serious and sometimes daunting task, and will require that you devote a considerable amount of time and energy preparing to make the perfect first impression.
Luckily for you, this eBook contains a wealth of information all geared toward ensuring that you ace your teaching interview and gain meaningful employment. It’s important that you do your homework before your interview and that means practicing your answers to many of the possible interview questions that you might be asked.
Below, we have assembled 140 possible interview questions along with sample interview answers to help you fully prepare for your next interview. Just click on the ‘Answer’ link to be taken to the question’s corresponding answer.
Interview Questions
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself. Answer
2. What are your greatest strengths? Answer
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
3. What is your biggest weakness? Answer
4. Why did you choose to become a teacher? Answer
5. Why do you want to work for our school district? Answer
6. What can you contribute to our school community/teaching team? Answer
7. Why should I hire you over the other candidates? Answer
8. What do you most enjoy/dislike about teaching? Answer
9. Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I observed your class? Answer
10. Please describe your most challenging experience, either academic or professional, and your response to that experience. Answer
11. What did you find to be the most difficult aspect of student (intern) teaching? Answer
12. What would your master teacher or cooperating teacher say about you? Answer
13. Think of a time when you received critical feedback. Describe the feedback that you received and how this changed your behavior, actions, performance, etc. Answer
14. What grade do you prefer to teach and why? Answer
15. What would best depict the characteristics of middle school students? Answer
16. What subject do you most like to teach and why? Answer
17. Why are you interested in teaching in an urban environment? How have you demonstrated this in the past? Answer
18. Are you a good listener? If so, how can I tell? Answer
19. Are you a flexible teacher? If so, explain how. Answer
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20. Are you a good team player? If so, how can I tell? Answer
21. What types of things do you collaborate with other teachers about? Answer
22. What are your thoughts on team-teaching? Answer
23. Do you know what is going on in education today? Answer
24. What are some of the trends, issues, and methodologies in education that relate to your specific curriculum area or grade level? Answer
25. What was the latest education article you read and what did you learn from it? Answer
26. What book are you currently reading and why did you choose to pick it up? Answer
27. Are you organized? If so, how would I tell? Answer
28. How will you prepare for the first day of school? Answer
29. Let's pretend it's almost the first day of school and you are a first grade teacher. How would you prepare your classroom? Answer
30. Let's imagine an interview for a grade one teaching position wherein the interviewer asks: "Describe your classroom's physical appearance." Answer
31. Explain how you will determine what should be taught. Answer
32. What role do standards play when teaching students? Answer
33. How do you ensure your lessons meet and teach to the state standards? Answer
34. What components make a great lesson? Answer
35. Illustrate your idea of the perfect lesson. Answer
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36. What ways do you develop and implement creative lesson plans? Answer
37. Give an example of an excellent lesson that you developed and implemented and explain why it was successful. Answer
38. In your opinion, what is the single greatest factor to a student’s success? Answer
39. How would you rank these in importance and why: planning, discipline, methods, evaluation. Answer
40. Illustrate three instructional tools that are imperative in the classroom. Answer
41. How do you address varied learning styles and abilities (multiple intelligences)? Answer
42. How do you teach students higher-order thinking skills? Answer
43. How have you contributed to your students’ ability to retain material? Answer
44. How do you make lessons interesting and interactive? Answer
45. How do you make learning fun? Provide an example. Answer
46. What methods do you use to inspire students to be active in learning? Answer
47. What activities do you incorporate into lesson plans to make learning enjoyable and engaging for your students? Answer
48. How do you make your lessons and activities applicable to the “real world”? Answer
49. What types of manipulatives do you use? How do they positively impact the classroom and help students? Answer
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50. What type of thematic units have you created? How do your students participate and what is the result? Answer
51. What method(s) do you use to keep students focused and participating? Answer
52. In what ways do you help students develop self-esteem and confidence? Answer
53. What methods do you use to encourage student participation? Answer
54. How do you help students develop socialization skills and how do you measure success? Answer
55. What are some of the “positive reinforcement” methods you would use in your classroom? Answer
56. List all the ways you motivate students to learn. Answer
57. What ways do you recognize students’ achievements? Can a student be given too much recognition? Answer
