What type of student were you in middle school?
A question like this one is a lot of fun for interviewers because it offers some insight into the candidate and allows for fun anecdotes. The interviewer is interested in getting to know you better and allow you an opportunity to draw connections between who you were then and who you are now. Answer honestly, speak to how it relates to you coming full circle as a middle school teacher, and don't be afraid to add a little humor!
"To be honest, I was a bit of an oddball in middle school. I was nerdy and constantly reading, bugging my teachers with questions, and enjoying getting to do my homework. Over the summers, I learned Latin, went to band camp and law camp, and wrote reports on powerful female leaders in history. I was also a year-round athlete with a very unapologetic and outgoing personality. Looking back, I laugh because I was a great student and a great big handful! I'm grateful for the patience my teachers displayed back then because I see myself in several of my students today and, needless to say, they regularly leave me on my toes."
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
I was a very happy middle-schooler; I had a strong group of friends and we loved to be silly and weird together, we were not yet too worried about being "cool". I loved my middle school teachers, they were caring and inspired me to love learning and I was eager to please them! I remember during "activity" time, my favorite choice was "HATS" (help a teacher survive) where we would help teachers grade papers, decorate their classrooms, and do other tasks. I loved completing these "teacher" tasks and the extra time I got to build relationships with my teachers! I strive to be like the teachers. I loved in middle school by making learning fun and interactive to inspire the same love of learning in my students and by creating an open, safe and caring space for students.
Stephanie's Feedback
It sounds like you were a fun, quirky middle schooler!
Unlock all 30 Middle School Teacher questions
Unlock expert responses to questions about teaching young adolescents effectively.
Get Started