72. What are your goals for professional development?
Any successful career requires the development of professional skills. Recruiters want to know if you have a plan for doing this, and how well you have thought it out.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“At the moment, my professional development is focused on getting more experience in the classroom and as much exposure as possible to different teaching methods. I like to think of myself in this phase of my career as a sponge because I try to absorb as much experience directly from teaching and indirectly from others as possible. I am confident that as my experience grows, my skills as a teacher will grow.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“My main goal is to stay fresh with the latest developments in my subject and in teaching in general. Setting standards and continuously trying to improve also helps. Another thing I do is make sure to participate regularly in continuing education. For example, courses and workshops are a great way to deepen my skills.”
73. How do you stay up-to-date with new skills?
To be an effective teacher, you have to continuously develop your skills. Prospective employers want to know how you do this.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“As a new teacher, it is an exciting stage of my career because so much is new. I think it’s important to continue feeling excited about teaching and to continue actively seeking and embracing new and better ways of teaching. Some teachers may get comfortable with how they do things, but for me, I thrive on discovering different ways of approaching learning because different students respond well to different methods.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I think communication with other teachers and reading publications are important ways to keep up-to-date on teaching techniques and new tools that have come on the market. Talking with other teachers about the latest trends and topics is a great way to help me decide what to try next with my students.”
74. How do you know if a lesson has gone well?
In this question, the interviewer is asking about your personal benchmark for a good lesson, which helps them make a determination about your effectiveness as a teacher. You will need to be able to explain how you know when you’ve successfully educated your students.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I can usually tell if a lesson has gone well by the mood in the classroom. If the students seem to be actively engaged and having a good time, then I have probably done a good job of teaching the lesson.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I would definitely say that class participation is the biggest sign. When students are attentive and and asking thoughtful questions, then I know I’m reaching them. If no one is participating, then something has gone wrong and I work to quickly modify my lesson plan to increase the level of interaction and interest.”
75. How do you plan your lessons? You should have a clearly thought-out step-by-step process for planning lessons. You should answer in a way that explains that you understand how to plan effective lessons and that explains how you do it.
New Teacher Example Answer: “I typically look at lessons from a time-based perspective. I look at how much time I have to teach the material and then break up the material appropriately. I have a checklist of various methods to include in my lesson plans so that I am reaching my various students who learn best in different ways.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“It depends on the type of subject I’m teaching. I’ll first go through the lesson material thoroughly so that I understand it myself. I’ll then divide this material into bite-sized chunks which are small enough for students to absorb. I outline the material in a way that is simple and clear so that each of my students understands. Last, I find one or more places during the lesson to include activities to reinforce the lesson and keep the students engaged.”
76. What is your understanding of the responsibilities of someone in this teaching position?
The purpose of this question is to learn whether you understand what is required for the position. This is why it’s important to do your homework and know exactly what the school is looking for.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“As I understand it, my duties in this position would include planning and delivering lessons, working with students to help them get good grades, and taking part in before-school, after-school and extracurricular activities.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“From what I know of the position, my duties would include maintaining student discipline, assessing my students’ progress, conducting classes, and making certain administrative decisions.”
77. What skills do you think are important for this position?
When answering this question, mention your skills and how you would apply them to the prospective position.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“Patience, clear communication of expectations and with teaching subjects, and adaptability are all critical in creating a classroom environment where students can succeed. It’s also important to make the class feel like a team so that they work together.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“As a teacher, I find that awareness of the dynamics of the classroom and empathy are extremely important for managing the classroom and connecting with students where they happen to be in their lives, from a development, an academic and an emotional level. It is also important to have consistency when managing student behavior, including with things like enforcing discipline. Another important skill is time management.”
78. What unique assets do you bring to our school?
This question isn’t directly related to your qualifications or skills. Instead, interviewers want to know about your personal strengths. Think of one or two things and then tie them back into teaching.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I think my greatest asset is that I’m a passionate learner, which is probably why I became a teacher. I love learning new things and can also pick up and master new skills quickly.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:“Ever since I could remember, people have told me I’m a great listener. I’m enjoy being there for people when they need someone to talk to and helping them if I can. This is a skill that helps me to easily build rapport with students and their parents.”
79. What skills do you need or want to develop?
When answering this question, choose something which many teachers find difficult. Mention that you understand that developing this skill takes time, but that you’re willing to invest the time and effort to do so.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I’m not that great at multi-tasking and can struggle to juggle more than a couple of tasks at once. I know that I need to improve in this area, and am actively working on it.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I don’t know as much about computers and new technology as I would like to know. Because of this, I look for opportunities to learn from others and make sure to read about the latest trends in technology that could help my students learn.”
80. How do you deal with students who don’t turn in assignments or homework?
This is a basic question related to classroom management. Employers want to know how you handle this problem and what your thoughts are on these issues.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I am generally strict when it comes to turning in homework and assignments because I want my students to learn. That said, I have grace with students and give them extra time to complete assignments when there is a good reason.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I have a zero-tolerance policy with homework and assignments. My students need to know that if they don’t turn in homework, there are consequences, just like in the outside world. But they also know that I make exceptions when needed because I care about them and understand that some situations are not within their control.”
81. Do you ever get angry at your students?
As a teacher, it’s important that you don’t develop grudges against students. You have to remain objective and focused on the task at hand.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I don’t get angry at my students, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t get frustrated. I get frustrated by situations that occur and frustrated at myself because I strive to find better ways to manage the classroom. My students are children who are reflections of their parents and what is happening at home. If they are misbehaving, it is not their fault. In those situations, I try extra hard to make time to sit down with them and figure out what is happening so we can work towards a solution.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “Oh no, there is no reason to get angry. Students are growing, developing and learning. They deal with a lot at home, on the playground and in the classroom. If a student is being disruptive, my reaction is empathy and making sure I spend time with the student to connect and figure out what is driving their behavior.”
