When Your Cooperating Teacher Wasn't Happy....

Curve balls!  If you've ever watched a professional baseball game on TV, you have undoubtedly heard the announcer talk about a pitcher's various pitches.  The curve ball, as you might imagine from it's name, is one of the trickiest pitches for a batter to hit.  Well, guess what, there are some "curve ball questions" that sometimes pop up in teacher interviews.  Here's one that could having you swinging wildly if you're not ready for it:

Tell me about a time when your co-operating teacher wasn’t happy with your teaching.

A:   During my first week of student teaching I was very nervous and I jumped right into my math lessons without taking the time to do an anticipatory set.  The students had puzzled looks on their faces and I couldn’t figure out why until my co-operating teacher pointed out that I’d left out one of the most important parts of any lesson.  I realized how important it was to follow the standard lesson protocol and take the time to properly introduce every lesson. Since that first week Mr. Jesson has been very pleased with my performance.

This is not the time to blame others or to make lame excuses.  Take full responsibility for your actions and show how you were willing to make any necessary changes as a result of the incident.  It is not necessary to go into a great deal of detail here; instead point out a minor conflict and quickly explain how you used it to become a better teacher.

What Are Your Goals?

Looking for a question you can count on getting in almost every interview?  Here it is.  Be ready for it.

      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 Intermediate 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.

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 ("How will you make my job easier?) because your permanence in the school/district will relieve the principal of one more responsibility – having to hire 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.