What Does it Mean to be a Successful Teacher?

     Q:  What does it mean to be a successful teacher?

     A:   I believe successful teachers have five distinctive qualities – qualities that set them apart from the so-called “average teacher.”  For me, a successful teacher is one who is flexible – someone who can take charge no matter what the situation or circumstances.  Second, I think successful teachers must exhibit a sense of fairness throughout the classroom – that is, a fair teacher treats all students equally in the same situation.  Third, I believe all outstanding teachers have high expectations for each and every one of their students.  Fourth, and this is absolutely critical, successful teachers have a consistently positive attitude.  They don’t let the little things get them down and they serve as positive role models for their students.  And, finally, I believe that the most successful teachers are those with a sense of humor.  Not cracking jokes all the time, but rather looking at the bright side of things…laughing out loud…and using self-deprecating humor when appropriate.  As elements of successful teachers they are also personal goals for me as I begin this lifelong journey.

            This is another question designed to tap into your personal philosophy.  It is strongly suggested that you respond in the first person, rather than in the more distant third person.  Let the interviewer know that you are, or you have the potential to become, a successful teacher.

How Would You Describe the Ideal Teacher?

     Q:  How would you describe the ideal teacher?

     A:   The ideal teacher is someone who embraces and practices several standards of good teaching.  While there are many standards I believe that three are critical and necessary for good teaching to take place.  These include 1) The ideal teacher understands how children learn and can develop learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.  2) The ideal teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.  And, 3) The ideal teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies that ensure the continuous intellectual development of all learners.  While these are certainly not the only standards good teachers should practice, I believe them to be three of the most important.  They are certainly ones I practice every day I'm with children.

            This is a question you’re likely to be asked near the beginning of the interview.  Then, the interviewer will try to determine (throughout the remainder of the interview) if, indeed, you are the candidate who best exemplifies these ideals.  Thus it’s important that you know what good teachers do and how you match up to those standards.  Be sure you share that "match" with the interviewer, too.

What do you want to achieve as a teacher?

     Q:  What do you want to achieve as a teacher?

     A:   I want my students to achieve.  I want them to achieve to the best of their abilities.  I want them to be successful, not just in mathematics, but in life.  I want them to see how math touches every aspect of our lives – how it helps us solve problems, tackle difficult assignments, and think more clearly.  I want to be more than just a math teacher – I want to be someone who motivates, models, and inspires; someone who makes a difference in both mathematics as well as everyday life.

State your philosophy clearly and succinctly.  This is a question that taps into your true reasons for teaching – it reveals whether you’ve given thought to your future, your educational and career goals, and your aspirations.  Don’t hedge on this one – plan it out ahead of time.  It will definitely come up in one form or another.

Why Weren't Your Grades Better?

Q:   Why weren’t your grades better?

            A:   I had a great educational experience.  I learned a lot while in college – not only about the art of teaching, but also about myself.  I learned that if you want to succeed you need to devote yourself 100% all the time.  When I first got to college I was overwhelmed by all the requirements, all the responsibilities, and all the activities on and off campus.  I got involved in lots of clubs, lots of organizations, and lots of extra-curricular activities.  As a result, my grades suffered during my first two years.  It was only when I was enrolled in my teacher-preparation courses that I realized that I would need to buckle down and commit myself 100% to my chosen profession.

            Whatever you do – don’t make excuses when answering this question.  Always take responsibility for your actions (or inactions).  Don’t try to bluff your way out of this question – the interviewer probably has seen your transcript and knows exactly what your G.P.A. is.  Own up to your mistakes, take responsibility, and show how you have grown as a result.  Never get defensive or place blame.

Your Most Challenging Discipline Problem

     Q:   Tell me about your most challenging discipline problem.

     A:   That would be Derek!  In a word, Derek was unmotivated.  He could care less about history and he could care less about life in general.  For Derek, everything was boring.  In a conversation I had with him I discovered that he loved stock cars and probably knew more about stock cars than most of the people who raced them.  One day I brought in a photo of my brother’s stock car and showed it to Derek.  His face lit up like a Christmas tree!  I arranged for Derek and my brother to meet after school one day and the two of them couldn’t stop talking for hours – stock cars, stock cars, stock cars!  From then on I had his attention.  He and I worked out a simple behavior plan – he’d do a certain amount of homework or a class assignment and in return he’d earn some points.  The ultimate reward was the opportunity to work the pits at one of my brother’s races at Williams Grove Speedway.  I never saw a student change so much as Derek.  His final project for the course was on the history of stock car racing.  It was phenomenal!  Nobody had taken the time to find out what Derek was all about…but when we did he was a changed person.

            You can almost “bet the farm” that you’ll get asked one or two discipline-related questions.  Count on it!  The principal or interviewer wants to know how you handle one of the “constants” in the life of any classroom teacher.  Provide a specific example and show how you addressed the issue with specific details.  Never talk in generalities on matters of discipline; demonstrate with specific details and specific examples how you dealt with an issue. 

INSIDER TIP:      Before the interview, identify two or three specific discipline “problems” you encountered during student teaching.  Write each of those out on an index cards (don’t use actual names) and detail how you handled each one in a positive way.  Make sure that you do not over-emphasize the “negatives” of the situation, but rather the “positives” (what you learned, how the students(s) improved, etc.).  Keep those cards with you and review them periodically before any scheduled interview.