58. What ways do you assess and evaluate students? Answer
59. How do you assess student performance and success in the classroom? Answer
60. How do you know that a student has mastered the material you taught them? Explain the steps you would take if a student was struggling with a concept in your class. Answer
61. What would you do if you noticed a student openly cheating on a test? Answer
62. Please explain how instruction and classroom management are related. Answer
63. Describe your philosophy of discipline. Answer
64. How do you handle classroom discipline? Answer
65. What is your classroom management plan? Answer
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66. What are your classroom rules and how do you establish them? Answer
67. What procedures do you use if a student is being bullied at recess or lunch? Answer
68. What types of classroom management and discipline methods work best for your students and why and what is the end result? Answer
69. What type of teaching methods/techniques do you use? What is your intended purpose in implementing these methods? What ways have these methods benefited your students? Answer
70. What methods do you use to contribute to your students’ ability to retain material? How do you know these methods are successful? Answer
71. Give some examples of how you have used cooperative learning in the classroom. Answer
72. Why is technology important to education and to student learning and in what ways do you integrate technology into the classroom? Answer
73. What is your policy on homework and what role does it play? Answer
74. What procedures and strategies will you use to prepare students for standardized assessments? Answer
75. What services should be provided for English Language Learners? Answer
76. What is the impact of inclusion on the school community? Answer
77. What do you do to accommodate a student with an IEP? Answer
78. In what ways do you help special needs students? Answer
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79. How do you provide support for students with exceptional ability? Answer
80. What will you do to modify your teaching to meet the needs of a gifted student? Answer
81. What is the principal's role in special education? Answer
82. What is the difference between heterogeneous grouping versus homogeneous grouping? Answer
83. How would you teach a class if some students didn’t know how to read yet? Answer
84. What can you tell me about using role playing in the classroom? Answer
85. What can you tell me about ability grouping? Answer
86. What can you tell me about values clarification? Answer
87. What can you tell me about writer’s workshop? Answer
88. What can you tell me about using rubrics? Answer
89. What can you tell me about integrated activities? Answer
90. What can you tell me Alternative Assessments? Answer
91. What can you tell me about Affective Education? Answer
92. What can you tell me about problem-based learning? Answer
93. What can you tell me about outcome-based education? Answer
94. What can you tell me about multiple intelligences? Answer
95. What can you tell me about the Madeline Hunter method? Answer
96. What can you tell me about holistic learning? Answer
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97. What can you tell me about higher-order thinking skills? Answer
98. What can you tell me about guided reading? Answer
99. What can you tell me document-based questions? Answer
100. What can you tell me about conflict resolution? Answer
101. What can you tell me about teachable moments? Answer
102. What can you tell me about scaffolding? Answer
103. What can you tell me about Bloom’s Taxonomy? Answer
104. Can you tell me about cooperative learning? Answer
105. Explain how you use cooperative learning in your classroom, giving examples, and tell us why this is a useful strategy. Answer
106. How do you differentiate your teaching? Please provide a couple of examples. Answer
107. Describe a lesson you taught using differentiated instruction. Answer
108. Describe ways in which you would include technology in your classroom to make the teaching/learning process more effective. Answer
109. Explain how you implement math across the curriculum. Answer
110. How will you integrate writing in your teaching? Answer
111. How will you integrate reading into your teaching? Answer
112. How will you integrate curriculum across all subjects? Answer
113. What types of vocabulary building techniques do you incorporate? Answer
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114. How would you teach a Kindergarten class the alphabet? Answer
115. What techniques will you use to improve students’ writing abilities? Answer
116. What types of reading strategies do you incorporate into your classroom? Answer
117. How do you plan to use differentiated instruction? Answer
118. What will you do to implement culturally diverse literature? Answer
119. How do you incorporate literature into your classroom lessons? Answer
120. If you were able to select three required reading books for middle school, what would you choose and why? Answer
121. How do you encourage a student who dislikes a required reading book to become engaged in the process? Answer
122. Can you force a student to learn? What ways do you encourage them to learn? Answer
123. What things will you do in class to keep middle school students engaged? Answer
124. What do you do to communicate students’ academic expectations? Answer
125. What type of student is most difficult to work with? Answer
126. What do you want to know about your students? Answer
127. What do you think is the greatest challenge facing students today? Answer
