20 Guilford County Schools Interview Questions and Answers

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina and serves over 73,000 students in 126 schools. The district employs over 6,000 teachers and staff members, making it one of the largest employers in Guilford County.

If you’re applying for a job with Guilford County Schools, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of sample Guilford County Schools interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Guilford County Schools Interview Process

The interview process at Guilford County Schools can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as Substitute Teacher, you may only be interviewed once, while for others, such as Teacher, you may be interviewed multiple times by different members of the school staff. In general, the interview process is fairly straightforward and will ask questions about your work experience, qualifications, and personality.

1. How do you handle students who are disruptive in the classroom?

Guilford County Schools want to ensure that their teachers can handle classroom disruptions and maintain control of the classroom. Your answer should show your ability to remain calm in a challenging situation, while also maintaining the respect of students.

Example: “I have had students who are disruptive in class before, but I always make sure to address them calmly and clearly. If they continue to be disruptive, I will ask them to leave the classroom for a few minutes so we can discuss what is going on. I find that most students just need someone to listen to them or help them with an issue. After talking to them, I usually find that they are able to return to class without further disruption.”

2. What would you say is your teaching philosophy?

Guilford County Schools wants to know what you believe in as a teacher. They want to see if your beliefs align with their own school district’s values and goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer to the Guilford County Schools website or other resources that outline the district’s mission statement and goals.

Example: “I believe that every student has something unique to offer the world. I also think that students learn best when they are engaged and excited about the material. My goal is always to find ways to make lessons more interesting for my students so that they’re eager to learn.”

3. Do you have experience working with children who come from different backgrounds?

Guilford County Schools is a diverse district, and the interviewer wants to make sure you have experience working with students from different backgrounds. Show them that you can adapt to different learning styles and personalities by sharing an example of how you worked with a student who was different than yourself.

Example: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with many children from different backgrounds in my previous role as a teacher’s aide at a private school. I assisted a kindergarten class where most of the students were from wealthy families. One day, one of the students asked me if I knew what a ‘homeless person’ was. I explained to him that some people don’t have homes because they don’t have enough money to pay for food or housing. He then told me he wanted to give all his toys away so that homeless kids could have something nice.”

4. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with an angry parent.

Guilford County Schools wants to know that you can handle conflict and remain calm. This is a great opportunity to show your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to stay composed under pressure.

Example: “I had an angry parent call me at home one night because their child was failing my class. I calmly explained the grading system and how they could help their child improve. The parent calmed down and thanked me for being so helpful. They ended up coming to school to meet with me about their child’s progress.”

5. Describe how you would teach a child that struggles with reading.

Guilford County Schools wants to know that you can adapt your teaching style to meet the needs of all students. When answering this question, describe a specific strategy or technique you use when working with struggling readers.

Example: “I have had several students in my classroom over the years who struggled with reading. I find it’s important to first assess what type of learner they are and then develop an individualized plan for them. For example, one student I taught was dyslexic but didn’t realize it until later in life. He needed extra time on tests and assignments, so I would give him more time to complete his work than other students. Another student I taught was very bright but just couldn’t grasp phonics. I used multisensory techniques like songs and games to help her learn.”

6. Are you comfortable answering phone calls and emails from parents?

Guilford County Schools wants to ensure that you are comfortable communicating with parents and guardians. This is because they want their teachers to be approachable, especially when it comes to answering questions or concerns about a student’s progress. When answering this question, make sure to emphasize your communication skills and ability to work well under pressure.

Example: “I am very comfortable speaking with parents and other members of the community. I understand that parents have many questions and concerns about their child’s education, so I always try my best to answer all of their questions thoroughly. In fact, I find it rewarding to help parents better understand their child’s learning process. As a parent myself, I know how important it is to feel like you can ask questions without feeling judged.”

7. Which age group of children do you prefer to work with? Why?

Guilford County Schools wants to know that you are passionate about working with children and have a desire to help them learn. Your answer should show the interviewer that you enjoy working with all age groups, but also highlight your strengths in one or two specific areas.

Example: “I love working with all ages of students because each group has its own unique personality and challenges. I find that younger students are more energetic and eager to learn, while older students are more focused and independent. I think my ability to relate to both types of students is an asset to this district.”

8. Are you willing to complete additional training if needed?

Guilford County Schools may require additional training for new teachers. Interviewers want to know that you’re willing to learn and grow as a teacher. If you have experience with similar training, share what you learned. If you haven’t had this type of training before, explain how you would approach it.

Example: “I’ve taken several online courses in the past, so I’m familiar with the process. However, if there’s something specific Guilford County Schools needs me to learn, I’d be happy to do so. I believe that learning is an ongoing process, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my teaching.”

9. If hired, what subject would you want to teach?

Guilford County Schools offers a variety of subjects and grade levels. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience teaching the subject they are hiring for. If you don’t, you can explain why you would like to teach that subject.

Example: “I am certified in elementary education, so I would be happy to teach any grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade. However, my passion is working with students who struggle with reading. I love helping them learn how to read and understand what they’re reading. It’s rewarding to see their confidence grow as they become better readers.”

