20 Uncommon Schools Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job at Uncommon Schools, there are a few things you can do to prepare and increase your chances of impressing the interviewer. One way to do this is to research the company and familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and goals. Another way to prepare is to anticipate and practice answering questions that are specific to the company.

In this article, we will provide some sample questions that you may be asked in an interview for a job at Uncommon Schools. We will also give some tips on how to answer these questions so that you can make a great impression and increase your chances of getting the job.

Uncommon Schools Interview Process

The interview process at Uncommon Schools can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally consists of a phone screening, followed by a virtual or in-person interview, and then a demo lesson. For some positions, you may also be asked to complete an assessment before your interview. The interviews tend to be fairly rigorously, with a focus on your ability to control a classroom and teach with rigor. However, they are also very respectful and polite, and you will have a chance to ask questions and get to know your potential colleagues.

1. Describe a time you had to adjust your teaching when the lesson wasn’t working.

This question can help interviewers understand how you adapt to challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to explain a time when you had to change the way you taught a lesson or activity because it wasn’t working for students. Explain what you did differently and how it helped improve student learning.

Example: “I once had a class of fifth-graders who were having trouble with basic addition. I tried several different methods, but they still weren’t grasping the concept. Finally, I decided to try an online math game that would allow them to practice their skills in a fun environment. The kids loved the game, and within two weeks, most of them had mastered the basics of addition.”

2. When was a time where you were able to keep a class engaged?

This question can help the interviewer understand your teaching style and how you interact with students. Use examples from previous jobs or experiences to highlight your ability to keep a class engaged in learning.

Example: “I once had a student who was constantly distracted during lessons, so I decided to have him sit next to me at my desk. This way, he could see what I was doing on the computer and follow along. It worked, and he started paying attention more often. He even began asking questions about what I was doing on the computer. By having him sit next to me, I was able to engage him in learning.”

3. What is your favorite subject in school and why?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new coworker’s interests and passions. It can also help you understand what subjects they may be most qualified to teach in the classroom. When answering this question, try to pick a subject that shows passion for learning or an interest in education.

Example: “My favorite subject was always science because I love learning how things work. In high school, I took AP biology and really enjoyed it. I think I would make a great teacher of biology because I have such a strong background in the subject.”

4. How would you handle a student who refuses to do work?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle challenging situations. In your answer, try to show that you are empathetic and willing to work with students who may have special needs or learning styles.

Example: “I would first ask the student why they refuse to do their work. I would then explain to them that refusing to do work is not an option at our school. If they still refuse to do their work, I would contact their parents and let them know what’s going on. I would also offer to meet with the student one-on-one to see if we could come up with a solution.”

5. Why Uncommon Schools?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its mission. You can use this opportunity to explain why you are passionate about education, what makes Uncommon Schools unique or how you would contribute to the team.

Example: “I chose to apply for this position because I am passionate about helping children learn and grow. I believe that every child deserves an equal chance at success, regardless of their background. When I read about Uncommon Schools’ mission, I knew it was something I could get behind. I have always been dedicated to my students, but I think working here would allow me to make a real difference in the lives of others.”

6. What makes a good teacher in your opinion?

This question is a great way to show your passion for teaching and the skills you use in the classroom. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific qualities that make a good teacher and how they relate to your own experience as a teacher.

Example: “A good teacher should have patience, creativity and enthusiasm. They should also be organized and able to communicate effectively with students and parents. I think these are important traits because they help teachers create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning new things.”

7. Have you ever worked with students from low-income families?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience working with students who may have unique challenges. If you haven’t worked with low-income families, explain what you would do if a student came to class hungry or without the supplies they need.

Example: “I’ve never worked in an environment where I had to address these issues, but I know that it’s important for teachers and administrators to be aware of their students’ situations so we can provide support when needed. In my last position, I volunteered at a local food bank once a month. This gave me the opportunity to learn about some of the resources available to low-income families.”

8. Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond for a student to make sure they learned something.

This question can help interviewers understand your dedication to helping students succeed. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation and how you helped the student learn something or overcome an obstacle.

Example: “I once had a student who was struggling with fractions. He didn’t understand why he needed to know them, so I created a game where he could practice his math skills while playing basketball. After that, he started to see fractions as more than just numbers on paper and began to enjoy learning about them.”

9. Can you give an example of a goal you set for yourself and how did you accomplish it?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can set goals for yourself. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to take on challenges and learn new things.

Example: “When I first started working in education, I was very nervous about teaching students with special needs. However, I knew it was important to overcome my fears so I could be an effective teacher. So, I signed up for a training course where I learned more about special education. After taking this course, I realized that I had many strengths as a teacher and I felt much more confident in my abilities.”

10. Tell us about a project or initiative you started.

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your leadership skills and how you approach new projects. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a project that was successful or one that helped improve the company’s processes.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed we were using several different software programs for our data collection. This made it difficult to compile reports on student performance and overall school progress. So, I started a project to create a single database where all of our information could be stored. After researching various options, I decided to use Microsoft Access as our database program. The system has been very beneficial in helping us track important information.”