128. What methods do you use to evaluate the school’s curriculum and programs? Or, describe your knowledge and experience in using test data to evaluate the curriculum and make changes. Answer
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129. What is the role of a department head? Answer
130. What is the role of a Principal? Vice Principal? Answer
131. How would you describe a successful principal? Answer
132. How would you assign students to various classes at the high school/junior high school levels? Answer
133. What steps would you take when developing a budget? Answer
134. What means of communication do you rely on most? Answer
135. As a grade one teacher, how would you motivate parents to become involved in the classroom and in their child's education? Answer
136. How do you approach parent conferences? Answer
137. What are the ways you communicate with parents and for what reasons do you contact them? Answer
138. How would you make a difficult phone call to a parent? Answer
139. How would you deal with an angry parent? Answer
140. What are some ways you measure a teacher's effectiveness? Answer
141. Explain the difference between a good and an excellent teacher. Answer
142. Tell me about the most stressful situation you had in your career and how did you handle it? Answer
143. What parallels can you draw between the focus of your non-work time and your professional career? Answer
144. Every school wants teachers who are great team players. Tell us about the personal qualities you have that make you a good team player. Answer
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145. Why is it important for your program to develop student leadership? Answer
146. What role does student council play in your school? Answer
147. How important are athletics at your school? Answer
148. If you are the person we hire, tell us what extracurricular activities you would be willing and able to advise or coach. Answer
149. As a new teacher, what kinds of support would you need from the administration and teaching staff to help you adjust to and be successful in your new position? Answer
150. How would you take advantage of resources within the community to enhance education? Answer
151. Where do you see yourself in five years time? Answer
152. Do you have any questions for us? Answer
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Answers
Question 1
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Oh, yes, this is the question that is most likely to be asked first. I call it a two minute commercial about yourself. This is a great opportunity to sell yourself to the school district representatives. Keep in mind, if it is the first question asked, it will set the stage for the interview, so it needs to be extremely strong. Don't be too modest. This will provide an overview and an introduction to you. You might start by stating, "As you can see from my
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resume…." and then mention your degrees and certifications and give a quick rundown of your relevant experience.
The last 1 ½ minutes should be used to communicate your strengths and skills and what you can do to enhance education in their district. In other words, they are asking "Why should we hire you?" Practice this carefully. You need a few sentences that answer that question at the end of your response. Also, at the end, you may want to mention why you would enjoy working for the school district in the position for which they are hiring.
Question 2
What are your greatest strengths?
Your response to this question offers you a terrific opportunity to “sell yourself”. Research information about the institution through the Internet or your network of friends and then make a list of a dozen personal and professional characteristics that you consider your core assets and relate them directly to the strengths and needs of the school.
Now, if you researched the district/school and found out what they are looking for in a candidate, you will be able to focus your response to that information, keeping in mind that it is important to remain truthful. With every response, you must show your VALUE to the district. This will also give them some idea about how you view your talents and skills as a teacher. Perception is critical... you must be able to confidently discuss your skills in a convincing manner.
This is also the time to really show what you have to offer, so don’t sell yourself short. It is important that your answers show your hard/tangible skills. For example, classroom management, curriculum development, or technology integration, student motivation, parental communication, differentiated instruction, collaboration with other teachers, organization, flexibility, and how you use a variety of teaching methods are very important.
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These skills will show the interviewer(s) what you can do on the job. Don't stop after just listing them; set yourself apart from the pack by backing up your claims with actual stories… examples of what you have done are critical to success. This will build credibility... it shows you really are as good as you are claiming. Tell them about what you have done to incorporate technology into the classroom and what the results were. The result part of the story sells you... and that produces job offers. Examples show that what you have done in the past, you can do in the future … past performance dictates future performance. You can use evaluations you've received and lessons you've taught to back up your claims, as well.
