1. Why do you want to work for this school and district?
Before you walk into your teacher interview you should know the specific requirements of the teaching job you're applying for and have sufficient information about the school and district. Research the school district's website to understand their goals, philosophy and mission. If the school has its own website learn about any special programs or services it provides.
Find out the demographics of the elementary school and the community it serves. Use social networking sites to try and find out more about the school.
2. How have you used technology to enhance your teaching?
Provide examples of where you have effectively integrated technology into the lesson plan. Use you teacher portfolio to provide evidence of this.
3. What questions do you have for us?
Your interview preparation will help you to draw up a list of good questions to ask in your interview. Be ready with some insightful and meaningful questions.
4. How do you manage discipline in the classroom?
Effective classroom management is critical to learning in the elementary grades. You should be able to clearly articulate your classroom management plan. What practices do you use to minimize behavioral issues? Examples include:
► well-planned lessons that maximize class time
► clear communication of expectations and standards
► consistent enforcement of classroom rules and boundaries
► well established routines
5. How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your lessons?
It is important to know if a lesson is working or not. There are a number of recognized evaluation mechanisms you can highlight. It is important to discuss the steps you take if the lesson has not worked well.
6. What is your classroom management plan?
My general classroom management plan is to make my classroom feel like a home to every student. I want them to feel valued, intelligent, safe, and comfortable. I want them to respect me, the teacher, and each other and to show that respect by treating everyone with kindness and caring. The class environment must be conducive to learning so I welcome everyone's opinions and encourage and respect student differences. I try to understand the expectations of my students and make them aware of my expectations. I always make it a point to clearly communicate my expectations at the beginning of the school year. In this way, I ensure that the students and I are moving toward the same goal - learning for all. I establish firm, but fair and consistent discipline. I try to maintain a regular schedule each day. If the classroom is well-managed and teaching is effective, the participants in this learning environment will learn, grow, and become responsible citizens.
7. What motivates you to be an elementary teacher?
Expect interview questions that explore your personal motivation for the job. Have a convincing answer prepared and present yourself as a dedicated and passionate teacher. Think about all the things that motivate and energize you in the classroom each day. Make a list and formulate a persuasive interview answer.
8. What ways do you assess and evaluate students?
In assessing students, I make use of different methods. I use formal and informal assessment procedures to promote social, academic, and physical development. The usual assessment that I use is written quizzes (case studies, discussions) and examinations. Throughout the semester, I also grade and assess students on their class participation such as recitations, reports, group activities, and seat work. I also assess and grade students based on their completion of assignments and timeliness in submission. I also use authentic/alternative assessments, in which the student shows they can perform a task, such as making a speech or writing a story. I like to use written, oral, and day-to-day assessments.
9. How do you capture and maintain the attention of your students?
Kids in the elementary grades can quickly lose interest and become disengaged during a lesson. Active learning and active listening that ensure the students are thoroughly engaged with the learning materials, the teacher and each other is one way to keep the class involved and focused. Discuss the type of activities you have developed to prevent dead time and to ensure students stay on track.
10. What would your master teacher or cooperating teacher say about you?
My master teacher would say that I am incredibly energetic in 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.
