teacher interview assignment

Early Childhood Education: ED105: From Teacher Interview to Final Project

• Creating an Annotated Bibliography
• Lesson Plans and Rubrics
• Children's literature
• Podcasts and Videos
• Cherie's Recommended Library
• Great Educational Articles
• Great Activities for Children
• Professionalism in the Field and in a College Classroom
• Professional Associations
• Pennsylvania Certification
• Manor's Early Childhood Faculty
• Manor Lesson Plan Format
• Manor APA Formatting, Reference, and Citation Policy for Education Classes
• Conducting a Literature Review for a Manor education class
• Manor College's Guide to Using EBSCO Effectively
• How to do a Child Case Study-Best Practice
• ED105: From Teacher Interview to Final Project
• Pennsylvania Initiatives

ED105: From Beginning to End (The Rubrics)

Below you will find the teacher interview, community resource guide, and final project. All three of these assignments build upon each other so it is essential that you get them right from the start. Before reviewing this LibGuide take time to review each and jot down your questions for your instructor. Remember in order to do your best on all three of these assignments you must begin early. Procrastination may lead to you running out of time. We recommend that you begin the teacher interview by the fourth week of the semester to ensure that you have secured an interview for the semester. 

• Teacher Interview In this assignment, you will conduct an interview with a teacher or an administrator of any program, serving children from birth to 4th grade. Ideally, you should conduct the interview in person, but can be done virtually (email or video conferencing).
• Community Resource Guide For this assignment, you will create a community resource guide for the school community identified in your teacher interview. You should identify and include resources that would support some or all of the needs identified within your teacher interview.
• Final Project In this assignment, you utilize will the information gathered from the teacher interview and the community resource guide to develop a school-family-community project, such as a fundraiser or school event. The project may take any form, including anything from a newsletter to a family night to a picture bulletin board. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible in creating an event that supports the needs described within your teacher interview. Please note that this is a project proposal and you are not required to actually implement the project.

The Teacher Interview Tutorial-The Beginning

The teacher interview is a critical assignment and is the beginning of what will later be the community resource guide and then the final project. 

For the teacher interview, you should either interview a teacher (B-12 system) or an Administrator. You can either interview them in person, by email and our video conferencing. You will need to transcript the interview so please take very good notes. 

The Interview and The Interview Questions (Part 1) 

For the teacher interview, you are REQUIRED TO ask the following questions: 

• What is the teacher or administrator’s role in understanding children and family values? What does the teacher or administrator do to support their belief?
• Who is involved in the classroom—families, volunteers, community groups? What is the philosophy behind this type of involvement? Has this level changed over the teacher/administrator’s career?
• Are there any special interest groups who influence decisions regarding curricula? If so, is it positive or negative?
• What could be done better to support the teacher or administrator efforts with families and communities?

You should ask them demographic information as well so you can answer questions in part 2 of the assignment. The demographic information would some of the following: 

• How many students are in the school or program? 
• What is the ethnic or racial composition of the school?l 
• What is the teacher/student ratio? 

For your paper, you should transcript your teacher interview word for word. You may need to ask additional questions to get your interviewee to answer your questions. If you do, please include them in your paper. 

It is best to use the teacher interview questions as headings to make sure that you including all the information. 

Part 2: After completing the interview, you should reflect on the discussion with the teacher or administrator. You should answer the following:

• What surprised you about the interview?
• How does the teacher/administrator’s philosophy of building family and community? How does the teacher/administrator’s philosophy of partnerships compare with your personal philosophy on school, family, and community partnerships?
• Describe the demographics of the school and community as best as possible.
• What ideas do you have to strengthen the ties between school, family, and community partnerships?

Each of the above sections should be used as headings in the 2nd half of your paper. This is to ensure that you include all areas of this section. 

The Rubric: Don't Forget to View it (The Chart Section) 

Don't forget to review the requirements in the rubric. This is how you will be graded on the assignment. Here are the basics but please read the rubric thoroughly. 

• On Time Assignment:  It must be submitted on time. Late submissions will result in a reduction in grade. This section is worth 10 points of a total 100 points for the assignment. 
• Mechanics:  Please run your paper through spell check. Even better use Grammarly , which is an online software that helps students with grammar, spelling, syntax and much more. Remember the answers are sent to you by your interviewee, please still run your paper through a spelling and grammar check. If you see anything underlined while you typing in word,  then there is an error. This section is worth 10 points of a total 100 points for the assignment. 
• Teacher or Administrator’s Philosophy:  You must identify the teacher or administrator’s philosophy on building family and community partnerships and provide 3 examples. This should be specific things they do in their program to build the bridge between school and families and those in the community. An example of this might be how they use a monthly newsletter to communicate with families or the community. Remember to be specific. This section is worth 20 points of a total 100 points for the assignment. 
• Identification of Parties:  For this section, you must  identify all of the parties involved in the classroom and identify the philosophy behind this type of involvement and whether or not it has changed over time and writes 5 sentences describing their involvement.  Please make sure you do this. This is a section that students often forget. This is in reference to the teacher or administrators' philosophy. This section is worth 20 points of a total 100 points for the assignment. 
• Reflection and Comparison of Philosophies:  You should include a reflection on how your own philosophy and the teacher/administrator’s philosophy compar e. Reflection and comparison are  2-3 paragraphs in length (Combined).   Please make sure you completely do this section. You should identify what your philosophy is in regards to family partnerships and compare it to the teacher or administrator that you interviewed. Please make sure you pay close attention to how long it should be. This section is worth 20 points of a total 100 points for the assignment. 
• Ideas to Strengthen Ties:  Please include  at least 3 initial ideas on what can be done to strengthen ties between school, home, and community .  Remember these ideas may be used in the future to plan for your future project, so choose wisely. In addition, you may cite in this area why it is important. If you do so, you must proper APA in-text citations and include a reference page. This section is worth 20 points of a total 100 points for the assignment. 
• Teacher Interview Example 1 Here is an example 1 from a previous class.
• Teacher Interview Example 2 Here is an example 2 from a previous class.

The Community Resource Guide Tutorial-The Middle

For this assignment, you will create a community resource guide for the school community identified in your teacher interview. You should identify and include resources that would support some or all of the needs identified within your teacher interview. You must include resources from the following five categories:  

• Nature/Outdoor Resources: examples include parks and outdoor spaces in the community. 
• Services: examples include pediatric offices, early intervention, translation services, Office of Family Services, etc.
• Materials and Media: examples include YouTube videos/channels, documentaries, how to (videos, websites, and pamphlets) 
• Social Networks: examples include Facebook pages, websites, twitter feeds, community groups, etc.
• Ethnic and Cultural Associations: examples include associations for a specific ethnic or cultural group. This must be an organization. Great examples can be found on the following website:  https://globalphiladelphia.org/organizations

Each category must have at least one resource and you need to have at least 10 resources, but need to have three resources in each category (As stated in the rubric portion of the assignment). Also, each resource must be near the school's address no further than 10-20 miles away.  

When creating your resource guide, you must organize the information from each of the five categories and identify how it will support teachers work with children and their familie s. This means that you should use the headings listed above. This will help you clearly identify that you have provided the required resources for each category. 

For each entry, you should include the complete contact information for each resource:

• Name of resource
• Address of resource
• A brief description of the resource-No more than two sentences. 

The Rubric: Please Read it Thoroughly

 Each of the following sections will be assessed: 

• On Time Assignment:  This is worth 10 points of a total 100 points. So submitting late will result in a reduction in grade. 
• Mechanics:  Same as the Teacher Interview-Make sure you use spell check or Grammarly. This is worth 10 points of a total 100 points. So submitting late will result in a reduction in grade. 
• Entries Per Category:  Resource file contains at least 3 entries per category, including the full name, address, and description of the resources.  Having less than three per category will result in a reduction in grade.  This is worth 20 points of a total 100 points. 
• Total Number of Entries:  Your community resource guide must have a minimum of 10 resources but the rubric requires 15 to get full points in this area. This is worth 20 points of a total 100 points. 
• Discussion of Surprises:  You discussed and gives three reasons why you were surprised by the resources they collected. Be specific. This is worth 20 points of a total 100 points. 
• Discussion of How Resources Might Be Used: You discussed and provide 3 examples of how the school might use the resources they collected in your resource file. Remember these resources must address a need that the teacher or administrator identified. Be specific about how and why the school could benefit from using the resource. This is worth 20 points of a total 100 points. 
• Example of Community Resource Guide Here is one example of Community Resource Guide. This is a power point and the student then submitted a paper along with this to answer all questions required for the assignment.
• Example of Community Resource Guide Paper Students who choose to do a power point still need to write a paper. Here is an example of one.

The Final Project-The End

The final project is the final product based on your teacher interview and community resource guide. 

In this assignment, you utilize will the information gathered from the teacher interview and the community resource guide to develop a school-family-community project, such as a fundraiser or school event ( This means that you must design an original even t).  The project may take any form, including anything from a newsletter to a family night to a picture bulletin board.   Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible in creating an event that supports the needs described  within  your teacher interview .

Please note that this is a project proposal and you are not required to actually implement the project. 

Your final project should include the following three parts:

• Documentation of the project’s implementation. This should be in the form of a timeline in which you document the project from the start to finish.  Please see examples following this section for an example of how it should look. 
• You should include a 3-5 page typed paper  discussing how the project was chosen and how it relates to topics discussed in course. You should include citations from the text or other scholarly resources .  In addition, you should include information from teacher interview and community resource guide as evidence of why the project was chosen. Note: Use quotes or paraphrase text from scholarly articles that directly relate to how your project supports best practice in family, school and community partnerships. You must include a reference page.  All citations and references must be in APA style. 
• Lastly, you will present a five-minute presentation describing your project.  If you are unable to present for any reason, you must either record a video or audio of your presentation.  

The Rubric: Please Read Thoroughly

You will be graded on the following for your final project including the presentation; 

•   On Time Assignment:  This is worth 10 points out of 100 total points. Submitting late will result in a reduction in grade. 
• Mechanics:  Same at the teacher interview and the community resource guide-Please use spell check and/or Grammarly. This is worth 10 points out of 100 total points.
• Documentation of Project:  Project documentation includes any type of medium.  Medium neat and free of spelling mistakes. Remember this a flyer, newsletter, brochure, etc. Layout and presentation matters. So please make sure you use proper design principles as well as spell check your work. This is worth 20 points out of 100 total points.
• Project Paper:  Paper includes how the project was chosen and how it relates to 3 topics discussed in the course.  Be specific and clearly identify them in your paper. You will need to use in-text citations in this section. Remember paraphrasing is better but you still need a proper citation. This is worth 20 points out of 100 total points.
• Citations From Textbook:  Paper includes 4 citations from the textbook in APA format. Remember just don't quote for the sake of quoting. Make sure your citations relate to your paper and support why your final project supports the information learned in the text. This is worth 20 points out of 100 total points.

Class Presentation (Speaks Clearly):  Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-90%) the time, and mispronounces no words.​   

• Example of Final Project Paper
• Example 1 of Final Project Flyer
• Example 2 of Final Project Flyer
• Example 3 of Final Project Flyer

Final Reminders

Remember all assignments should be properly headed. Please include the following 

• Your Full Name 
• ED105 and the name of the assignment 
• The Date Submitted 

In addition, PLEASE use Purdue Owl for any question about APA citations, formatting and/or references. Purdue Owl is a free resource that is used by millions of students, particularly education and psychology majors. It is your friend and will help you turn in the best paper you can. 

• APA Formatting and Style Guide This link provides ins and outs of APA.
• Purdue OWL - APA Style Workshop Need an introduction or refresher. This link is for YOU!
• << Previous: How to do a Child Case Study-Best Practice
• Next: Pennsylvania Initiatives >>
• Last Updated: Jul 5, 2024 9:53 AM
• URL: https://manor.libguides.com/earlychildhoodeducation

Manor College Library

700 fox chase road, jenkintown, pa 19046, (215) 885-5752, ©2017 manor college. all rights reserved..

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Have you gotten your free poster delivered? ✨

55+ Important Teacher Interview Questions (Plus Answers)

Plus a free printable list of questions.

Getting ready to interview for a new teaching job? You’re probably excited but also nervous. The best way to overcome those nerves is to prepare in advance. Take a look at this list of the most common teacher interview questions and answers. Practice your responses, and you’ll feel much more confident when you walk through that door.

Check out the questions and tips for answering below. Plus fill out the form on this page to grab your free printable list of questions to help you prepare for your next interview.

Remember, though, that interviews are a two-way street. Impressing your interviewers is important, of course. But so is finding out if this school is a place where you’ll truly thrive. That’s why in addition to the most common teacher interview questions and answers, we’ve also included five questions you should consider asking when the opportunity arises. Make your interview time count for everyone involved!

• General Experience and Goals Questions
• Teaching Experience Questions
• Philosophies and Strategies Questions
• Teaching Challenges Questions
• Community and Colleagues Questions
• 5 Questions to Ask Your Interviewers

Teacher Interview Questions About Professional Experience and Goals

Why did you decide to become a teacher.

It seems like a trite softball question, but don’t let that fool you. Most administrators are looking for something more than “I’ve just always loved kids.” If you don’t have a substantive answer, then why are you even applying? Schools want to know you are dedicated to enriching the lives of students. Answer honestly with anecdotes or examples that paint a clear picture of the journey that you took to become a teacher.

Why do you want to teach at this school?

Research, research, and research more  before your interview. Google everything you can about the school. Do they have a theater program? Are the students involved in the community? What type of culture does the principal promote? Use social media to see what the school proudly promoted most recently. Then, ask around. Use your network of colleagues to find out what (current and former) teachers loved and hated about it. The point of all this digging? You need to know if this school is a good fit for you. If it is a good fit, you’ll demonstrate how much you want the job by explaining how you would get involved with all the amazing school programs you’ve heard so much about!

Which component of your résumé are you most proud of and why?

Pride may come before a fall, but if asked about your accomplishments, don’t be bashful about conveying your worth. Have you won a grant for classroom materials? Share the details and how they helped your students succeed. Did you receive an award for excellence in instruction? Talk about how the application process helped you reflect and grow. If you’re a recent graduate, you can still brag on yourself: Describe your student-teaching experience and how it prepared you for opportunities like the job opening you’re vying for. Small things, like professional organization memberships, can also help you relay your interest in staying up-to-date on the latest educational research and best professional development.

What three words would your peers, administrators, or students use to describe you?

Having been caught off-guard by this prompt at a previous competitive interview, I would encourage you to have some thoughtful options to describe yourself. It’s tempting to say things you think your new boss might want to hear, like intelligent or hardworking , but don’t discount character traits or terms that paint you as a team player among peers and a role model for students. Some options to consider are empathetic , creative , caring , or cooperative .

What are you learning right now?

It’s no secret that successful teachers pursue professional development opportunities whenever they get the chance. Share a PD book you’ve been reading, a recent TED Talk that inspired you, or something new about your subject matter you’ve been brushing up on. Show your interviewers that you’re engaged in exploring new information and always willing to learn.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

Universally, this is probably one of the most common interview questions, and a teacher should definitely be prepared to answer it. With more teachers leaving the classroom than ever before, many districts are going to be looking for educators who are ready to stay put for the foreseeable future. That being said, if your dream is to become a principal, reading specialist, or some other role within the district, it’s OK to mention that. However, it’s probably wise to state that your main goal is to be the best classroom teacher you can be and see what opportunities arise after 5 or 10 years. ADVERTISEMENT

Interview Questions About Teaching Experience

What has been your greatest teaching success so far.

Go ahead and brag! This is your place to share the time you reached a really troubled student, or raised your class’s average standardized test scores by five points, or were voted teacher of the year. Be sure to share how you achieved your success, including any help from others, and what you learned and carried forward with you from the experience.

What has been your biggest teaching challenge? How did you handle it?

Choose a challenge directly related to education that you’ve overcome or are actively working on. Include details about your own evaluation of the problem, help or advice you got from others, and the plan you made to work toward improvement. This question is really all about how you grow and change in the face of adversity.

What experience do you have teaching this age/grade level? What do you like most about it? What’s challenging about teaching students at this age/grade?

If you don’t have any experience at all with this particular age/grade level, this can be a tough question. If you haven’t taught kids this age, but you have worked with them in another capacity, like a club or other organization, use those examples instead. One note: It can be tempting to answer this question by saying, “Well, I’m a parent, and when my kids were this age I …” But remember that parenting and teaching styles are often very different, and your interviewers want to know how you handle this group overall, not just your own children.

Have you ever made a mistake with a student? What happened, and how did you address it?

This is one of those tough but important teacher interview questions that’s more common than you may think. Your interviewer is asking you to be a bit vulnerable here, but be careful with your choice of anecdote. While we’ve all made mistakes when dealing with students, what you’re really looking for is an example where you made a mistake and then addressed it appropriately . Think carefully about a situation in which you didn’t handle things as well as you could have, but you got it right in the end. Explain why you handled it the way you did initially, what caused you to reflect and change your mind, and how the situation was resolved.

Describe a troubling student you’ve taught. What did you do to get through to them?

This question addresses more than just your reluctant learners. This speaks to any discipline measures you’ve had to address. As a teacher, you need to control the classroom and provide a safe space for all of your students. Think about your approach to troubling students and any successes you’ve had in the past.

How do you think COVID-19 has affected today’s students? What changes have you observed, and how have you dealt with them in your classroom?

While these teacher interview questions have only been asked in more recent years, they’re becoming common, so it’s important to prepare your answers. They might actually be easier if you’re interviewing for your first teaching job. If that’s you, feel free to explain that while you don’t have a basis for comparison that others might, your classroom management plan is set up with today’s kids in mind.

If, however, you’re a veteran teacher, take more time to prep for these questions. Many educators have been quite vocal about the negative emotional, behavioral, and mental changes they’ve noticed in their students post-COVID. If you’ve had similar experiences, you can be honest about them. But make sure you explain what steps you’ve taken to address these changes in a proactive and positive way. No school district wants to hire a teacher who is going to throw up their hands and proclaim, “These kids just don’t listen anymore!” Let them know you are going to meet your students where they are and help them reach your high standards.

Tell us about a time when …

Good interviewers ask a lot of questions about your personal experiences. You should strive to weave your experiences throughout all your answers, but especially those that specifically ask for examples of a real-life experience. That’s why it’s helpful to think about teacher interview questions like these in advance.

Try to choose examples directly related to your teaching experience when possible, and steer away from your personal life unless the question directly targets it. (And even then, it’s up to you how much you share about your personal life—don’t overshare!) Even new graduates should have plenty of classroom experience from student teaching or internships. Here are some questions to prepare for.

Tell us about a time when:

• You helped a student succeed when they were struggling
• A student was being bullied, and how you handled it
• You had to make a difficult decision quickly, how you made it, and the consequences of that decision
• A student’s behavior seriously disrupted the classroom, and how you handled it
• You felt overwhelmed in the classroom, and how you coped
• A parent seemed to be doing their child more harm than good, and how you addressed it
• A student challenged your authority in the classroom, and how you handled it
• You received negative feedback, and how you addressed it at the time and in the future

Teaching Philosophies and Strategies Interview Questions

What is your teaching philosophy.

This is one of the most common, as well as one of the trickiest, teacher interview questions. Don’t answer with a clichéd, generic response. In fact, your response is your teaching mission statement . It’s the answer to why you’re a teacher. It’s helpful if you write out your mission statement before the interview and practice reciting it. Discussing your teaching philosophy is a chance to show off why you’re passionate, what you want to accomplish, and how you are going to apply it in this new position, in a new classroom, at a new school.

What do you think students expect and need from their teachers? How will you meet those expectations?

This can also be a tricky question. Avoid phrases like “Students want teachers to be their friend.” Instead, target specific expectations, like “They want to be supported and feel that their teacher respects their opinions and feelings.” Consider other expectations like a safe classroom environment, the freedom to ask for help when they need it, flexibility under difficult circumstances, and open-minded approaches to teaching and learning.

How does a teacher’s personality affect their success? What would you say your “teacher personality” is?

Again, this answer is all about the wording. Avoid phrases like “I’m the mean teacher” or “I’m the fun teacher.” Instead, be thoughtful about how you present yourself to students and parents. Are you stern but fair? Entertaining but also focused on achievement? Kind but able to control misbehavior when needed? Think about how you truly approach teaching, and be honest. This question will help everyone determine if you’re a good fit for the position.

How do you approach lesson planning?

How detailed are you? What do you do to ensure your lessons meet standards and achieve learning goals? How do you build flexibility into your plans? Do you work from the same set of lesson plans each year or make changes and adaptations along the way? Do you create your own lessons or look for quality resources from others? Your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you prepare for classes, and whether you’re able to adjust and adapt as needed. Need ideas? Take a look at these 30 lesson plan examples.

How do you accommodate different learning styles in your classroom?

First, ensure you understand what learning styles are (visual, auditory, etc.) and how they work. Then, provide examples of differentiating a specific lesson for the various styles. Find more information about learning styles and how to accommodate them here.

Provide some examples of how you differentiate your lessons or learning activities.

Differentiation is a hot topic in education and refers to customizing the content, process, product, and learning environment for various situations and students. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of differentiated instruction , and find examples of differentiated instruction strategies here .

How will you help students prepare for standardized testing success?

Standardized tests are another hot topic, and you’ll likely be asked at least one question about them. Regardless of your own opinions, be prepared to share how you help students overcome test anxiety by preparing well and applying good test-taking strategies .

What are some methods you use to check for understanding as you’re teaching?

It’s one thing to prepare a high-quality lesson plan, but if students are not following along, what’s the use? Explain how your instruction will be responsive to students’ needs. Will you incorporate tech tools for assessments ? Or implement exit slips summarizing what they’ve learned? Do you have a quick-check method, like thumbs-up/thumbs-down, to quickly scan for understanding?

How do you assess students’ progress?

Break out all your knowledge on the types of assessment in education and share how you implement the different kinds in your classroom. Explain the types of quizzes you give because you know that they’re most telling about students’ strengths and weaknesses. Give insight into how you use oral reports, group projects, and seat work to determine who’s struggling and who’s ahead. Tell them about any useful digital assessment tools and how they help. We’ve got lots of useful information about assessment in education here if you need some new ideas.