Question 3
What is your biggest weakness?
Your response could include something that may have been a challenge in the past, but which you have taken steps to rectify. It is important to be truthful; they will be testing your honesty. In addition, they will be checking to see if you provide a weakness that is critical to success in the position. For example, the interview will end quickly if you answer that you have a difficult time managing the classroom or controlling students. Make sure you don’t say you have trouble with a subject area (such as math) or that you have a tough time relating to parents. The key to answering the question is to either choose something irrelevant to success in the position or turn a negative into a positive.
I don't suggest using the traditional, "I'm a perfectionist," as it is often overused, and sounds phony. It is also important not to get defensive and try to justify why you are weak in a particular subject area, such as social studies. This will make a bad impression, because it may be relevant to the position that you are seeking. Whatever you decide to use, ensure it is not one of the key skills of the position you are seeking. In other words, don't pinpoint classroom discipline and/management or a subject area.
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Think of this question as an opportunity to sell yourself. Here is an example: You wouldn't say, "I have a difficult time organizing my day." Instead, rephrase the answer by saying, "There are many creative activities I plan for my students and class time is limited, so it is difficult to finish all the activities that I would like my students to experience each day. Over time, I have learned to prioritize the lessons that are the most important to enhance student learning. I now realize that I can't do everything I would like to do in a day."
The above example shows you are excited about designing new and creative lessons for your students. In their mind, this is not a negative. It will position you closer to getting a job offer. Whatever you choose, make sure you let the panel know your plan to either rectify the weakness or that you have already done so.
Question 4
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
Try to make your response to this question as personal and as sincere as possible. Maybe you will need to spend some time thinking to figure out the real answer to this question. It could help you in self-cognition. The commission wants to know your motivation for teaching, if you and others believe that you have talent as a teacher, and how you discovered your passion.
I’m sure we are all aware that being a teacher means more than just doing a job and that, in order to be a good teacher, you need passion and commitment for facilitating growth in your students.
Your answer should burst with enthusiasm, tell about your passion for excellence in helping people, and how you realized you wanted to be and would be a good teacher.
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
Question 5
Why do you want to work for our school district?
With this question, the interviewers are assessing if you know for sure why you want a position in this particular institution/school district. Do you have arguments to support your claim that this is the right place for you, or did you simply apply for the opening because you needed a job and saw an opportunity?
Preparation and research is imperative to successfully answer this question. In order to formulate a good answer, you need to do some research on the school, its students, teachers, vision and Mission Statement, educational goals and objectives, unique characteristics, and its achievement levels. Address them as you answer this question, referring to your unique abilities and experience to convince the panel of the value you would bring to the school.
Provide a few reasons why you're interested in the school or district, and explain what in particular sparked your interest. What is your personal experience with the school or district? What do you know about its student body, faculty members, industry reputation, community involvement, educational goals and objectives, upcoming initiatives, demographics, or extracurricular activities? This information will help you to accurately respond to the question. The word accurate is important -- don't answer the question using old information.
The interviewer is looking for evidence that you really know why you want to work there or if you just sent out applications and hoped for the best. This research will also help immensely when answering other questions throughout the interview, so plan to dedicate some time and energy to doing this homework. Effective research will help to tailor your answers to the question above as well as many others. Preparation and honesty are the keys to a successful answer.
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Question 6
What can you contribute to our school community/teaching team?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
I am the type of teacher who shares with my peers the classroom experiences that I have had, whether good or bad. I do this because I believe that this is the best way for me and other teachers to improve our teaching. In this way, I get to share with them the best of my skills and, in return, they share with me the best of their skills. I also find that this is a very good way to learn how to handle situations that are difficult or unusual. The feeling of not being alone, but being part of a team of teachers, is what I can bring to the school. This will help build morale and a great work environment.
