Sample Interview Questions
Students are encouraged to book an advising appointment for a mock interview to prepare for interviews, but you can also use these questions for self-study. With the participation of a friend, they can ask you a sample question, while you answer to practice interviewing.
- Tell me about yourself, especially the experience that has prepared you for this position.
- What personal characteristics are necessary for success in the elementary education profession? Tell me about a time when you demonstrated one of these characteristics in the classroom.
- If we were to ask your supervising teacher what your greatest weakness is as a teacher, what would he/she say is your weakness? In the time that has passed since your practicum, what steps have you taken to mitigate this weakness?
- Describe the components of a good lesson.
- Explain to me how you incorporate differentiated learning into a lesson plan. Do you have an example in your portfolio that includes differentiated instruction and if you used this lesson plan in the classroom and if the strategies were effective?
- Tell me about your experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS). If you provided input on the purchase of an LMS, what feature do you feel is the most important? Why?
- How do you determine or evaluate success? Of students? Of yourself?
- What rules will you establish in your classroom?
- Give me an example of how you have handled a disruptive student.
- What have you found to be the toughest aspect of disciplining a student?
- Explain to me how you have contributed to a school community. Did you carry that practice into your classroom and how?
- Tell me about a student you helped recently.
- What does a student-centered classroom mean to you? Explain to me one of the strategies you have used to create a student-centered classroom.
- What principles do you use to motivate children?
- Give me an example of how you have effectively integrated technology into one of your lessons.
- How do you intend to maintain contact with parents/guardians?
- Tell me about a time when you dealt with a difficult parent/guardian. Why did you consider this person to be "difficult"?
- In this position, you will receive a mid-year evaluation. It is possible that we will suggest that you receive specific training or professional development that you will need to successfully complete before the end of this contract to receive an offer to extend your employment. What would you say to that request, and how would you manage this training on top of your current schedule and duties?
- Do you participate in ATA activities or in the activities of any other professional associations? Which ones and why?
- What are your greatest concerns about your first year with our school jurisdiction?