Describe your classroom management structure.

If you’re a veteran teacher, discuss how you handled your classroom in the past. Give specific examples of things that worked the best and why. If you’re new, then explain what you learned as a student teacher and how you’ll map out a plan to run your first classroom. No matter how long you’ve been teaching, familiarize yourself with the school district’s philosophies on classroom management and discipline. Mention how you’ll incorporate their philosophy and stay true to your own. If you’re unable to find out much about the school’s policies beforehand, ask the interviewer to explain.

Do you have classroom rules? How did you develop them, and how do you share them with students to ensure they’re followed?

Do you create your rules in advance and post them in the classroom? If so, share how you identified the rules worth keeping and enforcing. If you prefer to develop rules with your students at the beginning of the year, explain why and share the process. Get tips on developing classroom rules here.

What behavior management strategies do you find most effective? Least effective?

Do you use charts to track behavior? Give prizes for success, or punishment for rule breakers? What do you do when a student is struggling emotionally? How do you work with parents to deal with problem behavior? There’s a lot to consider here. Take a look at these classroom management strategies if you need some tips.

How do you incorporate social-emotional learning in your lessons?

Many states and districts have added requirements for social-emotional learning to their standards. Explain how you will not only tend to the academic needs of your students but tie in lessons that satisfy the core SEL competencies . Describe how you will help students build their self-awareness and social-awareness skills, how you will support them in building relationships, and how you will give them the skills to make responsible decisions. Find lots of easy ways to incorporate SEL throughout your school day here.

How do you use technology in the classroom?

Technology is at the forefront of education, so your interview is the time to show off that you’re savvy. Talk about why you’re excited to use technology with students. How did you manage remote classrooms and engage students? What technology did you incorporate and use while teaching at home and in the classroom? Your administration needs teachers who are tech-savvy and have innovative thinking around technology, so take a look at our extensive resources for more .

What role do you believe diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives should play in your classroom and in the school?

Questions about DEI initiatives, policies, and mindsets are challenging but have definitely become standard in most teacher interviews. Many school districts want to know that incoming educators are open to having the challenging conversations and doing the difficult work of building anti-racist curriculum and policies. In more traditional districts, interviewers might be on the lookout for teachers whose views might be “too progressive” for the parents in their schools. Answer these questions truthfully. If you feel strongly that anti-racist policies are important and want DEI initiatives to be respected and valued in the district where you work, you should know that before you accept a teaching position.

What are your thoughts about grades?

Grading and assessment are set to become hot topics in education in the next few years. While many feel that we’ve become lax in grading during the pandemic and want to tighten up traditional grading, others are arguing for drastically changing our grading systems . Regardless of what you believe personally about this issue, it’s a good idea to start by knowing how the district you are interviewing in handles grades. You can (and should!) absolutely discuss how you believe standards-based grading to be superior to traditional methods, but make sure you also state that you can and will follow district protocols and believe you can accurately measure student learning in this way.

How will you encourage parents to support their children’s education?

The home-school connection is imperative yet tough to maintain. Administrators lean on teachers to keep open lines of communication with parents. They even see you as a “publicist” for the school, reinforcing the culture, strengths, and values of the school to parents. So, answer this question with concrete ideas. Share how parents will volunteer in your classroom and how you’ll maintain regular contact, providing updates on both positive and negative events. Plus, how will you deal with overinvolved, so-called “helicopter parents” ?

What do you expect from your relationship with school administrators? What support do you hope to receive from them?

Your new principal or team lead wants to know what it’s like to work with you. Will you expect a lot of hand-holding, or are you more independent? What type of supervision helps you thrive? Give concrete examples of ways you think administrators can better support teachers . Be tactful but honest.

What did/do you like/dislike about working remotely?

If you were working or going to school during the pandemic, you’re likely going to be asked about how you dealt with the challenges of working remotely . Be honest. If you hated teaching via Zoom and couldn’t wait to get back to in-person instruction, you can say so. You may want to add, however, that you appreciated the opportunity to learn more about how technology could be used to engage different learners. Similarly, if you loved teaching from home, but you’re applying for an in-person position, you may want to be clear about the fact that while you loved being able to be at home, you love building relationships with your students in person more.

Teacher Interview Questions About Handling Challenges

What is the greatest challenge facing teachers today.

Remote learning? Hybrid learning? Diversity and inclusion? Social-emotional learning? Engaging parents? The challenges are plenty! Think about your specific school, district, city, and state. What issue is most pressing , and what can you, as a teacher, do to help?

What is the greatest challenge facing students today?

Think about the specific population at the school where you’re interviewing. What major issues do those kids face? Prejudice and intolerance? Parental support? Uncertainty about their futures? Remember to include how you feel you can help address those challenges in your response.

How would you handle a parent challenging your teaching methods/curriculum/classroom management?

Even a district that is going to strongly support its teachers against parent complaints may ask how you will handle such conflicts when they arise. This is a great opportunity to discuss how you stay calm in tense situations. Discussing how you prefer to call parents who are upset rather than emailing, or how you would forward particularly angry emails to a supervisor just to keep everyone in the loop, are excellent ways to show that you are a calm and proactive educator.

What impact does trauma have on student learning? How do you address this in your classroom?

Whew, questions like these are tough. As our understanding of the role trauma plays in learning grows, the need for educators to know about it and how to deal with it in their classrooms does as well. If you’ve received professional development on the topic, this is a perfect opportunity to show off a bit. If not, take some time to learn more about how trauma can affect not only students but the individuals who work with them . That way, you’ll feel more comfortable discussing the issue when it comes up.

How do you cope with stress?

This one didn’t always appear on older lists of common teacher interview questions and answers, but it’s showing up now big-time. School administrators are well aware of the toll teaching in today’s world takes on educators’ mental health and wellness. While they, hopefully, are taking steps to help their teachers deal with the stress and challenges of the job, they want to know if you have coping strategies in place. This is a great place to talk about hobbies, family/friends, and anything else outside the job that you turn to when things get tough. It’s important to note that this is also a great opportunity for you to ask the interviewer what steps their district has taken to prioritize teacher health and wellness.

What’s your least favorite subject or topic to teach? How do you ensure you teach it well?

It’s OK to say that math isn’t your thing, or that you dread teaching Romeo and Juliet to 9th graders! No one expects you to love everything you teach. But they do expect you to be able to approach every topic on your syllabus with knowledge, skills, and a certain level of enthusiasm. Share how you do that with topics that you find dull as dishwater or downright difficult to teach.

How can you meet the needs of a student with an IEP ?

Today’s inclusive classrooms require that teachers know how to meet each child’s unique educational needs, especially those with disabilities. Perhaps most importantly, meeting the needs of students with IEPs (and 504 plans) is required by law. Districts definitely want to hear that you know that and you will be following those legal requirements. Even if you have not worked extensively with special needs students, educate yourself on the process and be familiar with the lingo. Prepare a couple of examples of ways you can differentiate instruction to support their particular needs.

How would you handle a situation in which you believe a student doesn’t need all of the accommodations listed in their IEP?

This is a variation of the last question, and it’s also a bit of a “gotcha” question. It’s important to remember that special education paperwork is legally binding. If an IEP states that a student gets extended time to complete work, preferential seating, or any other specially designed instruction, they have to receive it , or the district has broken the law. An administrator or principal who asks this question wants to know that you are aware of how important following a student’s IEP is and that you won’t ignore things when you don’t think they are needed. Make sure you express that you understand that.

Want to make your answer even stronger? Acknowledge that part of your job as a teacher is to monitor how a student is performing and let the student’s case manager (or whoever is writing their IEP) know if you believe they do not need a particular support or if they need more. This way, you demonstrate a strong understanding of how the IEP works and that you play an important role as a member of that student’s support team.

How will you meet the needs of English-language learners (ESL/ELL) in your classroom?

In many classrooms today, you’ll find students whose families don’t speak English at home. Some of them may be fluent English speakers already, but others will need extra support as they learn the language and stay on top of their other academic subjects. Be prepared to discuss how you’ll deal with multiple languages in the classroom , and how you can communicate with families who don’t speak English well or at all.

How will you meet the needs of the students in your class who are advanced or say they’re bored?

School leaders don’t want to hear canned responses about how you can differentiate; they want you to give some concrete answers and support your ideas . Perhaps you help get kids prepared for scholastic competitions once they’ve mastered the standard (spelling bee or chemistry olympiad, anyone?). Maybe you offer more advanced poetry schemes for your English classes or alternate problem-solving methods for your math students. Whatever it is, make sure that you express the importance that all students are engaged, even the ones who are already sure to pass the state standardized test.

How will you engage reluctant learners?

Teaching in an age when we must compete with TikTok, Snapchat, and other forms of instant entertainment makes this question valid and necessary. How will you keep students engaged ? Share specific incentive policies, lessons you’ve used, or ways you’ve built relationships to keep students on task. An anecdote of how a past student (remember to protect privacy) that you taught was turned on to your subject because of your influence would also help your credibility here.

If the majority of your class failed a test or other assignment, how would you handle it?

What’s your position on test re-takes? What about when just about everyone fails to meet expectations? Is that a reflection on your teaching methods or on the students themselves? Be prepared to defend your position, and explain your plan for moving forward.

How do you feel about classroom observations and walk-throughs?

This one sounds simple, but be careful. It’s fine to say observations make you nervous, but most administrators want teachers who are comfortable with other adults seeing what goes on in their classroom. This is a great chance to talk about how exciting you find it to share all the wonderful learning activities that happen in your classroom with students’ parents and administration, even if you still get a bit nervous when being observed by other adults.

Interview Questions About Communities and Colleagues

Tell us about your experiences with team teaching or co-teaching. do you find it beneficial.

Classroom collaboration is becoming more common, even if you’re not applying specifically for a co-teaching position. Share any experience you have working as part of an educational team, especially when you’ve shared classroom duties. Be honest about how you feel about sharing your classroom with another teacher, and don’t be afraid to ask if co-teaching is expected in this role. See our co-teaching tips here.

Which activities, clubs, or sports are you willing to sponsor if you are offered a position?

While this expectation may be more real for middle and secondary teachers, being the new kid on the block often comes with a conversion of your title from teacher to coach. If athletics isn’t one of your strengths, you can still get an edge on your competition by sponsoring a science club, yearbook, or academic team. You might also share a special skill, like knitting or creative writing, and offer to teach it to interested students.

What do you feel you can contribute to our school’s PLC for your subject?

The days of shutting your door to do your own thing are out, and professional learning communities are in! Go in ready to discuss topics such as common planning, benchmarks, and data analysis. This is a key time to highlight your strengths. Whether you shine in making high-level DOK assessment questions or have a plethora of student-centered activities for your subject, let the interviewers know what you have to offer to your prospective peers and what you hope to glean from collaborating with them.

Have you ever worked with a teaching mentor? Tell us about the value of that experience.

Some schools have strong mentoring programs, pairing new teachers with experienced educators to help guide them as they start their career. Share your own experiences honestly if you have them. If your mentor was a great support to you , share examples. If you felt the experience was less than helpful, share what you wish your mentor had done instead.

Would you consider becoming a teaching mentor? What do you think you have to share with the next generation of educators?

Experienced teachers may face this question, especially when applying to a school with a strong mentoring program in place. If mentoring is new to you, take time to learn about the process . Then consider how you’d mentor a new educator, and give concrete examples in your response.

What do you think is the larger community’s role in education? How would you help your students see their part in their community?

This is a terrific opportunity to work project-based learning (or problem-based learning) into your interview. Share ways you encourage students to address real-life issues in their communities and how those experiences have benefited them. Or talk about a time you got the community involved in a school event or cause, raising money or working directly with students (like tutoring or coaching).

Best Questions To Ask in Teacher Interviews

At the end of almost every interview, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions?” This might seem like it’s just a way to wrap things up, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of the interview. In addition to practicing your answers to the most common teacher interview questions, you should prepare a handful of questions to ask your interviewer.

“The way some job candidates handle the portion of the interview where it’s their turn to ask questions has always surprised me,” shares Alison Green, workplace advice columnist and author of How To Get a Job: Secrets of a Hiring Manager . “A lot of people don’t have many questions at all—which is ill-advised when you’re considering spending 40+ hours a week at the job and when it is likely to have a huge impact on your day-to-day quality of life.”

On her incredibly popular Ask a Manager advice website, Green shares 10 questions that will help you find out if you truly want the job you’re interviewing for . “To be fair, a lot of people worry about what questions are okay to ask,” she notes. “They’re concerned about seeming demanding or nitpicky.” You don’t need to ask 10 questions, of course. Choose a few that seem the most important to you. We like these five in particular for teaching positions:

1. What are some of the challenges you expect the teacher in this position to face?

Green points out this can get you information that might not have already been shared. You might learn that parents are overly involved or not involved at all, or that resources are stretched incredibly thin, or that teachers here regularly work 60-hour weeks. This could lead to a discussion about how you’ve faced similar challenges in the past, or it can simply give you some points to think about as you consider the job.

2. How would you describe your school’s culture? What types of teachers tend to thrive here, and what types don’t do as well?

School cultures vary widely, and not all teachers thrive in every environment. Find out if this school will expect you to regularly attend extracurricular events, or if your time out of the classroom is truly your own. Do teachers work closely with admin, or is it more of an “everyone is on their own” atmosphere? Think hard about whether you’re the sort of person to fit in with this school’s culture. This can help you decide if this role is really right for you.

3. How long did the previous teacher in the role hold the position? What has turnover in the role generally been like?

It’s OK to probe a little to see what others’ experiences have been. “If no one has stayed in the job very long, that could be a red flag about a difficult manager, unrealistic expectations, lack of training, or some other land mine,” Green cautions. It’s also worth knowing if you’re interviewing to take over the position a beloved teacher has held for 30 years. Will your school be open to fresh new ideas, or are they looking for someone to match up to a previous teacher’s reputation?

4. Thinking back to teachers you’ve seen hold this role previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great?

Green calls this the “magic question” and has had multiple readers write in to tell her how much it impressed their interviewers! “The thing about this question is that it goes straight to the heart of what the hiring manager is looking for,” enthuses Green. “Hiring managers aren’t interviewing candidates in the hopes of finding someone who will do an average job; they’re hoping to find someone who will excel at the job.” This question shows you really want to be a great teacher, and it might offer you a chance to mention something about yourself that hasn’t already come up in earlier discussion.

5. What’s your timeline for next steps?

While this shouldn’t be your only question, it’s definitely OK to use this one as you’re wrapping up. As Green says, “It’s much better for your quality of life if you know that you’re not likely to hear anything for two weeks or four weeks … or whatever the case might be.” Then, if you haven’t heard anything in that time frame, you can follow up (once only!) to see where things stand.

Get Your Free Printable List of Teacher Interview Questions

Just fill out the form on this page for instant access to a printable list of teacher interview questions. Keep it on file with your résumé, and use it to prepare for your next interview. You can practice answering the questions on your own or give the list to a friend or family member to role-play your answers.

Want to ask for more advice as you prepare for a big teacher interview? Come join the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook to chat with educators near and far!

Plus, check out what to wear to a teacher interview., you might also like.

35+ Differentiated Instruction Strategies and Examples for K-12 Classrooms

Personalize the content, process, product, or learning environment. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• Our Mission

11 Questions You’ll Be Asked at a Teaching Interview

Commonly asked interview questions you can anticipate—plus tips and links to resources you can tap as you polish your answers.

Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview appointment for a teaching position at a new school, or for a different position at your current school. This is an important first step, but there will likely be a number of qualified candidates vying for the same spot—how can you distinguish yourself from the pack and land the job?

Your résumé, references, and professional portfolio will help, of course, but it’ll always be the impression you make during your face-to-face interview that’ll get you hired. Luckily, there are only a few types of questions a teacher can be asked, so it’s completely possible to enter a teaching interview confident and prepared.

In addition to questions related to your content area, anticipate that you’ll be asked questions based on your knowledge of and experience with meeting the needs of the whole child. Be ready to explain how you honor and attend to the social, emotional, and academic growth of your students—both individually and as a group. And be prepared for questions concerning classroom management, teacher-student relationships, student engagement, and learning outcomes.

Here are the types of questions you’ll be asked, along with suggestions and links to resources to guide you in preparing your answers and in practicing citing specific strategies and relevant classroom anecdotes.

11 Questions You Should Prepare For

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher? Prepare a brief professional mission statement that explains not merely how you want to change students’ lives but also how your own life is enriched by being a teacher. Also, look up the school’s vision statement and reference how your teaching will reflect those goals.

2. How would you handle a student who is constantly disruptive or defiant? Instead of focusing on how you would react, explain the ways you approach classroom management proactively so that small misbehaviors rarely become chronic or severe. Here are eight ways to maintain student cooperation and courtesy . If the interviewers press you on the original question, this advice on students with oppositional defiant disorder may help.

3. How do you cultivate positive relationships with your students and create a sense of class community? Recount a time you bonded with a student who needed some extra attention and understanding. Show your concern for the emotional well-being of the most vulnerable students and describe your plan for developing students’ social and emotional learning skills . Also explain how you create a sense of empathy and inclusion among your students so classmates support each other on both a personal and academic level.

4. How do you use data to differentiate instruction and support students identified with specific learning disabilities so all students can learn? First, be ready with the names of a couple of data-rich student assessments you’re familiar with. Your interviewers won’t demand that they be the same ones they use, but the fact that you’re aware of testing practices is important. Then, here are 20 differentiated instruction strategies you can use to prepare your answer on how you respond to data . Also, show your knowledge of these  11 learning disabilities and describe a few ways you work with parents and school resource personnel to meet the individual needs of each child.

5. How do you support literacy for all students, including English language learners? No matter their content area, every teacher is a literacy teacher . Explain how you help develop your students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Here are 12 ways to support English language learners in a mainstream classroom.

6. Do you incorporate collaborative and project-based learning? Discuss the difference between cooperative and collaborative learning , and if you have implemented PBL, describe a specific assignment your students worked on.

7. How do you keep your students engaged and motivated, and how do you promote student voice and choice to help them become self-directed learners? Here are 10 engagement techniques that drive student motivation and enthusiasm. Also describe how you create a student-centered classroom that inspires creativity, passion, and purpose.

8. How do you teach 21st-century learners, integrate technology, and guide students to be global citizens? Be prepared to talk about how you teach global citizenship and encourage critical thinking, creativity, and good communication skills. Here are ways to integrate technology into content learning .

9. How do you include parents and guardians in their child’s education? Recount several ways you inform, engage with, and collaborate with parents and guardians—through face-to-face meetings, notes, phone calls, or digital channels.

10. How do you maintain your own professional development, and what areas would you select for your personal growth? You might read books and blogs, watch videos online, subscribe to journals, attend conferences and workshops, or be a member of an educators society in your field. Be ready to talk about the specific resources you use to keep up with the latest trends in education, such as growth and benefit mindsets, flexible seating, flipped and blended learning, STEAM, trauma-informed teaching, restorative practices, mindfulness, makerspaces, and gamification of learning.

In discussing your personal growth, explain ways you want to further expand your teaching efficacy—don’t refer to teaching “weaknesses.”

11. What questions do you have for us? Try this: “Please tell me the most important thing you know now as an educator that you wish you knew before you began your teaching career.” The answers you receive will reveal what your interviewers most value about education, and this insight will allow you to tailor your closing conversation to their interests.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

Daring Leadership Institute: a groundbreaking partnership that amplifies Brené Brown's empirically based, courage-building curriculum with BetterUp’s human transformation platform.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Find your coach

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

15 teacher interview questions and how to answer them

Jump to section

15 teacher interview questions and answers

Make a good first impression.

If you’re an educator, you likely know a thing or two about planning. 

Before walking into a classroom, you create a lesson plan and the materials to support it, and you enter the right mindset to engage your students. 

Preparing for a job interview for a teaching position isn’t much different. You have to enter into a confident headspace, arrive prepared with copies of your cover letter and resume , and practice presenting information to your interviewer.

As you perform mock interviews in front of the mirror, perfect the responses you’ll give on the big day. While you can’t foresee precisely what the interviewer will ask, you can prepare by studying common teacher interview questions and nailing your answers ahead of time.

Teaching is both a job and a vocation . You likely work in the classroom because you enjoy helping students reach their full potential — and chances are, you already have the skills to match that passion.

Preparing your answers to common questions before a job interview can help you feel confident in the moment and explain yourself in the most accurate and productive way possible. If you aren’t sure where to start, working with a teacher career coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint areas to highlight.

Use your job interview to exemplify that care and show potential employers what you can do. Answer honestly about what drove you to this field and tell stories about experiences that built your background. And practice the following 15 typical interview questions for teachers to channel that motivation and sense of vocation into solid answers. 

1. “Why did you decide to be a teacher?”

This teaching interview question makes the top of the list because even if the interviewer doesn’t ask you outright, your answer should be evident throughout the conversation. Your passion for teaching should be one of the first things they notice about you.

If they do ask you this question, respond honestly. Tell your unique background story that describes why you came to teaching. Perhaps you had a teacher who changed your life and you wanted to do the same for others. Maybe you observed a need for a particular learning methodology in your district and knew you could make a difference by implementing it. 

Make your answer as substantive as possible, avoiding empty statements like “I’m good at teaching” or “I enjoy working with children.” This is an opportunity to explain not only what makes you unique, but what makes you an asset.

2. “How would you describe your teaching style?”

The person interviewing cares about education and students’ futures, just like you do. They want to ensure you’re self-aware enough to describe your teaching style and how exactly it can help students learn. This question allows you to explain your approach and align it with the school’s values. 

Preparing well for this question means researching the school’s teaching philosophies and determining how your skills and teaching experience support them. You might find it helpful to write a mission statement that describes who you are, what you do, and why — like an elevator pitch about yourself as a teacher. You can then pull on those points when answering this question. 

3. “How do you handle stress?”

Burnout leading to anxiety and depression is an issue for teachers worldwide , according to a 2022 review from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Interviewers want to ensure you have a plan for taking care of your mental health in this high-stress role. 

Show your interviewer that you take a conscientious approach to stress management . Describe your support system and what you do in your free time — like exercising , journaling , or meditating — to ground yourself. 

