1. Tell us what is your greatest strength as Physical education teacher position?
This could be a very simple question if you are prepared for it. You just have to talk about the strengths that you know would be of value to the company.
2. Explain me what kind of "new PE" do you plan on bringing to our District?
I would like to introduce a new type of physical education that increases the amount of technology available to students in order to improve their overall learning experience. Technology is a great way for me to save time as a teacher to further student activity time or create the ability to provide feedback to students on their performance.
3. Explain me what are the top 3 goals of your physical education program?
☛ 1) Students take the skills and abilities learned in physical education class and apply it outside of school and throughout their lives
☛ 2) Students are moderate to physically active at least 50% of the class period
☛ 3) I want to create a positive and encouraging learning environment in which collaboration is emphasized rather than competition and students are able to see and experience success through valid and reliable assessment.
To me this is a dream job. Growing up locally in Wyomissing I've always wanted to live in the area as an adult and this opportunity would be perfect. I've had the fortune of working with Governor Mifflin students at the Intermediate School and High School and I've come to really enjoy both the staff and students in your District. I've worked hard to become the best possible physical education teacher candidate that I can be and will continue to grow and develop as a professional. Just beginning my career, I believe I can be an asset to your school district for a long period of time. I've been fortunate to learn from great professors and teachers and I hope I can be afforded the opportunity to help the next generation to grow, develop and be physically active over their lifetime.
5. Explain me what do you need to work on the most as a PE teacher?
One aspect that I would like to improve on would be my ability to make a class more individualized for students. My goal is for all of my students to take what they have learned in PE class and apply it in their own lives outside of school. I always want to reach as many students as possible individually so that students leave the Elementary School with a foundation of skills and abilities that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
When it comes to discipline of the students, I prefer to get to know the students and form a relationship with all of my students. By developing a relationship and establishing a rapport with the student(s), I can talk to the student about an issue in the event that there is a disciplinary issue. I prefer to reward students for good behavior rather than only punishing those who misbehave. I like to try to get to the bottom of what may be causing the issue rather than just giving the student a punishment. For example, if a student begins arguing with another student during class, I can begin the activity for the rest of the class and call each of the students over individually and talk to them. I would ask them if they are doing ok or if they are having a bad day, and if so I would address the issue that is bothering them or have the school counselor come in if the issue is serious enough. I would emphasize and encourage them to make good decisions about their behavior and being positive with one another. I would make sure that they are aware that I believe that they are not a "bad kid" and I believe in them and think they can make good decisions. By focusing on cooperation in class rather than competition, this can help strengthen the bonds of classmates and result in students being able to bettter work together in the future.
7. Tell us do you prefer teaching at the elementary or secondary level in Physical Education?
I enjoy teaching at both levels. Each level has their own benefits that I very mich enjoy. I think particularly at the Elementary level, I have the benefit of working with a group of very enthusiastic students. It is important to keep students active and engaged in activities in order to optimally benefit the students in the class.
It is important for me as a physical education teacher to be in contact with classroom teachers to get an idea of what students are learning in their classes in order to integrate that into my curriculum.
For example, while at the Intermediate School during student teaching I was able to create a fitness lesson plan that integrated knowledge students had of the geographic locations of states around the United States. Similar to the TV Show "The Amazing Race" students would travel from state to state performing exercises at each state (states were set up as they would be on a map throughout the gymnasium)
The reason why you are asked this question is to hear what you consider difficult and how you approached the situation. Select a difficult work situation, which wasn't caused by you and can be explained in a few sentences. You can then show yourself in a positive light by explaining how you handled the situation.
I am open to the idea of including individuals with disabilities into my classes but I think they would have a greater benefit from having an adapted physical education course. I say this because in an adapted physical education course, this student would have more individual attention and would have activities that are better suited and designed for the student's disability. Depending on the student's disability, a student may benefit from being in a traditional physical education class but it would depend on what would be best for the student according to their IEP.
