essay interview questions for teachers

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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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.

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Top 25 Teacher Interview Questions And Answers

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/21/2022

Being a teacher can be one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet…but even with teaching vacancies rising and the number of opportunities increasing , getting those first jobs teaching can be a nerve-wracking experience. Fortunately, nailing that interview for your dream job doesn’t have to be a challenge. By reviewing teach interview questions and answers, you can study and practice your way to success.

Luckily, we’ve pulled together some easy tips for you to keep in mind while prepping for your teaching interview. Plus, we’ve gathered up some of the most common teacher interview questions, along with some example answers.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dig in!

Top 6 Tips For Answering Teacher Interview Questions

1. get personal..

Teacher interview questions are meant to find out more about you as both an educator and a person. Make sure when you answer the questions that you’re giving actual personal answers and canned responses. Highlight your skills, background, and experience, and how you apply it all to situations you might encounter.

2. Get specific.

This relates directly to the behavioral questions and how you should answer them. Use examples from your own past and skills to illustrate exactly how you have done things in the past.

Also, make sure to embrace both the STAR Method and the Tailoring Method . That way, your answers are compelling and relevant.

3. Get coordinated.

Make sure you draw attention to specific skills you have that are directly listed in the job description. Before you head into the interview, review the desired qualifications in the job description and match those up to your skills. Use that as a guideline for building your answers.

4. Get educated.

As we mentioned above, research is essential. Look into the school you’re applying to and the school district. Do you know anyone working there already? Do you have friends who have children who are students at the school?

Any and all information you get ahead of time will not only help you determine what sort of environment is at the school but if you want to actually work there or not. Plus, coming in with knowledge about the academics, curriculum, sports, and school programs shows initiative.

5. Get cozy.

Be prepared for a possible panel interview. Education interviews are often conducted by multiple individuals and may include the principal, teachers, parents, and members of the administrative staff.

In some instances, there are education committees set up specifically to interview and screen potential teachers.

6. Get honest!

Above all else, always be honest during your interview. Lying your way into a position only hurts you in the long run.

In fact we we wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

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10 Common Teacher Interview Questions With Great Example Answers

Now that we’ve gone over these tips, let’s take a look at the ten most common interview questions for teachers. We’ve listed them below and included a brief explanation of each one. Think of them as a study guide to help guide your own answers…but remember…no copying! Make them your own!

1. Why do you want to be a teacher?

This is probably the most often asked teacher question. You want to give an answer that is heartfelt, genuine, and really illustrates why you chose this field. Take time before your interview to really reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Draw from specific examples. Make your response thoughtful, authentic, and honest.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

When I was in third grade, I struggled a lot with reading, which affected my grades and caused me to fall behind. My teacher, Miss Emily, sat me down one day and talked to me about what was going on. I told her how hard it was for me to read, and we discovered together I was having vision problems. She moved me to a desk that was closer to the front and met with my parents to discuss options. Because of her, my parents took me to a doctor, and my astigmatism was diagnosed. Miss Emily reignited my love of learning at that moment. I want to be that teacher…the one who takes the time to really discover why students are struggling and give another child like me an opportunity to learn to love learning again.

2. Why do you want to teach at this school?

This question is another common teaching interview question. Use this opportunity to provide specific reasons why you’re interested in the school by drawing on the information you gathered during your research.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching schools within this district, and I’m very impressed with what you offer here. Between an award-winning teaching staff and a district that is very involved, your school has a teacher-to-student ratio that I think really allows for personalized education. Smaller classroom sizes, like the ones you maintain here, make it possible for me to give each child the one-on-one attention they deserve. On top of that, your after-school science program is exciting to me, and I would hope, should I get hired here, that I might be able to become involved in that as well.

3. What can you bring to our school that makes you unique?

This question is pretty straightforward. Talk about activities you’ve participated in or passions you have that can easily translate into teachable moments and classroom activities that fall outside the usual curriculum that is currently being enacted.