11. Are you prepared to use data to inform your instruction?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to use data to inform your instruction and make decisions about how you can improve student learning. Use examples from your experience that show you understand the importance of using data to inform your teaching practice.

Example: “I believe that data is an important tool for informing my instruction because it allows me to see what’s working in the classroom and what isn’t. In my last position, I used data to determine which students needed more support with their math skills. After analyzing the data, I realized that many students were struggling with basic addition and subtraction concepts. I created a new lesson plan that focused on these fundamentals and helped students build confidence in their math skills.”

12. Do you have any experience using Google Apps?

Google Apps is a suite of applications that includes Gmail, Google Docs and Google Sheets. These apps are used by many businesses to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations online. If you have experience using these tools, explain how they helped you in your previous role.

Example: “I’ve been using Google Apps for the past three years at my current job. I use it daily to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations with other team members. It’s saved me time because I don’t have to print out documents or save them as PDFs. Instead, I can access them from any device with an internet connection. This has allowed me to work remotely when needed.”

13. What are some technology tools that you believe could help teachers deliver quality lessons?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of educational technology and how it can be used in the classroom. When answering this question, you should list some specific tools that you have experience using or know about.

Example: “I believe that teachers should use technology as much as possible when teaching their students. For example, I’ve seen many classrooms where teachers project their computer screen onto a large wall so all of the students can see what they’re doing. This allows them to teach more effectively because they don’t need to write on the board for every single lesson. Another tool that I think could help teachers deliver quality lessons is virtual reality headsets. These devices allow students to learn about new places without ever leaving the classroom.”

14. If hired, what would be your approach to helping staff members become comfortable with technology?

This question can help interviewers understand how you plan to integrate technology into your work and the company’s overall goals. Use examples from previous experiences or explain what you would do if you haven’t worked in an e-learning environment before.

Example: “I have a background in computer science, so I’m comfortable with technology. However, I know that not everyone is as comfortable with computers as I am. In my last position, I helped train staff members on using various software programs for their daily tasks. For example, I taught teachers how to use Google Docs for collaborating on lesson plans and presentations. I also showed them how to use online grading systems like Edmodo.”

15. What do you think are important qualities for an office manager?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a potential office manager. Use your answer to highlight some of your best qualities and how they would benefit an office manager.

Example: “I think it’s important for an office manager to be organized, detail-oriented and empathetic. As an office manager, I would need to keep track of many different tasks and projects at once. Being organized is essential in this role because it allows me to stay on top of my responsibilities and ensure that all employees are completing their work. Detail-oriented skills are also important because they allow me to notice any mistakes or issues with employee performance. Finally, empathy is important because it helps me understand what my employees may be going through and provide them with support.”

16. How well can you multi-task?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to work on multiple projects at once. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you prioritize and manage your time when working on multiple tasks.

Example: “I am very good at multi-tasking because I have had to do so for many years as an educator. In my previous position, I was responsible for teaching students in the classroom while also monitoring their progress online. This required me to switch between different tasks quickly but efficiently. I would check student grades every day after school and then again before each class began. If there were any issues or concerns with grades, I would address them immediately.”

17. What steps would you take to manage all of our incoming orders?

This question is a great way to assess your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list the steps you would take to ensure all incoming orders are processed in a timely manner.

Example: “I would first create an order form that I could use for each new client. Then, I would enter all of my clients’ information into the system so I could easily access their contact information when needed. Next, I would set up a calendar where I could schedule out all upcoming deadlines and due dates. Finally, I would make sure to check my email inbox daily to respond to any questions or concerns.”

18. How would you ensure that we had enough supplies on hand at all times?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of your organizational skills and attention to detail. Use examples from past experiences where you had to manage supplies or inventory, such as ordering more paper before it ran out or keeping track of how many computers were available for students to use.

Example: “I would make sure that we always have enough supplies on hand at all times. In my last position, I was responsible for ordering new supplies when they were running low. I also made sure that our supply closet was organized so that teachers could easily find what they needed. This helped them teach their lessons without having to spend time looking for materials.”

19. We want our employees to feel comfortable approaching the office manager. How would you build those relationships?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your interpersonal skills and how you would interact with other employees. Use examples from previous jobs where you helped coworkers or managers solve problems, communicated important information or assisted others in their work.

Example: “I think it’s important for all employees to feel comfortable approaching the office manager about any issues they’re having at work. In my last position, I was the office manager, so I made sure to make myself available to anyone who needed help. If someone had a problem, they could come to me directly without needing to go through their supervisor first. This allowed them to get answers more quickly and ensured that I knew what was going on throughout the company.”

20. What do you know about the role of an Office Manager?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with office management. Office managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company, including managing employees and maintaining records. In your answer, explain how you would use your skills as an office manager to benefit Uncommon Schools.

Example: “I have worked in several different roles throughout my career, which has given me valuable insight into what it takes to be an effective office manager. I understand that an office manager needs to be organized, detail-oriented and able to multitask. As an office manager, I would ensure that all staff members had access to their work files and documents at all times. I would also make sure that our filing system was up-to-date so we could find important information quickly.”