How long does the whole application and hiring process take? The more you know about the steps and when they happen, the better you can manage your expectations and find ways to shine at every stage.
Read on for an overview of what you can expect during our process, along with some helpful tips.
Searching for a job as a substitute teacher or educational staff member? With an estimated 62,000 substitute teachers needed daily, Kelly Educational Staffing is a top hiring agency providing staffing solutions to school systems nationwide. Like many school districts and educational staffing agencies, Kelly Educational Staffing utilizes the interview process to assess applicant qualifications and personality fit. Understanding the types of interview questions to expect can help you prepare winning responses.
Here are 15 of the most common Kelly Educational Staffing interview questions along with tips for crafting strong responses:
1. Tell Me About Yourself
This open-ended prompt allows you to shape the narrative of your background. Focus on highlights that make you an appealing candidate such as
- Relevant work experience, especially in educational settings
- Knowledge of classroom procedures and educational best practices
- Soft skills like patience, creativity, and organization
- Passion for education and helping students thrive
Keep your answer concise and positive. Share 1-2 minute overview that gets the conversation started on the right foot.
2. Why Do You Want This Job?
Hiring managers want to know you’re genuinely interested in the role. Express enthusiasm for the job while highlighting relevant skills and interests. For example:
- “I’m excited for the chance to use my classroom experience and passion for education in a substitute teaching role. I love the variety and flexibility it offers while allowing me to support students’ learning.”
3. Why Do You Want to Work For Our Company?
Show you’ve done your research on Kelly Educational Staffing and are committed to their mission. For instance:
- “I’ve heard great things about Kelly’s reputation and success placing substitutes in school districts nationwide. I’m drawn to your commitment to connecting quality educators with meaningful work opportunities.”
4. What Experience Do You Have in a Classroom Setting?
Use real examples to demonstrate hands-on knowledge of classroom procedures and student dynamics. If you lack direct experience, highlight relevant transferable skills from other roles working with groups of children.
5. How Would You Handle a Difficult or Disruptive Student?
Share your calm, patient approach focused on getting an uncooperative student re-engaged through:
- One-on-one conversations to understand root causes
- Positive reinforcements for good behavior
- Clear explanations of consequences for continued issues
Emphasize that you would collaborate with other staff rather than attempt to single-handedly discipline a disruptive student.
6. How Do You Motivate Reluctant Learners?
Discuss strategies like:
- Building rapport through one-on-one mentoring
- Scaffolding lessons from simple to complex
- Incorporating interactive activities, games, and technology
- Praising effort and progress, not just end results
Convey your passion for finding what makes each student tick.
7. Describe Your Approach to Classroom Management.
Share key techniques like:
- Starting with clear procedures, routines, and expectations
- Using positive reinforcements for good behavior
- Redirecting off-task students with tact and patience
- Keeping students engaged through active learning strategies
Emphasize your flexibility to maintain order and safety while being adaptable to different classroom dynamics.
8. How Do You Use Technology in the Classroom?
Highlight tech-savvy skills relevant to instruction like:
- Incorporating smartboards, tablets, computers, and online resources into lessons
- Using apps and software to make learning interactive and fun
- Leveraging technology to differentiate instruction
- Promoting digital citizenship and safe tech use
Even if you have limited experience, discuss eagerness to embrace classroom technology.
9. How Would You Handle Disagreeing With a Supervisor?
- Stress respectful communication and finding common ground.
- Share you would listen first, express your viewpoint professionally, and collaborate on a mutually agreeable solution.
- Note that you would follow the supervisor’s final decision.
- Frame it as open dialogue focused on the best interest of students.
10. How Do You Handle a Heavy Workload and Prioritize Tasks?
- Outline skills like organization, time management, and multitasking.
- Give examples of creating task lists, tackling urgent matters first, and asking for help when needed.
- Convey that while you can juggle multiple responsibilities, you also know when to speak up if expectations are unrealistic.
11. Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your strongest qualifications aligned with the role. For instance:
- “I have a proven background successfully substituting in K-12 classrooms. I’m passionate about education, adaptable to different teaching styles, and committed to ensuring positive outcomes for students. I would excel in this role and be an asset to your team.”
12. What Are Your Salary Expectations?
- If asked early in the process, say this depends on the details of the role and you’re open to discussing fair compensation.
- Once given an offer, name a range based on your research of typical wages.
- Note salary is important but you’re most interested in finding the right fit and excelling in the role.
13. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
- Share strengths like organization, creativity, patience and cite examples.
- For weaknesses, pick something minor that won’t raise red flags, such as wanting to continue improving your technology skills.
- Emphasize eagerness to continue growing through collaborating with colleagues and ongoing education.
14. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
Present an ambition that aligns with substitute teaching as a career path. For example:
- “In five years, I hope to have a consistent role substitute teaching in one or more school districts. I aim to become a trusted, go-to substitute teacher known for reliability and positive impact on student learning.”
15. Do You Have Any Questions for Me?
- Ask smart questions that show your understanding of the role and interest in the company. For example:
- “What qualities make someone successful substitute teaching with Kelly Educational Staffing?”
- “How does Kelly Educational Staffing support continuing education and professional development of its substitutes?”
- “What type of onboarding and classroom prep is provided before my first assignment?”
With preparation and practice, you can ace the Kelly Educational Staffing interview. Use these tips to make a strong first impression and highlight the skills, passion, and dedication needed to thrive as a substitute teacher with their team. Best of luck!
Are there any upfront costs?
When costs arise, they are typically for teaching licenses, TB tests if needed, and fingerprinting. Depending on the state and requirements, this could cost anywhere from $50 to $250.
The rest will simply take your time and patience. Licensing usually takes the longest. But once your fingerprints are clear, we can probably get you a job that doesn’t need a license, so you can start making money while you wait for your license.
Step 1: Choose the role you want.
Between the teaching and non-teaching jobs open at most schools, you may be considering a variety of roles. The process is similar, whether for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and tutors-or for office, custodial, and cafeteria workers. However, specific roles have some unique steps or requirements you’ll need to meet, which we’ll cover.
You should apply directly to a Kelly job posting if you know the job you want and the place where you want to work. This is the fastest way to start the process. If you’re not sure which role is best for you, you can openly apply, and a Kelly Education recruiter will get in touch with you to talk about your options and the roles we have open.
Please let us know that you’re interested by applying. This will also allow us to get in touch with you. There’ll be more info to come!.
There’s No Substitute for Kelly Educational Staffing
FAQ
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