Place Value

Term from Primary Education industry explained for recruiters

Place Value is a fundamental math concept that elementary school teachers must understand and teach. It refers to the way numbers are organized, where each digit's position in a number gives it a different value (like how in 234, the 2 means 200). Teachers use this concept as a building block for teaching basic arithmetic, decimals, and more advanced math skills. When you see this term in resumes, it indicates the candidate has experience teaching core mathematical concepts to young students. Similar terms you might see include "number sense," "base-ten system," or "numerical place values."

Examples in Resumes

Developed engaging lessons to teach Place Value concepts to 2nd grade students

Created hands-on activities for teaching Place Value and base-ten understanding

Used manipulatives and visual aids to reinforce Place Value learning in K-3 classrooms

Typical job title: "Elementary Math Teachers"

Also try searching for:

Elementary Teacher Primary School Teacher Math Specialist Early Years Teacher K-5 Teacher Math Intervention Teacher Elementary Math Coach

Example Interview Questions

Experienced Teacher Questions

Q: How would you help other teachers improve their place value instruction?

Expected Answer: An experienced teacher should discuss mentoring strategies, sharing successful teaching methods, providing resources, and ways to differentiate instruction for various learning levels.

Q: How do you integrate place value concepts across other subjects?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to connect place value to real-world situations, incorporate it into science measurements, use it in social studies with population numbers, and other cross-curricular applications.

Intermediate Teacher Questions

Q: What manipulatives do you use to teach place value?

Expected Answer: Should mention specific tools like base-ten blocks, place value charts, number cards, and explain how these help students understand the concept physically and visually.

Q: How do you assess students' understanding of place value?

Expected Answer: Should discuss various assessment methods like observation, worksheets, games, and how they use assessment results to adjust teaching strategies.

Beginning Teacher Questions

Q: How would you explain place value to a young student?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to break down the concept simply, perhaps using examples like bundling ones into tens, or comparing it to organizing objects into groups.

Q: What common difficulties do students face with place value?

Expected Answer: Should show awareness of typical challenges like understanding zero as a placeholder, reading larger numbers, or transitioning between place values.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic math instruction techniques
  • Use of common math manipulatives
  • Classroom management
  • Following curriculum guidelines

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Differentiated instruction methods
  • Assessment creation and analysis
  • Parent communication strategies
  • Math intervention techniques

Senior (5+ years)

  • Curriculum development
  • Teacher mentoring
  • Math program coordination
  • Professional development leadership

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on teaching experience with young children
  • Lack of knowledge about different learning styles
  • Unable to explain math concepts in simple terms
  • No experience with math manipulatives or visual aids