How to Answer: How do you go about building relationships with students who are frequent disrupters?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Assistant Principal job interview.
24. How do you go about building relationships with students who are frequent disrupters?
What You Need to Know
A desirable quality in any teacher or principal is a motivation to build relationships through learning, with a strong desire to see their students display marked improvement while holding them to a higher standard. When this is your motivation, it shows through in how you communicate with your students, especially those who are frequent disrupters. When engaging with those students, describe how you enhance communication while earning their trust, respect, and boundaries, all while establishing a rapport. Share how you act as a steady, consistent, and firm influence. Describe how you get to the source of their behavior, what you do to set limits, and how you address those situations promptly, often, and with specifics. Also, do your best to communicate your comprehension of what is appropriate and ethical conduct in such cases.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I make sure that any kids who are frequent disrupters get their fair share of attention but aren't successful in monopolizing it. There is always a risk of them hijacking a class, and soon no one is benefiting from what you have to offer. So, I treat them with respect and integrity and will pull them outside into the hall to avoid embarrassing them in front of the other students. I'll then level with them and paint the full picture of what they are costing themselves and the other students. Be heartfelt and transparent, inform them of what their antics could lead to, and ask for them to help me help them. This typically works for me, as I am respected and well-liked by all my students."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022
Answer Example
"Show them there is a different way of being than what they are used to and that you won't react or respond in ways they are used to. That typically catches them off guard. All it takes is listening to them, leveling with them, showing them empathy and respect, and showing you genuinely care. Be constant, vigilant, and dependable."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022
Experienced Example
"So many kids push the limits of what they can get away with testing their power. Yet, they simultaneously need to have boundaries set and asserted. Also, they need to push you away as a form of reassurance that you will be there, strong and steadfast, when they want you back. As it is with parenting, so it is with teaching. You are a role model for them, influencers. So, if you are in the field of education, it should come with a strong desire to help your kids learn, grow, improve, and achieve. This is true of your A+ students and those who act out, seeking attention. Additionally, those disrupters are sometimes highly intelligent and bored or unchallenged. So show them you believe in them and try to find that spark that challenges them and holds their interests."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022