What is Your Greatest Asset?

Not only do principals want to know about your teaching expertise; so too do they want some insight into your personality.  An interview, therefore, is designed to tap into many areas of who you are and what you believe.  Here's a question I heard in many interview - one that reveals a lot of information in a short amount if time.

     What is the greatest asset you will bring to the teaching profession?

     A:   From a very early age I’ve always considered myself a learner…a very passionate learner.  Whether it was learning how to ride a bicycle, learning a foreign language, or learning about a new piece of technology I’ve always been excited about learning.  I enjoy the challenge of learning new material, new ideas, and new perspective on old concepts.  I believe I can bring that excitement about learning and that passion for new information into my classroom.  I believe I can model the joy, the thrill, and the enthusiasm I have for learning with my students…not just every so often, but every single day.  If my students see my excitement for learning, they also will also be excited about learning.

This question is one of self-awareness.  Be sure you are able to diagnose your personal thoughts and identify the attributes that will make you an outstanding teacher.  Focus on one or two strengths and how those strengths relate directly to teaching.  Your ability to do a kick flip and pop shove it on your skateboard may be some of your perceived skills, but they’re not related to teaching…and should not be part of your response.

Your Professional Goals

Are you a planner?  Do you have goals for the future?  How will you improve as a teacher?  These are all questions in the mind of any interviewer.  Not only are you being hired for your teaching expertise; so too, are you being hired for what you might contribute to the school down the line.  principals want to know if you're in it "for the long haul."  As a result, you can expect a question just like this one:

     What are your professional goals for the next five years?

     A:   First, I want to attend graduate school and get my masters in Curriculum and Instruction.  Beyond that I would like to continue to take graduate courses and in-service courses so that I can stay current in the field.  Second, I would like to attend a number of regional and national conferences so that I can connect with other middle school teachers in addition to staying up-to-date on the latest strategies and techniques for teaching at the middle school level.  Third, I would like to contribute to some professional magazine and journals.  One of my college professors helped me prepare a paper for submission to a student publication and I guess the writing bug really bit me as a result.  I’d like to write some articles and share my ideas and thoughts on teaching social studies.

Have a plan of action – if you don’t, the position will probably be offered to someone else.  Make sure that your plan includes a focus on the school’s needs.  Don’t say that you want a graduate degree because you’ll make more money; rather say that you want to attend grad school in order to stay current and make more of a contribution to the school.