This behavioral interview question provides an excellent opportunity to use the STAR method , which stands for situation, task, action, and result. When you respond to a question following this structure, you state the issue, your role, and the actions you took to resolve the problem . You can use this method to describe a stressful work moment and what you did to manage your emotional response in a healthy way.

4. “Could you describe a past or potential lesson plan?”

This question may seem overwhelming, but if the interviewer asks it, don’t panic. If you’re a teacher with extensive experience, think back to one of your most compelling or successful classes and briefly describe the assignment, materials, and pedagogical goals. 

If you’re a new educator, describe a class you’d like to give. Use this question as an opportunity to highlight your skills and creativity . Perhaps you’re strong in the arts and use hands-on, visual methods to explain math concepts to early learners. Give an example that showcases both your strengths and your ideologies.

5. “How do you motivate students?”

To answer this question, start by remarking that motivation looks different for all students. No one method will inspire a whole group, and it’s important to pay attention to everyone’s individual needs to achieve goals . 

Then, go deeper. Discuss how you learn your students’ preferences, strengths, and weaknesses, and devise teaching methods to help them on an individual level. It’s also a good idea to drive your message home with anecdotes if you have them. 

You could talk about a reward system you implemented or how you empowered a struggling student. You might also provide examples of how you’ve adapted to changes, like new educational settings or remote learning challenges, and learned how to motivate students in shifting circumstances. 

6. “How do you continue to learn?”

This is an essential question to ask a teacher in an interview because administrators want staff dedicated to lifelong self-learning and professional development . Throughout your career, you should challenge yourself to implement new methodologies and meet changing standards.

Demonstrate your dedication to bettering your practice by talking about classes you’ve taken, conferences you’ve attended, and books you’ve read. You can also describe any future educational plans, like someday earning a specialized certificate for a certain subject. 

7. “How do you accept and implement feedback?”

Teachers are constantly subject to feedback — from administrators observing a class, parents taking note of their children’s progress, and students navigating lessons on a day-to-day basis. Implementing these constructive tips makes you a better educator, but doing so is often easier said than done. Use this interview question as an opportunity to talk about how you’ve grown from advice in the past. 

Share an example that shows a change you’ve made, even if this means admitting you had something to improve. Using the STAR method, cite the issue that someone pointed out and explain how you corrected it. Here’s an example: “My students weren’t connecting with a text I assigned for extracurricular reading, so I surveyed the group about topics that would interest them more for upcoming homework. By doing so, I was able to encourage reading consistency and improve students’ enjoyment.” 

8. “What’s your experience with diversity and inclusion in the classroom?”

The U.S. Census says that the 2020 population was much more diverse than 2010s , and the numbers will only continue to increase into the 2060s. Educational environments will continue to host more and more students from diverse backgrounds and with different learning styles , and teachers help make these settings feel safe and inclusive for all . 

School districts that value diversity and inclusivity want to ensure that teachers work hard to dismantle prejudice and support every student. Express your willingness to promote inclusive policies, and describe ways you’ve previously helped students learn about different kinds of individuals. This could include reading books from authors with diverse backgrounds or even encouraging students to give presentations about their own experiences.

9. “What would you do to include a student with learning differences?”

In the 2021–22 school year, 15% of public school students received some kind of accommodation for a disability or learning difference . And the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that, in 2020, 95% of students with disabilities attended regular schools . 

As a teacher, you’ll certainly encounter students with differing needs, and preparing for those moments will help you support them as best you can. Whether you’re practicing your answers for special education teacher interview questions or more general queries, this one is important to keep in mind.

Answer this question by providing an example of a lesson plan you modified to support a diverse group of learners, or talking about a hypothetical scenario of what you’d do if you noticed a student was struggling. And in the same vein, explain how you encourage an environment of understanding in which everyone respects others’ learning styles .

10. “What’s your favorite subject to teach and why?”

While high school and even middle school teachers may stick to one subject matter, elementary educators often teach several. If interviewing for a multi-subject role, demonstrate your niche knowledge by highlighting your transferable skills . You could say that your degree in chemistry makes you an excellent science teacher, or that you use your art skills to encourage creative thinking in your students.

Answer this elementary teacher interview question with an anecdote. Feature a creative lesson plan in a specific subject or a time you were able to help a student overcome a challenge using your unique skills. And if you’re interviewing for a subject-specific role, this is the perfect opportunity to explain why you’re the right candidate for it.

11. “Why do you want to work at this school?” 

Your interviewer wants to ensure that you’re a good fit for this institution above any other. This question requires some extra prep work — you should already have a good idea of what the school values or specializes in. Before the interview, do some research on the school. If you’re able, try speaking to current faculty to get a good sense of what makes it unique.

Impress the interviewer by citing specifics about the school you’re applying for. Explain that you want to work there because of one of its stand-out characteristics, like its focus on hands-on learning or its state-of-the-art athletic amenities. 

12. “Why should we hire you?”

“Why should we hire you?” is a staple in interviews for many industries, including education. It’s a broad question, and answering it can be unnerving because of its high stakes. This is an invitation for you to coherently argue why they should bring you on. 

Stick to an easy-to-follow storyline. Instead of listing all of your skills and personality traits or regurgitating your resume, talk about what most inspires you about this learning environment and how you could add to it. If the school strongly focuses on community and you are a consummate volunteer, explain how you can pass on your values and experiences helping others to students. 

13. “How do you build relationships with parents and guardians?”

Parents and guardians are an essential part of students’ educational lives. They help with homework, make important observations about behaviors and learning styles, and motivate their children. Interviewers want to know not only how you interact with parents and guardians, but team up with them to consider a student’s individual needs. 

Answer this question with specific examples of how you establish and maintain parent relationships. You could cite frequent check-ins, surveys you use to learn more about your students from their parents, and the ways you incorporate families into activities like presentations or extracurriculars. 

14. “How do you collaborate with other school staff to support students?”

Teachers are hardly sole operators. They form part of a group of educators, staff, and administrators responsible for teaching and caring for students. Everyone on the team must implement the same policies and initiatives, ensure student wellness, and observe signs that a child might need additional support. 

Describe a time when you learned more about a student by collaborating with a team member. Perhaps an art teacher shared that one of your students was particularly gifted at drawing, and you encouraged this student to foster creativity in other areas, like asking them to illustrate their English homework. Or maybe you were able to help mediate a tense meeting about policy changes between the educators on your team. 

15. “What questions do you have for me?”

Many interviews land on this question, and it’s one you should never dismiss — even if you aren’t sure what to ask. This question allows you to learn more about your future employer. An educational environment that’s a good fit can positively impact teacher wellness and happiness , so use this question to determine whether this school is a place where you could thrive. 

Consider asking the interviewer about their first-hand experience working in the environment and learning what others enjoy about the place. You could also ask how the school measures teacher success to better understand what the administration considers excellent performance. This is also a good opportunity to learn about a day in the life of a teacher at this school, including schedules and breaks .

Teacher interview questions facilitate a fruitful conversation that discovers whether this work environment is a good fit for you. It’s your chance to explain your passions, your educational background, and the skills you bring to the table — and find out whether your values match the school’s.

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

Learn how to reschedule an interview respectfully and professionally

How to answer 8 phone interview questions to ace your interview, land a promotion: prepare for these internal interview questions, 15 questions to ask at the end of an interview to impress recruiters, how to introduce yourself in an interview: examples & tips, 30 interview questions for managers and how to answer them, 11 interview tips to boost your confidence, 10 interview skills, techniques and examples to land your dream job, 10+ virtual interview tips: from preparation to interview day, how to ace your second interview questions, 7 collaboration interview questions and how to answer them correctly, peer vs. colleague learn the difference for smoother sailing, how to ace situational interview question every time, how to answer “tell me about a time” questions with confidence, should i go to grad school a guide to answer the questions about your future, 10 project management interview questions and how to answer them, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Personal Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

iteach Insight & Inspiration

• April 15, 2024

Melissa Poliseno

Ace your teacher interview, how to ace your teacher interview.

So you’ve done the work. You passed the test. Finally, you are eligible to be hired as a teacher. You’ve crafted a stellar resume, and now you have your first interview scheduled. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. So how do you make the most of it? Read on for some pointers on how to ace your teacher interview and land that dream job!

Before the Teacher Interview

Do your research.

Do your research up front so you can get to know the school you’ll be potentially working for. It needs to be a good fit for both of you. Be sure your priorities and values align before stepping into the interview. Check out the school’s website and learn about their mission and vision. Know what is important to the school. This is information you should keep front and center in your mind when answering questions during the interview.

Know your resume

Most likely, you wrote your resume based on your own experience. If you are being forthright about your qualifications, you probably know them well. Take the time to review important dates, job duties, and skills you listed on your resume. Highlight a few that would be worth expanding on and think about what you would want to share.

Get to know your resume so well that you can recite it without having to look at it. This will give you the confidence to speak about your job experience and give the hiring manager more confidence in you.

Ace your teacher interview by practicing

Practicing possible interview question and answer scenarios out loud will help prepare you for the big day. It can be awkward at first to do this, but it is a great way to assess your delivery and help work out the kinks ahead of time. You can do this on your own in front of a mirror. You can even record a video and watch it back. If you want some honest feedback, ask a friend or family member to help you practice a mock interview and give you some constructive critiques.

Pay attention to the little things that might distract a hiring manager from hearing what you have to say. Did you say “umm” way too much? Are you playing with your hair? Were you fidgeting in your seat? Be self-aware so you can correct distracting habits, but don’t beat yourself up. A little confidence goes a long way to calming the nerves in an anxiety inducing situation like an interview. Practicing and feeling prepared for your teacher interview is a sure way to boost your confidence.

To help you practice, walk through some of the most common teacher interview questions. Think about how you might answer them.

5 common teacher interview questions

• What sets you apart from other candidates?
• Describe how you plan your lessons or units.
• How will you incorporate technology into your classroom?
• Talk about how you would handle a disruptive student.
• Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I love this video from The Purrfect Pencil on 10 Teacher Interview Questions + Sample Answers. She even includes a downloadable pdf study sheet to go along with it!

Have some questions of your own ready for them

Remember an interview is not only for the school to assess you. It’s also an opportunity for you to see if they are a good fit for you. Be prepared with a handful of questions you would like to ask the hiring manager. Often, an interviewer will ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” This gives you a chance to take a step out of the hot seat for a bit. It will also show that you really care about your potential future at the school.

Here are a few examples of questions you might prepare for your teacher interview:

• What’s your favorite thing about working here?
• What are some of the biggest challenges you are working to overcome as an administration?
• Tell me about the level of involvement with the parents at this school.
• How do you approach discipline with students?
• What is your measure of success for teachers?
• What are some goals or expectations I would have my first year here?

Eat and sleep

This may seem like a no brainer. Just like you would tell your students the night before a big test, proper sleep and nutrition is essential to success. Turn off distractions like television or your phone at least two hours before your head hits the pillow. This will give you time to wind down and mentally prepare for your teacher interview.

You’ve heard breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Get some good protein in your diet when you get up. A healthy breakfast will help fuel you through the day and give you the energy you need to be awake and alert when it’s time for your interview.

At the Teacher Interview

Be punctual.

Nothing ruins an interview faster than having a candidate rush in 10 minutes late and completely flustered. Have you ever heard the phrase, “10 minutes early is on time?” This is especially true when it comes to an interview. Arrive early, but not too early. This will give you a moment to decompress and catch your breath while you are waiting for the hiring manager.

Be sure to leave your house with plenty of time to spare. Doing so will leave room for any traffic jams, detours, or last-minute unexpected mishaps. If you arrive 30 minutes early, you can always grab a cup of coffee nearby or sit in your car and review your resume to prepare.

Your mind may be going a million other places when you are feeling anxious. Try your best to stay present in the moment once you step into the room for your interview. Silence your notifications and put your phone away well before the interview begins. Answering text messages or calls in a teacher interview is a big faux pas. It certainly will not assure the hiring manager that you want to be there and will quickly diminish your chances of getting hired. Resist the temptation. Keep the phone out of sight and out of mind.

Another way to be present is to make eye contact. When we get nervous, many of us tend to look down or divert eye contact. Connecting face to face with the people in the room shows that you are confident, and you are interested in what they have to say. Good eye contact puts others at ease and makes you appear open, friendly, and welcoming.

Bring a portfolio to your teacher interview

Bring a collection of lessons, worksheets, and examples of your best work to show what you are capable of. This can be created using a simple 3 ring binder with clear pockets and dividers. Or it can be more elaborate if you’d like to go the extra mile with creativity. Decide ahead of time if you will leave your portfolio with the hiring managers or if you will provide additional or digital copies for them.

Here is a list of what you might include in a teacher interview portfolio:

• Extra copies of your resume
• Your teaching philosophy
• Letters of recommendation
• Peer and department evaluations
• A list of any workshops or professional training you have attended
• Lesson plan samples with descriptions
• Sample assignments

Need more guidance and ideas? Check out this walkthrough video from Pocketful of Primary on creating a portfolio for teacher interviews.

Dress the part

Iron your pants. Tuck in your shirt. Brush your hair. Get a second opinion on those shoes. It’s a good idea to plan your teacher interview outfit at least a few days in advance. This will allow you extra time to take care of any laundry or dry cleaning necessary to complete your look. When you are not sure of the school’s dress code, it’s wise to dress up more than it is to go too casual. You can’t go wrong if you are the best dressed person in the room.

What about Zoom etiquette for teacher interviews?

Coming out of a global pandemic, holding interviews over Zoom is more common than ever. If you are asked to join the hiring process digitally, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Find a quiet space.

I once interviewed a candidate over Zoom who brought her laptop to a busy restaurant during the lunch rush. It was so hard to conduct the interview over all the background noise. This was a big turnoff right away.

Be aware of your surroundings

Look around the room before you get on camera. Is your dirty laundry piled in the background? Is your cat’s litter box within sight? Take a few minutes to clean up the room you are in or turn the camera away from anything unsightly or distracting.

Dress as if you were at an in-person teacher interview

Just because you are in the comfort of your own home, it does not mean you should be wearing your comfy cozy sweats. Dress to impress, even if it is just the top part of you that is visible.

Pay attention to lighting

Sometimes when you are sitting in front of a bright window, it can cause a distracting glare or make you look like a dark silhouette. Locate a good natural light source that accentuates your beautiful face. And don’t forget to smile!

With these tips in your back pocket, you should be ready to walk into your next interview with poise and confidence. Congratulations on your hard work and endeavors as a future teacher. iteach is here to support you on this journey. You’ve got this!

Become a Teacher. Change Lives.

If you are passionate about impacting the world around you there are few places where you can influence the future as much as a teacher. Teachers have the ability to build students up and set them on a positive course that can have a ripple effect for future generations.

If you are interested in becoming a teacher, check out our online teacher certification process and you could be teaching in a matter of weeks.

Apply Today

Related Topics in Getting Hired to Teach

Related Articles

5 Steps for Navigating LinkedIn for Teachers

Search iteach Blogs

Recent posts from iteach.

Classroom Management for New Teachers

How to Prepare for Supervisor Observations

The Advantages of a Flexible Seating Classroom

Service area a: teacher recruitment and retention.

Forecasting and Planning

Recruitment Campaigns

Licensure Programs for Paras and Subs

Access to our New Teachers Pipeline

Career Pathing Solutions

Skill Development Solutions

Service Area B: Professional Development  

Video Coaching and Self-Reflection  

Professional Development Courses  

New Teacher Programs  

Teacher Institutes  

Video Library Subscriptions  

Service Area C: Student Learning Acceleration  

Audits, Analysis and Solution Planning  

RISE Summer School Program  

Supplemental Curricula  

Teacher Coaching  

Institute Courses for Teachers  

Service Area D: Continuing Education  

Graduate-Level 1-3-Credit Courses  

Learning Pathways and Certificates  

Master’s Degree Programs  

Doctorate Degree Programs  

Service Area E: Leadership Solutions  

Strategic Planning  

Equity Consulting  

Leadership Coaching  

Custom Packages  

Common Teacher Interview Questions and Preparation Tips

Landing a teaching position requires preparation. But how can teachers separate themselves from the other well-dressed, enthusiastic, articulate job candidates? Researching potential employers and preparing thoughtful responses to common interview questions for teachers helps job candidates put their best foot forward.

Typically, teachers can expect three types of interview questions: questions about who they are personally, questions about their teaching methods, and questions related to teaching’s social aspects.

Personal Teacher Interview Questions and Tips

Personal interview questions help interviewers discover a teacher’s unique passion. These questions allow teachers to share what motivated them to get into the profession. The following are some typical personal questions for teacher interviews and tips for how to respond:

What Made You Decide to Become a Teacher?

Teachers should be able to confidently explain who they are as educators and what they have to share. Discussing how they decided to become teachers is their opportunity to shine.

Tips for Answering

Teachers can share what inspires them about teaching and offer personal stories about what drew them to the profession, such as recounting an experience with a special teacher who made them see the power teachers have to affect other people’s lives. Teachers should also express their purpose for teaching. What do they hope to accomplish? Sharing goals and plans with interviewers shows that the teacher has a vision and has thought about how to accomplish it. By taking time before the interview to list their long-term goals and detailing how they plan to achieve them, teachers will be better prepared to answer this question clearly.

What Are You Currently Learning About and Interested In?

Schools want educators who are excited about their own learning. This question gives teachers a chance to describe their personal love of learning and show that they have a curious nature, a quality they can then pass on to students. The question also presents an opportunity to showcase the ways teachers are taking the initiative to develop themselves personally and professionally.

From books and podcasts to volunteer commitments and online courses, teachers should consider both the formal and informal ways they’re engaged in their own learning. For example, teachers may talk about:

• The language club they participate in that keeps their college French in shape
• The science blog they follow that teaches them about the latest quantum physics discoveries
• A recent visit to Florence, where they took a tour exploring Renaissance art

Regardless of the particulars, job candidates should use their examples as a means to express their personal dedication to growth and development, as well as their excitement about lifelong learning.

Describe a Time You Solved a Problem in a Team

Educators often collaborate in teams to plan and address schoolwide initiatives and issues. Interviewers may ask candidates to describe a time they solved a problem in a team to determine how well they work with colleagues to get a job done.

When answering this teacher interview question, teachers can discuss an obstacle or a challenge they and their team members faced and how they worked to resolve it. Discussing challenges allows teachers to highlight the communication skills and problem-solving techniques they’re adept at using.

Interview Questions About Teaching Methods

Teaching method questions focus on strategies, philosophies, and practices teachers rely on to guide their instruction. The questions give teachers the chance to show the careful thought they put into their learning activities, assessments, and projects.

Moreover, they can demonstrate how they approach issues such as increasing diversity, integrating technology in the classroom, or promoting positive outcomes for special education students. The following are some common teaching method questions, plus tips for answering them:

How Do You Identify and Address Learning Disabilities?

General education teachers play an important role in identifying students who need individualized education programs. When replying to the question “How do you identify students who need individualized education?” they can describe not only how they identify students with learning disabilities but also how they differentiate instruction.

Teachers should demonstrate familiarity with different types of learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia, and their common indications. Additionally, they can describe the differentiated teaching strategies they use in their lessons. For example, they may discuss how they use grouping as a tool to offer focused teacher attention to students who need specialized support.

Describe a Typical Lesson

Schools want teachers who deliver well-structured, high-quality lessons. An interviewer’s request for candidates to describe a typical lesson allows candidates to not only describe their lessons’ components but also share their thinking about how they structured those lessons.

When describing a lesson, teachers should start with how they engaged students with the topic. Next, they can discuss the activities and the assessments they used to check student learning along the way. They can also describe how they may tweak an in-progress lesson to address gaps in understanding. This demonstrates a teacher’s ability to respond in the moment to student needs and use student input to mindfully drive instruction.

How Do You Motivate and Engage Students?

Today’s schools value student-centered learning. The question “How do you motivate and engage students?” allows teachers to highlight how they embrace the concept and incorporate it into their teaching.

Teachers can describe how they make space for student voices in the classroom and create opportunities for students to direct their own learning. For example, they can discuss how they offer students’ choices, whether it’s allowing them to select their own role in group work or letting them choose which questions they’ll answer on an assignment.

Additionally, teachers can describe their techniques for building lessons around student interests, engaging students in reflection about their own learning processes and helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world.

Teacher Interview Questions About Social Relationships

Building trust and creating meaningful relationships lie at the heart of successful teaching. Schools want to know that the teachers they hire can bond with students individually; build healthy, supportive communities in their classrooms; manage discipline issues; and work effectively with parents. The following teacher interview questions give teachers a chance to show how they accomplish those things:

What Is Your Method for Dealing with Difficult Parents?

This question seeks to understand how teachers manage uncooperative, unsupportive, or dissatisfied parents. When replying, teachers can explain how they steer clear of avoidable problems and defuse tense situations with parents. The question also allows for a discussion about cultivating partnerships with parents.

The key to working with parents involves listening and empathy. Teachers can describe how they would listen to parents’ concerns and get clarification about what troubles them, expressing their shared interest in meeting children’s needs. Next, they can describe how they would invite parents to work with them to arrive at a satisfactory solution. Additionally, teachers can describe their strategies for staying in regular communication with parents, such as in-person meetings, online gradebooks that parents can check, newsletters, and phone calls.

How Do You Handle Disruptive Students?

Teachers inevitably encounter disruptive students, so schools want assurances that teachers have effective methods for dealing with them.

Disruptive behaviors can have many causes, from student anxiety to boredom. A good response to an interview question about handling disruptive students should discuss how teachers identify and appropriately respond to the causes of disruptive behaviors. For example, a teacher may describe pulling aside a disruptive student to discuss what the problem may be. This shows the teacher’s ability to meet students where they are and the ability to use a collaborative approach to handle disruptions.

How Do You Cultivate Positive Relationships with Students?

A question about how to cultivate positive relationships with students allows teachers to describe how they approach classroom management. Schools want to know how teachers nip disruptive behavior in the bud and how they encourage student cooperation.

Teachers can discuss their strategies for establishing, maintaining, and restoring relationships. For example, teachers may describe greeting students at the door to make them feel welcome and to get a sense of their moods. Teachers may also describe how they offer student-specific praise, schedule one-on-one meetings, or plan check-ins with students. When describing how they repair relationships, teachers can highlight how they use empathy and a solution-focused approach that separates the behavior from the student.