Question 7
Why should I hire you over the other candidates?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
You should hire me because you will get only the best from me. I am very passionate about teaching. For me, the opportunity to teach and share my knowledge with young people is a reward in itself. I find joy in seeing my students' pleasure when they discover new knowledge and learn new skills. Because I enjoy what I do, I always come to class well-prepared with my lessons and tools ready to go.
I will give you the best of myself, and I never will get tired of it. Positive energy and passion are what I bring to my classes, which makes me very capable of bringing out the best in my
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students. You should hire me because I am a perfect candidate to help you realize your goal of providing the best education possible for your students.
Question 8
What do you most enjoy/dislike about teaching?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
I most enjoy watching my students learn new skills and gain new knowledge. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a student grasp new information or overcome an obstacle. Also, knowing that I had a hand in helping a child succeed, whether it is academically, emotionally, or socially is also very rewarding.
As much as I love teaching, if I had to choose something I dislike it would be that I only get to teach my students for one year. Especially when it comes to struggling students, I may see some major improvements in them near the end of the year, but then I have to say goodbye and then just hope that they continue on this positive path. Although it is exciting in September when I get a whole new group of students, it is sad to see my old class leave.
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
Question 9
Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I observed your class?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
What I most enjoy about teaching is hearing my students explain, in their own words, what they learned in a particular lesson and watching them enjoy participating in a lesson. When you observe my class, you will see that I get my students engaged in our discussions and activities. You will see that my students actively participate in each lesson. I make sure that all of them have a chance to speak, express their thoughts, and share them with the class.
I enjoy how their faces brighten every time I recognize their efforts to learn by saying, “Very good,” “That’s a great idea,” “Good job,” and other encouraging phrases. At the end of the lesson, you will hear the students explain what they have learned. Most of all, you'll know that I enjoy teaching by the fact that the children in my class look happy because my passion for learning is infectious.
Question 10
Please describe your most challenging experience, either academic or professional and your response to that experience.
The purpose of this question is to find out what you consider as ‘challenging’, whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving and how you respond to and overcome hardship. In order to show yourself in a positive light, select a difficult work situation which was not caused by you, and which you can quickly explain in a few sentences. Explain how you
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defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did, and what the outcome was. And try to always end on a positive note.
Try to remember some of the difficult/hard work situations that you have experienced. There can be any number and different types of cases, most probably:
It might have been any delicate issue with co-workers, a student, a parent, or a serious distinct challenge with a project.
Every school wants an experienced person who is able to rise above complex situations. Therefore, make it a point to describe a professional situation in which you utilized your strong personal and professional skills.
A past challenging experience can be any different job role, new responsibility, different job opportunity, career change or even a new position.
For example, if you were promoted to lead and manage your grade team, it is definitely considered a challenging professional experience. Another example is managing changes in the workplace as it requires using external information and utilizing different resources.
In most cases, the interviewer wishes to observe learning agility (i.e. quick learning ability) and the ability to adjust to changes (i.e. tolerance skills) - These two factors can be the most important deciding factors for candidate selections.
Therefore, first, decide which of the toughest experiences in your work life you wish to discuss. There are several factors that classify the gravity of the experience, so it would be wise to select a valuable one. Here’s how to structure your answer:
1. Address the experience that you’d like to talk about.
2. Explain why it was challenging for you and the goals you set to achieve it.
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3. Use action words to tell how you planned, initiated, originated, established, decided, thought, listened, guided, coached, led, motivated, developed etc etc. to achieve the above goals.
4. Finally, analyze the results, explaining the lessons you learned.
Also, you should be expressive enough to report if you handled it alone and/or whether you required assistance from others, because the answer can be cross examined by follow up questions.
Receiving assistance from others is absolutely OK as it shows that you know how to communicate with people, use their strengths and knowledge to your benefit, and that you are able to work effectively in a team environment.
Question 11
What did you find to be the most difficult aspect of student (intern) teaching?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
For me, the most difficult part of student teaching is the limited contact hours with students within one class period (or day). When I teach, I have so much information that I would like to impart to my students that time flies by too fast. I always go to my classes full of energy and armed with lessons which I believe will stimulate curiosity and spark understanding and new insights in my students. There is so much information that I need to present for them to have a comprehensive understanding of a concept. My challenge is to make sure that I structure my lessons so effectively that learning takes place in one class period (or day). So I plan ahead to maximize every minute of my class period (or day).
