20 Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, every company has their own unique process. And while some companies may ask similar questions, each one will also have their own specific questions that they like to ask.

For Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, there are a few specific questions that they often ask candidates. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of those questions and provide some guidance on how to answer them.

Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) Interview Process

The interview process at Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) is quite lengthy and detailed. They seem very interested in ensuring subject matter confidence and effective pedagogy. The initial interview is with someone from HR and then you interview for school-based positions. You must apply to school-based and/or central office positions individually. Then principals will contact you from there.

1. How would you describe your teaching style?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching philosophy and how you would fit in with the school’s culture. To answer, think of a specific example from your experience that shows what kind of teacher you are.

Example: “I believe that every student is unique, so I tailor my lessons to each individual. For instance, when I taught English last year, I noticed one student was struggling with grammar rules while another excelled at writing essays. So, I gave them different assignments based on their strengths. This helped both students succeed and feel good about themselves.”

2. What would be the most important thing to teach students in your class?

This question is a way for the interviewer to understand your teaching philosophy. It’s important to be honest and specific in your answer, as it can help you stand out from other candidates.

Example: “I believe that every student should have access to an education that helps them develop their unique talents and interests. I would make sure my students know that they are capable of achieving great things, no matter what challenges they may face.”

3. Are you comfortable working with special needs children?

Wheaton High School has a program for students with special needs, and the interviewer wants to make sure you are comfortable working with these students. Answer honestly about your experience in this area. If you have no experience, explain that you would be willing to learn more about it.

Example: “I worked as an aide at my local elementary school where I helped children with autism. It was challenging work, but I learned so much from it. I am confident that I can help any student succeed.”

4. Describe a time when you had an issue with student behavior, how did you handle it?

Wheaton High School is a public high school in Montgomery County, Maryland. As such, it’s likely that you’ll be working with students who have behavioral issues at some point during your career there. Interviewers want to know how you will handle these situations and ensure the safety of all students.

Example: “I had an incident where one student was bullying another. I spoke with both students separately and asked them what happened. The bully said he didn’t mean to hurt anyone and just wanted attention. He apologized for his actions and promised not to do it again. I told him if he did, I would call his parents and suspend him from school.”

5. Can you tell me about one of the most difficult lessons you have taught and what made it so challenging?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you handle challenges. When answering, try to focus on the strategies you used to help students understand the material.

Example: “When I first started teaching, I taught a lesson on the concept of time zones. It was challenging because it’s not something most people think about or use in their daily lives. To make it easier for my students, I created an interactive website where they could practice what they learned. This helped them remember the concepts better.”

6. Have you ever worked in an environment where there are language barriers between yourself and the other teachers or students?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you had to overcome language barriers or cultural differences in order to communicate effectively with others.

Example: “In my last position as a high school English teacher, I worked alongside several Spanish-speaking teachers who taught Spanish classes. While we all spoke English fluently, there were times when the students would ask questions that none of us could understand because they were speaking in their native tongue. To solve this problem, we decided to have one of our Spanish teachers translate for us during staff meetings so that everyone was able to understand each other.”

7. Tell us about a time where you had to manage a group project.

Wheaton High School is a large school with over 2,000 students. As such, it often requires teachers to manage group projects in the classroom. Interviewers want to know that you have experience working with a large group of people and can effectively lead them through a project.

Example: “In my previous position as an English teacher at a small high school, I had to manage many different types of group projects. One example was when we were studying Shakespeare’s plays. We split up into groups of three or four students and each group chose one play to study. Each student then wrote a paper on their assigned play. I helped facilitate communication between the members of the group and provided guidance throughout the process.”

8. What was your favorite subject in high school? Why?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleagues and their interests. It’s also an opportunity for you to share what you’re passionate about, which can help the interviewer get to know you better. When answering this question, try to pick something that relates to the job description or school mission statement.

Example: “My favorite subject in high school was AP U.S. history. I chose to take it as my senior year elective because I wanted to challenge myself with a college-level course. The class ended up being one of my favorites because we got to study so many different topics and eras throughout American history. I learned so much from that class and feel like it has helped me become a more well-rounded person.”

9. Do you have any experience tutoring/teaching outside of work?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you interact with students. If you have experience tutoring or mentoring, share the details of what you did and why it was important to you.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed helping others learn new things, so I volunteered at my local library for two years as a tutor. I worked one-on-one with children who were struggling in math and reading. After each session, I would give the child’s parent a progress report on their performance. The parents loved getting updates and seeing their child’s improvement.”

10. How do you deal with stress?

Wheaton High School is a large school with over 2,000 students. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle the stress of working in such a high-pressure environment. Use examples from your previous experience that show you can manage stress and remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I find it helpful to take five deep breaths when I feel stressed or overwhelmed. This helps me regain my focus and remember why I am here—to help these students succeed. Another thing I do is write down all of my thoughts on paper so I can organize them and see what steps I need to take next.”

