Teaching Learning Disabled Students

Here’s a question that frequently arises in teacher interviews, for both elementary and secondary positions.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to demonstrate both a breadth and depth of knowledge about special needs students.  If you are “running neck and neck” with another candidate, your detailed and specific response to this question will always tip the scales in your favor.



 

What are some strategies you plan on using to teach learning disabled students?

     A:   I am aware that learning disabled students will present me with some unique and distinctive challenges.  Therefore, it is important for me to remember that LD students are not students who are incapacitated or unable to learn; rather, they need differentiated instruction tailored to their distinctive learning abilities.  Some of the strategies I plan to use include, 1) I plan to provide learning disabled students with frequent progress checks.  I want them to know how well they are progressing toward an individual or class goal.  2) I plan to give immediate feedback to my learning disabled students.  They need to see quickly the relationship between what was taught and what was learned.  3) Whenever possible, I need to make my activities concise and short.  Long, drawn-out projects are particularly frustrating for a learning disabled child.  And, 4) I know that learning disabled children need and should get lots of multisensory experiences.  A multisensory approach will help these students learn to the best of their abilities.  I’m confident I can address the specific needs of the learning disabled students in my classroom.

Check it out:
     http://www.brpressbooks.com/teacher-interviews-why-theyre-important/

 

 

Interview Questions You Shouldn’t Even Think About Asking!!

 In the course of an interview, don’t ask any of the following questions!  If you do, you might as well pack up your bags and slip out the door – because you’ve just shot yourself in the foot and practically doomed your chances for any kind of job at that school.  Trust me, the following questions are destined to make the principal’s job just a little easier: they are guaranteed to eliminate you from any further consideration as a teacher candidate.

 

You’ll quickly note that most of these questions are self-serving and self-involved.  While some will be obvious “no-no’s” others may appear to be less so.  Nevertheless, please do yourself a tremendous favor and strike all of these from your interview preparations.  By the way, all of these questions have been asked by teacher candidates…and are continuously being asked by teacher candidates.  Not a single individual asking these questions was ever offered a teaching job!  Not one!

·      “How much will I be paid?”

Don’t ask any questions related to salary or pay.  If you are more interested in money rather than teaching then you’re in the wrong profession.

·      “What kinds of benefits will I get?”

Questions about benefits are always considered inappropriate.  After you get hired is the time to ask this question.

·      “How long do you expect me (or teachers) to be at school each day?”

Stay away from any questions about school hours.  Good teachers have no time clock.

·      “Will I be able to take time off for personal business?”

Asking about time for personal business is never a good idea.  It demonstrates your lack of commitment.

·      “Do you celebrate Hanukah or Christmas here?”

Questions about a community’s religious, political, or socio-economic breakdown are always in poor taste.

·      “Will I be able to keep my part-time job at Wal-Mart?”

Do you really want to show that you are not totally committed to the teaching profession?  Really?

·      “I heard that teachers have to do bus duty once a week.  Is that true?”

Asking about ancillary duties will always get you in hot water.  Always!

·      “Will I get in trouble if I punish a kid?”

Stay away from questions that might indicate an uncomfortableness with discipline.

·      “Do I have to join the teacher’s union in this district?”

Questions about the “bargaining unit” are never appropriate.  When you get hired you’ll get all the relevant information about the “bargaining unit” (if there is one).

·      “Can I transfer to another grade after this year?”

Remember you’re applying for a specific job.  Don’t suggest that it’s not your first priority.

 

When asked, these questions essentially “kill” any chances a candidate has in getting a teaching job.  Don’t even consider them!

Check it out:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ace-your-teacher-interview-anthony-d-fredericks/1030650068?ean=9781681570044