How to Prepare for a Teacher Interview

Having a successful interview isn’t solely about knowing how to answer teacher interview questions. It takes a good deal of preparation to optimally engage during the interview process. Using several tactics to proactively get ready for the interview experience can allow teachers to provide specific details about themselves during the interview experience that can help them stand out in a competitive field. These details can often show the prospective employer that the candidate truly cares about pursuing a role as a teacher; this in turn may assure the school that its students are in good hands.

The key steps a person can take to prepare for a teacher interview include the following:

• Research the interviewing school. Visiting the school’s website, reviewing its social media accounts, and looking up news articles online can provide you with important information about the school, its history, its connection to the community, and the reputation of its leaders before the interview.
• Practice potential responses. Rehearsing answers to questions likely to be asked during the interview process can carry a similarly positive impact as rehearsing a speech in a public speaking class. It can improve response flow and minimize stammering and sputtering, thus making the individual look more confident.
• Bring a portfolio. Having a portfolio handy can provide the interviewing school with a snapshot of past achievements and accolades, as well as examples of how success may be achieved in the classroom. The items in the portfolio can include sample lesson plans, earned certifications, and past awards.
• Show up prepared and professionally dressed. Interviewees should arrive at the interview professionally dressed and ready to discuss teaching philosophy. If possible, show up a few minutes early to allow for further mental preparation before the interview.
• Stay positive. An interviewee who remains positive throughout the interview conveys a positive attitude, which can give the school a glimpse of how a prospective teacher may look in the classroom. Part of staying positive is looking positive; this can require being cognizant of body language.

Questions to Ask Interviewers 

At the end of the teacher interview questions, it’s common for the interviewer to ask job candidates if they have any questions. This provides an ideal opportunity to demonstrate preparedness for the interview, passion for the teaching profession, and a commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals. It’s best to use this opportunity to ask effective, targeted questions that pull the focus away from the candidate. These questions can be grouped into the following categories:

• Job-related questions. These questions can provide individuals with more specific details on what they may expect if they get hired. They can involve asking about why the position opened, what a typical day may be like, and long-term expectations concerning the position.
• Support-related questions. These questions can provide insight into how a school supports and advocates for its teachers. They can concern topics like mentoring programs for new teachers, available resources like classroom technology, school culture, and developmental support for teachers.
• Student- and classroom-related questions. These questions can allow candidates to glean further info on a school’s learning environment. They can cover topics like average classroom size, the collective character of the student body, the teacher-student ratio, and curriculum flexibility.
• School-related questions. These questions can dig deeper into the school’s mission and philosophy. They can involve asking about the goals achieved by the school and its district, the challenges facing the school and its district, the school’s discipline plan, the school’s antibullying measures, and any ongoing campus issues.
• Community-related questions. These questions can provide information about the school’s place within the surrounding neighborhoods it serves. They can be about parent involvement, communal support, and the activeness of its PTA group.

Explore a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

Interview questions for teachers help schools evaluate a teaching candidate’s level of thoughtfulness, expertise, and motivation. With the right advanced education degree, aspiring teachers can develop the knowledge and skills they need to approach interviews with confidence, thoughtfulness, and perspective.

Explore how American University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program prepares students and current teachers to thrive as educators and transform lives in the classroom.

Teaching Strategies for Students with Dyslexia

How to Become an Online Teacher

Teacher Salary With a Master’s: Maximizing Your Earning Potential

Child Mind Institute, “Tips for Recognizing Learning Disorders in the Classroom”

Education World, How to Answer the Tough Questions

Indeed, “16 Teacher Interview Tips”

Indeed, “32 Questions to Ask Your Interviewer in a Teacher Interview”

Learning Disabilities Association of America, Support and Resources for Educators

Prodigy, “20 Differentiated Instruction Strategies and Examples (+ Downloadable List)”

Reading Rockets, “Building Parent-Teacher Relationships”

TeachThought, “Why You Teach: Developing a Teacher Mission Statement”

The Muse, “25 Common Teacher Interview Questions—and How to Answer Them”

Request Information

AU Program Helper

This AI chatbot provides automated responses, which may not always be accurate. By continuing with this conversation, you agree that the contents of this chat session may be transcribed and retained. You also consent that this chat session and your interactions, including cookie usage, are subject to our  privacy policy .

Would you like to receive more information about the program?

Have a question? We are here to help.

Select your state to discover your state advisor’s phone number.

Click here.

Our Program Advisors look forward to answering your questions.

Our advisors look forward to answering your questions.

Click here to submit a contact form.

Top 20 Teacher Interview Questions & How To Answer With Confidence in 2023

August 30, 2023

Teaching is a deeply fulfilling and meaningful career that goes beyond simply imparting knowledge to students. Teaching plays a crucial role in shaping the minds and lives of young individuals, making it one of the most impactful professions.

But, getting into this rewarding career requires you to go through an interview process that can be daunting. Job interviews may seem intimidating initially, but with the right tips, you can confidently go into your teacher interview and ace it.

Before you go into an interview, consider and research the following teacher job interview questions.

The steps following this decision include getting teacher certified, updating your resume, and beginning the interview process.

This list is not all-inclusive but it includes all the essential steps you need to prepare to secure the teaching position you want. These questions will help you during the teaching interview and also help you be a better teacher.

Let’s dive in!

What Do You Love About Teaching?

This question can also be framed in any of the following ways:

• Why do you want to be a teacher?
• What is it about teaching that is motivating you to leave your current job?
• Who was one of your favorite teachers in the past, and why?

Hiring managers want to know that the person applying for the job is qualified and cares about being there. A job such as teaching magnifies the importance of caring because a teacher is there to serve young people. Make sure you emphasize how passionate you are about teaching.

Before the interview, think through what you love about teaching and why you want to pursue a career in that profession. Writing out your thoughts can be a helpful way of processing them. You want to answer your interview questions with solid reasons, concrete examples, and personal stories, where appropriate.

A few common reasons people want to teach are:

• They love learning and being in a learning environment
• Teaching is a job with a lot of variety
• Teaching is a way of serving their communities
• They like the creativity and independence teaching offers
• They want summers off
• They want to make a difference in people’s lives

Questions about your love of teaching are an excellent opportunity to show you are genuine and personable. If you can, share a story about one of your childhood teachers or someone else who inspired you to pursue teaching. Stories have a special way of resonating with people. Whatever you say, let your enthusiasm and passion for teaching be clear in your answer.

2. What Is Your Teaching Philosophy?

Questions about your teaching philosophy focus on what you believe is the purpose of your discipline and the best ways to fulfill that purpose. Write out your teaching philosophy ahead of time so that you can base your answers around it and share your ideas during interviews. 

As you explore your teaching philosophy, consider the following:

• Why is your area of discipline important to society?
• Why does it matter whether anyone learns it or not?
• What is your role within your discipline?
• And what are your specific teaching methods that support and fulfill your philosophy?

In addition to your beliefs, explain how you will apply your philosophy in the classroom. How do you implement both formative assessment and summative assessment? This will naturally depend on the ages of your students.

Ensure you clearly understand the “how” and “why” of your philosophy. Knowing the “how” will help you prepare for questions about your teaching style and classroom management.

3. What Are Your Teaching Style and Methods?

Explaining your teaching methods demonstrates that you are competent and prepared to be a teacher. This includes:

• How do you help students to learn your subject?
• How do you help children with various learning styles?
• How would you help a student struggling to keep up with the material?

You’ll learn a lot once you start teaching in a classroom, but there are some basics about your discipline that you should be familiar with before you start.

Your teaching methods are the practical side of your teaching philosophy. What assignments will be most effective in helping you achieve your discipline’s purpose? How can you capture your students’ imaginations and bring your subject to life?

People learn in different ways. Some different methods include learning visually, aurally, or kinesthetically. How can you engage all five senses with your assignments? You could do a formative assessment by having students visualize a concept through drawing or painting. Incorporating crafts into lessons is a helpful strategy, especially for elementary teachers.

Musical students will appreciate you incorporating music into the lesson. Some students enjoy being outside or active more than discussing ideas in class. What can you incorporate into the lesson plan to get these students interested?  Some Middle school students struggle with transitioning to a new school with no more recess. What activities or projects can you assign that will engage those students?

The team of teachers you work with will be extremely valuable and help you develop new ideas to implement in the classroom. In the meantime, there are many online resources you can browse to get advice about teaching your subject.

4. How Will You Manage Your Classroom?

Knowing how you will manage your classroom demonstrates that, in addition to being competent in your discipline, you can also lead and relate to students well.

Note that classroom management overlaps with teaching style. The more organized you are, the more you will be able to avoid misunderstandings between you and your students.

The interviewer might ask you:

• Are you a tough teacher or an easy one?
• Has there ever been a time when you had to deal with a particularly difficult student?
• If so, how did you handle that situation?

Teachers work with students with varying interest levels in the subject taught. Only some students will be excited about being at school. That’s why you need to be familiar with classroom management.

Classroom management is especially important for Special Education teaching positions. Special ed teachers need to be familiar with strategies for keeping students’ attention and dealing with disruptive students. They also need to explain how they’ll help students persevere with a difficult task.

Use your experience or online research to develop tactics appropriate for the age level and type of student you’ll be teaching. Research beforehand to learn about the disciplinary procedures at your applying school. Then you can tailor your answer accordingly. Know what you would do, and show how your methods fit the school’s philosophy.

For example, if you’re an elementary teacher, you could use  non- verbal communication . Every time someone breaks a rule, write one letter of the word “sorry” on the board. Explain to your students that if you spell the entire word, the class will lose a fun activity for the day. This classroom management strategy could be useful for encouraging good behavior.

It’s also a good idea to mention how you would prevent conflict from arising ahead of time in your interview. You can make it a habit to make eye contact with each student throughout the day or greet each one at the beginning, showing you’re happy to see all of them. The more your students know you care about them, the less likely they will act out.

5. What Is Your Greatest Strength?

It’s common for hiring managers to ask you questions regarding your greatest strengths. Your answer to this question demonstrates your qualifications for the teaching position.

Don’t think of it as bragging about yourself. You are objectively explaining how you are a good fit for the school. Why would anyone hire you if you don’t have any relevant strengths?

Before your interview, brainstorm what your best selling points are. Consider them in a professional and personal context.

• Has your boss praised you for any achievements in your current job?
• What have been your recent successes at work, and what skills contributed to those successes?
• Have your coworkers ever pointed out any of your strengths to you? Ask them what they are.

You can ask the same question of your friends and family. Even though these are people you know on a personal basis, they can help you identify your primary character qualities.

For example, if people know you as an exceptional communicator, give recent examples of that strength. Then explain how you’ll use that skill in a teaching context. That skill could be public speaking, setting clear expectations for your class, or contacting parents on time. Whatever you mention, give specific examples from the past and apply them to the teaching position you’re seeking.

6. Why Do You Want to Work in This Job/School/District?

Only go into an interview if you know about the organization interviewing you. Answering this question well shows that you care about getting the job and helps you determine if the job is a good fit for you.

Some common mistakes made in interviews include:

• Not being prepared
• Giving cliché answers
• Seeming bored and not paying attention

Doing your research and thoughtfully preparing for the interview helps avoid the first two mistakes. As mentioned earlier, communicating your enthusiasm for teaching will ensure you don’t make the last mistake.

Find out what you can about the job itself, as well as the school and the school district.

• What are the school’s characteristics?
• Do the students in that school district have any specific needs you are suited to meet?
• Is there anything about the administration’s philosophy that you appreciate?
• What is the school doing well that makes you excited about working there?

Researching the position will help you with all of your interview questions. You can use whatever you discover in your answers where applicable.

7. What Is Your Biggest Weakness?

Everyone has weaknesses. This question is an opportunity to demonstrate your honesty and how you learn from your mistakes.

Be prepared to answer a question about your shortcomings.

• What is your primary weakness as a teacher?
• What do you dislike most about teaching?
• What do you find to be the most challenging part of teaching?

It’s understandable if you fear that answering this question truthfully will make you seem unqualified for the position. But you can respond accurately while still presenting yourself as a strong candidate. All people face difficulties in their jobs, and all jobs have aspects to them that are not enjoyable. These are just facts of working life.

One way to use this question to your advantage is by describing how you deal with challenges. Or you had a major weakness in the past that you have overcome. Describe how you did so and what you do differently now.

8. Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

You want to avoid getting to the end of the interview and have nothing to say when the interviewer asks this question. This is another opportunity to demonstrate you care about getting the job and determine whether you want it.

Having questions for the school shows you are sincerely interested in the teaching position. But it’s also a chance to discover the information you cannot get through your research.

If there is anything you’re particularly concerned about, this is your chance to ask about it! Your questions might include:

• How would you describe the culture of the school?
• What are the students like?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each grade?
• Are the teachers supportive of each other?
• What are the administration and parents like?
• What challenges has the staff faced this year within the school and district?
• How does the school relate to the community?

Don’t ask about time off or salary at this point. Questions like that are inappropriate until the school offers you the teaching position.

9. How Do You Incorporate Social-emotional Learning In Your Lessons?

Before you answer this question, it’s important to recognize that many states and districts have now integrated SEL requirements into their standards, showing the increasing significance of addressing students’ emotional well-being alongside their academic growth.

When answering this question, you can emphasize the following key elements:

• Balancing academic and social-emotional needs
• Core Competencies of social-emotional learning
• Building a supportive classroom community
• Real-life connections and relevance

You can highlight the importance of tending to your students’ academic needs while addressing their social-emotional development. Acknowledge that creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment fosters optimal learning.

You should explain that addressing the core competencies of SEL, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making is an integral part of your teaching philosophy.

Also, discuss your strategies to foster this sense of community and its positive impact on students’ social-emotional well-being.

For example, you can say that you intentionally incorporate activities that promote self-awareness, such as reflective journaling or mindfulness exercises. Add that you encourage your students to understand their emotions, strengths, and areas for growth.

Students learn to empathize with others, resolve conflicts, and appreciate diverse perspectives through these activities.

10. What Is Your Classroom Management Structure?

The classroom management structure is crucial because it sets the tone for a positive and productive learning environment. It combines the strategies and systems you use to establish expectations, maintain discipline, promote student engagement, and foster community within the classroom. 

When answering this question, emphasize the importance of a well-defined management structure and highlight why you believe your structure is valuable to both you and your students.

For example, say you believe your classroom management structure effectively promotes a positive and productive learning environment, establishes clear expectations, reinforces positive behavior, and provides individualized support to help students thrive. 

You can also talk about checking the school’s policies and guidelines. Every school may have its specific expectations and protocols in place. 

By aligning your structure with the school’s policies and demonstrating your understanding of them, you show that you are adaptable and able to work within the established framework.

11. How Do You Feel About Classroom Observations?

When asked about classroom observations,  express your comfort and openness to the process. Classroom observations are valuable opportunities for professional growth and feedback. 

Avoid common mistakes , such as feeling nervous or desiring advanced warning, as they may negatively affect your adaptability and confidence. 

For example, you can say that you genuinely welcome classroom observations as valuable learning experiences, allowing you to receive constructive feedback, gain insights into your teaching practices, and identify areas for growth. 

Remember, expressing your willingness, confidence, and positive attitude toward classroom observations demonstrate your dedication to being an effective and reflective educator. Emphasize your value on feedback and your commitment to ongoing professional development. 

12. How Do You Feel About Remote Working?

Approach this question with an open mindset and acknowledge that the school can gain valuable insights about your adaptability and work style through your answer. Even if the school does not teach online, your response can showcase your versatility as an educator. 

For example, you can say that remote working has its unique advantages and challenges. While the school may not currently be conducting online classes, discussing your perspective on remote teaching will provide insights into your adaptability and versatility as an educator.

Compare online and in-teaching and highlight your strengths in both environments. Recognize the unique benefits of each teaching environment, and highlight your ability to excel in both remote and in-person settings. 

13. How Important Are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives For You?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are not just words; they are crucial aspects of education that promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all students. 

Today, questions about DEI initiatives, policies, and mindsets have become standard in most teacher interviews. You must demonstrate your commitment to these principles, be open to engaging in challenging conversations, and do the necessary work to build anti-racist curricula and policies.

Here are some important points you can consider when answering this question:

• Acknowledge the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
• Highlight your willingness to engage in challenging conversations about race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other aspects of identity. 
• Express your dedication to developing anti-racist curricula and implementing inclusive policies that actively promote equity and challenge biases.  

For example, you can say that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are of utmost importance to you as an educator. You believe every student deserves an inclusive and equitable learning environment where their unique identities and experiences are celebrated and respected. 

By embracing diversity and promoting equity and inclusion, you create a space where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Avoid responses that dismiss or downplay the significance of DEI initiatives.  If you need help understanding the complexities and challenges surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, focus your response on the commitment to ongoing learning, self-reflection, and actively working towards creating an inclusive educational environment for all students.

14. How Do You Typically Motivate Parents to Support Their Children’s Education?

Motivating parents to support their children’s education is vital for fostering a strong partnership between home and school. When answering this question, it’s essential to highlight proactive strategies encouraging parental involvement.

Emphasize the importance of parent engagement in promoting student success and creating a positive learning environment. 

Here are some examples of how you can motivate parents to support their children’s education:

• Establish effective communication channels
• Share the importance of parental involvement
• Offer volunteering Opportunities.

For example, you can say that you actively encourage parents to get involved through volunteering opportunities and invite them to contribute their time and skills during school events, field trips, or classroom activities.

Parental involvement is crucial as it positively impacts student achievement, behavior, and overall academic success.

By showcasing your strategies for motivating parents to support their children’s education, you demonstrate your commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment that encompasses both home and school.

15. How Do You Assess Students’ Progress?

Assessing students’ progress employs various strategies beyond traditional tests and quizzes. You can mention different types of assessments, such as formative assessment, portfolio reflection, and project assessment. 

• Formative assessments : These take various forms, such as class discussions, questioning techniques, exit tickets, and mini-quizzes. It enables you to make real-time adjustments to your teaching strategies, promptly address misconceptions, and provide timely student feedback, supporting the learning journey.
• Portfolios:  These may include artworks and projects to showcase your students’ work and growth over time, enabling them to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, and actively engage in the assessment process.
• Projects and tasks assessment : These require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, allowing you to assess students’ application of knowledge and skills. Projects often provide opportunities for students to showcase their understanding in practical and authentic ways.

When answering assessment questions, discuss different methods you use to assess students’ progress, explain why it matters, and emphasize the importance of ongoing assessment throughout the learning process. 

Avoid relying solely on traditional assessments like exams. Be cautious about mentioning only one assessment method without acknowledging the importance of a comprehensive approach.

By showcasing your understanding of different assessment strategies and their role in supporting student growth, you demonstrate your commitment to personalized learning and ongoing progress monitoring.

16. What Are the Greatest Challenges Teachers Face Today?

Approach this question with an understanding that it can be a trick question. The interviewer wants to assess your awareness of the current events and issues impacting the teaching profession. 

Here’s how you can navigate this question effectively:

• Acknowledge that the teaching profession faces ever-evolving challenges. 
• Emphasize that you understand the importance of staying informed and adaptable to address these challenges effectively.
• Demonstrate your awareness of recent events, advancements, and shifts influencing the teaching industry, such as education policies, technological advancements, social and cultural shifts, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For example, say that you believe the teaching profession constantly evolves and various challenges come with it. As an educator, you recognize that awareness of these challenges is essential to successfully navigating them. It is important to stay informed about current events and trends in education as they shape the landscape in which you work.

Avoid using clichéd answers or discussing challenges that have been prevalent for years, such as classroom management or standardized testing. Instead, focus on recent and relevant challenges that reflect the current educational landscape.

17. How Do You Deal with Bored or Lacking Interest Students?

It’s normal to engage bored or disinterested students in class. In answering this question,  demonstrate your understanding of your student’s needs and showcase your ability to adapt your teaching style to foster their engagement.

Answer this question with confidence and an understanding of students’ diverse needs and interests.  

Here are some tactics you can mention:

• Implementing differentiated instruction techniques to cater to students’ diverse learning styles, interests, and abilities.
• Providing various activities, assignments, and resources allows students to choose options that align with their preferences and strengths.
• Incorporate active learning strategies that promote student engagement and participation. These strategies can include collaborative projects, problem-solving activities, debates, simulations, or interactive discussions.
• Establishing connections between the curriculum and real-world situations to make the content relevant and meaningful to students. 

Avoid assuming that all bored or disinterested students are the same or that their lack of interest is solely their responsibility. Instead, demonstrate your willingness to adapt your teaching style, provide options, and create an engaging learning environment catering to their needs.

For example, to capture the interest of bored or disengaged students, embrace active learning strategies and encourage them to actively participate in the learning process through group work, problem-solving tasks, or class discussions that promote critical thinking and real-world applications.

18. Describe Your Experience with a Troubling Student

Approach this question in a way that showcases your strengths and demonstrates your ability to handle difficult situations in the classroom. Using a problem-solution approach, you can highlight your problem-solving skills and commitment to supporting the student’s growth. 

Here are some guidelines to follow and common mistakes to avoid:

• Emphasize the positive aspects of your approach and strategies to address the situation. 
• Highlight your ability to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment and your commitment to the student’s well-being and academic success.
• Refrain from making negative judgments or speaking disparagingly about the student. 

Adopt a compassionate and understanding tone, focusing on identifying the underlying causes of the behavior and providing appropriate support.

19. Share One Mistake You Made with One of Your Students And What You Learned From It.

Teachers, like everyone else, are prone to making mistakes. When discussing a mistake you made with one of your students, it’s crucial to highlight how that experience contributed to your growth as an educator.

While answering this question, begin by emphasizing that making mistakes is a normal part of students’ and teachers’ learning and growth process. Reflecting on and learning from these mistakes is essential for professional development.

Describe a specific mistake you made with a student and the valuable lesson you learned. Emphasize how this experience contributed to your development as a teacher and improved your understanding of student needs or instructional approaches.

Conclude your response by highlighting how the mistake helped you become a better teacher and how you have since adjusted your approach to better meet the needs of your students.

