Top Primary Teacher Interview Questions & Answers

1. Introduction

Embarking on the journey to become a primary teacher is as exciting as it is daunting, especially when it comes to interviews. Navigating through primary teacher interview questions can be a pivotal moment in securing your dream job in education. This article aims to prepare you for this crucial step by dissecting the most common and thought-provoking questions you may encounter. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, mastering these questions can set the stage for a successful interview.

Primary Teacher Insights

The role of a primary teacher is both intricate and profound, shaping the foundational years of a child’s educational journey. It requires a unique blend of patience, creativity, and dedication to foster a learning environment that nurtures young minds. Beyond subject expertise, primary educators must be adept at classroom management, integrating technology, and customizing instruction for diverse learning needs. Their ability to connect with students, colleagues, and parents alike is imperative for creating a supportive and thriving educational community. As such, interview questions are designed not only to gauge your qualifications and teaching acumen but also to understand your personal teaching philosophy and your commitment to continuous professional development and student well-being.

3. Primary Teacher Interview Questions

Q1. Can you tell us about your educational background and teaching experience? (Background & Experience)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, provide a concise summary of your academic qualifications, any relevant certifications, and your teaching experience. Talk about the degrees you’ve earned, any areas of specialization, professional development courses, and your hands-on experience in the classroom.

My Answer:
Certainly! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Education and I am certified to teach in primary grades. During my studies, I completed a concentration in literacy which has equipped me with an extensive knowledge of teaching reading and writing skills.

Regarding my teaching experience, I spent two years at Bright Horizons Elementary School as a student teacher, where I had the opportunity to work with children from diverse backgrounds. After graduating, I accepted a full-time teaching position at Sunshine Academy, where I have been teaching for the past three years. During my tenure, I have taught a range of grade levels, from 1st to 3rd grade, and have been actively involved in curriculum development and after-school tutoring programs.

Q2. Why did you decide to become a primary teacher? (Motivation & Passion)

How to Answer:
This question is meant to gauge your passion for teaching young children. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that led you to this career path. Emphasize your commitment to education and the joy you find in helping shape young minds.

My Answer:
Teaching has always been a calling for me. From a very young age, I found joy in the idea of sharing knowledge and guiding others in their learning journeys. I decided to become a primary teacher because I believe that the early years of education are fundamental in setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning. There’s something truly special about witnessing the lightbulb moments when a child grasps a new concept. My dedication to teaching is rooted in the desire to make a positive impact on children’s lives and to inspire a love for learning that they will carry with them forever.

Q3. How do you approach classroom management and discipline? (Classroom Management)

How to Answer:
Discuss your strategies for creating a positive learning environment and how you establish and maintain order in the classroom. Highlight your methods for setting clear expectations, the importance of consistency, and how you deal with behavioral issues.

My Answer:
Classroom management and discipline are pivotal to creating a conducive learning environment. My approach is centered around the establishment of clear expectations and consistent routines. I believe in setting ground rules collaboratively with my students at the beginning of the year, so they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility.

When it comes to discipline, I follow a positive behavior support system, which focuses on reinforcing good behavior rather than punishing the bad. I use a variety of strategies, including:

• Praise and recognition for positive behavior
• A classroom economy system where students can earn and spend ‘classroom currency’ for adhering to the rules
• Logical consequences for negative behavior, which are directly connected to the action and discussed with the student to ensure understanding

My goal is always to foster an environment where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn.

Q4. Can you describe your teaching philosophy? (Teaching Philosophy)

How to Answer:
This question allows you to articulate your beliefs about education and your role as a teacher. Focus on your approach to teaching and learning, your values, and how you apply them in the classroom setting.

My Answer:
My teaching philosophy is centered around the idea that education should be child-focused and tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. I believe in providing a supportive and challenging environment that encourages curiosity and a love for learning. My role as a teacher is to act as a facilitator, guiding students through their educational journey and fostering critical thinking skills.

I also believe in the importance of integrating real-world contexts into the curriculum, making learning relevant and meaningful. Partnering with parents and the wider community is also a key aspect of my philosophy, as it enriches the educational experience and supports students’ growth in all areas of life.

