Job interview - what will they ask me?

Question

teaching job

what are the buzzwords i should use and what are the standard q's that they will ask?

Answer 1

I would also be prepared to tell them about a classroom management technique, challenges you've had with lessons, I always bring sample lesson plans that I can show them should they ask, and I give them the samples even when they don't ask for it.  

"Buzzwords" you might want to consider.  Differentiation in your teaching to reach students who might have special needs (reading level is low, they don't speak english as a first language, etc...)  Something involving multiple intelligences and how you teach to different students, which is why I find it helpful to have lesson plans with me.  Standards, everything is standards based now, so how do you meet the state standards with the things that you teach?  Cross curricular work.  How can you bring other subjects relevance through your class, some subjects that is easier than others.  Hope it goes well!!

Answer 2

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Where do you want to be in 5 years?

Why do you want this job?

Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?

Tell me about a situation when you had a conflict with a coworker (or customer or student).  How did you handle it?

Answer 3

What do you think are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Why do you want to be a teacher?

What made you apply to this school?

What do you think is the most important quality to have as a teacher?

And they may give you a scenario and ask what would you do in that situation.

EDIT: don't think in terms of 'buzzwords' just be yourself, answer honestly and openly.

Answer 4

They always ask about strengths and weaknesses.  You will be asked about the changes to the curriculum and how you see yourself fitting into the school.  You might be asked where you see yourself in 5 years time and about your teaching experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly (lol)

Always have two questions ready to ask them at the end of the interview, eg what induction package have they put together and who you will be working closely with as your mentor.

Answer 5

Heheh, at our school we're being trained to interview teachers. Another teacher will watch while we ask them questions we devised along with standard ones. It shows how good they are at dealing with teenagers/kids and also makes them feel slightly more relaxed and not as interrogated

Answer 6

They will almost certainly ask you to discuss a lesson or series of lessons you have taught which have been sucessful. They will be looking for you to be able to identify elements which should be present in a good lesson. Think about this carefully.

Buzzwords.

AfL

ECM are ones they constantly go on about at my school

THat's assessment for learning and every child matters btw

good luck, let us know how you get on

Answer 7

Assessment - particularly assessment for learning

Every Child Matters Agenda

EAL - if the school is in that sort of area

Involving Parents

Planning

Excellence and Enjoyment

Make sure you read up on all these things and with every answer GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU HAVE USED IT IN YOUR PRACTICE.

If it's primary, they always ask me about how I organise my classroom (think groups, displays, space)

Be careful with the weaknesses question - plan beforehand your answers, thinking about which areas you would like to develop.  I usually say "I haven't taught Reception for a long time, and I would like more training on the EYFS."

Answer 8

In a teaching interview, you absolutely need to know the "buzz words" for the district.  Many districts conduct interviews using a point system, and using the buzz words will gain more points.  Do a little research and find out what they are pushing right now.  You may find that they are into technology integration, Dibels, conceptual math/science instruction, etc.  Research them and be prepared to demonstrate how you would incorporate them into a lesson.

Standard questions can include:

1.  Tell us about yourself.

2.  Why do you want to be a teacher?

3.  Describe your ideal classroom environment - not just physical environment.

4.  How do you teach reading? (or any other subject, but I heard this one the most)

5.  How do you communicate with parents?

6.  How do you correct/prevent behavioral issues?

Try to use as many specific examples as you can of how you have accomplished what they ask.  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 9

They will ask about yourself, your longterm and short-term goals, your achievements, expected salary and some general questions. Be confident and honest while replying. Best of luck.

Answer 10

Also don't forget SEAL and PLTS - all about Personalised Learning Agenda.

Brush up on the 14-19 agenda as well.

Read the school's OfSTED report.  THey may ask how you could help improve the school and you wouldn't want to improve a strength.

Also try not to answer with "I would.."  Your answers should be "I have.." followed by examples of what you did and what success you had.

If you have to teach a lesson, they will propably ask you questions about the lesson.  Such as strenghts / weaknesses, how the lesson would fit in a scheme of work etc

Also, on the tour of the school.  Make sure you are always at the front and ask as many questions as you can.  Plus read up on the school so you can answer other candidates questions as well.  It may make you look a "suck-up" but in my experience these "suck ups" get 99.9% of the jobs.  It shows commitment to the school and an enthusiasm.