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When you are interviewing for a job as a teacher, it's very likely that your interviewer will ask, “So, what questions do you have for me?” Since this query is so common, come to the interview prepared with thoughtful questions. The right questions will do two things: they will show you’re interested in the job, and they will help you decide if you are a good fit for the job and the school. Discover why interviewers almost always check to see if you have any questions, and get ideas for ones that you can ask. What the Interviewer Wants to KnowInterviewers can get a real sense of who you are, along with your priorities, from the questions you ask. For instance, if you ask a question about vacation time, interviewers may think that you're more focused on time off than teaching. Or, if you ask a question with an answer that can readily be found on the school's website, your interviewer may wonder if you need a lot of hand-holding. Along with learning more about you, your response will also reveal if you prepared for the interview. Tips for Asking the Interviewer Questions Get advice on how to choose the right questions to ask, and review example
questions to help get you thinking. Make a List Ahead of TimeCreate a list of questions before arriving at the interview. This will prepare you for the inevitable question, “Do you have any questions for me?” The Balance Ask About the School CultureOne topic you will want to ask questions about is the school culture. You want to make sure you and the school would be a good match for each other. Asking questions about how the teachers interact with each other, what a typical day for a teacher is like, or other questions about the school environment will help you decide if the school is right for you. Avoid Obvious QuestionsMake sure you research the school before asking questions, so you avoid asking anything that is clearly mentioned on the website. You want to show you have done your homework, so avoid asking any obvious questions. Avoid any questions about what you would get out of the job, including your salary, benefits, and time off. Don’t ask for any special favors, such as extra days off, or a late start date. You will have time to ask these questions later if you are offered the job. You do not want to focus on yourself and your own needs. Instead, use this conversation to analyze whether you and the school are a great fit. Ask About Multiple TopicsDo not focus too much on one subject. Concentrating on a single topic could make the interviewer think you are particularly nervous about that issue. For example, if you only ask questions about the discipline structure in the school, the employer might think you are unsure of your classroom management skills. TIP: Ask questions about a variety of issues to show that you are trying to understand the school as a whole better. Prove You’ve Done Your HomeworkPrincipals and/or hiring committees on school boards are often astounded when they interview job candidates who have absolutely no knowledge of their school district or of its mission and stated objectives. Go online and learn as much as you can about the school district’s education philosophy/mandate, its mission statement, and its stated objectives and goals; these will be outlined on the school district’s webpage. Then, structure a few questions that solicit more information about its key programs and initiatives. Here’s an example: I was interested to learn about the “One Schoolhouse Approach” that Jonesville’s school district initiated last year to heighten its focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Can you please tell me more about the ways that teachers at your school have integrated this approach into their classrooms? Questions to Ask the InterviewerAsk About the Job
Learn About Support
Students and the Classroom
Ask About the School
Check on the Community
Learn About Discipline
How to Make the Most of Your QuestionsTake the time to prepare to respond to "Do you have any questions?" when the interviewer asks—which you know he or she will. Make sure you have some follow-up questions to keep the interviewer talking. You want to prompt a conversation, not a short response to a yes or no question. If you are unfamiliar with the locale, make sure to do your research. The school website will be important, but also check out the Chamber of Commerce page and some demographics of the area. Key Takeaways
What questions should I ask in a paraprofessional interview?Interview Questions for Paraprofessionals:. What methods have you found most successful in keeping young students motivated in the classroom? ... . What steps would you take if a student was consistently disruptive in class? ... . What alternative teaching methods have you found most successful when assisting special needs students?. What questions should I ask after interview?Questions to ask at the end of an interview. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the position?. How has this position changed over time?. Can you describe the working culture of the company?. Do you provide professional development opportunities? ... . What are some of the challenges I might face in this position?. What are 5 unique questions you can ask at the end of an interview?20 smart questions to ask at the end of your next job interview. What do you personally like most about working for this organisation? ... . How would you describe your organisation's culture? ... . Can you tell me about the kind of supervision you provide? ... . What have past employees done to succeed in this position?. How do you nail a paraprofessional interview?How to Prepare for an Interview for a Paraprofessional. Explore the school. A school is a community with values, standards, and rules. ... . Learn the features of the post. A paraprofessional or paraeducator is a multifaceted specialist. ... . Make a self-examination. Undoubtedly, your knowledge and skills matter.. |