ESL Interview Questions

Recently I interviewed for a new ESL teaching position. It was both exciting and nerve wrecking.  I can best describe it as a roller coaster of emotions.  The up was receiving the call that I had an interview. Recieving an interview is worth celebrating.  I feel like it is hard to get an interview now days.  Everything is done online and we no longer apply in person.  You can't get a job without an initial interview.  

The downer was after my interview.  I second guessed all my responses and made myself practically sick by over analyzing everything I said.  Why didin't I respond with this or that!?! What did they think of me?  Did I make a good first impression?  I should have said this...! I wonder when i will hear something?  A person can make themselves nuts after an interview!

The good news for me is after a long interview process, I was offered the position.  I was thrilled.  I was the one!  They chose me!  Then the excitement was followed once again by the downer...I would have to break the news to my current job that I would be leaving.  I guess this is what they call...bittersweet. 

This was especially hard because I truly enjoyed my current teaching position.  I worked with a great group of staff members and was led by a caring and supportive administration.

I now have a new opportunity and me leaving was providing a new opportunity for someone else.  Plus I had to remind myself that change is good.  My colleagues were excited for my new opportunity and they were quick to ask me what were some of my inteview questions.  What a great question.  Especially since we will be interviewing for my current ESL Teaching Position.  So after reflecting on my recent interviews, below are some of the questions I was asked.  Of course these are not word for word.  These questions are restated the best I can remember.  You know what its like to interview...it's a big blur while you are in the hot seat.  

1.  What are ways you reach out to parents, especially those parents that don't speak English?

2. How can you support the classroom teacher?  

3.  Working as an ESL Teacher can be a very islolated position.  How would you reach out to other teachers in the building to provide support for students?

4. Describe a recent lesson you taught.

5. How do you differentiate for small group instruction?

6. What are some best practices in supporting ESL Students?

7. What sets the ESL Student apart from other students in the classroom?

8. How do you teach an ESL Student that is a level one (beginner of English)?

9.How would you handle a situation where your colleagues are not happy about something your principal has asked you to do?

10. Describe your teaching experiences.

11. Why did you choose ESL?

12. How do you incorporate technology when teaching?

Have you had a recent interview or plan to interview canidates for a current ESL Position? If so, please share your questions with us.  

WIDA Blog: Using the CAN DO Descriptors in Grades 3-5

Recently at a PD, we had a lot of discussions about using the WIDA CAN DO Descriptors.  One was how ESL Teachers can introduce these to mainstream classroom teachers.  Many of us agree that utilizing the Can Do Descriptors is great for driving instruction and mapping out a plan of action for teaching and making accommodations.  It is also a great tool to share with teachers so they can better understand their ELL Students.

But, like anything "new" these can be overwhelming.  One ESL Teacher pointed out that she created Can Do Descriptors for each of her students in all four domains and handed them out to classroom teachers.  Having no experience with these descriptors caused some anxiety for teachers.  One suggestion is to start small. Instead of creating Can Do Descriptors for each domain, start with one, such as Reading.  Set up a meeting time to sit down with each grade level and go over how to use these descriptors.  It's important that we support classroom teachers by providing them with the proper tools and training to be successful in teaching ELL Students.

If you or your district have a log in to www.wida.us you can download Can Do Descriptor Name Charts for your own use.  This is a great way to inform teachers and drive ESL support both in and outside the classroom. Also check out the WIDA Blog link below.  I find it to be very helpful.  Please comment and share any ideas or experiences you have with utilizing Can Do Descriptors.

WIDA Blog: Using the CAN DO Descriptors in Grades 3-5