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Why do you want to become a teacher?

I wanted to become a teacher to be able to make a positive difference on the future of children. For me, it is great/fulfilling
challenge: stimulating the next generation to become lifelong learners. I have always been grateful to the educational
system for implanting values in me and at this juncture, I feel I should contribute what I have learnt and experienced over the
years. This way I will be paying back and at the same time can fulfill my desire of enhancing the education system.
Clearly, the applicant seems to be concerned about the present educational system and by mentioning the word contribute
he/she states his/her strong sense of motivation and thus, distinguishes his/her candidature from the rest.
Further, the applicant can state and validate his/her basic interest in the job profile. By doing so, he/she will catch the
interviewers attention and the interviewer will understand that the applicant is aware and interested in the nature of the job
profile.

What are some of the methods that you use to discipline the children?
Methods of disciplining children depend on many factors type of child, type of the offense that has been committed, time of
day, time of previous offense and more. Sometimes, the fear of discipline is enough for a child. Such a child does not require
more discipline per se. Others need a heavier hand. I try to work with positive as much as possible, but if pressed to bring
discipline into the picture, I would first begin with assigning after-school work to the child and increase it as the seriousness
of the act increases. If a few such assignments do not help and I think that things are getting out of hand, I would call the
parents and inform them of the scenario in school, and work on a plan. If necessary, we would consult the principal.

) What is your classroom management plan?


My general classroom management plan is to make my classroom feel like a home to every student. I want them to feel valued,
intelligent, safe, and comfortable. I wantthem to respect me, the teacher, and each other and to show that respect by treating
everyone with kindness and caring.The class environment must be conducive to learning so I welcome everyones opinions and
encourage and respect student differences. I try to understand the expectationsof my students and make them aware of my
expectations. I always make it a point to clearly communicate my expectations at the beginning of the school year. In thisway, I
ensure that the students and I are moving toward the same goal learning for all. I establish firm, but fair and consistent discipline. I
try to maintain a regular schedule each day. If the classroom is well-managed and teaching is effective, the participants in this
learning environment will learn, grow, and become responsiblecitizens.

What will you do to modify your teaching to meet the needs of


a gifted student?
A gifted student in the midst of the regular students can be a challenge in terms of addressing his or her particular needs and
capabilities. What I will do is to modify hiswork assignments in expectation or length to fit his abilities. His tasks will require a higher
level of understanding compared to the regular students. During class discussions, I can direct questions to him or her that require

higher-level thinking skills. I also wouldencourage the gifted student to take a leadership role in group work so that his classmates
can emulate and be inspired by him.

What ways do you assess and evaluate students?

In assessing students, I make use of different methods. I use formal and informal assessment procedures to promote social,
academic, and physical development. The usualassessment that I use is written quizzes (case studies, discussions) and
examinations. Throughout the semester, I also grade and assess students on their class participationsuch as recitations, reports,
group activities, and seat work. I also assess and grade students based on their completion of assignments and timeliness in
submission. Ialso use authentic/alternative assessments, in which the student shows they can perform a task, such as making a
speech or writing a story. I like to use written, oral, and day-to-day assessments.

Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I


observed your class?
What I most enjoy in teaching is hearing my students explain, in their own words, what they learned in a particular lesson and
watching them enjoy participating in a lesson. When you observe my class, you will see that I get my students engaged in our
discussions and activities. You will see that my students actively participate in each lesson. I make sure that all of them have a
chance to speak, express their thoughts, and share them with the class. I enjoy how their faces brighten every time I recognize their
efforts to learn by saying, Very good, Thats a great idea, Good job, and other encouraging phrases. At the end of the lesson,
you will hear the students explain what they learned. Most of all, youll know that I enjoy teaching because the children in my class
look happy.

If one of your students wasn't completing


their work, how would you handle it?
Motivation is a big part of teaching, and motivating students who do not complete their work is an integral
part to helping the student achieve success. To address this situation, I would confer with the child to find
out if there is a barrier to completing the work that I can help with. If they dont understand the concept, my
job is to help them understand. If there is some other personal barrier that needs to be addressed, I can
point the child towards the help that they need by consulting with the guidance counselor or other official.
The important thing is to get the child on the right track and to overcome the obstacle that they are facing.

