Interview this afternoon, for a maternity teaching position!?

[chiwaukee20]

What type of questions should I be prepared for? This is a highly competetive district. It is for a fourth grade position.

[ohio gal]

Will you try to do things the same as the teacher or do your own thing?

Do you have 4th grade experience? How do you handle reading? How does the district teach it? Whole language, reading groups, ..?

Classroom management?

Good luck. Fourth grade is fun. They know the basics and can do more on their own now. They like to do things in groups.

[torresdaletim]

They will ask you two questions for certain:

1.) How would you deal with a distruptive student in your room?

2.) How are you with teaching to the standards?

Here are a few buzz words that get principals and hiring committees happy. Talk about "differentiated instruction" google it for more info. Seriously.

Mention "I believe all children can learn" talk about if any student has an IEP you won't discriminate. Talk about being "data driven".
Since it is only a short term position, they just want someone who won't screw up. Someone who the Principal won't have to worry about.
Good luck!

[apbanpos]

The main thing to emphasize is that although you have your own style of teaching, that you will try to keep things as consistent as possible. Remember - at the end of the day it is the leaving teacher's name on their record and they want to make sure you will follow her lead.

But also be clear that you do not expect to be just a "sub" that follows another teachers daily plan. That you are excited to take on all the responsibilities.

And truthfully - don't sound "too fun" if the teacher has any say - she won't advocate for if she plans on coming back. No one wants to return to "Awww, rats, she's back."

Impress the principal with your skills and knowledge - but don't sound like you are going in to take things over.

[bookworm9211]

Does your state have a set of Standards? If so, know them in general. They will ask about your background and experience. Be honest about everything, even if you do not know the answer. They would rather have you tell them you don't know but can find out rather than B.S. Another question that is asked is what type of disciplinarian you are. They will probably give you a scenario and ask how you'd handle it. Stress the need for parental involvement--schools love that. Also mention familiarity with different types of learners and modifications/accomodations for students with disabilities. Make sure they know you love teaching and feel you are most "yourself" in a classroom. Good luck and let me know if you get it! I am a teacher myself, grades 9 and 11.