What is the hardest thing about teaching?

Question

I was asked this question at a recent job interview. I had a horrible student teaching experience, so when I was asked, I said that lack of teaching support was the hardest part. I explained how much harder it was for me to do everything alone without other student teacher support. I had fourth grade alone, but others on my team were in the same grades and got to work on lessons and ideas together). Anyway, I was just curious if I should've said something different, like classroom management? Any ideas? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Well, actually the key to answering that question is to not complain about others... and also to not make yourself sound incapable of handling things.

In your case-- you're right-- a lack of support IS a big problem. BUT I think you may have lead them to believe that you can't handle teaching without lots of support. You don't want the principal to think you're complaining about the support/work before you even start.

You should mention something that's challenging, but then quickly turn it around and remind your interviewer that you're ready to overcome the challenge.

For example, you might say, "The new state assessments arecertainly a challenge for students. As a teacher, I have to meet the new expectations set by the state. I'm confident this won't be a problem, since I am able to cover the curriculum completely and throroughlly."

Another way to tackle this question: You might mention something that has been challenging to YOU. (Not something major-- something small.) Then, explain how you overcame the problem and are now a stronger teacher because of it.

Another example: "When I began my student teaching, one of my biggest challenges was getting kids' attention in a noisy room. My cooperating teacher taught me a variety of tricks-- like using reward stars for groups that get ready and settle down quickly. Now it's a piece of cake for me!"

Then you can say something cheesy like, "Teaching is a job with many challenges... but each time I overcome a new challenge, I become a more effective teacher because of it."

Really-- they're not looking to see what's challenging for you-- they're looking for you to be a little stumped by that one. They're looking for you to act as if any REAL challenges are easily solved on your own.

I wrote an eBook about Getting Teaching jobs. I mentioned that specific interview question in the book. Maybe the eBook can help you. It has 48 common teacher interview questions, and lots of advice on finding jobs. It's called Guide to Getting the Teaching Job of Your Dreams http://www.iwantateachingjob.com

Best of luck to you on your job search... and in future interviews! :-)

Answer 2

I have been teaching for 20 years. I have taught in adult prisons, juvenile prisons, alternative schools, special ed classes, and the so called regular ed classes. The hardest thing about teaching from my opinion is having to work for people who kiss up to parents and politicize education to the point that it makes my job more difficult than it has to be, and I thoroughly resent the fact that I as a professional have am treated as a servant by parents and administration.

For example, I once had parents tell me that my salary was paid by their taxes and that they have the right to expect certain things from me to be done with their agreement or else... I told them that I was responsible to make sure that their child was capable of performing the tasks required for the concepts of the course set forth by the state... and it was my job to ensure that only those capable of performing would pass the course and their child was not doing so due to their poor behavior choices at school, attendance problems, and lack of work completed. They repeated how they pay my salary and wanted justification and my principal looked at me and I stated that I didn't think that their behavior deserved a response other than to say.... try that statement the next time you get pulled over by a cop... tell him your taxes pay his salary... when he arrests you and books you and brings you to the jail... tell the jailor your taxes paid his salary... and when you go before that judge... remind him that your taxes pay his salary... so don't ask me what the problem is when the problem is your childs performance not my willingness to help. Thats the hardest thing about teaching... not just telling people the truth, but having an administration that will let you and then doing it because it is the right thing to do and necesssary at the time, occasionally.

so basically the disrespect of some in society and the crappy salary

Answer 3

This question was designed to be a test of character....yours. Read over your solution very carefully. Who did you blame for your problems? If you did not take responsibility for your own inadequacies and lack of preparation, then you haven't yet learned what it is to be a good and effective teacher. If you really have the desire and drive to teach, your answer should always be..."I will certainly be more prepared next time this situation comes up," no exceptions. And, next time you WILL be prepared. If your students don't learn, you have no one to blame but yourself. I know, I've been teaching since 1980. The teacher arguing and struggle against him or herself experiences the hardest thing there is about teaching.

Answer 4

Hi I hate that questions because back when I was in college working with kids I would say the parents. But now that I am a teacher, I don't say that anymore. I would say would say after my first year ( this year) there was a lack of support too. I thought since it was my first year teaching and first year there I would get more support. But not so. Actually its seems as I was always the last to find out about everything. It was like they forgot that I was new! So that's what my answer would be. Matter of fact in a recent interview for next year I said that. I said there was not as much support as i had hoped. I hope you get the job!

Answer 5

If you were being honest then there is nothing wrong with it. I had a similar experience when I did student teaching. I found that with no teacher help it made it difficult, but I was dealing with 9th graders who had no respect for anyone, not even the teacher so it was rather difficult.

So being honest was the best thing you could have done. Classroom management could have been another answer you could have given if that was part of the problem.

Answer 6

The hardest thing about teaching is to get the children to listen to you and say something interesting.

Answer 7

for me the hardest thing is when I feel as though I am not getting to the kids, or a certain child. It hits hard for a teacher
when a student is struggling for whatever reason.

Answer 8

actually, i think you gave a good answer. i have been teaching for ten years. when i started out and wanted to know how something was done i always figured, "why reinvent the wheel?" it definitely helps to have someone to support you, especially as a new teacher. i think it shows that you are open to ideas, and are willing to working with others; which is really important when starting out.
good luck and when you do get a position, seek out a buddy or mentor in your grade level. it is a challenging job but it definitely has it's rewards.

Answer 9

People, in general, are not as responsible/ intelligent/ trustworthy as I expect. The bad experiences people have will cause them to treat me differently, even if I had nothing to do with that experience. Other people are just like me, in the way that we all have feelings, goals, fears, and hopes. The world is full of people just trying to make a life the best way they know how.

Answer 10

That was a trick question. If you would have answered classroom management, then the interview team would perceive that you have no discipline management skills. I think your answer was good - it showed that you are a team player and work well with others in order to accomplish the same goal - educating students.