How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Social Studies Teacher job interview.
20. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
Pick weaknesses that are not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.
Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"As I am new to my teaching career, I feel that I could be better at budgeting my time when it comes to lesson plan creation. While acting as a substitute teacher last year, my classes would sometimes go over, or I didn't have the chance to cover all the material I needed. I have worked a great deal on my timing by practicing at home, and offering fewer opportunities for in-class conversations to derail us from the task at hand."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I believe I could improve on some technical skills including Excel and PowerPoint. Currently I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are on that course!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I'd have to echo my boss and say I need to spend less time struggle with some educational policies with which I disagree. I try to walk the line of advocating for my students, and future students, while being sure to be respectful of the administration and educational system as a whole."
Written by Rachelle Enns