Question Overview: Lead teachers have to discipline children on a regular basis. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle discipline and if they are comfortable with it.
Sample Answer: I always try to discipline my students in a calm manner. I believe that this is the best way to ensure that the student does not become upset and that the situation is resolved quickly.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you an idea of how long they have been working with children and how much experience they have.
Sample Answer: I have been working with children for the past four years. I have worked with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. I have worked in a variety of different schools including private, public and charter schools.
Question Overview: Children will occasionally not listen to their teachers. The ideal candidate will have a plan for how they handle this situation and will remain calm while handling the situation.
Sample Answer: I always try to remain calm when a student is not listening. I will ask the student to repeat what I said and if they do not, I will ask them to leave the room.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will help you determine if they are truly interested in the job. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about the position and the school.
Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work with children and I am very interested in this position. I am very excited about the opportunity to work at a school that has a strong reputation for excellence.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle situations that require them to act quickly and calmly. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with minor injuries and know how to handle the situation in a way that does not cause the child or other students to panic.
Sample Answer: I would first make sure that the child was okay and then I would call for help if needed. I would also make sure that the other children were okay and not frightened by the incident.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle stressful situations. Focus on how they would handle the situation, their communication skills and how they would resolve the issue.
Sample Answer: I would first ask the customer to step outside of the store to discuss the issue. I would then ask them to explain their problem and listen carefully. I would then try to resolve the issue by offering a refund or exchange.
Question Overview: Lead teachers must work with their coteachers to ensure that the classroom runs smoothly. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how well they work with others and how they handle any disagreements that may arise.
Sample Answer: I always communicate with my coteacher before the day begins. We discuss what we plan on doing that day and how we can help each other. I also make sure to check in with my coteacher throughout the day to ensure that we are both on the same page.
Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked in an interview. The applicant's answer will tell you how honest they are and how well they can identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to remain calm in any situation. I am always able to remain patient with students and parents. My biggest weakness is my lack of experience with technology. I am always trying to learn new programs to help me better teach my students.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant is currently employed and if they are, why they would leave. The ideal candidate will have a valid reason for leaving their current job and a plan for what they would do if they were to leave their current job.
Sample Answer: I would have to leave my current job because I am looking for a position with more hours. I have been working part-time for the past year and am looking for a full-time position.
Question Overview: Lead teachers are responsible for handling students in a variety of situations. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle students who are not behaving, how they handle students who are not learning and how they handle students who are not paying attention.
Sample Answer: I always remain calm when a student is misbehaving. I try to figure out why they are acting out and then determine the best way to handle the situation. I have never had a student who did not learn in my class.
Question Overview: A teacher's ability to handle a child who is out of control is essential to the classroom's success. The applicant's answer to this question will give you a better idea of how they handle stressful situations and how well they can remain calm in a tense situation.
Sample Answer: I would first try to calm the child down by asking them to sit down and take a break. If that did not work, I would ask the child to leave the classroom for a few minutes. If the child still did not calm down, I would call their parents and have them come in for a meeting.
Question Overview: Lead teachers must be able to handle any situation that arises in the classroom. The applicant's answer to this question will give you an idea of how they handle a situation when a student is not cooperating.
Sample Answer: I would first ask the student why they are not cooperating. If they do not respond, I would ask them to step outside of the classroom for a few minutes. If they still do not respond, I would have to send them to the principal's office.
Question Overview: Any time a student bites another student, it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle a situation like this and how they deal with the students involved.
Sample Answer: I would first ask the child why they bit the other student. I would then have them apologize and explain that biting is never acceptable. I would then have them sit in the corner for a few minutes to calm down.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you an idea of how they handle situations when another employee is not following the rules. The ideal candidate will not only report the incident but also take the initiative to help the employee understand why they are breaking the rules.
Sample Answer: I would first try to help the employee understand why they are breaking the rules. If they do not change their behavior, I would report the incident to my supervisor.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle situations that they cannot control. It will also reveal how they deal with failure and what they do to overcome it.
Sample Answer: I have given up on trying to understand why my students do not listen to me. I have tried many different techniques and have not found one that works for all my students.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle difficult situations. The ideal candidate will remain calm and use their problem-solving skills to find a solution.
Sample Answer: If I was in a difficult situation, I would first try to remain calm and think of a solution. If I could not find one, I would ask for help from my supervisor or another teacher.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle a situation where a child is injured. The ideal candidate will remain calm and collected while also being honest and open with the parents.
Sample Answer: I would first ask the student what happened and then ask him if he wanted to go to the nurse. I would then call the parents and explain what happened. I would make sure to be honest about what happened and how it impacted the student.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how much research they have done on your school. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of your school's mission and goals.
Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work at your school because I have heard great things about it. I am very passionate about the education you provide and I am excited to be a part of it.