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
Question 12
What would your master teacher or cooperating teacher say about you?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
My master teacher would say that I am incredibly energetic about teaching because I love what I do! She would say that I am the type of person who also goes the extra mile to help my students learn and comprehend their lessons regardless of their abilities. She would say that I also try to teach values that are important in life, including the value of discipline.
Question 13
Think of a time when you received critical feedback. Describe the feedback that you received and how this changed your behavior, actions, performance, etc.
Interviewers ask this question to determine how well you respond to critical feedback, and if you are able to adopt suggestions to improve your performance and grow from the feedback. When answering this question, try to use an example that does not paint you in a negative light, or may make a potential employer think you are ill equipped to perform your duties as a teacher.
Critical feedback is often purely negative versus constructive feedback which provides you with both positive and negative aspects of your performance, making critical feedback much harder to receive. Interviewers want to see that you receive critical feedback without being combative, argumentative or defensive regardless of whether or not it is justified. So, in order to not come across as any of these, pick an instance where the
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feedback was indeed justified and in which you adopted the feedback to improve your performance.
I would recommend using an example from your student teaching, as this is a time when you receive lots of feedback and when you are still learning and perfecting your teaching skills. For instance, if your cooperating teacher has given you critical feedback regarding your classroom management skills, describe for your interviewer what happened, what your cooperating teacher said to you about how you handled the situation, and how this feedback helped you improve your skills in this area.
Here is an example response:
“While I was student teaching in a fourth grade classroom, I received negative feedback from my cooperating teacher regarding classroom management. She told me that my classroom management strategy was lacking. Upon receiving this feedback, I asked her to explain what she meant and what areas specifically I needed to work on. She then told me that I was struggling with some students because I failed to clearly communicate my classroom rules and guidelines to my students. She said that this resulted in students not knowing what was expected of them, and therefore they wanted to constantly test the boundaries. Once I gained a full understanding of what my cooperating teacher was telling me in her feedback, I was then able to implement her suggestions and change my approach to classroom management. This resulted in me working with my class to come up with classroom rules and expectations that we all agreed upon. I then posted the list up in the classroom for everyone to see. This resulted in everyone being clear about what was expected of them and when students misbehaved, they understood that it would result in a consequence.”
Question 14
What grade to you prefer to teach and why?
Nowadays, anyone with a teaching certification can choose to work almost anywhere in the world and teach any grade level,
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from preschool to post-college. It is only natural that before assigning you to a position, your employer will ask you this question. They will try to assign you to the grade level(s) you prefer. If you really want a job in their institution, try to make your answer sound as if you know the age groups for which you are best suited, but are ready to take on other challenges as well.
Here’s an example of a person who is proving his or her flexibility:
I definitely love teaching third grade, but I've never taught anything lower, so I can't make a comparison. I love third graders because of their independence and their openness to learning. I would like to explore teaching various elementary levels because I believe that teaching grades one through six is a fun way to be creative and inspire young learners to succeed and be proud. So, while I would enjoy third grade, I am also very open to teaching any grade between grade one and six.
Question 15
What would best depict the characteristics of middle school students?
Middle school learners are qualitatively different than younger learners. Early adolescents are in a particularly difficult stage of development. They begin to look at themselves, they begin to create, to seek their own self image, to try new behaviours, and to wonder.
Students at this age are sensitive. They seem mature, but often lack the experiences to understand the changes they are encountering. Many find it difficult to cope. They worry about their ability to learn and keep up. They are torn between the desire for independence and the desire to please adults.
By this stage, most students have begun developing the ability to understand symbolic ideas and abstract concepts. Piaget observed that most children in this age group operate on the
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concrete level of intellectual development. At this level, children only see black/white issues, not shades of grey like adults do. Children have a strong sense of justice and abstract concepts may be discussed, but are less often understood.
