Describe a time when you disagreed with an educator. What was the outcome?

How to Answer
Answer Example

With this question, your interviewer is ultimately looking to gauge your negotiation skills. As a Curriculum Developer that works hand in hand with teachers and administrators, you are expected to own certain decisions in the learning and development process. Your interviewer would like to learn that you are capable of standing your ground, while doing so in a tactful and respectful manner. They would also like to hear that you can leverage facts and data to persuade educators and defend your stances. Explain the situation or task, followed by the action you took or the recommendation you made, and the result of your objection.

"Early in my career, I ran into a very experienced teacher who was very stuck in his way of doing things. Despite new state standards and a need for new history curriculum, he was very quick to buck the new curriculum heading into the school year. Having a lot of great data to support the new program, I sat down with him and we had a heart to heart conversation where I presented all of the data that was driving the decision for the district and the state. My approach was to deliver my message while also listening to his concerns. When he brought up valid concerns, I listened attentively and eased his resistance by highlighting some of the critical changes that would be happening with the new program. In the end, he left our conversation in a much better mood and even ended up thanking me for the time I took later on in the school year."

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How to Answer: Describe a time when you disagreed with an educator. What was the outcome?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Curriculum Developer job interview.

4. Describe a time when you disagreed with an educator. What was the outcome?

How to Answer

With this question, your interviewer is ultimately looking to gauge your negotiation skills. As a Curriculum Developer that works hand in hand with teachers and administrators, you are expected to own certain decisions in the learning and development process. Your interviewer would like to learn that you are capable of standing your ground, while doing so in a tactful and respectful manner. They would also like to hear that you can leverage facts and data to persuade educators and defend your stances. Explain the situation or task, followed by the action you took or the recommendation you made, and the result of your objection.

Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"Early in my career, I ran into a very experienced teacher who was very stuck in his way of doing things. Despite new state standards and a need for new history curriculum, he was very quick to buck the new curriculum heading into the school year. Having a lot of great data to support the new program, I sat down with him and we had a heart to heart conversation where I presented all of the data that was driving the decision for the district and the state. My approach was to deliver my message while also listening to his concerns. When he brought up valid concerns, I listened attentively and eased his resistance by highlighting some of the critical changes that would be happening with the new program. In the end, he left our conversation in a much better mood and even ended up thanking me for the time I took later on in the school year."

Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021

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