Q5. How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners? (Instructional Strategies)

How to Answer:
Discuss the various methods you employ to ensure that all students can access the curriculum regardless of their ability level. Explain how you tailor lessons, assignments, and assessments to cater to the needs of each student.

My Answer:
Differentiating instruction is crucial to meet the diverse needs of my students. Here are several strategies I use to differentiate in my classroom:

• Content: Varying the material that students learn or the way they access information
• Process: Using various activities to help students master concepts and skills
• Product: Allowing students to demonstrate their learning in different ways
• Learning Environment: Setting up the classroom to accommodate different learning styles and needs

Examples of Differentiation Strategies:

Strategy	Description
Flexible Grouping	Changing groups based on students’ learning needs, interests, or abilities
Tiered Assignments	Offering tasks at varying levels of complexity or depth
Learning Contracts	Creating agreements with students that outline expectations and personal learning goals
Choice Boards	Providing students with a selection of activities to choose from, ensuring a range of complexity levels

By differentiating instruction, I ensure that each student is challenged appropriately and able to achieve success at their own level. This personalized approach to teaching helps foster a love for learning, builds confidence, and allows all students to achieve their potential.

Q6. What strategies do you use to motivate students who are reluctant learners? (Student Engagement)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, consider providing examples of differentiated instruction, creating a positive classroom environment, using varied teaching methods, and setting achievable goals. It’s important to show that you are aware of the diverse needs of students and have a range of strategies to engage them.

My Answer:
To motivate reluctant learners, I employ a variety of strategies that cater to different learning styles and interests:

• Differentiation: I differentiate tasks to ensure they are accessible and appealing to all students, which helps to build their confidence and engagement.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating even small achievements can boost a student’s self-esteem and motivation.
• Relevance: Making learning relevant to the students’ lives can help them see the value in what they are learning.
• Choice: Giving students some control over their learning through choices can increase their investment in the material.
• Interactive Lessons: Using games, group work, and hands-on activities to make learning more interactive and fun.
• Goal-Setting: Working with students to set personal learning goals gives them a clear sense of direction and purpose.

Q7. How do you incorporate technology into your teaching? (Technological Proficiency)

How to Answer:
Discuss specific tools and platforms you use in your teaching practice. Explain how the technology enhances learning, facilitates classroom management, or aids in differentiation.

My Answer:
I integrate technology into my teaching in several ways:

• Interactive Whiteboards: I use interactive whiteboards to present interactive lessons and encourage student participation.
• Educational Software: Apps and educational software such as Kahoot! or Quizlet can turn review sessions into engaging games.
• Online Collaborative Tools: Tools like Google Classroom allow for collaborative projects and easy sharing of resources.
• Multimedia Presentations: Incorporating videos and slideshows can cater to visual and auditory learners and make abstract concepts more concrete.
• E-Books and Online Resources: These provide students with a wealth of information and reading material that can be tailored to their reading level.

Q8. Can you give an example of a successful lesson you have taught? (Lesson Planning & Execution)

How to Answer:
Outline a specific lesson, detailing the objectives, the activities, and why it was successful. Reflect on the student engagement, learning outcomes, and any feedback received.

My Answer:
One successful lesson I taught was on the lifecycle of a butterfly for a 2nd-grade class. The objectives were to understand the stages of the lifecycle and to be able to sequence them correctly.

• Introduction: I started with a storybook that introduced the lifecycle in a narrative context.
• Activities: We then watched a time-lapse video of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Next, the students completed a hands-on activity where they created their own lifecycle wheels.
• Assessment: I assessed their understanding with a simple quiz and by reviewing their lifecycle wheels.
• Conclusion: The lesson concluded with a discussion about the importance of butterflies in the ecosystem.

The lesson was successful because it combined storytelling, visual media, and kinesthetic activity, which kept the students engaged and catered to different learning styles.

Q9. How do you assess student learning and progress? (Assessment & Evaluation)

How to Answer:
Discuss a variety of assessment methods you use, including both formative and summative assessments. Explain how you use assessment data to inform your teaching.