PE should never be taught in isolation! I like to talk to classroom teachers to find out what their students are interested in, which students especially need a chance to take on leadership roles or get energy out, and what they are studying in class. I can teach sports and games from different periods in history to go along with a social studies curriculum, and I can incorporate counting, measurement and other math concepts into my instruction. I start by listening to what other teachers hope to get out of our collaborative relationship, and I move on from there.
I would include more activities that emphasize physical fitness, including fitness stations to start each class period. By establishing this routine students will immediately be active upon entering the gym while also working to improve their fitness levels at the same time.
I belong to the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD), SHAPE America, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
14. Explain me as Physical education teacher position, how would your co-workers describe you?
Questions such as this one are asked with the aim of getting you to discuss some of your qualities, perhaps hidden that you wouldn't have mentioned if you weren't asked.
“Well, my colleagues will tell you they can count on me. They will tell you that I am a team player and someone they enjoy working with.”
Internet can be a great asset as a physical education teacher because I will be able to bring up video clips, and internet materials to show to students on how to perform an activity while helping to peak student interest.
I think that one way I can reach parents is to encourage an open line of communication as well as send out a publication to introduce myself as well as show parents what their students are learning in physical education class.
While at the Intermediate School I created a pamphlet for parents in the School District as part of an assignment for my Penn State Student Teaching experience. I created a pamphlet that introduced myself, introduce what units the students are performing at the school, explain the importance of physical education and provide opportunities in the community for adults and children to be active in the community.
17. Explain me what would you say are the three major goals of a physical education program?
Of course I think every PE program has multiple goals, but the major ones should be teaching about health and fitness, teaching about collaboration and cooperation, and getting kids moving as much as possible. I want kids to come away from my classes with a good understanding of why it matters to take care of their bodies as well as their minds. I want them to understand why working together can be just as important as competing. Finally, I want kids to spend as much of my class as possible moving and exercising.
Discuss your method of assigning responsibility to the best candidates. How you communicate with employees to make them understand what is expected of them and how you make sure that the employees have the resources needed to carry out specific tasks. You should also chip in your follow-up procedures.
I have a passion for teaching and working with children. Teaching students is incredibly rewarding and something I greatly look forward to providing to my future students. Physical activity in today's society is needed now more than ever and encouraging young students to be active and establishing the foundation for a healthy and active life is a challenge that I look foward to meeting.
Physical education is not the same as recess. Students have skills and abilities that they learn and are assessed on in physical education. As a teacher, I design lesson plan based on State and National Standards aimed at demonstrating the learning taking place in lessons. Aspects of a unit in physical education such as a pre and post test help to exhibit the skills that students learn. Just like any classroom subject (such as math for example) students may enter the addition unit of a math class not knowing how to add numbers together. After learning how to add numbers, students take a post test in which students can show their level of understanding. The same is true for physical education. Students may come into a basketball unit with little to no understanding on how to dribble a basketball. By the end of the unit, students are assessed on their dribbling ability and are able to show their level of understanding through their performance of the skill.
Improved physical fitness, motor skill development, regular physical activity, improved academic performance, self discipline, stress reduction, strengthened peer relationships, improved self confidence and self esteem, ability to set goals
22. Tell us why did you decide you were interested in becoming a PE teacher?
Being a PE teacher helps me work on both of my major passions at once: health and education. I have always loved to exercise, and I've always been really interested in fitness. At the same time, I love spending time with children and helping them learn new things. As a PE teacher, I get to help inspire kids to take care of their bodies, enjoy movement, and learn sports and games. I get to spend my days moving and helping others at the same time.
23. Tell me what tasks do you find most difficult as a teacher?
One of the most difficult aspects of teaching is creating lesson plans that are capable of allowing all students to develop their skills and abilities and be successful despite the variety of ability levels that I will find in my future classes.
I have experience coaching a swim team as well as the girls lacrosse team here at Mifflin and would be opening to other coaching opportunities should they present themselves.
I was the assistant coach at Bellefonte High School for their swim team, which went on to become District 6 champions for the men's team.
