20 School District of Philadelphia Interview Questions and Answers

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to improving the quality of education for all of its students. In order to achieve this goal, the district relies on a team of dedicated and talented educators. If you’re interested in working for the School District of Philadelphia, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific interview questions about your qualifications and experience.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common questions you’ll be asked in an interview for a position with the School District of Philadelphia. We’ll also provide some sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

School District of Philadelphia Interview Process

The interview process at School District of Philadelphia can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like teachers, you will first apply online and then may be asked to complete a performance task. You may also be interviewed by a panel of school administrators. The process can take several weeks. For other positions, like operations trainees, the process is much simpler and only consists of one or two interviews.

1. What are your thoughts on the Common Core Standards?

The Common Core Standards are a set of learning goals that outline what students should know by the end of each grade. The standards were developed to ensure that all students across the country have access to the same quality education, regardless of where they live.

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you’re familiar with the school district’s current initiatives and how your past experience relates to them. In your answer, try to show that you understand the importance of these standards and can explain why they matter.

Example: “I think the Common Core Standards are an important step toward ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education. I believe that it is crucial for teachers to be able to provide their students with the tools they need to succeed in life after graduation. By setting clear expectations for what students should learn at each grade level, we can help them develop the skills they’ll need to achieve their future goals.”

2. How would you deal with a student who was not motivated to learn?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to motivate students and encourage them to learn. Use examples from past experiences where you motivated students or helped them develop a passion for learning.

Example: “I would first try to understand what motivates the student, whether it’s praise, rewards or simply being interested in the subject matter. If I can find out what motivates the student, then I can use that information to help them achieve their goals. For example, if they are interested in sports, I could connect them with an after-school program that teaches them about different types of exercise.”

3. Describe an effective lesson plan that you have created.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you plan lessons. To answer, think of a time when you developed a lesson plan that was successful in engaging students or helping them learn new concepts.

Example: “In my previous position as an elementary school teacher, I had the opportunity to teach a class on basic computer skills. The students were between the ages of seven and ten, so they didn’t have much experience with computers. I created a lesson plan where we started by learning the basics of using a mouse and keyboard. Then, we moved onto learning how to use word processing software and surf the internet.”

4. What is your experience working with special education students?

The School District of Philadelphia has a special education department that provides support to students with learning disabilities. Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of the challenges these students face and how you can help them succeed in school.

Example: “I have worked with many special education students during my career, including those who are deaf or blind. I am familiar with the resources available for these students and know how to communicate effectively with their parents and teachers. In one instance, I was working as an assistant teacher when a student’s mother called me because she was concerned about her son’s behavior at home. We met together so I could observe him in his natural environment and determine if there were any issues we needed to address.”

5. If a student has a learning disability and needs extra help, how do you think we should approach it?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how you would handle a specific situation that is relevant to the school district. Use your answer to show that you can think critically and apply your knowledge of special education to help students succeed.

Example: “I believe in providing individualized learning plans for each student with a learning disability. I also think it’s important to make sure they have access to extra resources, such as tutoring or mentorship programs, so they can continue to learn at their own pace. For example, if a student has dyslexia, I would want them to be able to use assistive technology like text-to-speech software to read aloud and practice spelling words.”

6. Tell us why you want to work as a teacher in Philadelphia.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interest in working for the school district. They want to know if you have a passion for helping students succeed and improving their learning opportunities. In your answer, share what attracted you to teaching and how it can help improve student outcomes.

Example: “I chose to pursue a career as a teacher because I love seeing children develop new skills and knowledge. When I was younger, my teachers inspired me to work hard and achieve my goals. Now that I am older, I feel like I can give back by inspiring other students to reach their full potential.”

7. How would you motivate students to participate during class?

The interviewer may want to know how you plan lessons and manage students during class. Showcase your ability to keep students engaged in the learning process by providing examples of how you encourage participation, maintain order and promote a positive classroom environment.

Example: “I believe that it’s important for students to feel safe and comfortable in the classroom so they can focus on their studies. I always begin my classes with a brief review of what we learned the previous day to help students remember concepts and reinforce information. I also use fun activities like games and puzzles to make learning more enjoyable.”

8. Have you had any experience teaching diverse groups of students?

The School District of Philadelphia has a diverse student population, and the interviewer may want to know if you have experience working with students from different backgrounds. Use your answer to highlight any skills or strategies that help you work effectively with students who are different than yourself.

Example: “I’ve had the opportunity to teach in both urban and suburban school districts, which has given me valuable insight into how I can adapt my teaching style to meet the needs of all types of students. For example, when I was teaching at an inner-city school district, I learned that many of my students were experiencing homelessness. To support them, I created a classroom library where they could check out books for free so they could read at home.”

9. How would you handle a parent complaining about their child’s performance?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your conflict resolution skills and ability to handle challenging situations. In your answer, demonstrate that you can remain calm under pressure and use problem-solving techniques to resolve the situation.

Example: “I would first listen to what the parent has to say and try to understand their concerns. Then I would explain how we measure student performance and provide them with information about our assessment methods. If they are still not satisfied with the results, I would offer to meet with them again after a few weeks to discuss their child’s progress.”

