Q: What characteristics make a master teacher?
A: I
believe there are three qualities every outstanding teacher should have. First, he or she should be a constant
learner. They should realize that
education is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Continuous learning is an essential ingredient
in every teacher’s career. Second, they
need to develop a positive partnership with their students. They need to create a classroom that is truly
a “Community of Learners” – one that supports and encourages learners of very
stripe both cognitively and affectively.
And, third, a master teacher must be willing to admit mistakes. Teaching is never a perfect science and we
will all make some mistakes along the way.
Good teachers – just like good students – learn from their mistakes to
become stronger, better, and more accomplished.
I believe I have those three qualities.
The
interviewer wants to know if you are aware of the qualities of outstanding
teachers AND how well you match those qualities. From your answer the interviewer must be
confident that you are keenly aware of the expectations of teachers and must be
equally aware that your skills and talents are in line with those abilities
and/or philosophy. If you are not
directly asked this question, it would be a good one to use as a wrap-up to the
interview – particularly in response to a question like, “Is there anything
else you would like to say or add to this interview?”
INSIDER TIP:
Never leave an
interview without asking at least two to three questions of your own.
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