I've also been fortunate enough to work with Mrs. Allen here at the High School with the girls lacrosse team and primarily worked with the JV team to improve their skills and abilities to compete for a position on the varsity team. We've been fortunate to have one of the greatest seasons in the history of the lacrosse program (or so I've been told!) and I've really enjoyed working with the girls on the team.
While at the Intermediate School during student teaching I was able to create a fitness lesson plan that integrated knowledge students had of the geographic locations of states around the United States. Similar to the TV Show "The Amazing Race" students would travel from state to state performing exercises at each state (states were set up as they would be on a map throughout the gymnasium)
At the high school during student teaching with Mr. ABC, I was able to incorporate technology through the video analysis of his strength and conditioning class. Using the app "Hudl Technique" I was able to use video analysis to provide feedback to students on their lifting technique. I could slow down video and draw to illustrate the proper technique while verbally describing how to perform each lift. This way students can hear the description for the proper technique while simultaneously seeing a visual to further describe each lift. On my ePortfolio website, I have this illustrated under the teaching tab.
27. Tell us why should we hire you as Physical education teacher position?
This is a very common question that is asked in almost every interview. I love this question because it gives you the opportunity to sell yourself. Discuss what makes you standout from the crowd and show them how you can help advance their company. Remember to be specific. This is where all the company research you have done comes into play. You should have an idea as to why the company is hiring or looking to hire someone for that position. What problem do they have that they are looking for people to help them solve? And once you can establish this, you are to show them how you can solve this problem for them.
28. Tell us why do you want to work for us as Physical education teacher position?
Here, they just want to know how motivated you are about the position or if you are just there for the pay. They want to ascertain that you would form an important part of the company. You have to show them that you are willing to be part of the company and would do all you can to ensure you and the company grows together.
29. Where do you see yourself in 5 years in Physical Education?
Within the next five years I would like to continue to develop as a professional and continue to improve my skills and abilities as a teacher, while also becoming more involved in the school district. For example, I would like to continue to coach and participate in after school activities so that I can continue to work with and benefits the students and their development.
I think that regular assessment and using the Plickers app and cues related to the skills that we learn in class. This way students receive an assessment for each class period and can provide evidence to support their learning.
31. Tell me how would you describe a developmentally appropriate curriculum?
A developmentally appropriate curriculum is one that is based off of the state and national standards for health and physical education. The curriculum needs to be able to help students according to their stage of development. At an elementary level, there is a focus on gross motor skills and basic movements to provide a foundations for more complex skills throughout their schooling. From there I would use scaffolding to build on the knowledge that they already have and are familiar with to continue to develop their physical skills and abilities.
32. Tell us what is your best quality as a PE teacher right now?
I think that my ability to form and maintain positive relationships with students is one of my stronger qualities. Positive relationships with students helps me as a teacher to have the greatest affect on my future students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally as well.
As much as you want to sell your self in a good light, do not make the mistake of exaggerating your current position. Add some of your routine tasks to make it realistic and don't neglect tings like paperwork. Try to be in the interviewers shoes as you answer this question. A job you have been doing for years should be part of you already and as such; you must know all the tasks you undertake. Try to show them that you plan well before you begin work and after you attain your goals, you review the process to see how you could be more efficient.
34. Tell us as Physical education teacher position, what are your weaknesses?
Turn this question into a strength question in disguise. For instance, say something like “I do not like not being challenged at work” or you could mention a weakness that has nothing to do with the job and that you can overcome with training. This way, you end up turning this potentially tricky question into a positive.
35. Explain me what do you expect to be doing 1 and 5 years from now?
In the next year I would like to be teaching health or physical education classes (or both) full time within this school district. I had the unique experience of completing my student teaching placement here in your District and loved being able to work with the students here. I'm from the area and grew up in Wyomissing and it would be wonderful if I was able to find employment here locally to be able to stay around my family.
Within the next five years I would like to continue to develop as a professional and continue to improve my skills and abilities as a teacher, while also becoming more involved in the school district. For example, I would like to continue to coach and participate in after school activities so that I can continue to work with and benefits the students and their development.