Tip: School districts and interviewers want to see that a teacher is willing to work with students who may be falling behind.
The school districts success and funding are dependent upon student progress and performance. By going the extra mile to
work with struggling children, teachers are doing their part to help the entire district succeed.

What methods do you use to handle


classroom discipline?
Sample Answer: I think that the discipline that is handed out must match the childs age and maturity level
in order for the child to understand why he or she is being punished and to make the punishment fit the
offense. For example, disruptive third graders might receive a timeout or lose recess privileges for the first
couple of offenses and then future offenses might require a visit to the principals office. By developing
ground rules and making those rules understood from the first day of class, my students will know what is
acceptable and what is not. They will also know what disciplinary action will be taken if they dont obey the
rules.

Tip: Again, maintaining control while complying with school districts policies regarding discipline is what he interviewer will
be looking for when judging your response to this question. You may want to use an example of a real situation in which you
have had to discipline a student tin order to show your expertise in this touchy area. Explain in your example why the
discipline was appropriate and why it was effective.

What teaching methods do you use


besides lecturing?
Sample Answer: I have found that there are a plethora of ways to teach other than simply lecturing. I love
to do hands-on activities like experiments and crafts that help to reinforce a concept that I have lectured on.
I also like to take my children on field trips, both real and virtual, in order to take a more in-depth look at the
subjects that we are covering in a particular unit. Learning can be, and should be fun and making it fun
allows me to reach students in ways that I cannot by lecturing.

Tip: School districts are always looking for teachers who employ more than simple lectures when presenting lessons. This
shows the talent of the teacher and that the teacher is willing to put in the extra work that is needed to motivate students to
learn.

If a student kept complaining about an


assignment you gave, how would you
handle it?
Sample Answer: In a situation of this type, I would find out if the student needs extra help or further
clarification on how to do the assignment. I would encourage the student to complete the assignment, and if
necessary, explain to the student why the assignment is important to the unit being presented or the
concept that they need to master. Students will complain about work that they have to do from time to time,
but this is a trait that everyone shares, both young and old. Following through and requiring the student to
complete the assignment, with help if needed, will help to instill responsibility in the student.

Tip: This is a great answer to this question because school districts and interviewers want to hire teachers who not only
plan their lessons well, but who expect students to perform no matter the case. This shows control of the classroom and
effective teaching skills.

If one of your students told you that you


were the worst teacher they have ever had,
how would you respond?
Sample Answer: Being insulted is never fun, and that would definitely sting. I believe that I would
counter their insult by letting the student know that Im sorry they feel that way, and that I am doing my
best to live up to their expectations. I think that dealing with a situation like that would need to be on a caseby-case basis and that my response to the student would be tempered by the type of relationship that I had
with the student and the time and place that the comment was made. I believe that remaining in control and
not losing my temper is the most important thing in instances like this.

Tip: School districts want to see that a teacher is able to handle unruly or rude students, as these types of students are
found in every modern classroom. The interviewer wants to see above all that you can remain calm and in control in the face
of adversity. This is important for maintaining control of the classroom.

How would you deal with an angry parent?


Sample Answer: When dealing with an angry parent, I believe that it is important to remain calm and
reasonable. It just doesn't do any good get all fired up and lose your temper. In my experience, I have
found that by dealing with people in a rational and logical manner it helps to defuse the tension in the
situation. I also think it is really important to always respect other people's points of views, regardless of
what they are, and especially, when talking with a parent who is upset and angry. Parents are naturally
sensitive when it comes to their children, so it is important to try to calm the parent down, listen to what
they have to say, and talk with them through the issue, always keeping their point of view in mind.

Tip: When interviewing applicants, school districts are looking for teachers that are assertive and that are willing to stand up
for what they believe in. Conflict in the classroom is never desirable, and schools want teachers who can get along well with
other people. Yet, they realize that difficult situations and difficult people are likely to be encountered from time to time. A
diplomatic candidate that can avoid being argumentative while respecting the other party is much sought-after.

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