Generally speaking, most students share the following characteristics:
1. Curious and willing to learn things they consider useful
2. Enjoy solving "real-life" problems
3. Focused on themselves and how they are perceived by their peers
4. Resist adult authority and assert independence
5. Beginning to think critically
Middle School Social Development
Most middle schoolers experience conflicting values due to their changing roles within their family structure and the increasing influence of peers. Generally speaking, most students share the following characteristics:
1. Need to feel part of a peer group, consisting of boys and girls, and are influenced by peer pressure, peer approval and conformity to their group
2. Prefer active over passive learning activities that involve working with their peers
3. Need frequent physical activity and movement
4. Need adult support, guidance, and calm direction
Question 16
What subject do you most like to teach and why?
You should speak passionately and enthusiastically about teaching students your favorite subject. The panel is exploring
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your passion about the subject, your self-awareness, and your flexibility in enjoying teaching other subjects as well.
Be natural and stay connected to the subject you like to teach; use strong arguments. In addition, state your flexibility about teaching domains that are related, if possible. That will show the panel that you want a job and that you are a good team player.
Here’s an example:
I love the subject area of communications. As you can see in my CV, my major was communications, speech, debate, and theater. My minor was in English. I have taught mostly English for 35 years. However, every year I have had a speech and debate class and one or two theater classes. My major and minor go together perfectly and I love both subjects.
I can enthusiastically merge communications and English anytime because I am fond of that “eureka” moment that students have when they discover knowledge that I’ve led them to. I love the moment when they connect the dots, when they become genuinely aware of the joy of learning and are excited to find a context in which to apply their knowledge.
Question 17
Why are you interested in teaching in an urban environment? How have you demonstrated this interest in the past?
Schools in large urban centers are places where teachers are faced with a plethora of challenges that range from poverty, violence, cultural diversity and a multitude of languages. Successful teaching in these low-income, urban, multicultural schools is different from teaching in suburban settings, which have more homogeneous student populations, more parental support and more stable student populations.
Students in urban schools need dedicated teachers who respect children and youth, who actually believe they can and will learn if properly taught, and who understand the types of homes and
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cultures from which the children come. Minority students need teachers who inspire them, who have rapport with them, who have high expectations of them, and who can provide students with supportive environments which bolster their confidence. These teachers need to be able to communicate with the parents, to modify the curriculum where needed, and to have the skills and the time to talk with students about life and its problems.
If you are applying to teach in an urban environment, then you need to want to teach in such an environment. This is your chance to show your passion for making a difference in the lives of students who most need it. You can also tie your career goals into your answer, if this applies.
As far as demonstrating your interest in urban teaching in the past, if you have related teaching experiences in urban environments, this would be the place to describe those experiences and what you accomplished with those student bodies. As well, if you have demonstrated a commitment to urban issues through volunteer initiatives and community activities then describe those as well, as these experiences will point to your commitment to and enthusiasm about these issues.
Question 18
Are you a good listener? If so, how can I tell?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
Yes, I am a good listener. You can tell by the way I listen carefully when others speak and communicate with the people around me: my students, colleagues, administration, parents, and staff members. I smile all the time and share my positive attitude towards life with others. I naturally seem to know the right thing to say and when to say it. My ability to do this is based on the fact that I listen carefully to the thoughts
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expressed by the people around me, both verbal and non-verbal messages. Understanding those messages and empathizing with what others feel is one of my strengths. I try to listen twice as much as I speak.
Question 19
Are you a flexible teacher? If so, explain how.
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
Yes I am a flexible teacher. I can deal very effectively with people and students from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups. In teaching, I am completely aware that students have different learning rates and styles. Some are fast learners and some are slow learners, some learn best in an auditory manner, others through actions or visual media. Still others have specific learning disabilities. I am flexible in the sense that I address these differences and make it a point to respond to their different needs.
In my teaching, I make use of different learning strategies so that my instruction will be interesting and motivating to students. I use lecture, discussion, hands-on activities, cooperative learning, projects, manipulatives, role playing, debates, reports, technology, and others. (Choose the ones appropriate to the subject and/or grade for which you are applying.)
