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: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle a situation that is out of the ordinary. What do they do to ensure that the child is safe? How do they handle the situation?
Sample Answer: I would immediately remove the child from the table and explain why it is not safe to stand on tables. I would then ask the child why they did it and what they learned from the experience.
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: Children are often very impulsive and can act out in a variety of ways. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle a situation where a child is acting out and how they handle the situation in general.
Sample Answer: I would first ask the child why they bit another student. I would then ask the student who was bitten if they were okay and if they wanted to press charges. I would then call the parents of both students and let them know what happened.