By openly discussing a mistake you made with a student and sharing the valuable lesson learned, you demonstrate your ability to reflect, grow, and adapt as an educator. This showcases your commitment to ongoing improvement and dedication to meeting your students’ diverse needs.

20. How Would Your Teacher Colleagues Describe You

This question lets you showcase your interpersonal skills, teamwork abilities, and overall fit within a collaborative work environment.

The opinion of your colleagues matters as it reflects your ability to establish positive relationships, contribute effectively to a team, and create a harmonious work atmosphere.

 Here’s how you can approach this question:

• Highlight that your colleagues’ opinions are valuable as they provide insights into your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work effectively within a team.
• Emphasize that a positive perception from colleagues signifies your potential to contribute positively to the work environment and foster a supportive and collaborative culture.

When answering this question, highlight your strengths and qualities your colleagues would appreciate and value. Choose qualities that align with the expectations and values of the teaching profession.

For example, say the opinion of your teacher colleagues is important to you as it reflects your ability to work collaboratively, contribute effectively to a team, and create a positive work environment.

By focusing on your strengths and qualities that align with effective teamwork and collaboration, you demonstrate your ability to fit well within a new work environment. 

Your answer should reflect your positive and cooperative attitude and commitment to building strong professional relationships with your colleagues.

Across the country,  teacher shortage is growing. Schools require qualified and dedicated teachers like you. Finding a teaching job and going through the interviews can seem like a lot, but we can help you prepare. 

Here is a graph detailing the level of preparedness for interviews among teachers.

can help you get prepared.

By following these teacher job interview tips, you face the application process with confidence.

If you’re struggling with the Teacher Test, take a look at our teacher testing tips and get tips on how to ace that test.

15 Year Anniversary , 15 Years , alabama teacher certification , alabama teacher shortage , alabama teacher shortage task force , alabama teacher shrotage task force , alternative teacher certification , Anniversary , Arizona Teachers , Become a Teacher , Become a Teachers , Celebrate , center for american progress , chalkbeat , continuing education teachers , continuing education units for teachers , covid , covid-19 , dave saba , distance learning , diverse teachers , diversity in teaching , Economy , edt , edtpa , edtpa georgia , edtpa issues , edtpa pearson , edtpa problems , edtpa study , edtpa teacher certification , edtpa texas , education , education school enrollment , educator awards , educator exams , educator preparation , engineers week , engineers week 2020 , ferpa , florida teacher pay , Florida Teachers , Growth , H-E-B excellence in education , heb awards , heb excellence in education , helpful tips , how long does it take to be a teacher , how to become a high school teacher , how to become a substitute teacher , how to become a teacher , how to become an elementary school teacher , Illinois teacher certification , Illinois teacher shortage , Indiana teachers , Indiana teachers of tomorrow , Job Security , Living The Vision Award , marketing webinar , math teacher shortage , Michigan Teachers , Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow , micro-credentials , Nevada Teachers , new teachers , non-degree programs , north carolina teachers , north carolina teachers of tomorrow , online learning , online teacher recruiting , online teaching , pandemic , paraprofessional , paraprofessionals , PD , physics teacher shortage , portfolio , praxis , principal award , pro dev , professional development , Program , Reasons to Teach , Recession-proof , residency license , scholarship for teaching , Second Career , SK12 , South Carolina Teachers , Stable Career , starting teacher salary , Strada , substitute , substitutes , Success , TASA , teach 313 , teach in detroit , teach in michigan , teacher attrition , teacher certification exam , teacher certification exams , teacher certification test , teacher certification tests , teacher diversity , teacher micro-credential , teacher pay raise , teacher profession , teacher professional development , teacher recruiting , teacher resources , teacher salary , teacher scholarship , teacher tesst , teacher test , teacher tests , teacher tips , teachers of color , teaching interview , teaching interview questions , test , texas edtpa , The Learning Liaisons , Trent Beekman , update , virtual conferences , virtual job fair , virtual job interview , virtual teacher recruiting , virtual teaching , virtual teaching job interview , Why Teach , zoom , zoom virtual learning , zoombombing

How to Become a Teacher in Iowa in 2023

August 30, 2023 by astratton

Texas Teachers Certification Areas

Texas teachers currently offers 50+ certification areas:.

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 6–12 (272)
• American Sign Language (ASL) (184)
• Art EC–12 (178)
• Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
• Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190)
• Business and Finance 6–12 (276)
• Chemistry 7–12 (240)
• Computer Science 8–12 (241)
• Core Subjects EC-6 (291)
• Core Subjects 4–8 (211)
• Dance 6–12 (279)
• English as a Second Language Supplemental (154)
• English Language Arts and Reading 4–8 (117)
• English Language Arts and Reading 7–12 (231)
• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4–8 (113)
• Family and Consumer Sciences EC-12 (200)
• Health EC–12 (157)
• Health Science 6–12 (273)
• History 7–12 (233)
• Journalism 7–12 (256)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Arabic EC–12 (600 & 605)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) French EC–12 (610)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German EC–12 (611)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Latin EC–12 (612)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Japanese EC–12 (602 & 607)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Mandarin Chinese EC–12 (601 & 606)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Russian EC–12 (603 & 608)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish EC–12 (613)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Vietnamese EC–12 (604 & 609)
• Life Science 7–12 (238)
• Marketing 6–12 (275)
• Mathematics 4–8 (115)
• Mathematics 7–12 (235)
• Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering 6–12 (274)
• Mathematics/Science 4–8 (114)
• Music EC–12 (177)
• Physical Education EC–12 (158)
• Physical Science 6–12 (237)
• Physics/Mathematics 7–12 (243)
• Science 4–8 (116)
• Science 7–12 (236)
• Social Studies 4–8 (118)
• Social Studies 7–12 (232)
• Special Education EC–12 (161)
• Speech 7–12 (129)
• Technology Applications EC–12 (242)
• Technology Education 6–12 (171)
• Texas Assessment of Sign Communication–American Sign Language™ (TASC–ASL™) (073)
• Theatre EC–12 (180)
• Trade and Industrial (T&I)

31 Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

Being a teacher is incredibly rewarding. After all, you get to shape how your students learn, grow, and see the world around them. It’s a field just about anyone with a passion for mentoring, and the right people and education skills, can break into. Yet, mastering the most common teacher interview questions might be crucial for that perfect position.

Kirsten Horton , a veteran education leader who’s taught pre-K up to third grade in private as well as public schools, started her career as a paralegal before working with students. “If it’s calling you, then that’s where you’re supposed to be and it’s what you’re supposed to be doing,” she tells The Muse. 

Despite having been homeschooled most of her life, she has always been fascinated with pop culture’s image of school (think: Mean Girls ) and was motivated by the opportunity to tailor students’ learning to their specific needs just as her family did for her. “I love that no two days are the same. No two classes or years are the same as a teacher. It never gets boring or monotonous,” she says about the perks of the job, adding that working alongside other smart, supportive, and ambitious teachers is another plus. 

However, she warned that the field isn’t for everyone: It requires patience, flexibility, collaboration, and a knack for working well with others. These days, Horton not only teaches but regularly assists with hiring and mentoring new staffers, many of whom she’s seen come from varying careers, or even leap into education after retirement. 

Like a middle manager in the corporate world, teacher leaders or department chairs like her take some of the work off of the plates of the principal or vice principal by interviewing potential candidates. Because they’re doing the job they’re hiring for, she adds, they also have the best idea of what skills and personality traits to look for.

The more interviews you get, the better your chances of getting hired—apply now to these amazing teacher jobs on The Muse »

Teaching interviews: What to expect

Horton says that a typical teacher interview will usually take place at the school you’re applying to. Depending on the type or size of the team, the specificity of the role (for example, whether you'll be working with students with special needs), and the interview round, you may meet with one teacher or staffer (a principal or VP, administrator, or counselor, for example), or multiple at a time. 

“A lot of times they intentionally have you meet several members of the school team or even your teaching team. And the purpose of that is for everybody to say, ‘Yes, I could work with this person,’ just because you don’t want to get midway through the year and have a team that’s not working collaboratively together.” 

At a bigger public school, she adds, you’re more likely to have a one-on-one interview purely because of demand for teachers on call, whereas at a private school the staff likely have more free time to interview as a group.

But she’s found that because many school leaders were teachers at some point in their careers, they’ll often go easy on interviewees. “They’re used to helping people succeed and really coaching people through,” she says. “So they’re never really trying to throw anything at you that’s going to be overwhelming or trying to stump you. They’re trying to just really bring the best out in you.” 

You’ll definitely encounter the more general interview questions like “ What are your strengths and weaknesses? ” or “ Why do you want this job? ” But you’ll also face more specific queries about, say, working with students or designing a lesson plan. 

And you may even have to answer some fun but curveball questions: Horton loves to ask, “Do you drink coffee in the morning, throughout the day, or not at all?” Not only does it give her a sense of their mindset and energy level, but it also tells her what special order to deliver to them on their first day. (In other words, there’s no wrong answer!)

To help you prepare, check out these common teacher interview questions—as well as advice and examples for how to answer them. Plus, learn what skills and qualities hiring managers are looking for and get some bonus tips for nailing your next teaching interview questions.

Teacher interview questions: What are hiring managers looking for?

No matter the specific role or workplace, hiring managers look for common themes in qualified teaching applicants:

• Teaching skills: Unsurprisingly, how you work with students on a group and individual level is crucial. The key question is, “Do they know how to have an effective classroom where all kids are learning and engaged?” according to Dan Swartz , former managing director at Resolve Talent Consulting—a firm that specializes in education recruitment—and current executive director of human resources at Clarke County School District in Athens, Georgia.
• Data proficiency: In today’s modern school system, data is also incredibly important, Swartz says. He wants to know: “Have you been able to master or are you proficient at the use of data?” So whenever possible, give examples of how you used data to guide you. For example, have you gleaned insights from individual test scores or overall class performance metrics?
• Subject matter expertise: Candidates have to show that they’re adequately knowledgeable about the content area they’re looking to teach, whether it’s history or science. “A lot of times there are state standards,” Swartz says. So when it makes sense, try incorporating “how much you know about the standards or how much you can use the standards for your instruction,” he says.
• Teamwork: Being a team player when it comes to working with other teachers, administrators, aides, and staff means you’ll help not only students but also the entire school thrive.
• Organization and accountability: Candidates who are on top of deadlines and can meet classroom goals will go far. “As an administrator, I need to know that I’m going to be able to get lesson plans from you,” says Rob Sheppard, an ESL teacher who started his own online English school, Ginseng English .
• Commitment to students: If there’s one thing that can’t be taught, it’s care for students—so interviewers want to know you have it. “The rest of the stuff, educators can teach.” Swartz says. “They can teach you content, they can teach you how to be a more effective teacher delivering your lessons, but they can’t teach the belief in students.”

Keep these themes in mind as you prepare for your teaching interview and look for opportunities to communicate them whenever possible—especially in response to these common questions.

Need some tips for writing your teaching resume? Find a full guide here .

1. Why do you want to be a teacher?

“You have to know who you are as an individual and as an educator, and you have to know what you can bring to the school,” says Calvin Brown, a former recruiter at Alignstaffing , an education staffing firm. This question gets to the heart of that passion and self-awareness.

How to answer

Rule #1: Don’t say, “Summer vacations!” But seriously—this one should be easy to answer. There’s probably something that made you want to get into education. Maybe you enjoy teaching your friends new things, are a facts wizard bursting with knowledge, or love connecting with children. Focus not just on what you like about teaching but also on what you can bring to the table.

For example, you might say: “I really admired my third grade teacher, Mrs. Kim, and even after I left her class I still returned to her for advice and guidance over the years. It’s that sense of warmth and acceptance she provided me that inspired me to become a teacher. I want to be that person others can lean on as they navigate the rough waters of growing up.”

2. What’s your teaching style or philosophy?

Interviewers want to see that you really want to help students develop inside and outside school—not just push them toward some academic result. Basically, you care about people and their success, and you’ve thought about what that success looks like and how you’ll help students achieve it.

They’re also likely vetting for an alignment of values. “In order to serve kids, the same as parenting, you have to be aligned in your beliefs and your practices before you can go out and influence kids positively,” Horton says.

She adds that even if you’re brand new to teaching, you can still touch on what you would do given the chance to run a classroom. “For example, a lot of people are really looking for somebody who’s going to say that they feel really confident with the age that they’re going to be teaching and that they’re really going to focus on building a positive community versus punitive consequences.” 

You’ll want to be honest about your specific style and mindset when it comes to teaching. But also consider what this school’s philosophy is like, and try to emphasize where your values naturally overlap.

For example, you might talk about how you take a community approach to education, which means “knowing that you’re one piece of this person’s journey,” says Mary Findley, Senior Teacher Success Manager at Skillshare and a former Teach for America Core Member and elementary school teacher.

You could answer with: “I believe when students are challenged with realistic goals and given the support they need not to just get the answers right but to be able to use those lessons to solve future problems on their own, everyone comes out on top. I think that as a teacher, it’s my job to support my students through the lessons I give, but also through the various challenges they may face at school, and to partner with them as well as other support systems to help them feel motivated, comfortable, and happy in the classroom.”

3. How would you handle a student you found difficult to teach?

Students don’t all learn or behave the same way, which may make it a challenge to have them all in one classroom at the same time. Difficulties with students can look like many different things, from falling grades to disrupting lessons. So interviewers want to know that you’re up to the task of helping students with the varied obstacles they may face.

A good answer delves into figuring out the cause of a student’s behavior, as that’s often the most important step. “When students are disengaged, it’s either because the content’s too challenging, it’s too easy, or there could be some outside-of-school factors,” Findley says.

Your response should show that “you’re meeting the student where they’re at and building on their strengths,” Findley says. It should also emphasize that you’re “collaboratively discussing” solutions with the student rather than ordering them around.

If you have an example story to tell, that’s a great way to state your case. Just make sure your story is well structured to convey the message you want. Consider using the STAR method whenever you’re answering an interview question with a story—i.e., make sure you cover the S ituation you found yourself in, the T ask you needed to complete, the A ction you took, and the R esult your action had, in that order.

You could say: “For me, the first step would be to pull them aside and talk about the issue privately. My main questions would get at the root cause of this student’s behavior. Once I know that, I try to work with them to come up with a solution. I used this strategy in my last classroom, where I had a student who couldn’t seem to stay in his seat during lessons and I found out that sitting still too long made him feel confined and nervous. We talked about how his behavior affected the rest of the class, and we agreed that when he was feeling really anxious he could raise his hand and I’d let him take a lap around the classroom, but only when it was appropriate. I also decided to make some of my lessons more active and hands-on so that other students could benefit from getting out of their seats every once in a while.”

4. How do you motivate students?

Interviewers want to see how you influence students to do what you need them to do. Findley adds that this is an especially important thing to vet for when hiring remote teachers, because motivating others over video requires a lot more creativity than when you’re teaching in person.

Motivating your class is really about having a personalized approach, Findley says. You’ll want to show that you can engage a classroom, as well as take into consideration various students’ needs and drivers. Brown adds, “You have to know your students, you have to know their strong points and their weak points.” So make sure that your answer shows an individualized approach.

Take this sample answer: “Positive reinforcement is super important to keep a student motivated, so one thing I like to do is throw out rewards or bonuses when they perform especially well. This could be candy, or a star, or a sticker, or even just a compliment—whatever I can tell students enjoy receiving, and it’s different for everyone. I never want students to feel left out or favored, so I always try to be fair and consistent with everyone. But it’s those little moments of recognition I think that keep them happy and excited to learn.”

5. How do you like to communicate and build relationships with parents?

Part of being a teacher is working with parents and guardians—i.e., the people who influence how your students learn and behave in the classroom just as much as (if not more than) you do. Building trust with the adults in your students’ lives can often help you build stronger relationships with the students themselves and create some consistency between school and home.

“I’m looking to see that a candidate will take every opportunity to interact with parents in person,” Brown says. “Ultimately, I’m looking for candidates that believe parent collaboration is key to a student’s success, and they will take the time to maintain an ongoing, open conversation.”

To show you take building relationships with family members seriously, you could say: “I think it’s really important to get to know the important family members in each student’s life. Which is why at the beginning of the school year I like to have individual meetings with each student’s family. I’ll also send out a survey to get a better understanding of the student’s home life, needs, and family dynamics. Then, throughout the year, I build on that foundation by touching base to share positive updates and small wins in addition to discussing any challenges the student might be facing academically or behaviorally.”

6. What are you learning right now?

This question is about showing that you’re curious and believe in continuous learning—qualities that are important in a teacher as well as for a teacher to pass on to students. In other words, Findley says, the interviewer’s asking: “What are some personal interests? How are you developing yourself both within your professional career and personal development as well?”

Hopefully, you’re doing something to help yourself grow—it doesn’t have to be extensive or even career-related! Maybe you’re reading a series of books about a topic, taking a class, or learning a new skill . Use this activity to show that you have an “always learning” mindset and an appreciation for continuing to get better at something.

Here’s what that sounds like: “I used to speak Italian in college, so I’ve recently picked up Duolingo to try to reteach myself some of the basics. I’d love to continue to become more fluent so I can travel to Italy and talk with locals!”

7. What activities/community initiatives interest you?

This is a question Horton has seen come up in private school interviews, where staff often wear multiple hats and fill in roles beyond teaching a specific subject. “There’s a big interest in, what do you bring to the table…what do you contribute to the community, and how would you work together with our small team?” she says.

Show that you’re a team player and have a diverse set of skills and interests with an answer like: “I played rubgy in college and would love to help the team get to the state championship this year” or, “I work at an animal shelter on the weekends and would love to bring that same charitable spirit to student fundraisers, shows, or volunteer opportunities.”

8. How would your students and colleagues describe you?

Horton notes that this question is introspective, forcing you to evaluate yourself objectively as a person, teammate, and teacher.

She suggests being honest, but spinning as much of your qualities as you can to be positive and student-focused.

For example, she says, “If you’re strict, don’t say strict—say structured, and that kids thrive on routine.” Or, if you’re more spontaneous and fun but don’t want to come off as flighty, you could reply, “My colleagues might say that I’m a really dynamic teacher, and I really enjoy using creativity to come up with engaging lessons for my students.”

For teachers who like a quiet classroom, she advises, focus on why you prefer a peaceful classroom: “Students might describe me as liking to have a classroom where they can feel safe and relaxed and really focused on their learning.”

Read More: 3 Ways to Talk About How Your Boss and Coworkers Would Describe You

9. What do you love most about teaching?

This question is the perfect time to share your idealistic vision for teaching (even if it feels a bit romantic): maybe it’s the impact that education can have on the world, or how you want to influence students and help them achieve their dreams, build confidence, or uncover potential.

Ultimately, your interviewer wants to “know that the passion for teaching is there,” Horton says. “The days in teaching can be so long, and you’ve got to have a great attitude, you’ve got to really want to be there,” she adds.

To touch on your strengths and passions, as well as the school’s values, try a response like: “What I love most about teaching is seeing students I’ve mentored succeed in higher levels. You mentioned that team collaboration is important in your district, and in past positions I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside incredible counselors and other teachers who’ve helped me get a struggling student where they need to be. One specific story that comes to mind is…”

Read More: 3 Authentic Ways to Answer “What Are You Passionate About?” in a Job Interview

10. How do you evaluate/grade students?

Beyond genuinely wanting to hear your perspective and past experience, interviewers ask this question to gauge whether your measurements align with how they evaluate students. With this, Horton recommends researching the school to understand their priorities. Do they value test scores? Do they use rubrics, or do they let students self-evaluate? Is project-based learning involved?

To balance your background with the school’s needs, you could respond with something like, “In my last teaching position we had a ranking system for students. While it was beneficial for spotting outliers and understanding where I needed to focus my energies, I prefer a rubric system that evaluates students against themselves rather than the rest of the class.”

11. Tell me about a time when you worked with a team to solve a problem.

Parents and students aren’t the only people you’ll be interacting with. You’ll frequently need to partner with aides, school staff, and other teachers to help students succeed, so your interviewer wants to know that you can work with just about anyone.

Telling a story about a team situation where things didn’t go perfectly is a great way to show you can communicate and collaborate with others even when times are tough. “But don’t emphasize the conflict—emphasize how you got through the conflict to have something that was effective,” Swartz says. “Even if you’re not a teacher with experience, you can still highlight how you go about your work by giving past examples” from another context.

For example, you could reply: “In my last role as a project coordinator, I had to partner with our account managers to meet a really tight deadline set by a client. We were all a little frazzled because the project required a lot of revisions, but we put our heads together and divided the work, even staying late a couple days to make sure we finished on time. I definitely don’t think we could have accomplished it without working together, and I believe the same is true as a teacher working with other staff—you can’t go it alone if you’re going to successfully foster a learning environment that works for all students and supports them as individuals.”

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Answering Behavioral Interview Questions

12. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge.

Brown says that with either of these questions, the interviewer wants to hear: “When you come across things that are obstacles, how do you overcome them?” In other words, the interviewer wants to see that you can solve problems at work in an intentional way. Brown also emphasizes that accomplishments and challenges often come hand in hand. Knowing how to answer teacher interview questions like this one shows the “drive for achievement” that interviewers want to see in teachers.

Pick a story where you had to stretch yourself a bit, but ultimately got to a successful outcome. Remember to also talk about your problem solving process in addition to the results.

Maybe you could say: “When I was in retail, I dealt with one particularly difficult customer who wasn’t satisfied with their purchase. Most of my team was struggling to connect with them, but I was determined to set things right. So I was patient and took the time to really listen to their complaints without guessing what the problem was or assuming what the solution should be. That not only helped me understand the root of their issue, but helped them see I was going to work with them. In the end, we came up with a solution that seemed like a good compromise for the customer. They left the store in a lot better of a mood than when they entered, and turning someone’s day around felt truly great.”

13. Tell me about a time when something unexpected happened at work and how you dealt with it.

You might spend hours preparing to teach a particular unit, “but then something will happen and it throws off your whole lesson plan,” Swartz says. So interviewers want to see that you can think on your feet and handle a conflict when it arises.

Share a story that makes it clear you can stay calm, cool, and collected when a situation changes.

