Klaressa Howery & Eric Gauthier

Interview Questions: Middle School Math Position

EA 754

Introduction:
There is a possibility based on need of an intervention mathematics teacher in our
district. These questions will help us determine the best candidate for that position.
These questions were tailored to narrow candidates and focus our search. Our interview
team would consist of: building principal, two mathematics teachers, special education
teacher, counselor, and human resource administrator.
1) Question: Share with us an area of mathematics that you are passionate
about?
Rationale: Knowledge of subject matter. Passion for the profession and subject
your teaching. The candidate shows excitement about learning and teaching
the curriculum.
Deeper Tag Question: How would you implement that standard in your class?
Looking for how the candidate would apply knowledge and creativity in
relationship to the content. How creative they are in their approach in terms of
student engagement.
2) Question: Tell us about your experiences with Common Core in regards to
mathematics.
Rationale: Knowledge of content standards. Is the candidate up to date on
current state standards? The interview committee will be looking for the
candidates ability to answer an open ended question.
Deeper Tag Question: How do you assure coverage of all the CCSM? Looking
for how they handle the issue of content versus time. Is it more important to
cover everything or to teach for true understanding?
3) Question: What was the last article relating to education that you read?
Rationale: To see if the candidate is currently aware of literature in their
content area. Do they keep up to date on issues facing education, and
breakthroughs in teaching best practices? (Networking, tech use, and the
ability to find relevant resources)
Deeper Tag Question: How did you apply the information you learned from
the article? Application of educational articles the candidate has read. Does
the candidate practice what they preach? Is the candidate willing to adjust and
to try new teaching methods to reach all children?
4) Question: How do you structure your lessons?

Klaressa Howery & Eric Gauthier

Interview Questions: Middle School Math Position
EA 754

Rationale: Organizational skills in the development of a lesson. Is there a flow

or protocol to how they plan for student learning? (Objective is clearly stated,
anticipatory set, etc)
Deeper Tag Question: If you were teaching a lesson and it went well in first
hour, but flopped in second hour would you do anything differently in third
hour? Is the candidate able to adapt their instruction as needed? (Check for
understanding)
5) Question: How do you make content relevant and engaging for all learners?
Rationale: Looking for the possible use of technology, resourcefulness,
relationships, learning styles, and pacing.
Deeper Tag Question: How do you make your content assessable? Office
hours, technology, alternative assessment, online tools (class webpage), home
learning extensions, online tutorials. What are the three top qualities needed
to be a successful middle school teacher? The traits they value to be successful
in reaching students in this age group.
6) Question: Talk about a student success story?
Rationale: Points of pride, establishing relationships, and what the candidate
takes away from the experience. How they handle adversity.
Deeper Tag Question: Talk about a student you were not able to reach? What
did you do to reach out to/to intervene with student? Collaboration, parent
communication, student learning community, what we are looking for.
7) Question: Describe your behavior management plan?
Rationale: Do they have a structure in place to promote a positive and safe
learning environment. We are checking to see if a protocol is in place to deal
with disruptive behavior in the classroom.
Deeper Tag Question: How would you respond to the following scenario?
Dave is constantly disrupting the class. He qualifies for special education,
however the parent will not sign needed paperwork necessary for him to receive
services. Other students are aggravated with his behavior, and are approaching
you with their concerns. What would you do?

8) Question: What do you see as a teachers most important responsibility?

Klaressa Howery & Eric Gauthier

Interview Questions: Middle School Math Position
EA 754

Rationale: Indirectly viewing their philosophy of education. Seeing what they

are really all about. Can they support their claims?
Deeper Tag Question: How do you ensure that this idea is implemented?
What would you put into place to make this happen?

9) Question: What do you think contributes to the lack of motivation that

students feel?
Rationale: Knowledge of a middle school mindset of our students. Are they
able to adapt to this age level? Are they are aware of the whole child
(academics, social-emotional, physical development)
Deeper Tag Question: What value do you place on teacher/student
relationships? And how do you foster this?

10) Question: How do you keep parents informed of student progress and
problems?
Rationale: Establish and maintain rapport with parents in regards to their
child. Do they view themselves as a partnership with the parents or do they
view it as just the parents responsibility. (Documentation of intervention and
communication)
Deeper Tag Question: How do you handle a parent who is upset with the
frequency of updates to you online grade book. What method of
communication would you use, and how would you proceed to address their
concern.
11)

Question: What is your involvement outside of the classroom?

Rationale: Willing to go above and beyond to support students in outside

interests and needs. (Musicals, concerts, sporting events, etc...)
Deeper Tag Questions: Would you be willing to coach or support a club or
sport? Do they have a passion for an outside activity?
12) Question: What makes you the best candidate for the 7th grade math
position at
Wolfe Middle School?

Klaressa Howery & Eric Gauthier

Interview Questions: Middle School Math Position
EA 754

Rationale: Looking for the candidate to sell themselves confidently, but not
arrogantly. We are looking for inner confidence in their teaching and
professional abilities.
Deeper Tag Question: What do you know about Wolfe Middle School and
what questions do you have? Did they research our district and school prior to
coming? Do they seem genuinely interested in bettering our district and
students?