11. What is the greatest challenge facing educators today?

Wheaton High School is looking for an educator who can help the school overcome challenges and achieve its goals. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you’re aware of current issues in education and how you plan to address them.

Example: “The greatest challenge facing educators today is a lack of funding. In order to provide students with the best possible education, schools need more money. I believe that we should be able to spend as much money on our students as other countries do. If elected, I would work hard to ensure that Wheaton High School has all the resources it needs.”

12. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential career path. Interviewers want to know that you are committed to their school district and plan on staying for the long term. When answering this question, be sure to mention how much you enjoy working in education and what goals you have for yourself as an educator.

Example: “I see myself continuing my career at Wheaton High School five years from now. I am so passionate about teaching and would love to continue doing it for many more years. In five years, I hope to have earned my master’s degree in education and become a department head.”

13. What kind of management style do you think works best for this type of position?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your management style and how it might fit with the Wheaton High School culture. To answer, think about what type of leadership you’ve seen work in a school setting before. Try to use examples from your own experience if possible.

Example: “I believe that an authoritative management style is best for this position because I want to be able to support my teachers while also making sure students are following rules and behaving appropriately. In my last role as a guidance counselor, I worked closely with teachers to help them develop lesson plans and strategies for managing their classrooms. I also helped students who were struggling academically or behaviorally by meeting with them one-on-one to discuss their concerns.”

14. What would you say has been your biggest professional accomplishment so far?

Wheaton High School is looking for candidates who are passionate about their work and have a history of success. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight an accomplishment that relates to the job description or shows your interest in working at Wheaton High School.

Example: “My biggest professional accomplishment so far was when I received my teaching certification. It took me five years to complete all of the necessary coursework and exams, but I am very proud of myself for sticking with it and achieving my goal. This accomplishment has helped me become the teacher I am today.”

15. When have you used technology in the classroom? Give an example.

Technology is an important part of the modern classroom. Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience using technology in your teaching methods. Use your answer to explain a specific time when you used technology to help students learn or complete assignments.

Example: “In my last position, I had a student who was struggling with their math class. The student asked me for extra help after school one day and we worked through some problems together on a computer program. This helped them understand the concepts better and they were able to do well on their next test.”

16. If you were principal of the school, what changes would you make?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your leadership skills and how you would implement change. Your answer should include specific changes that you would make, as well as reasons why these changes are important.

Example: “If I were principal of Wheaton High School, I would first want to ensure that all students feel safe at school. To do this, I would create an anonymous hotline where students could report bullying or other issues they may be experiencing. I would also increase security measures by adding more cameras around campus and hiring additional security guards. Another change I would make is implementing a later start time for classes so students can get enough sleep.”

17. What would you do if a parent calls you at home because their child failed a test?

Wheaton High School is a public school in Montgomery County, Maryland. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle challenging situations with parents and students. Use this question as an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate effectively with parents.

Example: “I understand that parents want the best for their children, so I would make sure they feel comfortable talking to me about any concerns they have. If a parent calls me at home because their child failed a test, I would first listen to them without interrupting. Then, I would ask questions to better understand what happened. Afterward, I would explain our grading policy and offer to meet with them to discuss strategies to help their child improve.”

18. In what ways can you differentiate instruction in order to meet the needs of all students in your class?

Wheaton High School is a diverse school with students from many different backgrounds. The interviewer wants to know how you can help all of your students succeed in the classroom and what strategies you use to ensure that each student meets their academic goals.

Example: “I have experience teaching students who are gifted, learning disabled and those who speak English as a second language. I make sure to differentiate instruction by using multiple methods of teaching, including hands-on activities, group work and individualized lessons. This helps me meet the needs of all my students while also ensuring they’re able to learn the material.”

19. What would you do if you saw someone that didn’t belong on campus?

Wheaton High School is a large school with many students. The interviewer wants to make sure you know how to handle situations like this one and that you can keep the campus safe for all of its students.

Example: “If I saw someone who didn’t belong on campus, I would ask them if they were lost or needed help finding something. If they said no, I would escort them off campus immediately. If they said yes, I would call security to come and assist.”

20. How will you use social media as a teacher?

Social media is a powerful tool for teachers to connect with students and parents. It can also be used as an educational resource, but it’s important that you use social media in a way that supports the school’s values and policies. When answering this question, make sure you emphasize your commitment to using social media responsibly.

Example: “I understand how important it is to maintain professional relationships on social media. I will only post about my personal life when I am not at work or representing Wheaton High School. I will always remain respectful of others’ opinions and privacy. I will never share any confidential information about students or their families online.”