- Describe a time when a student disagreed with your opinion. …
- What advice would you give to a struggling Social Studies student? …
- A student becomes angry during a spirited classroom discussion. …
- What do you hope to contribute during your time at our school?
Social Studies Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
24. Tell us about a mistake you made with a student. What happened, and how did you address it?
This is a tough but important question. Your interviewer is asking you to be a bit vulnerable here, but be careful with your choice of anecdote. While we’ve all made mistakes when dealing with students, what you’re really looking for is an example where you made a mistake and then addressed it appropriately. Think carefully about a situation in which you didn’t handle things as well as you could have, but that you got it right in the end. Explain why you handled it the way you did initially, what caused you to reflect and change your mind, and how the situation was resolved.
26. What three words would your peers, administrators, or students use to describe you?
Having been caught off guard by this prompt at a previous competitive interview, I would encourage you to have some thoughtful options to describe yourself. It’s tempting to say things you think your new boss might want to hear, like intelligent or hard-working, but don’t discount character traits or terms that paint you as a team player among peers and a role model for students. Some options to consider are empathetic, creative, caring, or cooperative.
23. Describe a troubling student you’ve taught. What did you do to get through to them?
This question addresses more than just your reluctant learners. This speaks to any discipline measures you’ve had to address. As a teacher, you need to control the classroom and provide a safe space for all of your students. Think about your approach to troubling students and any successes you’ve had in the past.
1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
It seems trite and like a softball question, but don’t let that fool you. Most administrators are looking for something more than, “I’ve just always loved kids.” If you don’t have a substantive answer, then why are you even applying? Schools want to know you are dedicated to enriching the lives of students. Answer honestly and with anecdotes or examples that paint a clear picture of the journey that you took to become a teacher.
20. How would you handle a situation in which you believe a student doesn’t need all of the accommodations listed in their IEP?
This is a variation of the last question, and it’s also a bit of a “gotcha” question. It’s important to remember that Special Education paperwork is legally binding. Meaning that if an IEP states that a student gets extended time to complete work, preferential seating, or any other specially-designed instruction, they have to receive it, or the district has broken the law. An administrator or principal who asks this question wants to know that you are aware of how important following a student’s IEP is and that you won’t ignore things when you don’t think they are needed. Make sure you express that you understand that. Even better, however, is if you do that and then acknowledge that part of your job as a teacher is to monitor how a student is performing and let the student’s case manager (or whoever is writing their IEP) know if you believe they do not need a particular support or if they need more. This way, you demonstrate a strong understanding of how the IEP works and that you play an important role as a member of that students’ support team.