You could give the example: “When I was a camp counselor, I often had to keep campers entertained through rainy weather or a blip in the activities schedule. The first time it happened I didn’t really know how to handle the group, so I decided to put together a one-sheeter of activities and games and share it with the other counselors so we could refer to it in the future. I can confidently say no camper was disappointed with the change of schedule—they loved all the games, and the staff was relieved how smoothly things went after that first time.”

14. Tell me about a time when someone gave you feedback and how you handled that.

Receiving and implementing feedback well is important for your growth as an educator. “This is actually most critical for veteran teachers,” Swartz says. Since they’d be most likely to “communicate a level of, ‘I’ve already gotten this, I’ve already arrived, I don’t need any extra feedback.’”

Consider a time when you got feedback that was tough to take but ultimately made you better at your job. Talk through how you received it (hopefully with an open mind!) as well as how you made the change.

For example: “At my last school, one of the teachers on my team shared with me that students had been talking about how lost they were after a recent math lesson. They were complaining that I went way too fast. It was rough to get this criticism because I’d thought this class was happy with my teaching style and learning a lot. But I knew I had to take it to heart. So for all my classes—not just the one that complained—I implemented a color-coded card system. Each student received red, yellow, and green cards, and I got in the habit of stopping every few minutes to ask for cards. Students would hold up red cards for me to slow down, yellow if everything was going well, or green if I could speed up. I’d adjust accordingly and over time, I noticed more and more yellow cards as I discovered the best pace for each class. This also had the added benefit of me seeing who was holding up a lot of red cards so I could offer them extra assistance or attention outside of the lesson.”

Read More: How to Take Feedback Like a Pro

15. How would you handle common misconceptions or difficulties in your teaching content?

Depending on the subject matter and classroom you’re signing up for, this question can really vary in how it’s delivered. But “Being able to correctly show a mastery of [course] content versus just the knowledge of the content” is key, Swartz says. Do you really understand the material you’re teaching inside and out?

You need to show you can “reverse engineer” the problem, Swartz explains. You’ll want to explain your process for identifying the issue and then your approach for resolving the misunderstanding or difficulty that your students are having in mastering the material.

Take this example question Swartz gives: “What are some of the common misconceptions students might have when solving the problem 31.8 + 0.45? How would you address these?”

A good response might be: “One common problem is that students won’t line everything up by the place value or decimal. They may line the five up right below the eight and therefore get the wrong answer. I would teach them to line the decimals up and then put zeros as place holders so they don’t get confused. I would also encourage them to draw a line from each addend all the way down to their sum to make sure all the decimals are in line. I always remind students to read carefully and double check their work to avoid common mistakes like this.”

16. Walk me through a typical lesson.

The interviewer isn’t just looking for a quality lesson that’s accurate and engaging. They also want to know how you think about planning lessons. “A lot of it’s going to be about debriefing your process, like what went well...and then what are things that you can work on,” Findley says.

This question requires a bit more preparation on your part than a typical interview question. If you have an example lesson from a previous role, that’s great. If not, consider whipping up a quick lesson plan you might like to give. Talk through what it’ll look like from start to finish, why exactly you decided to take that approach, and allow the interviewer to ask questions about your process.

If you’re leaning on a past experience, also highlight the parts of the lesson you would change based on how it went—which will demonstrate your ability to adapt and grow as you teach.

17. What questions do you have for me?

While this might seem like one of the easiest interview questions in the book, it’s one you should actively prepare for with thoughtful queries targeted at the specific interviewer and role. It's essential to consider in advance what questions you should ask at a teaching interview to make a strong impression and gain valuable insights.

“Don’t just ask, when can I expect to hear something?” Swartz says. If you do have a question about next steps, make it your last one after you’ve posed others. Until that point, “Ask some serious questions about that school. That’s your opportunity to interview them as much as they’re interviewing you, and they are going to respect that,” Swartz says. “Any question that candidates ask where I can see that they’ve done their research about the position is a great question to me.”

Here are a few suggestions of questions to ask in a teacher interview to get the ball rolling, but be sure to come up with your own specific queries about the school and role:

• What do you wish you knew about [role]/[company or school] when you first started?
• What qualities make someone successful here?
• What are you most excited to work on/accomplish at [company or school] right now?
• What drew you to [company or school]?

Read More: 51 Great Questions to Ask in an Interview

Bonus teacher interview questions

In addition to the questions above, you might get queries like these:

18.  Tell me about yourself.

19.  Why are you interested in teaching at this school?

20.  What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

21. How do you use technology in the classroom?

22. What would you do if a student is in danger of failing your class?

23. What adjectives would you use to describe your presence in the classroom?

24.  How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

25.  What makes you unique?

26.  List three words that best describe you.

27. Tell me about a time when you helped someone become more successful.

28.  Tell me about a time you faced a conflict with a student, parent, or other teacher.

29. What is your experience with remote instruction?

30. During the COVID-19 pandemic , how did you ensure your class stayed on track and engaged and learned as much as possible?

31. Do you have any experience teaching a student with an IEP? How did you ensure their success?

Some extra tips for nailing your teaching interview

• Research the school and what they care about: “A lot of schools now in particular have a really specific focus,” Findley says. For example, “I used to work at a school that was really focused on character goals.” Knowing a school’s focus going into your interview will help you show you would bring that same passion. And when you go to tell a story or answer a question, Sheppard adds, “It sounds obvious, but your response needs to be relevant to the job that you’re applying for.” Make sure you’re considering what this role entails and the mission or values of the school and tailoring your response accordingly.
• Dress for the job: “If you show up in a three-piece suit at a school building they’re going to be like, ‘Do you know where you’re going to teach?’” Swartz says. While “you need to dress to a level that communicates that you are serious and interested about this job,” he says, you should also remember that interviewers want to see that you know what it means to work with students. If in doubt, try going business casual.
• Pay attention to non-verbal communication and brush up on other interview skills : When planning out your responses, don’t just think about what you’re going to say but also how you’re going to say it. “I always look at body language first,” Brown says. When someone looks frazzled or caught off guard by a basic question, “I start to question, OK, can you really handle that kind of population or have you handled this kind of situation before?”

Most importantly, “Be confident in what you already know and your experiences prior,” Brown says. Be yourself—or rather, your professional self—and you’re sure to land the right teaching job for you.

Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

30 Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

Common Teacher interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

You’ve made it through the rigorous process of earning your teaching degree, polishing your resume, and now you’re preparing for one of the most important steps in landing your dream job as an educator: the teacher interview.

We’re here to help guide you through some common teacher interview questions, along with advice on how to answer them confidently and effectively. From discussing your classroom management style to showcasing your passion for education, we’ll provide insights that will have you walking into your interview ready to shine.

1. What inspired you to become a teacher?

The journey to becoming a teacher is often a personal and meaningful one. Interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your passion and dedication to the profession. Your answer will reveal your motivations, values, and commitment to education, all of which are essential qualities for a successful teacher. Sharing your inspiration can also help interviewers understand how you will connect with students and create a positive learning environment.

Example: “My inspiration to become a teacher came from my high school history teacher, who had an incredible ability to make the subject come alive and engage students in meaningful discussions. His passion for teaching and genuine interest in our growth as individuals made me realize the profound impact that educators can have on young minds.

I wanted to follow in his footsteps and create a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore their interests, ask questions, and develop critical thinking skills. I believe that by fostering curiosity and a love for learning, teachers can inspire students to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.”

2. How do you stay current with the latest educational research and teaching methods?

Staying up-to-date with the latest educational research and teaching methods is essential to ensuring that your students receive the best possible education. Employers want to know if you are committed to ongoing professional development and if you are proactive in seeking out new ideas, trends, and strategies to improve your teaching practice. By asking this question, they seek to gauge your dedication to growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving educational landscape.

Example: “To stay current with the latest educational research and teaching methods, I actively engage in professional development opportunities and subscribe to relevant publications. I attend workshops, conferences, and webinars that focus on innovative teaching strategies and emerging trends in education. These events not only provide valuable insights but also offer a platform for networking with other educators who share their experiences and best practices.

Furthermore, I follow reputable journals and blogs related to education, as well as participate in online forums and social media groups where teachers discuss new ideas and resources. This helps me stay informed about recent studies and developments in the field. Additionally, I collaborate with my colleagues at school, sharing our findings and discussing how we can implement new approaches in our classrooms. This continuous learning process enables me to adapt my teaching methods to better meet the needs of my students and contribute to their academic success.”

3. Describe your classroom management style.

Your classroom management style directly impacts the learning environment, student behavior, and overall success of your class. Interviewers want to know if your approach aligns with the school’s culture and values, and if you can create a safe, organized, and engaging space where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Example: “My classroom management style is a blend of proactive and responsive strategies, with an emphasis on creating a positive learning environment. I believe that setting clear expectations and establishing routines from the beginning helps students understand their roles and responsibilities within the classroom.

To maintain a structured yet flexible atmosphere, I use techniques such as visual cues, verbal reminders, and engaging activities to keep students focused and motivated. When addressing behavioral issues, I prefer using constructive feedback and offering alternative solutions rather than punitive measures. This approach not only fosters mutual respect between the students and me but also encourages them to take ownership of their actions and develop problem-solving skills. Ultimately, my goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where all students feel supported and empowered to learn and grow.”

4. How do you differentiate instruction for students with varying learning styles and abilities?

As a teacher, you’ll be responsible for addressing the diverse learning needs of your students. Differentiating instruction is essential to ensure that each student can access the curriculum and achieve their full potential. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your understanding of this concept and your ability to tailor your teaching methods to accommodate all learners, regardless of their individual strengths and weaknesses. They want to see that you can create an inclusive learning environment and adapt your teaching strategies to meet the needs of every student in your classroom.

Example: “Differentiating instruction is essential to ensure that all students can access the curriculum and achieve their full potential. To accommodate varying learning styles and abilities, I employ a range of teaching strategies and materials in my lessons.

One approach I use is tiered assignments, where I design tasks with different levels of complexity based on students’ readiness levels. This allows each student to engage with the content at an appropriate level of challenge while still working towards the same learning objectives. Additionally, I incorporate multiple modalities into my lessons, such as visual aids, auditory explanations, hands-on activities, and opportunities for group collaboration or individual work. This ensures that students with diverse learning preferences have various ways to process and engage with the material.

Furthermore, I regularly assess students’ progress through formative assessments and adjust my instructional methods accordingly. For instance, if I notice that some students are struggling with a particular concept, I may provide additional support through small-group instruction or one-on-one tutoring. Ultimately, my goal is to create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.”

5. Can you provide an example of a lesson plan that incorporates technology in the classroom?

Educational technology has become an essential part of modern teaching, and interviewers want to see how you can seamlessly integrate it into your lesson plans. By asking for an example, they’re looking to gauge your creativity, experience, and ability to engage students with technology in a way that supports their learning and enhances the overall classroom experience.

Example: “Certainly! I recently designed a lesson plan for my 7th-grade history class that incorporated technology to enhance student engagement and learning. The topic was the American Revolution, and the objective was for students to understand the key events and their significance.

I started by introducing the topic through an interactive timeline using a web-based tool called Tiki-Toki. This allowed students to explore the major events of the revolution in a visually appealing way while providing context for each event. Afterward, we had a brief discussion about the events they found most interesting or surprising.

For the main activity, students were divided into small groups and assigned specific battles or events from the revolution. Each group used iPads to research their assigned event and create a short multimedia presentation using Adobe Spark Video. They included images, text, and voiceovers to explain the importance of their event and its impact on the overall outcome of the war.

To wrap up the lesson, each group presented their video to the class, which facilitated further discussion and reinforced the key concepts. This lesson plan not only made effective use of technology but also promoted collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity among the students.”

6. What strategies do you use to engage reluctant learners?

Teachers are charged with sparking enthusiasm for learning in all students, including those who may be less motivated or disinterested. By asking this question, interviewers want to assess your creativity, adaptability, and ability to connect with students who may not immediately engage with the material. Demonstrating your ability to implement diverse strategies to reach and motivate a wide range of learners is key to proving you’re an effective educator.

Example: “One strategy I use to engage reluctant learners is to tap into their interests and incorporate those into the lesson. For example, if a student enjoys sports, I might create math problems that involve calculating player statistics or distances on a field. This helps make the content more relatable and engaging for them.

Another approach is to provide students with choices in how they demonstrate their learning. Offering options such as creating a presentation, writing an essay, or designing a poster allows students to showcase their strengths and take ownership of their work. This sense of autonomy can be particularly motivating for reluctant learners, as it gives them a chance to express themselves creatively while still meeting the learning objectives.”

7. How do you handle conflicts between students in the classroom?

Conflict resolution skills are a must-have for teachers, as classrooms can often be a breeding ground for disagreements and tension. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to create a safe and harmonious learning environment. They’re looking for your strategies in addressing conflicts, promoting healthy communication, and fostering empathy among students, all while maintaining your role as an impartial mediator.

Example: “When conflicts arise between students in the classroom, my first priority is to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. I address the situation promptly by calmly intervening and separating the students involved if necessary. Once the immediate issue is under control, I take time to listen to each student’s perspective individually, allowing them to express their feelings and concerns without interruption.

After gathering information from both parties, I facilitate a discussion between the students to help them understand each other’s viewpoints and find common ground. During this conversation, I emphasize the importance of empathy, active listening, and constructive communication. My goal is to guide them towards resolving the conflict themselves while fostering mutual respect and understanding. If needed, I also involve school counselors or administrators for additional support. This approach not only resolves the current conflict but also equips students with valuable skills they can use throughout their lives.”

8. Describe a time when you had to adapt your teaching approach due to unexpected circumstances.

Adaptability is a key quality for a successful teacher, and unexpected circumstances can arise in various forms, such as technology failures, student behavior issues, or sudden changes in lesson plans. By asking this question, interviewers want to understand how well you can think on your feet, adjust your strategies, and maintain a productive learning environment despite unforeseen challenges. This demonstrates your ability to remain flexible and resilient under pressure, which is essential in the dynamic world of education.

Example: “There was a time when I had planned an outdoor science activity for my students, but on the day of the lesson, it started raining heavily. Since the activity couldn’t be conducted outdoors anymore, I quickly adapted by bringing the learning experience indoors.

I divided the class into small groups and provided each group with materials to create their own mini ecosystems using plastic containers, soil, plants, and water. This hands-on approach allowed the students to explore the concepts we were studying in a more controlled environment while still engaging them actively. Throughout the activity, I circulated among the groups, answering questions and guiding discussions about the different elements of an ecosystem and how they interacted.

Although the initial plan was disrupted, I managed to adapt my teaching approach to ensure that the learning objectives were met, and the students gained valuable insights from the experience. The flexibility and ability to think on my feet not only saved the day but also reinforced the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations as a teacher.”

9. How do you assess student progress and adjust your instruction accordingly?

Assessing student progress and adapting instruction is key to ensuring that all students are engaged and learning at their optimal levels. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to monitor each student’s growth, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and utilize that information to tailor your teaching methods to best meet their individual needs. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement and flexibility in your teaching approach will show that you are dedicated to helping every student succeed.

Example: “Assessing student progress is an ongoing process that involves a combination of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments, such as quizzes, class discussions, and exit tickets, provide me with immediate feedback on students’ understanding of the material. I use this information to adjust my instruction in real-time, addressing misconceptions or providing additional support where needed.

Summative assessments, like exams and projects, offer a more comprehensive view of students’ mastery of the content. Analyzing these results allows me to identify trends and areas for improvement, both at the individual and class level. Based on this analysis, I may reteach certain concepts, differentiate instruction, or implement targeted interventions to ensure all students are making progress towards their learning goals. This data-driven approach helps me tailor my teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students and promote their academic growth.”

10. What role does parent-teacher communication play in your teaching practice?

Parent-teacher communication is a critical aspect of any successful teaching practice. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to actively engage with parents, keep them informed about their child’s progress, and collaborate to address any challenges that may arise. They’re looking for teachers who understand the importance of fostering strong relationships with parents to create a supportive learning environment for students.

Example: “Parent-teacher communication plays a vital role in my teaching practice, as it helps create a supportive and collaborative environment for the students’ growth. Regular communication with parents allows me to share their child’s progress, achievements, and areas that need improvement. This enables us to work together to address any concerns or challenges and reinforce learning at home.

I use various methods to maintain open lines of communication, such as newsletters, emails, phone calls, and parent-teacher conferences. I also encourage parents to reach out to me whenever they have questions or concerns about their child’s education. This ongoing dialogue fosters a strong partnership between home and school, ultimately benefiting the student’s overall academic success and well-being.”

11. How do you incorporate social-emotional learning into your curriculum?

Incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the classroom is essential to students’ overall well-being and development. It helps students build important life skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and communication. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your understanding of SEL, your commitment to fostering a healthy learning environment, and your ability to creatively integrate these concepts into your lessons, regardless of the subject matter you teach.

Example: “Integrating social-emotional learning into my curriculum is essential for fostering a well-rounded education and promoting students’ personal growth. One way I incorporate it is by designing collaborative group activities that encourage teamwork, communication, and empathy. These activities provide opportunities for students to practice active listening, express their thoughts respectfully, and work together towards common goals.

Another approach I use is incorporating discussions on real-life scenarios or current events that relate to the subject matter. This allows students to explore different perspectives, develop critical thinking skills, and understand the importance of empathy in diverse situations. Additionally, I create a safe and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences, which helps them build emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Through these strategies, I aim to nurture not only academic success but also the development of well-rounded individuals who can navigate various social and emotional challenges throughout their lives.”

12. What is your experience with implementing project-based learning in the classroom?

Project-based learning is an increasingly popular instructional method that emphasizes hands-on, collaborative work and real-world problem-solving. By asking about your experience with this approach, interviewers want to gauge your familiarity with innovative teaching techniques and your ability to engage students in meaningful, authentic learning experiences that go beyond traditional lecture-style teaching. They are also interested in your ability to adapt and evolve as an educator in response to changing educational landscapes and research-backed best practices.

Example: “During my time as a middle school science teacher, I have successfully implemented project-based learning in the classroom to enhance student engagement and understanding. One example is when I introduced a unit on renewable energy sources. Instead of relying solely on lectures and textbook readings, I designed a hands-on project where students were tasked with creating their own small-scale wind turbines using everyday materials.

Throughout this project, students worked collaboratively in groups, conducting research on wind turbine design principles and applying their knowledge to build functional models. They also presented their findings and demonstrated their prototypes to the class. This approach not only fostered teamwork and critical thinking skills but also allowed students to see real-world applications of the concepts they were learning.

The success of this project led me to incorporate more project-based learning activities into my curriculum, such as designing eco-friendly homes or simulating water filtration systems. These experiences have shown me that project-based learning can be an effective way to engage students and deepen their understanding of complex topics while developing valuable life skills.”

13. Describe a successful collaboration with a colleague or team of teachers.

Collaboration is a key component of effective teaching, as it fosters the sharing of ideas, resources, and strategies to create a more holistic learning experience for students. Interviewers want to know that you can work well with others, contribute positively to a team, and are open to learning from your colleagues. By sharing a successful collaboration story, you demonstrate your ability to communicate, cooperate, and adapt in a team setting, which ultimately benefits your students and the school as a whole.

Example: “I once collaborated with a team of teachers to develop an interdisciplinary project for our middle school students. The goal was to create a learning experience that connected science, social studies, and language arts while engaging the students in real-world problem-solving.

We designed a unit on environmental conservation where students researched local ecosystems, analyzed human impact, and developed proposals for sustainable practices. In science class, they studied habitats and biodiversity; in social studies, they explored the history of land use and policy; and in language arts, they honed their persuasive writing skills by crafting proposals. We held regular meetings to discuss student progress, share resources, and ensure alignment across subjects.

The project culminated in a presentation event where students showcased their proposals to classmates, parents, and community members. This collaboration not only enriched our curriculum but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility among the teaching staff and increased student engagement through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.”

14. How do you address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in your classroom?

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for creating a welcoming and productive learning environment. By asking this question, interviewers aim to understand your awareness of these issues and your ability to promote a positive atmosphere that respects and celebrates the unique backgrounds and experiences of all students. They want to see that you have strategies and activities in place to foster inclusivity and ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Example: “Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom begins with creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. I achieve this by setting clear expectations for respectful behavior and fostering open communication from day one. This includes establishing ground rules for discussions, encouraging active listening, and promoting empathy among students.

To ensure that diverse perspectives are represented and valued, I incorporate culturally responsive teaching materials and activities into my lesson plans. This involves selecting texts and resources that reflect the backgrounds of my students and presenting content through multiple lenses. Additionally, I differentiate instruction to accommodate various learning styles and needs, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Moreover, I continuously educate myself on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion by attending workshops, reading articles, and engaging in professional development opportunities. This allows me to stay informed about best practices and adapt my teaching strategies accordingly, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable learning experience for all students.”

15. What are some ways you motivate students to take ownership of their learning?

Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning is a key component of successful teaching. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your ability to create an engaging and empowering learning environment. By understanding your strategies for fostering intrinsic motivation, they can assess whether you’ll be able to help students develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their academic growth.

Example: “One effective way to motivate students to take ownership of their learning is by incorporating student choice and personal interests into the curriculum. For example, I might offer a variety of project options for an assignment, allowing students to select the one that resonates with them most. This approach not only fosters engagement but also encourages students to invest more time and effort in their work.

Another strategy I use is setting individualized goals with each student based on their strengths and areas for improvement. Regular check-ins and progress monitoring help students see their growth over time, which can be highly motivating. Additionally, promoting a growth mindset and celebrating small successes along the way contribute to building students’ confidence and motivation to take charge of their learning journey.”

16. How do you support students who struggle with reading comprehension?

Educators want to know how you approach challenges and meet the diverse needs of your students. Reading comprehension is a critical skill that affects all aspects of a student’s academic performance, and it’s common for teachers to encounter students with varying levels of proficiency. Demonstrating your ability to support struggling readers is an essential part of showcasing your commitment to helping each student succeed and grow.

Example: “To support students struggling with reading comprehension, I first assess their individual needs and learning styles to tailor my approach. This may involve one-on-one discussions, diagnostic tests, or observing them during class activities. Once I have a clear understanding of their challenges, I implement targeted strategies that cater to their specific requirements.

