X post - Teachers - interview questions

Looking for any interview questions you may have been asked or one should be ready for. Special Ed/elementary

Also, do people bring portfolios anymore?

interview questions

Re: X post - Teachers - interview questions

My sister is dual certified special education and reading. She has been a teacher for thirteen years, she is the senior in her department so when they interview new people she is often in on the interview and hiring process. She said...

As far as portfolios yes most still do and it's well received. The people interviewing may not always look at it or all of it but do bring it. She said that many people bring it and refer to it -- which is helpful. And it could be a good and helpful tool if you get caught up - for reference.

Of course, they will ask about the common core. How are you going to implement it? Can you tell me a lesson, example, you would do using the common core? The standards - know them. How would you implement the standards?

And they always ask about differentiation and differentiated learning. How would you differentiate for certain students? Stuff like that.

She said if you would be working with Autistic children they are going to ask about that and experience with that and IEP's -- that stuff. So, know about IEP's.

That's the basic stuff.

Often they ask about the school district itself and if you have any questions or something along those lines. It helps to review the school district's website and notice some of the things on the site that they do or have going on --- especially if it pertains to the area you teach. So, a lot of times they'll say something about, are you familiar with the school district and if you say, well, I noticed that you do an event each year for students that... WHATEVER... and I found it very interesting and I would love to get involved with that, etc. Some crap like that lol. They like to know that you have knowledge about the school, community, area, etc.

She said her director always looks for someone who is confident, outgoing, positive, and can handle things themselves -- I mean, of course, sometimes you will need to go above you for assistance but the idea is that you have the confidence to not "bother" the upper people - director, AP, etc. with every little everything - only when it needs to be. Her director, she said, and the AP and principals always look for that -- independence and assertiveness to handle shit, I guess.

Hope that helps!!

Re: X post - Teachers - interview questions

Amazing information! Thank you!!

Re: X post - Teachers - interview questions

In addition to the above, they will most likely ask you a question about communication with parents. How do you communicate with them and what would you do if you had a problem parent? That's a biggie.
Also, how will you handle problem behaviors?
What would you do to develop a behavior plan?
How do you collect data?
How do you write IEP goals?
How do you write reports for standardized testing?
What do you consider your greatest achievement in teaching thus far?
What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself as an educator?
How will you help your students with IEPs meet the challenges of the Common Core?

I've asked all of these questions on interview committees. Be positive, be confident and make sure your answers are not too long nor too short. Answer the question, then give one or two specific examples from your teaching. Make the committee laugh if you can so they remember your personality. Also (not saying you wouldn't) but dress professionally. I have been around administrators who have commented on interviewees outfits after an interview so it does matter.

Good luck!!

Message edited 6/10/2015 8:58:33 PM.

Re: X post - Teachers - interview questions

Why should we hire YOU over the other 300 people who applied for this job?

I got this question at my first interview and was completely stumped. I never went to another interview not having an answer prepared. Good luck!

Re: X post - Teachers - interview questions

Thank you!!! Teachergal- thanks so much for all those questions! Very helpful!

X post - Teachers - interview questions

I sit on the interview panel as a parent rep for my district. We are doing special ed teachers right now. The big questions are everything mentioned above, common core, how to differentiate materials, communication and dealing with parents, behavior plans. They also ask about professional development and courses that you have enjoyed as well as any publications you read or have read recently. Make sure you review the district's website and know what type of special ed services they offer. Not knowing the district and services is almost an immediate cross off. Also have a couple of questions ready to ask the panel. Even if they are questions you already know the answer too. Good luck!

Re: X post - Teachers - interview questions

Posted by MrsProfessor

Why should we hire YOU over the other 300 people who applied for this job?

I got this question at my first interview and was completely stumped. I never went to another interview not having an answer prepared. Good luck!

Re: X post - Teachers - interview questions

These are all great! I appreciate it! Thanks again!

X post - Teachers - interview questions

SLPrunner I got the same first Q last week.