My Answer:
I assess student learning and progress through multiple methods:

• Observation: Informal assessments during lessons to gauge understanding.
• Quizzes and Tests: To measure knowledge retention and understanding of key concepts.
• Performance Tasks: Students demonstrate their skills and application of knowledge.
• Self-Assessment: Encourage reflection on their own learning.
• Peer Assessment: Fosters a collaborative learning environment and helps students learn from each other.

I use this data to tailor my instruction to meet the needs of my students, providing extra support where necessary or challenging students who are ready to move ahead.

Q10. How do you communicate with parents and guardians? (Communication Skills)

How to Answer:
Explain the communication tools and methods you use to keep parents and guardians informed about their child’s progress and classroom activities. Mention how you ensure that this communication is both regular and effective.

My Answer:
To communicate with parents and guardians, I use a combination of:

• Emails and Newsletters: For regular updates and important information.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Scheduled meetings to discuss student progress in-depth.
• Class Website or Blog: Where I post homework, announcements, and resources.
• Phone Calls: For more urgent or sensitive matters.
• Communication Apps: Such as Remind or ClassDojo for quick messages and updates.

Method	Frequency	Purpose
Emails/Newsletters	Weekly	Updates on classroom activities
Parent-Teacher Confs	Bi-annually	In-depth progress discussion
Class Website/Blog	As needed	Resource sharing & homework posting
Phone Calls	As needed	Urgent communication
Communication Apps	Daily/As needed	Quick updates & reminders

I strive to maintain an open line of communication and encourage parents to reach out with any concerns or questions they may have.

Q11. How do you foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment? (Inclusivity & Environment)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, it’s important to highlight specific strategies and approaches you use to create an environment where all students feel valued and able to participate fully. Discuss your understanding of inclusivity and how you apply it to your teaching practice, including any particular programs or initiatives you may have implemented or taken part in.

My Answer:
To foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment, I ensure that:

• Respect and Empathy: Every student feels respected and valued. I make a point to learn about their backgrounds, interests, and learning styles to tailor my approach to their needs.
• Classroom Culture: I create a classroom culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity. This involves incorporating a variety of perspectives into the curriculum and facilitating discussions that encourage students to appreciate differences.
• Safe Learning Space: I establish clear rules and expectations that promote kindness and cooperation, creating a safe learning space where students are comfortable expressing themselves.
• Collaboration: Group work and collaborative projects are structured in a way that students can work with different peers and learn to appreciate the strengths of others.
• Accessibility: I ensure that instructional materials and classroom resources are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.

Q12. What is your experience with teaching literacy and numeracy? (Core Subject Knowledge)

How to Answer:
Be specific about your experiences, mentioning any particular curricula, age groups, or teaching methods you have used. It’s also beneficial to discuss how you assess and track students’ progress in these core areas.

My Answer:
My experience with teaching literacy and numeracy spans over a decade, and includes:

• Literacy: I have taught literacy to primary students using a variety of methods, including phonics-based approaches, guided reading, and literacy workshops. I emphasize the joy of reading by incorporating a rich array of literature that is both enjoyable and educational.
• Numeracy: In teaching numeracy, I use hands-on activities, manipulatives, and real-world problem-solving to help students understand mathematical concepts. I integrate technology, such as educational apps and online resources, to supplement instruction and engage learners.

I track students’ progress with regular assessments, both formative and summative, and provide targeted interventions for those who need additional support.

Q13. How do you handle conflicts between students? (Conflict Resolution)

How to Answer:
When discussing conflict resolution, it’s important to show that you have effective strategies for dealing with conflicts in a way that teaches students important social skills. Outline a clear approach and give examples of how you have successfully mediated conflicts in the past.

My Answer:
To handle conflicts between students, I:

• Calmly Intervene: First, I intervene calmly and quickly to prevent escalation.
• Listen to All Sides: I listen to all parties involved, ensuring that each student feels heard and understood.
• Teach Problem-Solving: Then, I guide students in problem-solving techniques, helping them to communicate their feelings and find a resolution.
• Restorative Practices: I employ restorative practices when appropriate to repair relationships and build community in the classroom.
• Follow-Up: I follow up with students and parents if needed and reflect on the conflict to prevent future issues.