For instance, I might use graphic organizers to help students visualize the text structure and main ideas, making it easier for them to grasp the content. Additionally, I incorporate guided reading sessions where we read together as a group, pausing at intervals to discuss key points and clarify any confusion. This interactive process encourages active engagement and promotes better understanding.

Moreover, I collaborate with other teachers, special education staff, and parents to ensure a consistent support system is in place for the student. Regular communication and progress monitoring are essential to track improvement and adjust teaching methods accordingly. Ultimately, my goal is to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers all students to reach their full potential.”

17. What strategies do you use to help English language learners succeed in your classroom?

Educating a diverse group of students requires innovative teaching strategies that cater to individual needs. When it comes to English language learners, adapting your teaching style to accommodate their unique challenges is essential. Interviewers want to hear about your experience working with these students and the specific methods you employ to help them thrive academically and socially. Your ability to support these learners showcases your flexibility and dedication to inclusivity in the classroom.

Example: “One strategy I use to support English language learners (ELLs) in my classroom is incorporating visual aids and graphic organizers. These tools help ELL students better understand the content by providing a clear, visual representation of concepts and vocabulary. For example, when teaching new vocabulary words, I might display images related to those words or create word maps that show connections between terms.

Another approach I employ is differentiating instruction based on individual student needs. This may involve modifying assignments, using scaffolding techniques, or providing additional resources such as bilingual dictionaries. Additionally, I encourage peer collaboration through group activities and pair work, which allows ELL students to practice their language skills with native speakers in a supportive environment.

These strategies not only benefit ELL students but also contribute to creating an inclusive learning atmosphere where all students can thrive and succeed.”

18. Describe a time when you received constructive feedback on your teaching and how you responded.

Being open to constructive feedback is an essential quality for teachers, as it shows your willingness to grow and adapt to new methods, techniques, or strategies. By asking this question, hiring managers want to see that you’re receptive to feedback, able to reflect on your teaching practices, and able to make changes to improve the learning experience for your students. In essence, they want to know that you’re a lifelong learner and committed to ongoing professional development.

Example: “During my first year of teaching, I received constructive feedback from a colleague who observed one of my lessons. They pointed out that while my content delivery was engaging, some students seemed disengaged during group activities. My colleague suggested incorporating more structured cooperative learning strategies to ensure all students were actively participating and collaborating.

I took this feedback to heart and researched various cooperative learning techniques, such as the Jigsaw method and Think-Pair-Share. I then implemented these strategies in my lesson plans, carefully designing activities that required each student to contribute their unique perspective or skillset. Over time, I noticed an improvement in overall student engagement and collaboration during group work. This experience taught me the value of being open to feedback and continuously refining my teaching practices to better meet the needs of my students.”

19. How do you integrate cross-curricular connections into your lessons?

Integrating cross-curricular connections demonstrates your ability to create a holistic learning experience for your students. This approach helps students make connections between different subjects, deepening their understanding and fostering critical thinking. By asking this question, interviewers want to know if you’re able to think beyond your subject area and create well-rounded lessons that engage students and help them see the relevance of their learning in a broader context.

Example: “Integrating cross-curricular connections into my lessons is essential for providing students with a well-rounded education and helping them see the relevance of each subject in their daily lives. One approach I use is to collaborate with other teachers to identify opportunities where our subjects can intersect, creating lesson plans that complement each other.

For example, when teaching a unit on ancient civilizations in history class, I might coordinate with the English teacher to have students read literature from those time periods. This not only reinforces historical context but also allows students to analyze the cultural aspects through literary works. Similarly, I could work with the science teacher to explore the technological advancements made by these civilizations, such as irrigation systems or architectural innovations. These interdisciplinary connections help students develop a deeper understanding of the material and foster critical thinking skills by encouraging them to make connections between different subjects.”

20. What steps do you take to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students?

Fostering a safe and supportive learning environment is the cornerstone of effective teaching. It’s essential for students to feel comfortable, respected, and valued in order to reach their full potential. Interviewers want to know that you, as a teacher, are proactive in creating and maintaining such an environment. They are looking for strategies you implement to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, are treated fairly and have equal opportunities to succeed.

Example: “To create a safe and supportive learning environment, I first establish clear expectations and guidelines for behavior. This includes setting classroom rules that promote respect, kindness, and inclusivity among students. I make sure to discuss these rules with the class at the beginning of the school year and reinforce them consistently throughout.

Another essential step is building strong relationships with my students by getting to know their individual strengths, challenges, and interests. This helps me tailor my teaching approach to meet their diverse needs and foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Additionally, I encourage open communication and provide opportunities for students to express their thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner, such as through group discussions or one-on-one meetings.

Moreover, I actively incorporate social-emotional learning activities into my lesson plans to help students develop empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution skills. These activities not only contribute to a positive classroom culture but also equip students with valuable life skills that extend beyond the academic setting.”

21. How do you ensure that your assessments accurately measure student understanding?

Assessment is a vital component of the teaching process, and educators must be confident that their assessment methods provide an accurate representation of a student’s understanding. This question seeks to evaluate your ability to design and implement effective assessments that truly gauge the depth of a student’s knowledge, which in turn helps guide your instruction and support their continued growth.

Example: “To ensure that my assessments accurately measure student understanding, I employ a variety of assessment methods tailored to the learning objectives and content being taught. This includes formative assessments such as quizzes, class discussions, and exit tickets, as well as summative assessments like exams, essays, and projects. Using multiple assessment types allows me to gauge students’ comprehension from different angles and helps accommodate diverse learning styles.

Furthermore, I make sure to align my assessments with the curriculum standards and clearly communicate the expectations and criteria to the students. This transparency enables them to understand what they need to demonstrate in order to succeed. Additionally, I regularly review and update my assessment tools to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in measuring student understanding, making adjustments based on feedback and observed trends in student performance.”

22. What professional development opportunities have you participated in recently, and how have they impacted your teaching?

Continuous learning is essential in the field of education. By asking about your recent professional development experiences, interviewers want to gauge your commitment to staying current with new teaching methods, curriculum trends, and educational technology. They’re interested in how you actively apply what you’ve learned to improve your teaching practice and enhance your students’ learning experiences.

Example: “Recently, I attended a workshop on integrating technology in the classroom to enhance student engagement and learning. This professional development opportunity introduced me to various digital tools and platforms that can be used for collaborative projects, interactive lessons, and formative assessments.

As a result of this workshop, I have implemented several new strategies in my teaching practice. For instance, I now use online discussion boards to encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas outside of class time, which has led to more meaningful in-class discussions. Additionally, I’ve incorporated multimedia presentations into my lesson plans, allowing students to explore topics through videos, images, and interactive quizzes. These changes have not only increased student engagement but also improved overall comprehension and retention of the material.”

23. How do you balance meeting curriculum standards while also addressing individual student needs?

Balancing curriculum standards and individual student needs is a fundamental challenge all teachers face. Interviewers ask this question to see if you can find the sweet spot between adhering to the required benchmarks and ensuring each student gets the attention and support they need. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to adapt your teaching strategies and create an inclusive learning environment.

Example: “Balancing curriculum standards and individual student needs is a critical aspect of effective teaching. To achieve this balance, I start by thoroughly understanding the curriculum requirements and designing lesson plans that incorporate various learning styles and activities to engage all students.

As I implement these lessons, I continuously assess each student’s progress through formative assessments, class participation, and one-on-one interactions. This allows me to identify any gaps in understanding or areas where students may need additional support. Based on these insights, I differentiate my instruction by providing targeted interventions, such as small group work, peer tutoring, or modified assignments, to address individual needs without compromising the overall curriculum goals.

This approach ensures that while I maintain focus on meeting curriculum standards, I also create an inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse learners and helps every student reach their full potential.”

24. Describe a challenging situation with a student and how you resolved it.

Addressing challenges with students is an integral aspect of being a teacher. By asking this question, interviewers are trying to gauge your problem-solving skills, empathy, and adaptability in handling diverse situations. They want to see that you can maintain a positive learning environment while addressing individual student needs and finding effective solutions to any issues that arise.

Example: “I once had a student who was consistently disruptive in class, making it difficult for other students to focus and participate. I realized that simply reprimanding the student wasn’t addressing the root cause of the issue. So, I decided to have a one-on-one conversation with them after class to better understand their perspective and identify any underlying problems.

During our discussion, I discovered that the student felt overwhelmed by the coursework and struggled to keep up with the pace of the lessons. This frustration led to their disruptive behavior as a way to cope. To resolve this situation, I offered additional support through after-school tutoring sessions and provided extra resources tailored to their learning style. Over time, the student’s understanding of the material improved, and their behavior became more positive and engaged in class. This experience taught me the importance of taking a proactive approach to address challenging situations and finding solutions that benefit both the individual student and the entire classroom environment.”

25. What extracurricular activities or clubs have you been involved with as a teacher?

Extracurricular involvement demonstrates a teacher’s commitment to engaging with students beyond the classroom and fostering a well-rounded educational experience. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your dedication to the school community and assess your ability to connect with and motivate students in various settings. Additionally, your extracurricular involvement may reveal your unique skills and interests that could contribute positively to the school culture.

Example: “During my teaching career, I have been actively involved in several extracurricular activities and clubs to support student growth outside the classroom. One of my most rewarding experiences has been coaching the school’s debate team for the past three years. This role allowed me to help students develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills while also fostering a passion for current events and social issues.

Another club I’ve been involved with is the environmental awareness group, where we focus on promoting sustainable practices within our school community and organizing local clean-up events. Through this club, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with students who are passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and raising awareness among their peers. These experiences have not only enriched my teaching practice but also helped me build stronger connections with my students beyond the classroom setting.”

26. How do you incorporate real-world connections and applications into your lessons?

Incorporating real-world connections and applications in lessons is essential to keeping students engaged and motivated to learn. Interviewers want to know that you have the creativity and ability to make the subject matter relevant to your students’ lives. Demonstrating this skill shows that you can create an engaging learning environment and help students understand the importance of the topics being taught, ultimately preparing them for life outside the classroom.

Example: “To incorporate real-world connections and applications into my lessons, I first identify the key concepts or skills that students need to learn. Then, I research current events, local issues, or relatable examples that can help illustrate these concepts in a way that is meaningful and engaging for the students.

For instance, when teaching about environmental science, I might use a local pollution issue as a case study, encouraging students to investigate its causes and potential solutions. This not only helps them understand the broader implications of their learning but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I invite guest speakers from various professions to share their experiences and insights on how they apply the subject matter in their daily work. This exposure to real-life professionals helps students see the relevance of their education and inspires them to consider future career paths related to the subject.”

27. What is your experience with using data to inform your instruction?

Assessing the effectiveness of your teaching methods is a critical part of being an educator. By evaluating data such as students’ performance, attendance, and engagement, you can make informed decisions about how to adapt your instruction to better meet the needs of your learners. Interviewers want to know that you have experience using data to drive your instructional choices and that you’re committed to continuous improvement.

Example: “Throughout my teaching career, I have consistently used data to inform and improve my instruction. One example of this is when I implemented formative assessments in my classroom. After each lesson, I would administer short quizzes or activities that allowed me to gauge students’ understanding of the material. Analyzing the results helped me identify areas where students were struggling, allowing me to adjust my instructional strategies accordingly.

Another way I’ve utilized data is by tracking student progress over time using a variety of assessment tools, such as standardized tests and performance-based evaluations. This information has been invaluable for identifying trends and patterns in student learning, enabling me to differentiate instruction based on individual needs. Additionally, sharing this data with colleagues during professional learning communities (PLCs) has fostered collaboration and facilitated discussions about best practices for addressing common challenges. Ultimately, leveraging data-driven insights has significantly enhanced my ability to provide targeted, effective instruction tailored to the unique needs of my students.”

28. How do you promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills in your classroom?

Cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students is a vital aspect of their education, preparing them for life beyond the classroom. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your teaching philosophy and your ability to create an engaging learning environment. They want to see that you value these skills and have effective strategies to nurture them in your students, fostering their growth and intellectual curiosity.

Example: “To promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills in my classroom, I incorporate activities that encourage students to analyze information, ask questions, and make connections between concepts. One approach I use is the Socratic method, where I pose open-ended questions and facilitate discussions among students. This encourages them to think deeply about a topic, consider multiple perspectives, and articulate their thoughts.

Another strategy I employ is incorporating real-world scenarios and project-based learning into my lesson plans. This allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to practical situations, fostering creative problem-solving and collaboration. Additionally, I provide opportunities for students to work in diverse groups, which exposes them to different viewpoints and enhances their ability to think critically. Through these methods, I create an engaging and supportive environment that nurtures the development of essential cognitive skills.”

29. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague or administrator, and how you handled the situation.

Navigating interpersonal relationships is a key aspect of any profession, and teaching is no exception. When faced with a challenging colleague or administrator, your ability to address the situation while maintaining a positive and productive work environment is essential. This question helps interviewers gauge your conflict resolution skills and your capacity to maintain a professional and effective working relationship with others, even when faced with adversity.

Example: “There was a time when I had to work closely with a colleague who had a very different teaching style and approach to classroom management. Our classrooms were adjacent, and we often collaborated on lesson plans and activities for our students. However, their more rigid and strict approach sometimes clashed with my flexible and student-centered methods.

To handle this situation, I initiated a conversation with my colleague to discuss our differences in teaching styles. We focused on finding common ground and identifying areas where we could learn from each other’s approaches. This open dialogue allowed us both to gain new insights and develop strategies that benefited our students. As a result, we were able to create a more cohesive learning environment and improve the overall educational experience for our students.”

30. What are your long-term goals as an educator, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Exploring your long-term goals helps interviewers understand your commitment to the profession and your vision for your career. They want to know that you’re passionate about education and have a plan for personal growth and development. By discussing your future plans, you demonstrate that you’re motivated, forward-thinking, and invested in making a positive impact on your students and the educational community.

Example: “My long-term goal as an educator is to continuously improve my teaching methods and create a positive learning environment that fosters student growth and success. I plan to achieve this by staying up-to-date with the latest research in education, attending professional development workshops, and collaborating with colleagues to share best practices.

Another important aspect of my long-term goals is to contribute to the overall improvement of the school community. I aim to take on leadership roles within the school, such as serving on committees or leading extracurricular activities, to help shape policies and initiatives that benefit both students and staff. This will involve actively engaging with parents, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure we are all working together towards common objectives for our students’ well-being and academic achievement.”

30 Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

30 project manager interview questions and answers, you may also be interested in..., 30 construction technician interview questions and answers, 30 assistant marketing manager interview questions and answers, 30 talent acquisition manager interview questions and answers, 30 style consultant interview questions and answers.

Sarah Horner

Teacher Interview Assignment

Luke Skerpon, interviewee [email protected] 814-355-4833

Interview conducted October 20, 2014 Question: What brings you the most joy in your job? What’s one specific example? Luke is the choir director at Bellefonte Area High School and Middle School, as well as the Drama Co-Adviser for the High School. He’s on the marching band staff and has also recently begun teaching orchestra alongside a few colleagues. He said, succinctly, that his greatest joy is “student success.” Simply seeing students’ progress is what makes him see the worth in his position; it’s what proves he’s doing his job correctly. He said he values rehearsals over performances, because rehearsals are where he sees individual growth. Having enthusiastic students understand and grasp concepts and having their excitement propel him is his favorite thing about the job. Last year he broke the school record for sending the most people to PMEA Regional Choir, which was a priceless moment for him. Overall his greatest joy was probably the school performance of AIDA in the spring of 2014, because he saw his students work incredibly hard and reap the profits over months and months of effort in order to put on a show worth being proud of.

Question: What do you wish you’d done more of as an undergraduate student? “I wish I’d spent more time student teaching in the music classroom.” He observed some music classes but student taught in a journalism classroom, because he does hold a degree in broadcast journalism. He helped with various musical experiences but not to the same extent as he did when student teaching journalism. “I had the content knowledge I needed to teach but I wish I’d had more classtime,” he said, stating that learning the theory of a classroom is easy, but theory is not how the classroom really works. He suggested spending as much time in a live classroom as physically possible before graduating college.

Question: What professional development opportunities would you suggest being involved in?

“You need to be involved in ACDA. You need to be involved in PMEA. You need to go to conferences and you need to spend time observing other teachers,” Luke said. He also believes that no matter what a music teacher’s focus area, they need to be associated with organizations outside that area: choral, band, orchestra, general music. All of it is valuable, and spending time watching other teachers allows you to gain understanding of techniques outside your own. Take your students to festivals and observe the director. Learn from their instruction, from their conducting, from their repertoire selection. Perform as your students do. “It’s important that, although you’re the teacher figure now, you don’t lose touch with the student side of yourself.”

Question: Who was your inspiration to become a music teacher? Why? “I had an interest in music from a very young age – I got my first baton for my tenth birthday. I started taking piano at age four and as a freshman in high school I became the drum major of the marching band, something that I could continue with for the next four years.” Overall, it was a lot of self-driven interest that he followed through with, although he had a couple teachers that nurtured that dream. He attributes these mentors as his elementary school music teach and both his first and second band directors.

Question: What was the top challenge you faced when transitioning from high school to college? Luke wasn’t accepted to music school his freshman year like most music majors. Going from one of the best in his high school to being forced to accept defeat was a challenge: simply changing his mindset was the hardest thing for him. He did, however, achieve third chair in Concert Band and become one of the 3 out of 21 flutes to be accepted to the Blue Band his freshman year, which helped boost his self-confidence.

Question: What is your biggest challenge in your current job? “My biggest challenge currently is varying my rehearsal routines,” he said, explaining that his school choir is very young. They strive to get better and work hard, but they simply haven’t been training their voices for very long, so everyone needs a lot of direction. He wishes he was in a better place to run rehearsals with the full choir, but often, a young choir with little experience needs more sectional time with anything else, which can be frustrating, as he has to have student leaders for the sections he’s not working with at the time.

Question: What is it like teaching orchestra, something you’re not very familiar with? Luke had little string experience in his high school/college career, and now he’s having to direct the orchestra alongside the current band director. He says he relies on the other music faculty to help support him. Although he has little string technique, his strength is running an ensemble and picking appropriate repertoire for a group. He works together with a faculty member who serves as the string “specialist,” so together they are able to build a strong orchestra program. Taking string sessions at PMEA conferences and the like have helped him little by little. “It’s just necessary to spend as much time as possible becoming a well-rounded musician. You don’t have to be amazing at everything, but you should know something about everything.”

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Every other Tuesday, you’ll get actionable tips to land your dream job.  Subscribe

• Uncategorized

40+ Common Teacher Interview Questions (with Example Answers)

Teacher interviews are a whole new level — apart from academic qualifications, you need to show passion and skills to prove that you can handle this impactful role well.

I know this because I spent the first 10 years of my career teaching, and I’m here to help you get better at interviews, fast.

You need to come across as trustworthy and student-focused, but also show you understand the school culture and values and that you’ll contribute to their success. All that with a single goal — get to the demo lesson and show them how it’s done.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

• The exact requirements of the job and what to highlight in the interview
• A list of 40+ most common teacher interview questions
• Ten sample answers to make your own
• Five bonus tips to nail the interview

Looking for only a list of common interview questions for teachers? Here are the top 10 questions to expect:

Tell me about yourself.

What inspired you to become a teacher, how do you engage students who seem disinterested, what teaching methods do you prefer and why, describe a challenging teaching experience and how you handled it., tell me about a successful teaching strategy you implemented..

• Discuss a situation where you collaborated with other teachers and administrators.

How would you handle a situation where a student is consistently disruptive?

Imagine your students performed poorly on a test you believed they were well-prepared for. what would you do, if a parent disagrees with your teaching style, how would you handle it.

Want to get an offer after every interview? Our interview preparation tool will guide you through all the questions you can expect, let you record and analyze your answers, and provide instant AI feedback. You’ll know exactly what to improve to turn your next interview into a job.

Don’t waste days compiling overused interview techniques. Get original answers to every single question you could expect.

Understanding the Requirements of a Teacher’s Job

In your interview, you’ll need to show your skills in classroom management, lesson planning and preparation, assessments, committee and team meetings, admin work, and professional development.

There are three technical skill areas you want to focus on:

• Subject matter expertise . Show that you have a strong understanding of the subjects you’ll be teaching and that you can convey the knowledge well.
• Pedagogical skills . You’ll get questions about lesson planning, teaching strategies, assessment methods, and classroom management.
• Technical proficiency . They need to see you’re comfortable using new technologies and tools.

You also need to show you have the relevant soft skills like strong verbal and written communication, empathy, and patience. Don’t forget problem-solving — 9 times out of 10, the committee will ask you about dealing with academic and behavioral problems in the classroom.

What’s the teacher hiring process timeline like?

• A typical teacher interview takes place face-to-face, at the school you’re applying to.
• You could meet a principal, superintendent, counselor, another teacher, or have a panel interview with 3–4 school members.
• Apart from the typical steps in the interview process such as the resume review and interview, you may be required to do a demo lesson with a group of students or a simulated lesson with the interview panel.
• There’s also a mandatory background check.

Need some tips on writing your teacher resume? Get them here: Teacher Resume Examples + Writing Guide .

Common Teacher Interview Questions and Sample Answers

Below are the most common interview questions for teachers, with example answers you can use as inspiration, and tips on what to highlight in your answers.

Basic Interview Questions for Teachers

Sample answer:

Tips on how to answer:

• Don’t forget about this question! “ Tell me about yourself ” is a common opener for any job interview.
• If they phrase it as “Walk me through your resume”, don’t take it literally and repeat what they already know.
• Use the Present-Past-Future formula to structure your answer. Start by explaining your current role, then rewind and briefly mention your experiences that helped you get to where you are now. Then explain how this role and this school align with your plans and wishes.
• Focus on aspects directly linked to teaching and education, and avoid overly personal details.

My love of storytelling and teachers who made a difference. Growing up, literature provided me with a sense of connection, empathy, and understanding of the world around me, very often in situations when nobody else could.  I was lucky to have exceptional literature teachers throughout my academic journey. Their influence showed me the profound impact a passionate and dedicated teacher can have on students’ lives.

