The interviewer was rude and only interested in what I could tell her about quantitative data in my teaching. How would you contribute to IDEA’s mission and vision? What is a challenge/failure you’ve had and how did you overcome it? Why do you want to work at IDEA?
TEACHER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | INTERVIEW TIPS | Hiring process
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.
How do you incorporate social-emotional learning in your lessons?
Many states and districts have added requirements for social-emotional learning into their standards. Explain how you will not only tend to the academic needs of your students but tie in lessons that satisfy the core SEL competencies. Describe how you will help students build their self- and social-awareness skills, how you will support them in building relationships, and how you will give them the skills to make responsible decisions.
Why do you want to teach at this school?
Research, research, and research more before your interview. Google everything you can about the school. Do they have a theater program? Are the students involved in the community? What type of culture does the principal promote? Use social media to see what the school proudly promoted most recently. Then, ask around. Use your network of colleagues to find out what (current and former) teachers loved and hated about it. The point of all this digging? You need to know if this school is a good fit. If it is a good fit, you’ll demonstrate how much you want the job by explaining how you would get involved with all the amazing school programs you’ve heard so much about!
Interviews for Top Jobs at IDEA Public Schools
- What do you think is the philosophy of IDEA?
- How would I use data to improve my students formative and summarize assessments?
- What brought me to this work place/ environment
- If a teacher calls me because there is a spill and my manager tell me to clean a classroom before the school starts?
- What is your management style?
- How do your qualifications and experience align with what we are looking for in a candidate?
- Why do I want to work at IDEA?
- What was one achievement you are proud of and why?
- Why do you want to teach?
- How would you best prepare yourself to equip students with what they need to succeed?
- How did you start your lesson plan?
- How do you handle a difficult behavioral situation?
- What are the expectations with us?
- Why do you want to work for IDEA Public Schools?
- What was the major challenge I have faced and how did I overcome it?
- What is your management style?
- How do you handle a difficult behavioral situation?
- What are the expectations with us?
- Talk about your experience working with underserved communities?
- How would you tell a fellow teacher to do a procedural task for the students because it is causing the entire team to be punished?
What candidates say about the interview process at IDEA Public Schools
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Long and drawn out. April 2021- June 2021 from application to denial. It took three weeks for me to find out I didn’t get the job after the 90 minute final interview and that was only after I inquired…
Shared on June 14, 2021 -
I applied on the Idea public schools site, about two weeks later, I heard from a recruiter inviting me to take a video interview. This was different for me, you have to record yourself answering ques…
Shared on March 16, 2020 – Facilities Manager – Austin, TX -
Lengthy & Rigorous—Very detailed as the recruiter mentions:The students spend more time with the Substitute Teacher than with the official Teacher. Therefore, the Substitute Teacher should have exp…
Shared on February 21, 2020 – IDEA Substitute Teacher. – El Paso, TX
What advice do candidates give for interviewing at IDEA Public Schools
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Reach out to somebody who already works at a school or regional office to learn more about what your position will entail.
Shared on October 3, 2019 – Marketing Project Manager – Austin, TX -
Be patient. The process may take longer than expected. Once they interview you it might be that you already got the job.
Shared on March 22, 2018 -
Be persistent, they’re looking for highly motivated people. Go to their job fairs/answer question sessions, and find a recruiter you communicate with about status of process.
Shared on May 2, 2017 – Teacher – San Antonio, TX
FAQ
What questions should I ask at the end of a school interview?
- Tell me about yourself. …
- What are your strengths? …
- What are your weaknesses? …
- What do you like to do for fun or in your free time? …
- What extracurricular activities interest you? …
- What is your favorite subject? …
- What subject do you find the most difficult?
How do you prepare for a new school interview?
- What have students from this program accomplished after graduation? …
- What advice would you give me as an incoming freshman? …
- How easy is it for first-year students to take upper-level classes? …
- What are some of the best activities on campus?
How do you prepare for a school head interview?
- Practice, Practice, Practice. I suggest that students do at least one practice interview with an adult who is not their parent. …
- Presentation is Key. …
- Give Your Child an Agenda. …
- Things Not to Say. …
- Ask Questions. …
- Don’t Forget to Prepare for the Parent Interview.