Q14. Can you discuss your experience with special education or individual education plans (IEPs)? (Special Education)

How to Answer:
Discuss any experience you have working with students who have IEPs or special education needs. Mention the ways in which you have tailored your teaching methods to accommodate these students and any collaboration you have done with other professionals in this area.

My Answer:
Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with many students with IEPs and have collaborated closely with special education teachers, parents, and other professionals to meet each student’s unique needs. Here’s a table highlighting my experience:

Year	Role	Responsibilities
2015-2018	Classroom Teacher	Integrated accommodations and modified lessons for students with IEPs; collaborated in IEP meetings.
2018-2021	Inclusion Support Teacher	Provided in-class support for students with special needs; developed and implemented individualized instructional strategies.
2021-Present	Lead IEP Coordinator	Oversee the creation and implementation of IEPs; provide training to staff; liaise with multidisciplinary teams for student support.

Q15. What professional development opportunities have you pursued, and why? (Professional Development)

How to Answer:
Explain your motivation for seeking out professional development and give examples of courses, workshops, or other forms of training you have completed. It’s a good idea to describe how these opportunities have enhanced your teaching practice or benefited your students.

My Answer:
I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and have pursued various professional development opportunities to enhance my teaching skills and stay current with educational trends.

Here is a list of some professional development activities I have engaged in:

• Graduate Courses: I completed a Master’s in Education which provided me in-depth knowledge in curriculum development and instructional strategies.
• Workshops: I regularly attend workshops on topics like technology integration, classroom management, and differentiated instruction.
• Online Courses: I’ve taken several online courses on special education and ELL strategies to better support all students in my classroom.
• Professional Learning Communities: I am an active member of a professional learning community at my school, where we share best practices and collaborate on improving student learning.

The knowledge I have gained from these experiences has directly impacted my teaching effectiveness and student success.

Q16. How do you stay current with educational research and teaching methods? (Continuous Learning)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, it’s important to show your commitment to professional development and staying informed about the latest trends in education. Mention specific strategies you use, such as attending workshops, reading professional journals, participating in online communities, or collaborating with colleagues.

My Answer:
I believe that to provide the best education for students, it’s essential to remain current on educational research and teaching methods. To do this, I:

• Attend Professional Development Workshops: I regularly attend local and national workshops to learn about innovative teaching strategies and new research.
• Subscribe to Educational Journals: I stay informed by reading journals such as ‘The Journal of Educational Research’ and ‘Teaching and Teacher Education’.
• Participate in Online Communities: I am active in online forums and social media groups where educators share resources and discuss best practices.
• Collaborate with Colleagues: I regularly engage in professional learning communities within my school and with educators from other schools to exchange ideas.
• Reflect on My Practice: I often reflect on my teaching methods and student feedback to identify areas for improvement.

Q17. How do you support the social and emotional well-being of your students? (Social-Emotional Learning)

How to Answer:
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of students’ social and emotional development. Describe the specific strategies and programs you employ to create a supportive classroom environment, encourage positive social interactions, and provide emotional support to students.

My Answer:
Supporting the social and emotional well-being of students is as important as their academic progress. Here’s how I approach this:

• Create a Positive Classroom Environment: I establish a classroom atmosphere where respect, empathy, and kindness prevail.
• Implement SEL Programs: I integrate social-emotional learning programs that teach self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Provide Individual Support: I am attentive to individual student needs and provide a listening ear and guidance when necessary.
• Encourage Positive Social Interactions: I facilitate group activities and discussions that encourage students to work together and support each other.
• Build Relationships with Families: I maintain communication with families to understand each child’s background and to support their social-emotional development at home as well.

Q18. How would you integrate subjects such as art, music, and physical education into your curriculum? (Integrated Curriculum)

How to Answer:
This question requires you to demonstrate how you can create a holistic learning experience by incorporating various subjects into the core curriculum. Describe specific projects or thematic units where different subjects intersect and enrich the learning experience.