Question 20
Are you a good team player? If so, how can I tell?
It is important that the response you give to the job interview question is truthful, relevant to the position, and shows value to
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
the school district. The following could be a possible answer... or it may provide some ideas for you to tailor your response:
I am a very good team player simply because I always want to help others. As a member of a team or an organization, I see the strengths and weaknesses of the other members of the team. I encourage people who are good at something to continue doing what they do best. I do this by recognizing their strengths and abilities and telling them that I appreciate what they do. For example, if a co-teacher wins an excellence award in teaching, I would genuinely congratulate her and ask her for help and advice. I would encourage other teachers to collaborate with the teacher who won the award in initiating discussions about best practices in teaching. I love to collaborate with others to learn and share in the process of improving our teaching abilities. In the end, the goal is to create a team of teachers supporting each other in being the best teachers possible.
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Candace Davies CARW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP http://resumes-for-teachers.com Toll-free: 1-877-738-8052 International / Local: (780) 513-0010 Email: [email protected]
Dual Certified Professional Resume Writer Certified Employment Interview Professional Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC) ===================================
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." Henry David Thoreau
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A+ Principals’ Interview Edge – contains 101 specific interview questions and potential answers to prepare you for your next interview as a principal/administrator. This book is for you if you’re a principal/assistant principal looking for an administrator position or a teacher wanting to make the big leap. http://resumes-for-teachers.com/Principals-Interview-Edge.php
101 A+ Teacher or Administrator Job Search Tips – will help you unlock the secrets to a successful job search in the education industry. These straight forward tips will greatly increase your odds of landing your dream teaching job. I guarantee you will increase your chances of success in your education job search by putting these tips into action.
http://resumes-for-teachers.com/Teaching-Job-Search-Tips.php
101 A+ Classroom Management Tips – will help manage everything from the classroom organization to student and parent relationships. This resource will help overcome interview questions about classroom and discipline management. It’s a multi-purpose book; use it in the classroom and before a job interview. http://resumes-for-teachers.com/Classroom-Management-Tips.php
101 A+ Teaching Tips and Techniques offers 101 of the most effective teaching tips that you can use to advance your teaching career... imagine having the knowledge to make yourself the most effective teacher you can be! Find out more about 101 A+ Teaching Tips and Techniques. http://resumes-for-teachers.com/Teaching-Tips-and-Techniques.php
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A+ Resumes for Teachers – (http://resumes-for-teachers.com) - Brings You A+ Teachers Interview Edge
101 A+ Education Job Interview Tips – contains 101 tips and tricks to help you ace your job interview, stand out above the competition, and be one step closer to landing your dream job in the education field. The job interview is the most crucial step to landing your dream job, so follow these steps to ensure you have the opportunity to shine! http://resumes-for-teachers.com/Education-Job-Interview-Tips.php
101 A+ Resume and Cover Letter Writing Tips – contains 101 tips and tricks to create the perfect teacher or administrator resume and cover letter. First impressions count – either you secure an interview or you don’t – it’s that simple. This e-book will give you a competitive edge and teach you the secrets of writing an education focused resume and cover letter that will get results. http://resumes-for-teachers.com/Teacher-Resume-Writing-Tips.php
45 A+ Ways to Connect With Students Promote excellence in learning and your teaching career. Students will enjoy being in your classroom. This will also help you with your next job performance review. Find out more about 45 A+ Ways to Connect With Students. http://resumes-for-teachers.com/Integrate-Technology-in-Classroom.php
50 Ways to Integrate Technology in the Classroom - not only do you gain great, in depth tips and techniques to help you enhance the learning experience, but will help you to become adept at using a multitude of effective and cutting-edge modern teaching methods. If you've always wanted to implement more technology-based activities and methods but don't know how to go about it, this comprehensive, yet easy to understand, ebook will be a useful resource.
http://www.resumes-for-teachers.com/Integrate-Technology-in-Classroom.php
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