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: The applicant's answer to this question will allow you to gauge their understanding of the importance of a quality early education classroom. What are the main components of a quality classroom?
Sample Answer: A quality early education classroom is one that is filled with fun, educational activities that help children develop socially and mentally. The teacher must also be able to communicate with parents and ensure that all children are developing at their own pace.
Question Overview: Teachers have to plan their lessons in advance to ensure that they are covering all the material that is required by the school. The ideal candidate will have a variety of lesson plans that they can use for different subjects and age groups.
Sample Answer: I always plan my lessons in advance and have a variety of lesson plans for each subject. I like to use hands-on activities for math and science while I prefer to use games for English and social studies.
Question Overview: Teachers use a variety of strategies to guide their students. The ideal candidate will have experience using a variety of strategies and will be able to explain how they use them to guide students.
Sample Answer: I always use positive reinforcement to guide my students. I also use a variety of strategies including group work, individual work and hands-on activities.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you a sense of their passion for working with children. What types of activities do they enjoy doing with children?
Sample Answer: I have always loved working with children. I enjoy playing games and reading to them. I also like to help them learn how to read and write.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you what they are looking for in a school and if they are a good fit for your school.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a school with a diverse student population and a staff that is willing to help me grow as a teacher. I would like to work with students who are eager to learn and teachers who are willing to help me succeed.
Question Overview: Children are bound to get restless at some point during the day. The ideal candidate will calmly address the issue and find a way to keep the child from disrupting the class.
Sample Answer: I would first try to calm the child down by asking them to sit down and explain what is bothering them. If they continue to run around, I would have them sit in a chair facing the wall for a few minutes.
Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how creative they are with their lesson plans and what types of activities they prefer to use.
Sample Answer: I enjoy using grouping game-show activities to allow my students to socialize and mentally develop while also being mildly active.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge how well the applicant can work with other teachers. The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to help the school succeed and will be able to provide examples of how they have helped other teachers in the past.
Sample Answer: I have always been a team player and enjoy working with other teachers. I have always been able to help other teachers by providing them with resources that they need for their classroom.
Question Overview: This question will allow you to gauge the applicant's teaching style. What methods do they use to teach their students? What types of activities do they use to keep their class engaged?
Sample Answer: I like to use a variety of methods to teach my students. I like to use games and activities that allow the students to learn in a fun way. I also like to use hands-on activities that help the students learn in a more practical way.
Question Overview: Teachers are required to remain calm and collected in stressful situations. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle stressful situations and how well they remain professional in the classroom.
Sample Answer: I always remain calm in stressful situations. I have a few techniques that I use to help me remain calm such as taking deep breaths and counting to ten.