Teaching Position Interview Preparation

Podcast

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Questions and Answers

Why are you interested in the position?

Because I've always wanted to be a teacher. I love what I do and I love working with this population.

How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you?

I'm a passionate, hard-working person who pays attention to detail. I'm always willing to learn something new.

What do you consider to be your areas of strength? And what areas are you still growing and improving?

One of my strengths is teamwork, coming from a sports background. I'm also accountable and complete my work on time. I'm still improving my confidence.

What is something you are passionate about? If you had the opportunity to teach students your passion, how would you do it?

I'm passionate about teaching and art. I would combine the two by using art, visuals, and colors in teaching. Signup and view all the answers

How do you handle stress in the moment, and how do you process stress at home?

I take quick breaks to breathe and calm down. At home, I meditate, listen to music, or color. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself as an EC teacher for Durham School of the Arts and furthering my education by getting my master's degree. Signup and view all the answers

What in your previous experience can you bring to the table to make the DS a self-contained AU team stronger?

I have 7+ years working with students with disabilities and experience in a self-contained special needs school. Signup and view all the answers

Do you have experience lesson planning? What are your strategies for planning instruction to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners?

I have experience making art lessons and I aim to break lessons into different levels for diverse learning paces. Signup and view all the answers

What is your classroom management style? How do you deal with problematic behaviors?

My management style is authoritative, focusing on structure. I address behaviors by finding causes and applying appropriate solutions. Signup and view all the answers

Do you have experience writing IEPs? What do you know about the paperwork involved?

I have some experience writing mock IEPs and extensive experience reading them. I'm willing to learn more. Signup and view all the answers

What are your strategies for budgeting time? Does it bother you if you are unable to immediately finish a task you have just begun?

My strategies are to divide tasks and not procrastinate. It bothers me not to finish immediately but I adapt. Signup and view all the answers

Have you ever worked with individuals who are non-verbal? Do you have any experience with PECS/ASL?

Yes, I have experience working with non-verbal students and using PECS. Signup and view all the answers

Do you have any experience with toilet training? Teaching students to eat independently? Hygiene?

Yes, I have extensive experience with all three in special needs education. Signup and view all the answers

Have you ever worked with individuals who have profound behavioral issues? What are some strategies you use to replace those behaviors?

Yes, I have experience and use ABC charts for data collection and positive reinforcement for behavior management. Signup and view all the answers

Do you have any experience working in the community with students with special needs? Is this something you would be interested in?

I have great experience working with students in the community and I am very interested in continuing that. Signup and view all the answers

Do you have any experience creating a data collection system? What did that look like? What are your strategies for staying on top of data analysis?

I have little experience creating data systems but extensive experience filling them out and staying organized. Signup and view all the answers

What is your communication style?

I have great communication skills and believe communication is key in education. Signup and view all the answers

How do you deliver and receive feedback?

I deliver feedback after school and receive it openly and willingly. Signup and view all the answers

Do you have experience managing other adults? What are your strategies for creating a team atmosphere?

I have experience managing adults and focus on clear expectations and open communication. Signup and view all the answers

How do you plan to develop a relationship with parents coming into the classroom this late in the year?

By establishing open communication and inviting parents to discuss any concerns. Signup and view all the answers

How do you plan to communicate with parents? At what frequency? In what medium (phone, written, email)?

I plan on daily notes, and I’m open to emails and phone calls when necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What are your strategies for creating a team atmosphere in your classroom?

I would promote open communication and hold weekly meetings for expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interview Preparation Notes

Interest in Position: Genuine passion for teaching and engaging with students.
Self-Description: Dedicated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn; others likely see similar traits when they know the individual.
Strengths and Growth Areas: Strengths include teamwork and accountability; currently working on building confidence rooted in a desire for perfection.
Passions in Teaching: Combination of teaching and art; seeks to utilize colorful, visual methods to enhance learning environments.
Stress Management: Employs short breathing exercises during stressful moments; advocates for meditation and creative activities at home, supporting classroom meditation routines.
Future Aspirations: Aims to be an Exceptional Children (EC) teacher while pursuing a master's degree.
Experience with Disabilities: Over 7 years of experience working with students with disabilities, including at a specialized school.
Lesson Planning: Basic experience in lesson planning with strategies to accommodate diverse learning levels; committed to improving skills.
Classroom Management Style: Authoritative management style emphasizing structure and clear expectations; addresses problematic behaviors through data collection and adjusted strategies.
IEP Writing and Paperwork: Limited experience in writing IEPs but extensive experience in reviewing them; willing to expand knowledge.
Time Management Strategies: Utilize a "divide and conquer" approach while avoiding procrastination; balance teaching responsibilities and paperwork.
Experience with Non-Verbal Individuals: Familiarity with non-verbal students and communication methods like PECS.
Toilet Training and Hygiene: Extensive work experience related to teaching essential life skills, including hygiene and independence.
Behavioral Issue Strategies: Use of ABC charts for behavior analysis; emphasizes understanding triggers and positive reinforcement in managing challenging behaviors.
Community Engagement: Strong community work experience with special needs students; passionate about developing programs that promote community engagement.
Data Collection Systems: Some experience with data collection; more knowledge in using structured data sheets with a focus on accessibility for staff.
Communication Style: Values open communication as a key aspect of professional growth and learning.
Feedback Reception: Open to feedback, prefers timely communications; seeks constant improvement through constructive criticism.
Managing Adults: Experience in adult management; focuses on setting clear expectations and fostering a collaborative team atmosphere.
Parent Relationship Development: Plans to establish open communication and address parents' concerns regarding classroom changes; offers opportunities for parents to observe learning.
Parent Communication Frequency and Medium: Regular updates through daily notes, alongside open channels for phone and email correspondence to keep parents informed.
Team Atmosphere Strategies: Advocates for open communication and collaborative feedback mechanisms within the teaching team.

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Description

This quiz focuses on preparing for a teaching position interview, highlighting key areas such as passion for teaching, self-description, strengths, and stress management techniques. It also delves into aspirations for further education and experience with students with disabilities, providing a comprehensive understanding of the qualifications expected in the field.