Case
Different Questions

I am in a very difficult position. I got my first teaching position. My first teaching job was given to me because I know the principal. Now, I find myself in a very not happy situation with a new assistant principal. I am now looking for a different job. I had my first interview. I found out the day before that I would have the interview. I just knew they were going to ask questions about behavior management and differentiation, but I did not think they would ask me why that certain school and not the one I am at. They also asked what professionalism means to me. Those are two very hard questions. I don't want to say that I don't see eye to eye with the new AP. I need help for future times please.

Posted on: 03/15/15 | Views: 982
Solution #1
I have found that comments like, "my current job situation is not quite what I'm looking for," work really well, and then make sure you have several reasons why. This way, you don't have to disclose that you "didn't like someone" but more so the situation you were in. If you keep answers focused on the environment and what you want in the future, you won't have to be personal about your feelings towards staff.
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Solution #2
Definitely come into an interview prepared and knowledgeable about the school you're interviewing at. Without throwing your old school under the bus, I would use this as an opportunity to talk about why you're ready for a new challenge. Perhaps this new school offers new and exciting things that your old school doesn't. (This is why knowing about the new school is so crucial). Maybe you're interested in a new grade or subject, different extra curricular activities, things like that. Just make it sound like you're ready to grow professionally---this can also go into the question about professionalism and how important it is to seek professional development and growth.
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Solution #3
Definitely keep all responses positive. You never want a potential employer to know that you didn't get along with administration. You may want to say some positive things that you know about that school and that it seems like a great place to work.
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Solution #4
You may want to just say that your last school was not a great fit for you without going into much detail. This could mean a variety of things and most people understand that this can happen sometimes without any real negative connotations. You may also want to stress that you are able to work well with others and maintain a good rapport with others when you answer the professionalism questions.
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Solution #5
For the question about why you left your last school, you could say something like "This school seems like a better fit for my philosophy than the last school I worked." The main thing is to keep all responses positive and be sure to compliment the principal/school to which you are applying. The professionalism question is tough. To me, professionalism is when faculty and staff are in support of one another and function as a team for the greater good of the students, they leave their personal matters out of their professional lives, and they treat each other with respect.
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Solution #6
Honestly there is always going to be someone you don't get along with. You either put up with it or leave then just say it didn't fit for you anymore
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