10. What would you do if a student was struggling with their homework?

Guilford County Schools wants to know that you can help students with their homework and understand the importance of this. This question also helps them determine if you have experience working with students who are struggling in school.

Example: “I would first ask the student what they’re having trouble with, then I’d try to find a way to explain it in a different way so they could better understand it. If they still didn’t understand after that, I would offer to stay late or come in early before school to help them one-on-one until they understood.”

11. How do you think technology can be used in the classroom?

Guilford County Schools is looking for teachers who are comfortable integrating technology into their lessons. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time you used technology in the classroom and how it helped your students learn.

Example: “I think that technology can be an excellent tool for engaging students and helping them learn new concepts. In my last position, I had a student who was struggling with fractions. We created a math game where he could practice his skills while having fun. He ended up getting a B on his next test.”

12. What makes you stand out as a teacher?

This question is a great way to show your passion for teaching and how you can make a difference in the lives of students. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your strengths as an educator and what makes you unique.

Example: “I think my ability to connect with students on a personal level makes me stand out as a teacher. I always try to get to know each student so that I can understand their interests and challenges. This helps me create lessons that are more relevant to them and motivates them to learn. Another thing that makes me stand out is my creativity. I love coming up with new ways to engage students and keep lessons interesting.”

13. Have you ever been asked to leave a school district before?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how you’ve handled challenges in the past. If you have been asked to leave a school district, be honest about why it happened and what you learned from the experience. If you haven’t been asked to leave a school district, explain that you are committed to doing everything you can to stay at this position.

Example: “I was once asked to leave my previous teaching position because I had too many unexcused absences. At the time, I was going through some personal issues and didn’t realize how much of an impact they were having on my work life. Since then, I’ve worked hard to ensure that I am always prepared to teach and never miss any days again.”

14. What kind of activities would you use to keep children engaged?

Guilford County Schools wants to know that you can keep students engaged in class and help them learn. When answering this question, think about the activities you use in your current classroom or what you would do if you were starting a new classroom. Explain how these activities helped students learn and remember information.

Example: “I have found that using hands-on activities is one of the best ways to keep students engaged. For example, I had a student who was having trouble remembering his multiplication tables. So, we created a game where he could roll dice and answer questions based on the number he rolled. He started to remember his multiplication facts because he was actively involved in the learning process.”

15. What would you do if a student made an inappropriate comment or joke?

Guilford County Schools wants to ensure that you can handle difficult situations with students and maintain a positive learning environment. When answering this question, it’s important to show your ability to remain calm and use conflict resolution skills to diffuse the situation.

Example: “I would first ask the student what they meant by their comment or joke. If I felt uncomfortable about their answer, I would report the incident to my supervisor so we could discuss how to proceed. In most cases, I would talk to the student privately and explain why their comments were inappropriate. I would also let them know that if they ever have questions about LGBTQ issues, I am happy to provide resources.”

16. Do you have any experience tutoring students outside of class?

Guilford County Schools may ask this question to see if you have any experience tutoring students outside of class. This can be a great way for the school district to learn more about your teaching style and how you interact with students one-on-one. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific examples of when you’ve helped students in or out of class.

Example: “I’ve had several students come to me throughout my career asking for help with their homework assignments. I always make myself available to them during lunchtime so they don’t miss any important information from their other classes. I find that this is a great opportunity for me to get to know each student better and provide individualized attention.”

17. How do you feel about standardized testing?

Guilford County Schools uses standardized testing to measure student progress and achievement. Interviewers want to know how you feel about this process, as it is an important part of the job. Your answer should show that you understand why these tests are necessary and that you support them.

Example: “I believe in the importance of standardized testing. It’s a great way for students to see their own growth over time and for teachers to compare results across different subjects and grade levels. I also think it’s important to remember that these tests are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to measuring success. Teachers need to look at many factors when deciding whether or not a student has mastered a subject.”

18. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded person. You can use this time to talk about any other accomplishments, awards or experiences that relate to the job description.

Example: “I am also an avid runner and have been training for my first marathon. I hope to run it in under three hours, but I know it will take some practice. I plan on running at least five miles every day after work until race day.”

19. What would you change about our current education system?

Guilford County Schools wants to know that you’re passionate about education and want to make it better for students. When answering this question, be honest about what you would change but also explain how you would implement those changes.

Example: “I think the biggest problem with our current education system is that we are too focused on standardized testing. I believe that these tests should only be used as a way to measure student progress throughout the year, not as an indicator of whether or not they will graduate. If I were in charge of Guilford County Schools, I would eliminate all high stakes testing and focus more on individualized learning plans.”

20. Tell us about a time where you were able to successfully motivate a student.

Guilford County Schools is looking for a teacher who can motivate students to learn and succeed. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you have experience motivating students and helping them achieve their goals.

Example: “I once had a student who was struggling in my class. He would often be distracted during lessons and didn’t complete his homework assignments. I met with him one-on-one to discuss the issue. We talked about what he enjoyed learning about and how we could incorporate more of those topics into our lessons. After that meeting, he started paying attention more in class and began turning in all of his work.”