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If you’re looking to land a job as a kindergarten teacher, it's a good idea to brush up on the common Kindergarten Teacher interview questions you might be asked. This section will cover a wide variety of interview questions you might be asked, but also remember that researching your prospective school and district is important too.
Key Takeaways:As a candidate, your interviewer will be interested in the lesson plans you've created, the teaching strategies you've used, and the progress you've made with students in the past.
As an interviewer, look for candidates who have a passion for teaching, understand young children, and have the ability to think critically.
All of the possible Interview questions for Kindergarten Teachers might seem overwhelming at first, but there are some effective steps you can take to prepare:
As a Candidate:Convey your passion for teaching and working with younger students.
Research the specific school and district before going to the interview.
Be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy and why it works.
Have a physical or mental portfolio of all your best teaching examples and accomplishments.
Review the job description and use it to construct your ideal candidate.
Tailor your questions to reflect the needs of the kindergarten class.
Provide your prospective teachers with an accurate hiring process timeline.
Be prepared to answer specific questions about the district, school, and administration.
I believe in individualizing education for each student. Every single child I have in my classroom is their own unique person. It’s important for me as a teacher to understand their strengths and areas to improve. Children don’t learn the same, so some may resonate more with creative work, while others are more skilled at logical work. I have a firm belief that good teachers provide instruction that incorporates both skills, as well as active learning.
I try to do everything in my power to avoid having a disruptive student in my class. Typically, that starts with making sure everyone is engaged and following directions. Children usually act out for some reason, whether they’re behind or not challenged enough. There could also be external forces at play. I try to understand what’s going on with the child before any discipline takes place. Everyone has bad days, sometimes!
I graduated top of my class at Penn State University in education. I worked for over twelve years in a nearby district as a teacher’s aide and the past three as a kindergarten teacher with my own students. I love children, and I love what I do. Educating our youth is my life’s passion and has been a dream since I was a small child. I believe with my skills and certifications that I could make a great teacher at Sample Elementary.
Kindergarten is one of the most formative years in elementary school. It is the bridge between preschool and “big kid” elementary school. It is so wonderful to see kids develop at this age. I look to become a real piece of their life as adults they can trust and learn from. I have many students that I taught in kindergarten that I am still in touch with, even in later years.
My method is to use the compliment sandwich when giving difficult feedback. I start with a positive attribute for their child or something they may have accomplished. Then, I look at the area of concern before finishing with something else positive. It makes the parent feel at ease and more likely to address the concern without becoming defensive.
From day one, I establish my classroom as a safe and welcoming environment. I work with my class to come up with classroom rules that we develop together and remind my students of them every single morning. I also kick off each day with a different student as the leader so that every single person in my classroom gets the opportunity to be in charge and find their inner confidence.
I have dealt with upset parents before, especially as it pertains to children’s behaviors. I do my best to remind the parent that my role is not to be the villain but rather to help their child thrive and grow in an elementary school environment. Typically, I try to find common ground with the parent and reassure them that I care about their child.
I have an open email that I encourage parents to email me from, should they have concerns, questions, or simply want an update. I check this email at the start and end of every single day. If there is a more pressing matter, I will reach out to the parent and have either a phone conversation with them or ask them to come to the school to have an in-person meeting.
I’m an active member of the local teachers association, where we gather every month to discuss these things. I also look to build valuable relationships with my colleagues to share methods and new activities to keep our teaching fresh.
At the start of school, I make sure I understand all of my student’s backgrounds. I have a large calendar where all the important dates live. I make sure we celebrate all holidays, all birthdays, and all traditions. Typically in the winter months, I invite families of different backgrounds to present to the class on the holidays they celebrate. We discuss traditions, foods, history, and more.
Every student deserves the attention of their teacher, and special needs children are no different. I try my best to individualize all instruction for each student. By getting to know my kids -- their home life, interests, and dreams, I can connect with them. This helps me encourage learning in the classroom by relating our materials to things the child may be interested in.
Play is one of the most important aspects of learning for kindergarten students. They can learn so much about the world around them, how to play nicely with others, and their problem-solving skills. Play and manipulation of materials allow children to form the necessary foundations for building future skills.
I have no current plans for my professional development, aside from learning from colleagues and working. However, I may go back to school to finish my Master’s in Education in the future.
I take this on a case-by-case basis. Of course, the more I know, the better, but if there are specific situations that I should be aware of, I try to familiarize myself with the family. This can include health concerns or any diagnoses that might affect learning for the child, such as ADHD.
I prepare extensively before school even starts. First, I make sure my classroom is a welcoming and inviting place where kids are eager to hang out. I make sure every kid has a space of their own at their desk and in their cubby. When families arrive with their children, I make sure to take the time to show them individually where they will sit and store their belongings. I try my best to answer questions as best as I can. I remind my students that kindergarten is a big change! And it’s okay to be nervous. Before they know it, they are comfortable and excited to learn.
I was so lucky to have wonderful elementary school teachers in my younger years. I developed a strong passion for learning and changing the world around me. I always felt safe and cared for at school, and it made me want to do the same for other children, especially those who may not feel those things at home.
I believe a successful lesson is where all of my students are excited, engaged, and listening. I do my best to plan thought-provoking lessons that are fun because I believe both of those things encourage learning, no matter the subject. My goal is to show children that learning isn’t a chore. It can be fun!