Ultimately, it was the desire to share my love of literature with young people, show them how literature can raise important questions, help practice critical thinking and also provide a sense of comfort in difficult times. I also love it that I can provide a sense of direction to students, as well as support them to find their own voice through writing and analysis.

• Be genuine and share a heartfelt story about what inspired you to choose a teaching career.
• Connect your motivation to the impact on students’ lives.
• Show you can personalize the approach to meet the needs of the particular student.
• Show that, whatever your tactic, you always have the end goal in mind — student success.
• If possible, relate methods to positive outcomes and student engagement.
• Show you can guide them beyond the academic results/achievements.

Although you’ll face more specific interview questions about working with students or designing a lesson plan, make sure you’re prepared to answer these other interview “classics”:

• Why should we hire you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What motivates you?

Behavioral Interview Questions for Teachers

Behavioral questions typically start with “Describe a time when…” or “Tell me about a…”, followed by a past situation. To answer them well, you need to be ready to recount a relevant similar experience from your past.

The STAR formula will help you organize your thoughts into concise stories that highlight your skills. But more on this approach later.

Here are the behavioral questions that often come up in teacher interviews:

A few years back, I had a student who was clearly bright, but just couldn’t seem to get engaged in class. He was disruptive, refused to participate, and distracted everyone else. Detentions didn’t work, so I knew I had to try a different approach. I sat down with him one-on-one, and it turns out he was really frustrated with the curriculum, and thought the lessons were quite outdated. So I took what he told me and used it to adjust my approach. I adapted the lessons, brought in more recent examples, put him in charge of some projects, and noticed he did well when given extra responsibility. I started assigning him small leadership roles in group projects, and that really made a difference.

Over time, he became way more involved in class, his behavior improved dramatically, and his grades got a lot better, too. He even started mentoring younger students, which was awesome to see. This whole experience was a big lesson for me. It taught me just how important it is to empathize with your students and understand what’s really going on with them, so you can tailor your teaching to their individual needs.

Tips on how to answer: 

• Focus on the positive outcomes of your actions. Explain the positive change in the student’s behavior, engagement, or academic performance.
• Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you adapted your teaching methods to meet the individual needs of the student.
• Emphasize the importance of building relationships.

I love incorporating simulations and role-playing activities into my history classes. For instance, during a unit on the American Revolution, my students took on the roles of key figures like colonists, British loyalists, and soldiers. They researched their assigned roles, debated their perspectives, and even recreated key events like the Boston Tea Party. The level of engagement was off the charts. The kids were completely immersed in the experience. They weren’t just passively absorbing information, but actively participating in a history lesson. They were arguing, compromising, and making decisions based on their understanding of the events and the motivations of their characters.

The impact on their learning was incredible. They developed a much deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of the American Revolution, as well as the perspectives of different groups involved. The goal of the lesson was absolutely achieved since it helped students hone their critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Oh yes, and a subsequent test resulted in a 20% increase in straight As. 

Role-playing games and simulations like this have become staples in my teaching toolkit. 

• Explain how your strategy encouraged students to participate and become more active.
• Use numbers or percentages to demonstrate the positive impact of your strategy.
• Show how your strategy helped students develop skills that are valuable beyond the classroom.

Discuss a situation where you collaborated with other teachers or administrators.

A while back, our school decided to put on a big production of “The Wizard of Oz.” It was an ambitious project, and I knew we’d need everyone’s expertise to pull it off. As the English teacher, I partnered with my colleagues in the art and music departments, as well as a few dedicated parent volunteers. We split the work based on our strengths. The art teacher was responsible for the design of the set and costumes, creating a visually stunning and whimsical Land of Oz. The music teacher worked with the students on the iconic songs and musical numbers, while I focused on adapting the script and coaching the actors. The parent volunteers were invaluable in handling the behind-the-scenes logistics, from building props to managing ticket sales.

The final performance was more than we had hoped for. The students truly shone on stage, the audience was completely captivated, and the whole school community came together to celebrate our shared success. For me, this experience highlighted the power of collaboration, the importance of recognizing and leveraging everyone’s unique strengths, and the sheer joy of creating something amazing as a team.

• Choose an example where you collaborated and worked together to achieve a common goal.
• Explain your specific role in the collaboration and how your expertise or skills contributed to the project’s success.
• Show you can resolve conflicts in a collaborative setting.

Situational Interview Questions for Teachers

Situational questions are easy to spot — they usually start with “What would you do if…” or “How would you handle”, followed by a hypothetical situation.

If you encountered the given scenario in your career so far, you can treat them as behavioral questions and base your answer on real-life experience.

• Show that you understand the underlying reasons for the behavior.
• Emphasize a constructive, respectful approach to discipline.

I wouldn’t point fingers. Instead, I’d take it as a sign that something in my teaching approach or the assessment itself didn’t quite click. First, I’d take a good, hard look at the test results, analyze everything including specific questions that most students missed, and try to establish a pattern to the errors. This would give me some clues about where things may have gone wrong.

After that, I’d ask my students for honest feedback about how they felt about the test and what they found challenging. I’d use those insights to develop my future strategies.

Based on what I find out from analyzing the results and talking to my students, I’d take action. Maybe it means reteaching certain concepts differently, offering extra support to struggling students, or even adjusting the way I assess their understanding in the future.

The key is to see this as an opportunity for growth, both for my students and for me as a teacher. It’s a chance to reflect on my practices, learn from my mistakes, and come back stronger.

• Show that you’re open to student feedback.
• Focus on your commitment to continuous improvement.
• Talk about solutions.

I’d first schedule a meeting with the parent where I’d actively listen to their feedback, ask clarifying questions, and try to understand their perspective. I believe that explaining my teaching philosophy and the rationale behind my approach could help them rethink their attitude. Besides, I’d share examples of how my methods have benefited students in the past, while encouraging an open discussion about any research or evidence that supports my practices.

That said, I’d be willing to adapt and make adjustments if necessary, that is, if the feedback from the parent was genuinely constructive and based on good reasoning. 

Ultimately, my goal would be to find common ground and work collaboratively with the parent to create a positive and supportive learning environment for their child. I believe that students can thrive only when parents and teachers work together. 

• Show that you value parent perspective and understand their concerns, even if you disagree.
• Show you can stand your ground and advocate for yourself and your teaching methods and philosophy.

Get a full guide on situational interviews: Situational Interview Questions: Sample Answers and Tips .

Based on my personal experience and conversations I’ve had with ex-colleagues, here are some more common questions you can expect:

• How did you get into teaching?
• What’s your teaching philosophy?
• How would your students and colleagues describe you?
• What do you like/dislike the most about teaching?
• What are the strengths that helped your teaching career?
• What’s your biggest accomplishment as a teacher?
• What about teaching in our district appeals to you?
• How do you communicate and build relationships with parents?
• For what reasons or issues would you reach out to communicate with parents?
• When and how do you typically engage counselors?
• What do you think is the most difficult aspect of the profession?
• How do you evaluate students and what grading system do you use?
• What methods do you use to assess student learning beyond traditional tests and quizzes?
• A student always finishes their assignments early. How would you deal with the free time they have?
• How do you work with students who perform below grade level?
• Describe what experience you have in modifying lesson plans for students with special needs?
• Imagine that a student is consistently late to your class. How would you handle the situation?
• If the majority of your class failed a test, what would you do?
• How do you implement technology in your lessons?
• What would you do if a student refused to do the work you assigned?
• What are the rules of your classroom? How do you establish and reinforce them?
• What’s your approach to discipline?

Role-Specific Interview Questions for Teachers

In the interview, you’ll also get questions related to the specific subject you’re teaching, different educational levels, methodologies, or recent trends.

To do well, make sure you prepare for the more challenging questions and highlight the importance of thorough research on the school’s curriculum and values.

Here are some examples to give you a broad idea of what you can expect:

Questions for elementary school teachers

• How do you incorporate social-emotional learning into your daily classroom activities?
• Can you describe an activity you’ve designed that helps develop foundational skills in math and reading?

Questions for high school teachers

• How do you keep students engaged in a subject they might find challenging or uninteresting?
• Describe how you prepare your students for standardized tests and college readiness.

Questions for special education teachers

• Tell us about a time when you adapted your teaching methods to accommodate different learning disabilities.
• How do you collaborate with general education teachers to ensure inclusivity and equal learning opportunities for all students?

Questions for science teachers

• What techniques do you use to teach complex scientific concepts to ensure student understanding?
• How do you incorporate hands-on experiments into your curriculum?

Questions for PE teachers

• Describe your philosophy on physical education and its role within the broader educational environment.
• How do you motivate students who are reluctant to participate in physical activities?

Questions for art teachers

• Can you share an example of how you integrate other subjects, like history or math, into your art lessons?
• What methods do you use to assess student progress in a subjectively evaluated course like art?

Bonus Tips for Answering Teacher Interview Questions

Here are some tips to help nail those tricky questions and show your unique value better.

Use the STAR method for storytelling

When answering questions about your experiences, use the STAR method to keep your answers focused and engaging.

STAR is a 4-step approach that works great for all questions that require you to tell a story.

• Situation: Set the scene by briefly describing the context of the situation.
• Task: Talk about the goal or challenge you were facing.
• Action: Outline the specific steps you took to address the situation.
• Result: Discuss the outcome of your actions and how it impacted the students or your colleagues.

Let your passion shine through

Teaching is more than just a job. Let your passion for education and working with kids and young adults show through in your answers.

Share what inspires you about this profession and drives you to be a better teacher. Maybe it’s witnessing those “aha!” moments when a student finally grasps a concept or overcomes a learning obstacle with your help. Or when you see them get progressively better in an area they initially struggled with.

Be specific and genuine in your responses, and, whenever possible, use examples from your experience to make a point.

Focus on the positive & proven

When discussing your experiences, always highlight the positive outcomes you’ve achieved. Don’t just tell them what you did — frame it around the results and the difference it made. Such as:

• Test scores improving
• Engagement increasing
• A shift in students’ attitudes towards learning

Be specific and use quantifiable data whenever possible.

Back up your claims by sharing anecdotes about students or talking about specific projects or lessons that led to exceptional results. This way, you’ll present yourself as a reflective practitioner who can analyze and improve their teaching methods.

Research the school

Start with their website. Dig into their mission statement, values, and educational philosophy. Find out what their priorities are and what kind of learning environment they strive to create. Look for information about their curriculum, extracurricular activities, and special programs.

Next, check out their social media. This can give you a glimpse into the school’s culture and community. Look for photos and posts about events, student achievements, and teacher highlights. You might even get a sense of the school’s personality and how they communicate with parents and the wider community.

Getting familiar with the school will serve two purposes — you’d be able to give better, more informed answers, and also show them that you took the time to explore, meaning — you’re genuinely excited.

Practice for the interview

As a teacher, you’re probably not afraid of being in the spotlight, but that’s when you control the classroom and make the decisions. Once the roles are reversed, and you’re put in a less powerful position, it’s easy to lose focus and panic.

Mock interviews are a great way to get more confident and increase your chances of getting the callback. You can practice on your own by recording yourself on your phone. This is useful because you can rewatch the recording and make corrections. You can also use interview simulation software like Big Interview to practice.

Big Interview software comes with a list of questions that you answer on camera. You get in, record yourself, and once you’re done, you get AI feedback on 12+ criteria like the relevance of your answer, pace of speech, use of filler words, or body language.

If you’re a Big Interview user, you can practice if you go to Interviews , then Practice Sets , then By Industry , and then select the Teaching Profession . You’ll be able to choose a more specific set to practice: College Professor , K-12 Teacher , K-12 Teacher Level 2 , and School Administrator .

Summary of the Main Points

• Teacher interviews are tricky because you need to adapt to the role switch — you’re the one being evaluated. The pressure to do your best can get to even the most prepared candidates.
• To do well in a teacher interview, you need to know what key skills they’re looking for — classroom management, lesson planning, passion for the subject, problem solving, enthusiasm, and knowledge transfer skills.
• You should highlight your student focus, but also show how you will contribute to the success of the school.
• The questions will vary depending on the exact courses and grade levels you’ll be teaching, but will typically be a mix of general interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and role-specific ones.
• Most of the interview will be centered around behavioral and situational questions, where you need to recall a specific situation from your past career or say how you would act in a hypothetical situation.
• Before the interview, don’t forget to research the school and practice your answers, body language, and delivery, ideally through mock interviews.

How to respond to interview questions with limited teaching experience?

You need to emphasize your transferable skills, experiences, and potential for growth. Even if you haven’t had formal teaching experience, you probably have skills that are relevant. Mention the times you worked with children or youth, and focus on your willingness to learn. When you get behavioral questions, try saying: “I haven’t had that experience so far, but here’s how I would approach it”, and then say what you would do in that situation.

What are the most challenging questions a teacher might face?

Questions that involve uncomfortable situations and problem-solving, such as: “How would you handle a student who continuously misbehaves?” Questions that deal with cultural competence and diversity, like “How do you promote an inclusive classroom environment?” or “How have you adapted your teaching methods to support students with special needs?”

What questions should a candidate ask at the end of a teacher interview?

• What are some of the school’s strengths and areas for growth?
• What opportunities are available for professional development for teachers?
• Have you set any programs in place to promote positive behavior and student engagement?
• How does the district address emergency preparedness and crisis management?
• Can you describe the collaboration between general education and special education teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners?

What’s the appropriate attire for a teacher interview?

To show respect for the teaching profession, it’s best to opt for formal business attire in neutral, inconspicuous colors. You want to be moderate — make sure your jewelry is minimal, your hair (and facial hair) groomed, your nails clean and neat, and your make-up natural. Your attire should reflect professionalism and confidence.

What are the best practices for researching a school or educational institution pre-interview?

Start by visiting the school’s official website and look for their mission statement, programs, extracurricular activities, and recent news or announcements. Check their social media and online platforms like GreatSchools, Niche, and SchoolDigger for reviews and ratings from students, parents, and staff. You’ll learn a lot about academic performance, campus culture, and community engagement.

Bojana Krstic

Fact Checked By:

Turn interviews into offers

Share this article

• Big Interview
• Plans & Pricing
• Higher Education
• Editorial Process
• Resume Templates
• Interview Preparation
• Interview Q&A
• Career Advice
• Create an Account
• Knowledge Base

©️ 2024 Skillful Communications, Inc. | Big Interview is a trademark of Skillful Communications, Inc.

Terms | Privacy Policy

Writing Assignment At A Teaching Job Interview

• Post author: Dr. Fawaz Al-Malood
• Post category: Professional Development / Teaching

In a previous article titled Preparing For A Teaching Interview , I discussed six things you can do to prepare for an interview. However, the interview itself is only one aspect of the hiring process at many colleges and universities.

Hiring committees for a full-time teaching position often require candidates to also complete a written assignment and a teaching demonstration.  At my college, we require candidates to do the writing assignment, job interview, and teaching demonstration on the same day. In some disciplines, candidates may also be required to perform a skills demonstration. In this article, I will discuss the writing assignment.

Purpose of the Writing Assignment

A candidate will sometimes be given a question, discussion prompt, or a scenario that they’ll need to respond to in writing. The purpose of the writing assignment is to determine the following:

• Is the candidate able to comprehend, process, and respond to a question, discussion prompt, or scenario in a short period of time?
• Candidates are usually given 30-45 minutes on this exercise. The hiring committee is really trying to figure out if you can think and respond quickly and intelligently on a dime.
• Is the candidate able to articulate his/her thoughts in a professional manner using proper grammar, sentence structure, and format.

I’m one of those people who thinks a lot faster than I can type, which is why I often have to proof-read what I write several times for typos and grammatical errors. Even with proofreading, my brain tends to auto-correct things in my mind as I am reading, but my fingers do not seem to always catch-up. That is something that candidates need to be cautious of when working on their writing assignment. Plan to use a few minutes of your allotted writing time to proof-read and edit your paper.

What To Expect

As far as what you will be asked to write about, well if the committee does not tell you, expect anything.  I’ve served on committees where candidates had to write:

• on a very specific discipline related issue
• a detailed sample assignment given to students
• an essay projecting the economic job market for a specific discipline/major

If you happen to know any of the full-time faculty at the institution where you are applying, it wouldn’t hurt for you to ask them to share their experiences. Ask about the writing assignments they’ve had to complete, the topics they addressed, and what they would be looking for on the writing assignment if they were on a hiring committee.

Try to find someone who is not on your hiring committee. In fact, if you ask someone on your committee, they really should not be giving you any tips as that would violate Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) practices.

Most people wait until they are invited to a job interview to do all of this research.  Why wait? If you plan on applying for a teaching position, anticipate being invited someday and begin preparing today!  Start asking questions about the hiring process and how to prepare even before you start applying for positions.

What To Write

Generally speaking, a traditional three-paragraph format with an introduction, body, and conclusion should work for some of these writing assignments.

If you’re writing about a discipline related topic, you may need to be a bit more scientific in your approach and be able to include one or two references. If you get a discipline related question, the committee may be assessing your currency in the field to determine if you’re in touch with the latest research, practices and findings.  So, brush up by reading recent publications such as scientific journals and industry publications in advance. If you are not already doing this on a regular basis, you should be.

If you are asked to write a sample assignment that would be given to a student, the committee is trying to determine whether you are able to provide detailed homework instructions to a student. The goal is to ensure that your sample assignment includes instructions and an example, if necessary, that are so detailed that a student would be able to complete your assignment without any questions. With writing assignments such as this, be sure to include the following (at the very least):

• Title of the assignment
• Description and the purpose of the assignment
• Detailed instructions
• Brief example if necessary
• Submission instructions
• Grade, percentage, or number of points allocated to the assignment

Your writing assignment does not have to be long, but it needs to be well written, and it needs to address the prompt or question you were given. You can always practice writing in advance to get into the habit of putting words on a page right away. The last thing you need is to end-up with writers block on the day you are supposed to do your writing assignment.

It is important for you to remain calm and rational when working on the writing assignment. Some candidates get so nervous that they produce a poorly written paper that is incoherent and riddled with mistakes.

“So Keep Calm And Write On”

So to recap, here are the 6 things that you need to do to prepare for a writing assignment at a job interview:

• Ask current faculty about their experiences with the writing assignment and the topics that they were asked to write about.
• Maintain currency in your discipline by reading scientific and industry publications.
• Practice writing
• Remain calm when writing.
• Use a traditional format when in doubt unless writing a sample student assignment.
• Proofread and edit your paper.

Well, I hope you found this post useful. If you did, I’d be grateful if you’d help spread the word by sharing this with friends or colleagues on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, or any other social media platform you use.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Dr. Fawaz Al-Malood

You might also like.

10 Ways to Increase Student Engagement Online

How To Teach Outside of Traditional Academia

How To Get Students EXCITED About Volunteering!

Get the Reddit app

Dedicated to open discussion about all things teaching. Please read the rules before posting. Mail sent directly to mods instead of modmail will be ignored. ██████████ ██████████ Brand new & low karma accounts: please be aware your post may not show up and will need to be screened and manually approved. ██████████ ██████████ No crossposting - Please do not link posts from r/Teachers in other subs, and do not link posts from other subs here.

Teacher Interview Assignment

Good afternoon (Edit: evening) all! If this is outside the scope of this sub, I apologize and will remove it. I have an assignment and thought this might garner some more authentic responses than alternative methods.

Long story short, I'm in the final year of my education degree. I will be student teaching in the fall, assuming none of my professors come to give me the 'If you can do anything else with your life' chat in the final few weeks. One of my class assignments is to interview three teachers about some things. It’s a bit formulaic, but I'll try and add some interesting questions. I just feel that when I've interacted with teachers in the field, they aren’t as authentic. Not that I don't get it, you don't want to crush the aspirations of the young and hopeful. Both of my parents work in academia though, so I'm not as blind as some of my peers to the hellscape that is the US educational apparatus.

If you have some free time and feel like responding to a few questions (Some or all, it doesn’t particularly matter) I would appreciate it. If not, that is cool too! I just thought I might get a little more diversity in responses this way. Plus, I hope the protection of anonymity will allow people to be a little more real about things. If you do choose to respond, would you mind specifying what subject you teach and the grade level (or an approximation thereof if you want to stay more private) Questions

(Tech Stuff)

What is your philosophy on technology in the classroom? Do you think all the Chrome books, smart boards, etc. actually enhance learning or are they just quirky at best and distractions at worst?

What is your personal cell phone/school-issued device policy in your classroom? Have you changed your mind about your policies over time and revised them? Does your school have an overarching policy or is it up to individual teachers? (I ask because I’ve seen people talking about school-wide policies on here, but every institution around here that I’ve had practicum placements at seem to leave it to each individual teacher to decide. Which has its pros and cons)

Do you have any tips or tricks to minimize distractions caused by student cell phones/devices? Anything that does not work well?

Has your technology use changed since you started as a teacher aside from the unavoidable increase in technology that comes simply from more of it existing as time passes? Did you use it more often earlier on in your career, or more later, and if it changed can you explain why?

(Classroom Management Stuff [the part that scares me])

5. Describe the management strategies and techniques you use to maintain an effective classroom environment. Would you describe yourself as more laid back, more disciplinary, or does it vary on a class-by-class basis?

6. Are there any classroom management techniques or styles that you have found to generally be ineffective?

7. What are some specific strategies that you use to build positive relationships with your students? Do you think relationships with students play an important role in facilitating easier classroom management? (I’ve seen debate on this topic specifically)

8. Does your school have a school-wide behavior support system? How is this structured generally and is it effective or do you often feel like you’re being left to fend for yourself?

9. What have you found to be effective strategies to keep students on task during individual or group work time?

10. How do you handle those moments where a student is really escalating, and the entire class has ground to a halt waiting for the outcome? What do you do afterward to refocus the class and move past the incident? (This is one I’d be very curious to hear about experiences with. I remember a classmate throwing a chair at a teacher in middle school and feeling out of sorts for the rest of the day!)

Thank you again if you take the time to answer some or all of these questions. If it dies in this sub that is fine too. Hope you’re all having a great end to the semester. Though judging from half of what I read in this sub that might not be the case, but I hope you make it through regardless.

PS. Initially posted this in /r teaching, had intended to post it here. I'm bad at Reddit. :)

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue