What are your goals in education?

Q:   What are your goals in education?  Where do you see yourself five years from now?  How does this position fit into your career plans?

A:   First, I want to be the best teacher possible.  To do that, I’ve set three primary goals for myself.  I’d like a position that challenges me; one where I can continue to grow and develop as a teacher.  Second, I’d like to be a positive influence in the lives of children at both the cognitive and affective level.  Third, I’d like to include the community in the total education of children.  Based on what I have learned so far, I believe Running Brook Elementary School offers me the best opportunity to accomplish those goals.  I would hope to be here for many years – growing, learning, and contributing right alongside my students.

            You can always count on being asked this question in an interview.  The interviewer wants some assurance that you plan to stay in the school/district for an extended period of time.  This is also a great opportunity to answer the always unasked question (see "The Most Important Question" in an earlier post) since your permanence in the school/district will relieve the principal of one more responsibility – hiring another teacher.  In short, the principal wants to know if you plan to stay in the position over the long haul and if you’ve given thought to the future beyond your first year of teaching.