Have you taught classrooms with bilingual students? If so, how have you supported them in their learning?

How to Answer
Answer Example

Some schools offer additional assistance for bilingual students beyond the classroom teachers, but not all. When working with bilingual students, teachers must be mindful of the fluency levels of their students and adjust their instructional volume, tone, and pace to allow all of the students to follow. Beyond the classroom, bilingual families might need support with communication that is sent home, school meetings, or even helping their kids with their homework. The interviewer is interested in whether or not you are aware of these nuances and will provide the students and families the considerations and support that they might need.

"I have had the opportunity to teach a few classrooms with bilingual students. I've learned from my experience so far that I need to be mindful of how I support the students in the classroom as well as the families at home. As far as the day-to-day learning of my students, I will periodically check in one-on-one with my bilingual students and ask how they feel about the pace and what they need from me to better support them. For example, one of my students mentioned that the pace of instruction was a little fast, and it was hard to keep up. I admitted that I sometimes speak quickly when I get excited, so I made sure to slow myself down following that conversation. When it comes to families, teachers often send homework home without questioning a parent's ability to help their child, and that's simply not always the case. I try to maintain open communication with all parents, accept feedback, and offer supports where I can, even if I might need to explore translation and interpretation services to ensure appropriate communication."

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How to Answer: Have you taught classrooms with bilingual students? If so, how have you supported them in their learning?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Middle School Teacher job interview.

11. Have you taught classrooms with bilingual students? If so, how have you supported them in their learning?

How to Answer

Some schools offer additional assistance for bilingual students beyond the classroom teachers, but not all. When working with bilingual students, teachers must be mindful of the fluency levels of their students and adjust their instructional volume, tone, and pace to allow all of the students to follow. Beyond the classroom, bilingual families might need support with communication that is sent home, school meetings, or even helping their kids with their homework. The interviewer is interested in whether or not you are aware of these nuances and will provide the students and families the considerations and support that they might need.

Written by Clara Canon on November 21st, 2019

Answer Example

"I have had the opportunity to teach a few classrooms with bilingual students. I've learned from my experience so far that I need to be mindful of how I support the students in the classroom as well as the families at home. As far as the day-to-day learning of my students, I will periodically check in one-on-one with my bilingual students and ask how they feel about the pace and what they need from me to better support them. For example, one of my students mentioned that the pace of instruction was a little fast, and it was hard to keep up. I admitted that I sometimes speak quickly when I get excited, so I made sure to slow myself down following that conversation. When it comes to families, teachers often send homework home without questioning a parent's ability to help their child, and that's simply not always the case. I try to maintain open communication with all parents, accept feedback, and offer supports where I can, even if I might need to explore translation and interpretation services to ensure appropriate communication."

Written by Clara Canon on November 21st, 2019

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