My Answer:
Integrating subjects like art, music, and physical education into the curriculum provides a well-rounded educational experience. Here are some examples:

• Thematic Units: I design units that encompass multiple subjects, such as learning about the Renaissance period through its art, music, and historical context.
• Cross-Curricular Projects: Students might learn about geometry through art by creating symmetrical designs or explore physics concepts in music by studying sound waves.
• Daily Activities: Incorporate physical activity with academic lessons, like using movement to learn about math (jumping in patterns to understand sequences) or geography (simulating terrain using body movements).

Q19. How do you plan to contribute to our school community outside the classroom? (Community Involvement)

How to Answer:
Express your enthusiasm for being involved in the school community beyond teaching duties. Mention specific clubs, activities, or initiatives that you could lead or support based on your interests and skills.

My Answer:
I am eager to contribute to the school community in various ways:

• Extracurricular Activities: I could lead or assist with clubs that align with my interests and skills, such as a book club or a gardening club.
• School Events: I enjoy organizing and participating in school-wide events like science fairs, cultural festivals, and sports days.
• Parent Involvement: I plan to facilitate workshops for parents on supporting their child’s learning at home.

Q20. How do you approach teaching students with English as a second language? (ESL/EAL Strategies)

How to Answer:
Discuss your strategies for accommodating and supporting ESL/EAL students in your classroom. Showcase your understanding of differentiated instruction and how you would modify your teaching to meet these students’ needs.

My Answer:
Teaching ESL/EAL students requires tailored strategies to support their language development while ensuring they access the curriculum:

• Differentiated Instruction: I adjust lesson plans to include visual aids, simplified language, and hands-on activities to enhance understanding.
• Language-Supportive Resources: I utilize ESL/EAL resources, like bilingual dictionaries and visual glossaries.
• Collaborative Learning: I encourage peer support through group work where language skills can be practiced in a natural setting.
• Regular Assessment: I conduct formative assessments to monitor progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.

Here’s a table summarizing the strategies for ESL/EAL support:

Strategy	Implementation
Differentiated Instruction	Adjust lesson plans, use visual aids, and provide hands-on activities.
Language Resources	Utilize bilingual dictionaries, visual glossaries, and language apps.
Collaborative Learning	Encourage group work and peer support.
Regular Assessment	Use formative assessments to track progress and inform instruction.

Q21. Can you provide an example of how you have used data to inform your teaching? (Data-Driven Instruction)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, provide specific examples that illustrate how you use assessment data or other forms of data to plan lessons, differentiate instruction, and help students improve. Focus on how data helped you make informed decisions about teaching strategies, content focus, or interventions for particular students.

My Answer:
Certainly! I firmly believe that data-driven instruction is essential for tailoring educational experiences to meet students’ individual needs. Here’s an example:

In my previous role, I utilized assessment data from both formative and summative assessments to inform my teaching. After a unit test, I analyzed the results to identify areas where students had performed poorly. I found that a significant number of students were struggling with understanding fractions.

Using this data, I regrouped students based on their mastery levels and created differentiated instruction plans. For students who needed additional help, I designed targeted small-group activities that focused on visual and hands-on approaches to fractions. For those who had mastered the topic, I provided enrichment activities that involved applying their knowledge to real-life scenarios, like cooking or budgeting.

To ensure the interventions were effective, I conducted mini-assessments and observed student performance during activities. The continuous cycle of data analysis and instructional adjustment resulted in improved understanding across the class, as evidenced by their improved scores in subsequent assessments.

Q22. What is your approach to homework and out-of-class assignments? (Homework Philosophy)

How to Answer:
Discuss your philosophy on homework and its role in education. Mention how you balance the need for practice with students’ time outside of school. Include any strategies you use to ensure homework is meaningful, manageable, and reinforces classroom learning.

My Answer:
My philosophy on homework is that it should reinforce what has been taught in class, build responsibility, and help students develop a strong work ethic. However, it’s also crucial that homework is purposeful and not overwhelming. I believe in the "10-minute rule," which suggests that students should do 10 minutes of homework per grade level each night. Here’s how I approach it:

• Purposeful Assignments: Homework should always serve a clear educational purpose, whether it’s practicing a skill, extending classroom learning, or providing students with feedback on their progress.
• Manageable Workload: I strive to assign homework that can reasonably be completed within the appropriate time frame, respecting students’ time for rest, play, and family.
• Feedback and Support: I provide timely feedback on homework assignments and am available to help students who may need extra assistance or clarification.