Kindergarten is the step between preschool and real elementary school, so discipline is an important lesson for students. I am big on accountability and consequences for non-acceptable behavior such as bullying or hurting another student. Before discipline happens, I try to work with the individual student who may have exhibited less-than-ideal behavior to see if something else is triggering the behavior. Nine times out of 10, there is something fixable behind the behavior.
When I was a teacher’s aide, I worked in a classroom with kindergarten-age children. It’s such a fun age, and we had a blast teaching them. At this age, students have open and curious minds, which is so enjoyable to watch.
Hands down, my favorite thing about teaching is my students. I believe I am a great teacher because I am genuinely invested in my student’s success. I fully enjoy being around children and coaching them to be their best selves each day. This is the profession of my dreams, and I don’t take that lightly. I believe teachers can make a huge impact in children’s lives, and I hope to impact as many children as possible positively.
Creativity is essential for a kindergarten classroom. I try and allow my students the space to come up with their ideas and suggestions. I encourage them to challenge me as well and reward originality when appropriate. I also try to encourage freedom of expression by offering up different “theme” days throughout the year.
I have used differentiated instruction before and think it’s a good option for children at all levels. Differentiated instruction can allow more gifted children to be challenged by material appropriate for their skill level. If a student is struggling, differentiated instruction can help them revisit a tricky subject.
Practice exams are my go-to preparation materials. I try to go through them throughout the year and make it somewhat fun. I’ll even come up with my questions to switch it up a bit. I try not to scare them too much on the standardized tests and instead sprinkle learnings throughout the year, so it’s not such a shock when they come up.
I try to use a variety of positive reinforcements, but it certainly depends on the specific child. Small prizes like stickers or small toys are great incentives for kindergarten and offer up a responsibility role like line leader or door holder.
I think this is a prerequisite to becoming a kindergarten teacher! Yes, I consider myself to be a patient person, especially with children. I am proactive to try and solve issues as quickly as possible, but I am patient with anyone who may take longer to learn things or a child who may be having a bad day. I try to be as patient as possible as long as my students are giving their best effort.
This varies by the school district, but I try to mirror my student’s performance during the school year by structuring their tests and assignments like a standardized test. This makes the student more comfortable when they pop up at the end of the year.
An ideal school is clean, safe, and works to incorporate students of all types. An ideal school has all the materials and supplies to help keep students successful. Additionally, it would be ideal to have a reasonable about of students in each classroom to ensure better instruction overall.
I try to make learning as fun as possible. Students are more eager and willing to learn when they have fun than doing something because someone told them to. You will find us learning through art, plays, skits, songs, and games in my classroom.
In kindergarten, this is typically a communication issue with the parent at home. I typically try to reach out to the parent first, via email, and then via phone to see if they are aware their child has homework to complete. If they are and still aren’t doing it, I try to encourage the parent about the benefits homework can have on their child.
I have worked in education, specifically with young children, for 10 years now. This experience has given me a deep well of knowledge when it comes to early childhood development and effective teaching techniques. I understand that every child is unique and deserves an individualized approach, and through navigating their strengths and challenges I’m able to develop a classroom that builds the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills they need to succeed.
In addition to my experience, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have completed my certification for the state of Georgia. I'm committed to ongoing learning and professional growth to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education.
Overall, I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my passion, experience, and expertise to your school and to make a positive difference in the lives of your kindergarten students.
You should hire me because I am deeply committed to the education and well-being of my kindergarteners. My passion for creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and self-expression provides my children with what they need to thrive.
Additionally, my 10 years of experience and educational background have given me a deep understanding of early childhood development and effective teaching techniques. I have a track record of creating engaging and age-appropriate lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs of my classroom. I’ve comfortably worked with children who have a variety of needs, and my communication and collaboration skills allow me to work well with families and other professionals to provide a comprehensive and integrated support system for children.
I’m also committed to staying up-to-date with the most modern and well-researched teaching practices, so I know my children are always receiving the best-quality education they can be.
I want to work here because I believe Williams Elementary's passionate and innovative approach to education perfectly matches my education philosophy. As someone who's lived in Dixon County my entire life, I have a deep understanding of these children and their many diverse backgrounds. I see their struggles and their triumphs on a day-to-day basis, so I know I'm qualified to guide them and help them thrive.
In five years, I see myself continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of kindergarteners and their families. My goal each and every school year is to help each child develop their unique strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
Of course, I also see myself continuing to grow and develop as an educator. I am committed to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education, which will ultimately help me improve the lives of my kids.
One of my greatest strengths as a Kindergarten Teacher is my ability to build connections with my students. I have a warm and welcoming demeanor that helps children feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. I am also patient, compassionate, and empathetic, and I have a knack for understanding children's needs and interests.
On the other hand, one of my greatest weaknesses is my tendency to put a lot on my own shoulders. Sometimes my passion for making a positive difference in the lives of young children can lead to me overcommitting and overwhelming myself. To overcome this weakness, I have learned to prioritize my time and schedule tasks. I also make sure to take care of myself in my personal time, which prevents burnout in the workplace.
How do you feel about team teaching?
What kind of experience do you have working with computers?
How much homework will you assign?
How will you effectively communicate with families?
What do you know about our curriculum?
How would you react if you caught one of your students cheating on a test?
Tell me about the teaching experiences that have been the most important or relevant to you
How connected are you to the local community?
What would you do if a parent were to make a complaint?
How would you welcome your students on the first day of class?