I would definitely be able to answer a question regarding how you would differentiate in your classroom. Differentiation is a HUGE part of TKES so schools are pushing it. Also have a teaching philosophy ready, as well as a classroom management plan. These are the big questions asked when I sit in on interviews at my school.

I just switched districts this year. They asked me about differentiation, dealing with students and parents, working collaboratively and grading policy. They asked me when does a student deserve a zero, knowing they had a no zero policy I kind of had a head start on that question. I would try to find someone you know that either teaches there or has a student at the school and ask then about policies and mission statements.

I know your post involves commonly asked questions, but I was in your situation last year when I made a similar switch, so am offering simple suggestions. I researched the new school: administration (including pictures so I knew who I would be speaking to), the similarities and differences in the schools, including state test scores (specifically math because that is my content area), demographics, etc. which can usually be found on the website. Additionally, I gathered artifacts that highlighted my performance at the other school like awards, sample lesson plans, student letters, etc. Though I have only been in about a handful of interviews, I have been asked actual content questions several times. Ultimately, I think a large portion of the interview depends upon the grade level and the personalities of the people in the room. Take a deep breath, be confident and don't be afraid to highlight your previous successes.

I am a first year teacher and so I am fairly familiar with the interview process. One of the most common questions I was asked was, "Describe a typical day in your classroom." With this response I always mentioned how I assessed (informally and formally), differentiated, and ways in which you try to connect with your students.

In a recent interview, I was asked several questions about technology. The county that I was in had little access to technology, so I was unable to answer many answers and I feel that cost me. As a result, I have learned basics like Edmodo so that next time I am prepared. They also asked me a lot about differentiation for advanced and gifted students.

Classroom management!! For my district, they focus on collaborative planning and grading. I would be ready to discuss how you work at team and as a leader.

Be sure you know your teaching philosophy. That was the first question I was asked. If you google elementary school interview questions there are a lot of great questions that you can prepare for. Here is the link to the one I found more helpful...http://www.kellybear.com/TeacherArticles/TeacherTip76.html there are also a few links that give you tips.

I have been through a wide variety of interviews in many different occupations. The first universal question is always, "tell us your name and a little bit about yourself." Take this opportunity to talk about the following: birth place, family, education, hobbies/interests, community service project(s), religious beliefs, and prior work experiences that influenced your career decisions or teaching practices. The follow up question will likely be "why are you wanting to transfer schools?" As a fellow educator that also commutes 45+ minutes a day, I certainly understand the desire/need to be closer to your home. My advice is to be honest, that is a respectable/logical reason for wanting to transfer districts.

I was asked a lot about using data to inform my practices, which requires a lot of understanding about formative assessments for remediation and enrichment. Teaching these days is becoming a more individualized focus because obviously students need individual things. I would definitely talk about how you would use data to inform your instructional strategies. Think of what types of things you would do to help students who were struggling with a concept. Also, with new state-wide testing that requires students to write, be prepared to discuss how you're going to incorporate writing into your curriculum, especially if you aren't interviewing for an ELA position.

Be prepared and knowledgable about the school you are interviewing for. Know who the students are and how the school runs and that will be super helpful. Be prepared with any questions that you may have and be excited!

For me, I have always been asked about parent communication. What will use? Emails, newsletters, Remind 101, etc. How will you handle an irate parent? How will you handle telling a parent about a behavior problem?

One thing I would do would be to ask as many questions as you can to really get a feel for the school and to make sure its the right choice for you. Ask them what are their goals for the upcoming year and even for a tour of the school. Get a feel for the other teachers, staff, and students.