Re: Interview questions

[Nancy Vait <vait3@yahoo.com>]

A few years ago I remember that we compiled a list of
interview questions on this list.  I just looked and
can't find my copy, though there's an offchance it
might be at school.  Very offchance.  Does anyone
still have this list?

One question I remember that I liked was . . . What
professional book have you read recently on
English/Language Arts instruction?  Or, maybe better .
. . which professional book would you recommend to
other ELA instructors as an important resource for
teaching?

All your questions are important, Susie -- especially
the one about the media center!!

Something we learned to look for was candidates, no
matter the level of their experience, who spoke about
concrete accomplishments, saying, "I did this . . . or
I implemented that . . . " rather than a candidate who
theorized, "I would do this . . . or might try that." 
  

Also, some candidates interview well and appear
stronger on paper than they actually prove to be in
the classroom.  Having served on many interview
committees, I stress the importance of really
listening to the candidates, watching body language
and all that.  On the other hand, one year we
interviewed a candidate who was very distracted all
through the interview and gave short, abbreviated
answers to all questions.  However, we later learned
that her daughter was in the hospital for a serious
condition, so we weighed that into our decision and
recommended her for hire anyway, because she had
subbed in our school and we knew her strengths in the
classroom and with students.  It was a hard call, but
she became one of the most valued teachers on that
staff.

I guess what I'm saying is that the interview process
isn't all black and white.  It is essential that you
ask all candidates the same questions and rate their
answers, but gut instinct is important too.

Nancy Vait
Homer, AK

--- Shighley@aol.com wrote:

> 1.   What YA books have you read over the summer?  
> Many teachers are able to 
> encourage kids to read by sharing books they have
> read in a variety of 
> genres.
> 2.   What would a typical classroom period look like
> in your class?
> 3.   What questions do you have for us?   (A good
> candidate will have done 
> some research on your school, and should ask lots of
> questions about various 
> aspects of the curriculum.)
> 4.   What would you do with students who are reading
> below grade level?
> 5.   What writing process do you favor?  
> Reading-writing workshop?   
> Spelling?   Vocab?
> 6.   What do you consider your greatest strength as
> a teacher?   Weakness?
> 7.   How do you envision utilizing the media center?
>   (I just had to throw 
> that in.)
> 8.   Be sure to ask about classroom management.
> 
> Many are dependent on your particular school.   Do
> you have teaming?   
> integrated units?
> 
> Just some thoughts... Good luck!
> Susie
> shighley@aol.com
> Creston Middle School Media Specialist
> 


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