What do you enjoy most about working with young people?
A: I particularly enjoy their natural sense of
curiosity – the way they ask questions, the way they pose problems, and the
ways in which they look at the world.
One of the most powerful books I read recently was “Mindset” by Carol
Dweck. In that book she talks about how everyone
has one of two mindsets - “Growth” or “Fixed.”
Her research showed that mindset unfolds in childhood and ultimately
drives every aspect of our lives. In
addition, she showed how creative geniuses in all fields - music, literature,
science, sports, business - apply the growth mindset - that eternal sense of
curiosity - to achieve results. Even
more important, Dweck demonstrated how we can change our mindset at any stage
of life to achieve true success and fulfillment. I want to foster, promote, and stimulate that
growth mindset in my classroom – a classroom that promotes, supports, and
enhances curiosity ultimately leading to academic and personal success.
Here’s a question where your passion for teaching will
come through – either loud and clear…or soft and indistinct. Let the interviewer know you are in it for
the kids…and not for anything else.
