Do you want students to like you? Why or why not?
This question might come as a shock, but the interviewer is interested in getting a sense of your boundaries and whether or not you might take a more peer-like approach to student relationships. Of course, many teachers want their students to like them to a degree, and you probably do, too! Just make sure to emphasize that your primary goal and purpose is for students to learn and grow in your classroom.
"As much as I would love for my students to like me, I want even more for them to learn and grow. That is why I'm here. I also recognize that middle schoolers are navigating a complex range of emotions from one day to the next, so I need to maintain predictable consistency and structure for them. If they like me as well, then that's an added bonus!"
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
To me, the most important thing is that my students are able to learn from me and feel safe and respected in my classroom. I would like my students to respect me and to feel like they grow with my guidance. While being liked is not the ultimate goal, I think that students want to learn and therefore will ultimately like a teacher that helps them learn, understand and build confidence which is my main goal.
Stephanie's Feedback
Wonderful response! You strike a great balance between acknowledging your students' need to feel safe and connected to a caring adult without elevating your own need to be validated or "liked." This is great!
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