10. What do you think the most important skills for teachers to have are?

This question can help interviewers understand your philosophy on teaching and how you would apply it to the School District of Philadelphia. When answering this question, consider what skills you have that are relevant to teaching in a large school district.

Example: “I think the most important skill for teachers is patience. I know from my experience as an educator that students learn at different paces, so being patient with them when they’re learning new concepts or struggling with assignments is essential. Another skill I think is important is flexibility. Teachers need to be flexible because their classrooms change daily based on the needs of their students.”

11. Do you have experience developing curriculum?

The School District of Philadelphia is looking for teachers who can develop curriculum that supports the district’s goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time you developed curriculum or helped your school create new learning materials.

Example: “In my previous role as an elementary school teacher, I worked with my principal and other teachers to develop a unit on local wildlife. We used our state standards as a guide but also wanted to make sure we were teaching students about animals native to our area. We spent several weeks researching different types of wildlife in Pennsylvania and created lesson plans based on what we learned.”

12. What kind of training have you received in regards to technology integration?

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible. This includes integrating technology into classroom instruction and making sure that teachers have the training they need to use it effectively. When you answer this question, make sure to mention any relevant certifications or training courses you’ve taken in regards to technology integration.

Example: “I am a certified Google for Education Trainer, which means I can help other educators learn how to integrate Google tools into their classrooms. In my previous position, I helped train all new teachers on how to use Google Classroom to create assignments and communicate with parents.”

13. Describe a time when you taught a lesson that did not go well, what went wrong and how would you fix it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching skills and how you handle challenges. When answering, try to focus on a time when you learned from the mistake and improved your lesson plan or presentation.

Example: “When I first started teaching, I was nervous about what my students would think of me as their teacher. One day, I had an important test that I wanted to administer but also wanted to make sure everyone understood the material. So, I decided to give them two tests, one at the beginning of class and another after they completed the first one. Unfortunately, some students were confused by the second test because they didn’t remember the information from the first test. After that experience, I learned it’s better to only give one test per class.”

14. What type of classroom management style would you use?

The interviewer may want to know how you would handle a classroom full of students and the challenges that come with managing them. Describe your approach to maintaining order in the classroom, including strategies for encouraging positive behavior and discouraging negative behavior.

Example: “I believe that it’s important to establish clear rules and expectations from the start of the school year so that students understand what is expected of them. I also think it’s helpful to give students opportunities to practice new skills or behaviors before expecting them to perform at an advanced level. For example, if I expect students to be able to write neatly by the end of the first quarter, I will provide plenty of time to practice writing letters and words during the first few weeks of school.”

15. Why do you enjoy teaching?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand your motivations for teaching. It’s important to show that you’re passionate about helping students learn, but it’s also helpful to include some specific examples of how you’ve helped students in the past.

Example: “I love working with kids because they are so eager to learn new things. I find it rewarding when I can teach them something new or help them overcome an obstacle. For example, last year one of my students was having trouble learning her multiplication tables. We worked together on flashcards until she could recite all of them correctly. She was so excited when she learned the next day that she had mastered them.”

16. What college level courses are you qualified to teach?

The School District of Philadelphia is looking for teachers who are qualified to teach college-level courses. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have the necessary qualifications and experience to teach in their district. Use your answer to highlight any relevant teaching certifications or academic credentials that qualify you to teach at a higher level than high school.

Example: “I am certified to teach all levels of English, including AP Literature and Composition. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing. My degree program included several advanced composition classes, which prepared me for my certification exam.”

17. What makes a good classroom environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you would create a positive learning environment for students. To answer, think of the qualities that make your current classroom an enjoyable place to be. Consider describing what you do in your classroom to encourage student engagement and collaboration.

Example: “I believe that a good classroom environment is one where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas. I try to create a welcoming atmosphere by making sure my classroom is clean and organized, and I always greet students with a smile. In addition, I hold regular meetings with parents so they can share any concerns or suggestions they have regarding their child’s progress.”

18. How comfortable are you using computer programs like Microsoft Word or Excel?

The School District of Philadelphia uses Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel to complete many tasks, including creating reports and analyzing data. Your answer should show the interviewer that you have experience using these programs or other similar software. If you don’t have any experience with these programs, consider mentioning a different computer program you are familiar with.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Microsoft Word and Excel. In my last position as an administrative assistant, I used both programs regularly to create documents and analyze data for my supervisor.”

19. What do you know about the state’s standardized testing requirements?

The School District of Philadelphia requires all students to take the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test in reading, math and writing. The district also has a requirement that students pass the Keystone Exams before graduating from high school. Your answer should show your understanding of these requirements and how you would support them as an employee.

Example: “I understand the importance of standardized testing for measuring student progress and ensuring they are meeting state standards. I have experience administering both the PSSA and Keystone exams, so I know what it takes to prepare students for these assessments.”

20. Are you willing to further your educational qualifications if hired?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you are open to continuing your education and training. If you have a degree, they may also want to know if you plan on pursuing higher degrees in the future. In your answer, explain that you would be willing to take additional courses or pursue further education as needed.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching skills and knowledge of educational techniques. I would welcome any opportunity to further my education and learn new methods of instruction.”