Teacher

Interviewers will want to hear that you're aware of the challenges in your PGCE, teacher training or NQT year and have the stamina and dedication to cope. Perhaps describe a demanding situation, giving details of how you successfully managed the varying demands. This could be your experience of studying and working at the same time - experience of preparing lessons and managing a teaching caseload would be especially relevant.

A related question is 'what are you bringing to the role of a teacher?'

Don't be modest in putting across your strong points during the interview. You might start with, 'As you can see from my application…' and then lead into a quick rundown of your qualifications and relevant experience. If you haven't already, present your strengths and how you can utilise to enhance education in their school.

Your answer should demonstrate how you achieve effective student management and control. Include aspects such as monitoring, modeling, environmental control and reinforcement. Explain how you are able to adapt your style according to the situation. Provide examples.

I am sure many of you have participated in team-teaching and realize the benefits of this strategy. The interviewer who asks this question wants to discover, if you are flexible, enjoy working in a team environment, have experience in this area, and what your viewpoints are on the subject.

It is always wise to speak about some of the positive aspects of team-teaching, such as:

It is an effective strategy for teaching large groups of students. Encourages teachers to collaborate and generate ideas ... two heads are always better than one! Talk about team-teaching experiences you have had, and the positive results that transpired.

Education is the key for the development of the society and teaching is profession where a continuous learning and sharing of knowledge happens. Personally am a very enthusiastic learner and a good communicator with a strong zeal to do contribute to the society. Hence chose this profession to enlighten the young minds and drive them for a better life.

Communication should always be two way. The teacher delivering the lesson and students listening to it is an old style; the teachers today need to be facilitators. Simple techniques like giving small assignments on the subject, conducting quiz competitions and making presentations on the topics helps students to gain interest on the subject.

This question is to check on how aspiring the individual is rather than just being contended with the current position.

One can say something like - My career goal is to become the head of an educational institute. The experience gained till now gives me a confident feeling that I can achieve my goal in the next 10 years.

You need to give evidence that teaching is your first choice, not a plan B. Tell them about your motivation and aim to show your passion for teaching. Provide good examples from your time in school and the specific teaching elements that you find satisfying. Avoid broad responses such as 'I have always wanted to be a teacher'.

Match the skills you have with those you know the school are looking for, as outlined in the job description or person specification. Key skills looked for in teaching interviews include:

☛ passion for teaching/the subject

☛ good communication and organisation

☛ critical thinking

☛ patience

☛ sense of humour

☛ ability to communicate new ideas and concepts

☛ liking young people.

Draw attention to your assets, however obvious some of the points on this list might seem, by giving great examples of when you have successfully demonstrated them.

Think of evidence before the interview so you are prepared with clear examples of success. Consider taking a few examples of your work, maybe feedback from others or data around student improvement. Don't be shy when talking about where you have improved teaching and learning as this is something your interviewers really want to know about.

This teacher interview question is designed to see how you handle a problem in your classroom. Your answer should highlight your ability to deal immediately with a potential issue in a calm and controlled manner.

Include details about questioning the student to find out the underlying cause of the problem, explaining the negative impact of his/her behavior to the student and coming to an agreed commitment to appropriate behavior in the future.

This question explores your ability to foster motivation in students. Provide a specific example and demonstrate why it worked for this particular student.

Support your answer by describing other instances where you managed to motivate and encourage students using different methods.

Focus on analyzing each situation and developing an understanding of the student's issues, using the most appropriate method and resources to deal with the situation and the outcome.

I have been working with the current institution for the last X years and it has always been a learning experience all the while. But feel that I am entering the comfort zone and hence change is a must to ensure there is some professional development.

Looking for a new and challenging work environment where enhancing my existing skills is a must.

Yes, the performance of the students in the classroom as well as in the examinations help the teachers in assessing them. The categories would be bright, average and below average. The focus would be on average and below average students. Counsel the students during the monthly reviews and understand where they would need extra support and prepare a customized study plan for them. Conduct extra study hours if necessary for those students to clarify their doubts and help them gain confidence.

This kind of question tests the perseverance of a teacher to help his her students to grow as a successful person and drive them with positive attitude on different aspects of life.

Narrate a situation where you had to handle a student with a consistent behavioral problem or disobedience of instructions. How you have counseled both the student and the parents to make the student realize the mistakes committed. Give necessary chance and support to put on the same track which rest of the students are travelling.

Managing and planning time is very important for a teacher to ensure completion of the course of the subject at stipulated time before the academic examinations. Knowing the curriculum at the start and deadlines for both the internal and external assessment, I plan the number of hours for each lesson and strictly execute it. In case of any unforeseen disturbance, the management of the institution always supports in conducting special classes with ultimate goal of completing the syllabus.

This is a crucial question. Don't just describe the lesson, talk about what was successful as well as how it may have gone better. Be prepared with some suggestions of what you would change with hindsight.

Acknowledge that you have just met the pupils and probably don’t know them very well. Before the lesson, ask if you can have a seating plan or list of the pupils' names. Consider the progress of individuals in the lesson and try to remember some of their names if you can, giving the panel some suggestions of what your follow up would be.

Teachers regularly experience various types of disruptive student behavior, from the frustrating but relatively minor problem of talking during class, to more challenging problems, like students confronting the authority of the teacher.

Provide a specific example and in your answer show your ability to have planned ahead for such instances by having measures in place and a clear action plan to deal with serious discipline problems.

Support any disciplinary action you took with reasons as to why it was effective and why you used it. The interviewers are looking for an effective classroom behavior management plan.