First of all I would avoid answering this question in a way that might be politically incorrect or in a way that may single out a group of students. For instance, one of my fears may be not being able to handle misbehavior properly when it comes to ESE students, however, answering the question this way may be offensive to the administrator interviewing you if they have worked personally with ESE students and have a different opinion. Admitting what you are afraid of may also make you look weaker in the eyes of a possible employer. Some points I would stress is that whatever fear I decide to tell them about will make me a better employee because I will work harder to limit or avoid that fear. My response would probably be... As a first year teacher my biggest fear would probably be a fear of inadequacy or lack of experience to deal with certain problems that may arise in the classroom. Having this fear will only make me a better teacher, though, because the fear of failing my students will only make me work that much harder at ensuring their success. I have done many internships and spent many hours in the classroom and I know that although I fear failure, I have the tools and resources to succeed thanks to my schooling at USFSP.

I would definitely not respond with fears I had in my first year teaching. A Principal wants to know that you are confident going into the classroom. I would answer that I know I may make mistakes during my first year teaching, but I am going to learn from those mistakes.

I am nervous that I will have all this knowledge from my college courses that do not pertain to the knowledge I will need to know on a daily basis.

be honest without being to negative because they want to know real answers so they know where to support you and give you real help as a first year teacher. (unrealistic maybe) however it could be a possible solution to why they ask these questions. I think most first year teachers would say behavior management or getting familiar with the load of administration tasks and paper work for ese or esol students.

When asked this question, I would avoid telling the interviewer that I am afraid of dealing with special needs students or students with a bad track record. I would probably just say that I am afraid I will feel flustered occasionally. I want to be able to face issues with a clear mind. I just don't want my first group of students to throw me off and diminish my determination.

I would tell them that my biggest fear would be not placing a child on the right bus or a mix up in communication pertaining to that. Also, another biggest fear would be a parent that was unhappy regardless of what I did to ensure that she was happy.

When I interview I never really give away any of my weaknesses. I always answer these questions in ways that my weaknesses still seem like strengths. So give any realistic fear in a way that you will seem like an extraordinary teacher!