interview questions

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interview questions
By Chris

Traci:
There are a LOT of us out here, doing the same job searching you are. I am a recent graduate, so I too get thrown by questions like: Explain your style of classroom management. I looked the guy in the eye and said:
"Having never HAD a classroom of my own, I really don't have a "style". But in my observations & student teaching I have seen some things that work & somethings that don't work." I then went on trying to explain what I would LIKE to do, but realizing that it may not work, about having to be flexible, etc.
If we've never taught reading, it's going to be hard to answer that question.

I'm geared towards ECE, so I can reply about having a print rich environtment, helping little ones realize that they CAN read even if they don't think so (They recognize the golden arches, the Target bulls' eye & other symbols, which is a beginning reading skill). But most importantly...I'll READ to them, so that they will learn that there's a difference between print & pictures (but they go together), that letters make up words, & word groups make up sentences, sentences make up stories! Etc.
Your reply will depend on what level you're interviewing for. IF you have reading experience, explain to them what you DO know, but be sure to make it clear to them that you are flexible and willing to work with the system that is in effect at that school district. Where I student taught, they had a reading program that took the children through leveled readers. The district I interviewed with did not have such a program, so I let them know that I was flexible & willing to work with whatever system they had. I didn't get the job, but....I thought the interview went well!
Hope this has helped!
Hang in there. We WILL get hired! You are not alone!