Q23. How do you encourage creativity and critical thinking in your classroom? (Creative & Critical Thinking)

How to Answer:
Talk about how you design activities and lessons that foster problem-solving skills, innovation, and independent thought. Explain the importance of an environment that encourages questioning, exploration, and collaboration.

My Answer:
Encouraging creativity and critical thinking is at the heart of effective teaching. I create a classroom environment that values curiosity and exploration. Here are some strategies I use:

• Inquiry-Based Learning: I pose open-ended questions and facilitate discussions that require students to think deeply about topics and formulate their own opinions.
• Project-Based Activities: Students engage in projects that require them to research, design, and create, which fosters both creative and critical thinking skills.
• Collaboration: Group work allows students to hear different perspectives and learn to refine their ideas through discussion and teamwork.

Q24. How do you handle a situation where a student is not meeting academic expectations? (Intervention Strategies)

How to Answer:
Discuss the steps you take to identify the reasons behind a student’s academic difficulties and describe the intervention strategies you use to support them. Be sure to emphasize the importance of early detection, personalized support, and collaboration with colleagues and parents.

My Answer:
When a student is not meeting academic expectations, I take a proactive and supportive approach. Here’s my strategy:

1. Identify Underlying Causes: I first seek to understand the reasons behind the student’s difficulties, whether they’re conceptual misunderstandings, language barriers, learning disabilities, or external factors.
2. Personalized Interventions: Based on the identified issues, I create a tailored intervention plan, which could include one-on-one tutoring, differentiated instruction, or peer mentoring.
3. Monitor Progress: I set specific, measurable goals for the student and monitor their progress regularly, adjusting interventions as necessary.
4. Parental Involvement: I involve parents by communicating the student’s challenges, progress, and ways they can support at home.
5. Collaboration with Colleagues: I consult with colleagues, such as special education teachers and school counselors, for additional support and resources.

Q25. What do you think are the most significant challenges facing primary education today? (Current Challenges)

How to Answer:
Reflect on the broader challenges within the educational system, and discuss how these challenges affect primary education specifically. You might address issues such as funding, curriculum standards, technology integration, or social and emotional learning.

My Answer:

Primary education today is facing several significant challenges:

Challenge	Description
Equity in Education	Ensuring all students have equal access to high-quality education regardless of their background.
Curriculum Relevance	Keeping the curriculum up-to-date with the skills needed for the 21st century.
Technology Integration	Effectively integrating technology into the classroom while balancing screen time and engagement.
Teacher Retention	Addressing the high turnover rate of teachers due to burnout and low salaries.
Mental Health	Supporting the mental health of students, which is crucial for their overall success.

These challenges require a collaborative effort from educators, policymakers, parents, and communities to ensure that primary education continues to evolve and meet the needs of all students.

4. Tips for Preparation

To ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for your primary teacher interview, start by researching the school’s ethos, curriculum, and community initiatives. Understanding these aspects can help you tailor your answers to align with the school’s values. Next, reflect on your teaching experiences and related anecdotes that exemplify your skills and philosophy—these stories make your responses more impactful.

Brush up on current educational theories and practices, and be ready to discuss how you’ve incorporated them into your classroom. Additionally, consider the soft skills essential for teaching, such as empathy, patience, and communication, and think about examples demonstrating your proficiency in these areas.

5. During & After the Interview

When presenting yourself during the interview, remain professional yet approachable, as this reflects the demeanor of an effective primary teacher. Interviewers look for candidates who are not only knowledgeable but also exhibit enthusiasm for teaching and a genuine interest in student development.

Avoid common mistakes such as speaking negatively about past experiences or being too vague in your responses. Be specific and concise. Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer about the school’s culture, expectations for teachers, or professional development opportunities, which show your proactive attitude toward the role.

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the position. This gesture keeps you in the interviewer’s mind and demonstrates good etiquette. Typically, schools will inform you of their timeline for next steps at the end of the interview, but if not, it’s appropriate to ask.