Interview Questions

Background Information

Please take a few minute and tell us the things about yourself you would like for us to know.
Are you a citizen of the United States?
Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, when, where and what was the disposition of the case?
Please provide the names of any of your relative who already work for this school district.
Please tell me about any states or countries other than the US and Illinois in which you have traveled or lived.

Educational Background

From what high school did you graduate?
From what university did you receive your Bachelor’s Degree?
What was your undergraduate major? Minor?
What was your graduate major?
If applicable, have you done any post Master’s work? If so where? When? How much?

Work and Teaching Experience

Are you or do you anticipate being employed for the coming school year? If yes where?
Have you worked outside of education? If yes, where? Doing what?
Give us a brief overview of your teaching career.
Are there any other relevant work experience you would like to bring to our attention?

Why did you choose education as a profession?
Why did you choose your undergraduate major and minor?
Why would you like to be a teacher in this district?
What do you believe is the primary or most important function of a teacher?
What are your strong points as a educator?
In what areas do you fell the need for self-improvement?
How would your former students describe you?
What, if anything makes you feel that public education in Illinois is on the right track?
What knowledge do you have of the current (insert State here (IL, TX, OK,etc)) State Standards?
What can you do to foster a positive working relationship with your coworkers?
What is your philosophy on discipline? Steps to take? Detentions? Please relate this to the grade level you will be teaching.
Describe your step-by-step process of handling parent complaints. Re: student receives a low grade.
Explain the importance of confidentiality in your position.
What would your plan of action be for communicating with parents during the school year? How many times during the school year do you think formal communication is necessary?
What would you do in the following situations?

While outside in the community, (grocery store, football game, etc.) How would you handle a parent’s request to discuss a school-related issue?
How do you respond to a parent who tells you that your curriculum or activity is a waste of time?
How would you handle negative comments in the community about a colleague?
How would you handle negative comments about yourself from a colleague?

What goals would you like to implement in the classroom in your first year at this school?
What professional activity or accomplishment has given you the most pride?
What experience have you had with any school improvement plan?
What do you feel is the most effective way to communicate with colleagues?
What experience do you have working with community groups and how do you foster a positive relationship with these groups?
What experience have you had with, or what are your thoughts on the “middle school concept”?
Do you have an endorsement(s) in any academic area? If so, what area(s) are they in?
What level of expertise do you have in technology?
Have you had any experience with an aide? If so, describe how you might utilize that person.
Why are you interested in this position?
What strategies would you use to meet the individual needs of student in your classroom?
Describe your classroom environment and how the different components will enhance students’ overall development-academic as well as social.
Describe a reading incentive program you would like to initiate at your grade level.
What other information is important in support of your candidacy for this position?
What questions do you have for use about this position?
Are you still interested in this position? If so would you accept the position if it was offered to you?