Whether you are writing a short essay as a part of your application for a place in a study program for future teachers, or interviewing in front of an admission committee at school, you will always face some questions about the vision of your future. The goal of the people from the school is simple: They try to understand your real motives, why you want to study teaching. They wonder if this really is your dream, or you are just following the dreams of your parents. Your answer also helps them understand what you hope to offer to your students in the future, and whether it aligns with the values they try to promote at their school.
Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to this intriguing question. I tried to include on my list both conventional answers–a wise choice when you have a good GPA and high chances of getting accepted to the school of your choice, and unconventional replies, or out of the box answers if you want–they may be your best bet if your chances to get in are rather slim (due to your academic record), and more than anything else you try to stand out with your application. I hope at least one of the answers will fit your needs, your situation, and the message you hope to convey to whoever reads or hear it.
7 sample answers to “How do you see yourself as a future teacher?” interview question
- I see myself as a popular teacher amongst my students. But not because I take it easy with them, giving them better grades than they deserve, or letting them do what they please in the lessons. I hope to gain their trust by offering them engaging and interesting teaching, making sure that they stay motivated and do not find the classes mundane or boring. In my opinion, many students lack motivation nowadays. Hence it is crucial to make the classes more interesting for them, applying different teaching methods, using technology in the classes, and so on. I see myself as a teacher who does all these things, with a sole goal of helping each of their students to reach their full potential.
- More than anything else I see myself as a special education teacher. I am aware of the problems we face, and the fact that more and more children have special needs. What’s more, I really like working with these people, and believe to have some talent for it as well. Hence I imagine myself working one on one with the students, in a special setting, step by step, helping them to achieve their individual educational goals.
- Honestly speaking, I have not come up with this image yet. I enjoy teaching, and I have great role models in my former and present teachers. But I also believe that I am yet to find my may, to understand exactly what I want to specialize in, what grade I want to teach, and what mark I hope to leave in the lives of my students. No doubt these things will become clear over the years, when I study and eventually also teach. Today the only thing I can say with certainty is that teacher is my dream job, and I hope to get into your study program and get one step closer to my dream again.
- I see myself as an excellent Math teacher. Not only that Math is my strongest subject. I also enjoy teaching it, already giving classes to my schoolmates. And I am good at it, because most of them eventually get it and pass the exams. In my opinion, it isn’t enough being a good Mathematician. One also needs to be a good teacher, to be able to explain the lessons in a simple way, and make sure that even students who do not excel in Math achieve some progress. I honestly believe I have such strengths, and that’s why I dream of becoming a Math Teacher.
- Reaching for the stars, I hope to be the bar raiser at the school where I will teach. Let me explain. I always love to think outside of the box, coming with new ideas, trying new concepts. And I believe each school needs at least one such teacher or administrator, because things evolve, each generation of children has their own expectations, and we can hardly succeed with teaching methods we used twenty years ago. In my opinion, we need to constantly innovate our teaching, and I hope to be the teacher who brings this innovation to schools.
- Speaking frankly, I do not see myself as a teacher in the future. My goals are much bigger. I actually hope to lead an entire school as a principal, setting the vision, the values, the processes, and of course leading other staff members. Needless to say, you cannot really become a principal unless you have a degree and practical experience with teaching. That’s why I try to get to your school, but I can assure you that my journey won’t end with a teaching degree. I hope to have a much bigger impact, and end up working as a school principal.
- I see myself teaching in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, or on the outskirts of Kathmandu. I’ve always had a deep compassion with people in poor countries, and I also know that getting education is the only way how they can end their misery. Of course, I do not hope to change the world. Such years are behind me already. But I hope I can play my part on some positive change in the world, and teaching children in one of these poor places is exactly what I imagine doing. That’s how I see myself–as a teacher of poor, aiming to make a positive change in specific communities of people.
The more specific your answer the better
As a rule of a thumb, you should come up with a positive and tangible vision of your future as a teacher. People in the admission committees are looking for applicants with a concrete vision, perhaps even a specific place where you want to teach, or at least a specific subject, grade level, etc. Saying that you simply want to be a great teacher won’t do the trick, unless you have a great GPA and application is a mere formality in your case.
So, think about your vision–teaching Physics at secondary school, PE at elementary, or even lecturing at the University. Maybe you want to teach in slums, or bring huge innovation on board of some school, or you even do not dream of becoming a teacher–that’s just a milestone on your journey towards the role of a school principal. All of that is fine, and they will love that, as long as you explain it clearly in your answer. I hope you will do so, and wish you best of luck in the application process!
May also interest you:
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
- What questions you should ask a school principal?
- How do you motivate students?
