Primary teaching interview Q's

sharw22

Hi guys,
Just wondering can anyone give me some advice on interview questions?especially on the generic questions that are asked how could you answer those questions differently?
Why do you want to become a teacher?
What classes would you prefer to teach and why? How could you answer this without limiting yourself to one class? Thanks in advance

An Bradán Feasa

sharw22 wrote: »

Hi guys,
Just wondering can anyone give me some advice on interview questions?especially on the generic questions that are asked how could you answer those questions differently?
Why do you want to become a teacher?
What classes would you prefer to teach and why? How could you answer this without limiting yourself to one class? Thanks in advance

Only you can answer that question! Best to give your own reason, not someone else's.

magnus500

sharw22 wrote: »

Hi guys,
Just wondering can anyone give me some advice on interview questions?especially on the generic questions that are asked how could you answer those questions differently?
Why do you want to become a teacher?
What classes would you prefer to teach and why? How could you answer this without limiting yourself to one class? Thanks in advance

With regards to answering the question about which class you could find out which class's they have available and "happen" to mention them. Or could give more general answer like I love teaching at the younger end of the school, that still covers a lot of classes. If there a few jobs going at different levels of the school though just be honest if you do have a preference. The principal interviewing you knows you will be happy just to get a job but if they are filling a few positions it helps them to know if you do have a preference.

byhookorbycrook

I wouldn't suggest mentioning you'd like a particular age group . Class rotation is the usual now, no more teaching say infants for 40 years. Saying you only want a certain class range will make you appear limited and possibly even awkward.

scooby77

99% of interviews will start with "Tell us about yourself " and/or "your career to date". Write this out, get it right, Tús maith...
For Catholic schools you will be asked about the Ethos. Don't forget to mention prayer and Alive-O (you'd be surprised how often it happens!)
Prepare these bankers well, will give you a great start. The rest is guess work!

SamforMayo

With regard to which class you prefer you could say something like -its a difficult question because each class presents a different set of challenges but you enjoy the variety each age group brings and are more than happy to teach any class. You could also elaborate with some of your teaching experience, if there is an obvious gap in your teaching experience like not having experience of senior classes you could address it and say you would embrace the challenge/ new experience etc. If you have extra courses relevant to a particular age mention this as well.
They often ask how you would deal with a difficult child /parent.