Job Interview Questions for Elementary School Teachers
Elementary school teachers have to be everything to everybody. They act as surrogate mothers, nurses, counselors, babysitters, and, yes, teachers. In education elementary school teachers are considered the hardest working people in education. They rarely have minute for themselves. Therefore, principals are faced with many difficulties when they interview potential teachers. Especially when the teacher is a first year prospect, the principal has even more problems. He has to decide if this first year teacher is ready to teach and if she will fit with the school’s educational goals.
When a teacher is right out of college and ready to dive into teaching elementary school children, she may interview with many schools and school systems. The interview process is often frightening and unpleasant because the applicant has no idea what she will be asked. There is really no way to predict exactly what questions will be asked, but there are some general questions that most any principal will ask.
Practicing the interview process is a great idea. If you have a friend or relative who is a teacher, he/she will make a perfect helper. If no such person exists, ask any friend to help. Provide the helper with some mock questions and spend as much time as possible working on your interview skills.
An elementary school teacher must show that she is upbeat, has an outgoing personality, and knows her subject matter. Obviously, she must love children. Otherwise the teaching experience will be horrific for both the teacher and her students. The problem is how to ascertain if the applicant has these skills.
During the interview process, you should smile as much as possible. Don’t act like a dope or a crazy person, but a bright smile indicates a happy person. Even if you are scared, try not to show it or your application will go into the trash. Also, try to act confident and straightforward. Be a person who seems assertive but not too much. Strive for a balance.
As to questions, there are many standard questions. Be ready to answer why you decided to become an elementary student. Another good question is why you want to teach at this particular school. If you have done your homework, and yes, you should, you will know some information about the school. Showing that you are familiar with the school always helps to show you are a go getter. Principals love people who seem prepared. If you have any friend who teaches at the school or know a person with students at the school, mention them as you praise the school. Don’t overdo or you will look like a suck up. Rarely will this help you get a job.
Sometimes, particularly in the lower grades, you might be asked to read a story because this skill is very important in the early educational years. You might even bring a favorite children’s book just in case. Practice reading the book giving each character a voice. Ham it up when you read because the principal will be impressed and appreciate your personality.
Job interview questions for elementary school teachers vary from principal to principal. There is no way to predict all of the questions that will be asked. Before the interview, do your homework, practice mock interviews, and put your best foot forward. Good luck. Teaching is one of the most difficult jobs on the planet; proving yourself in the interview is only half he battle. Once you get the job, the real work begins.
