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Social Studies Teacher Mock Interview

Question 14 of 25 for our Social Studies Teacher Mock Interview

Social Studies Teacher was updated by on September 23rd, 2019. Learn more here.

Question 14 of 25

How do you deal with difficult parents?

The interviewer wants to know that you feel confident in facing difficulties, especially when talking to the parents of your students. Difficult parents can be much more challenging than the students at times! When a student is struggling in your class, you might be faced with parent meetings. Speak from experience. If you haven't been in this situation before, talk about how you would handle it, drawing from your personal experience.

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How to Answer: How do you deal with difficult parents?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Social Studies Teacher job interview.

  • 14. How do you deal with difficult parents?

      How to Answer

      The interviewer wants to know that you feel confident in facing difficulties, especially when talking to the parents of your students. Difficult parents can be much more challenging than the students at times! When a student is struggling in your class, you might be faced with parent meetings. Speak from experience. If you haven't been in this situation before, talk about how you would handle it, drawing from your personal experience.

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Entry Level

      "I understand that some parents may be challenging. I would remind the parent that we are working together towards the same goal, which is guiding their child towards a lifetime of success in learning. I would ask the parent what their expectations are for me, as the teacher, and make a plan from there."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Answer Example

      "I talk to the parents in the same way I approach a struggling student. I want to understand the bigger picture of what's wrong, so I ask questions and I listen. Once we identify the problem, we discuss ways that we can work together to help their child improve their results."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Experienced

      "Parents can be emotional when it comes to their children's performance in the classroom. Whenever I have encountered a challenging parent I will first ensure that we have clear-cut, and reasonable goals set, for all parties involved. Often a solid plan of action, written down, and signed by the parents, the student, and myself, is a great help."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I usually approach parents with a calm and positive attitude. First, I discuss the strengths of their child and then explain the areas that need to be improved. I ask and listen to them and then I present clear and achievable goals that all parties (teacher, parent, and student) can achieve in order to help their child succeed."

      Stephanie's Feedback

      Great start! It sounds like you have a great plan of action for navigating challenging situations with parents, and your strengths-focused approach really shines through. To strengthen your response, I suggest adding a sentence or two in closing, to loop your response back to the question itself. For example: "Navigating challenging situations with parents comes with the territory, but I approach each parent with compassion, communication, and a willingness to actively problem-solve."