I love science and exploring the natural world beyond the borders of the classroom. For that reason, I started an after-school explorer’s club at my last school. We would go on nature hikes, visit museums, and invite local scientists and biologists to come speak to us about what they’re working on and their research. The response was overwhelming, and I have students who still come up to me years later and tell me how much they loved our club and how it helped inspire them to pursue careers in the sciences. I would be very interested in continuing the legacy of the explorer’s club here.

4. What frustrates you the most in a classroom?

This question allows your interviewers to get to know what it takes to ruffle your feathers and how you’ll behave when faced with that situation. Find a scenario that is fairly common for all teachers, and then explain how you’ve dealt with that frustration.

I have to admit, I get frustrated by the kids who think they’re too cool for school and who float through their day doing as little as possible. The same sentiment applies to teachers who play into that attitude. Rather than turn that frustration into anger or simply ignoring the issue and waiting for a slacker to drift through a year in my class, I turn that frustration into a challenge for both the student and myself. Most of the time, their attitude is a way for them to protect themselves, something they developed to manage the challenges they’re facing outside of school. Sometimes all they need is to know someone else believes in them. By giving them a little extra attention and encouragement, I’ve seen some of the ‘coolest kids’ turn into students who are focused, driven, and ready to turn themselves around.

5. What is your teaching philosophy?

Everyone will have a unique answer to this question as everyone’s experiences with education, and own personal history will determine how they’ve shaped their own philosophy. Take time before you get into the interview to really focus on what your philosophy is and how you apply it every day.

I believe that the best learning opportunities are the ones that the students come up with themselves. For that reason, I spend every lunch hour on the playground with my students and make myself available for them to ask me “playground pop quiz” questions. These questions have ranged from everything from “how is the ice cream we had at lunch made” to exploring the lifecycle of the mosquitos we found in a piece of playground equipment. I love challenging the students to try to stump me, and as a result, they go out of their way to explore the environment around them, making learning fun and exciting.

6. What do you learn about your students to ensure you’re the best help?

This question is tricky because every interview may have a different perspective about how much you need to know. Since that’s the case, it’s best to find an answer that will resonate logically, even if the interviewer has a different perspective on the matter.

Generally, I want to make sure I spend time getting to know each student’s learning style. With that, I can ensure that I use the right range of strategies during core lessons and that I can adjust my approach during one-on-one sessions when the need arises. Beyond that, I also try to learn at least one key interest that each student has, even if it isn’t related to my subject. That way, I can incorporate details that align with those interests on occasion. For example, I can talk about a bakery in math problems with students who love sweets or squeeze information about bugs into practice reading passages for kids who adore science. Overall, it’s an approach that I find particularly useful for engagement, so I use it regularly.

7. If you had to describe your teaching style in one word, what would it be and why?

With this, you need to balance brevity and thoroughness. It’s critical to focus on the “one word” aspect, as launching into a list makes it seem like you didn’t understand the question. Additionally, you want to back up with every word you choose.

If I had to describe my teaching style in one word, I’d have to pick “agile.” No two students are alike, so I know the value of keeping on my toes and pivoting my approach to ensure every child gets an exceptional experience. For example, I’ve taught science classes where some students were visual learning, and others were more tactile. So, I adjusted my strategy to incorporate both, bringing in colorful models that students could view, manipulate, and even take apart. It connected with both types of students, making the lesson more impactful.

8. If you could make one change to a school environment, what would it be and why?

Here, the interviewer is trying to gauge what you view as shortcomings in the broader system. It can be tricky to answer, especially as some responses may seem judgmental. Since that’s the case, it’s best to stick with a somewhat neutral topic, all while ensuring what’s best for students stays at the heart.

If I had the power to make one change, I would make school lunches free for all students. That removes the stigma that comes with being a student from a lower-income family, as no one has to worry about whether they can pay or if they’re on a free meal program or not. Since that’s the case, students who may feel uncomfortable being singled out for being on a free meal program – potentially to the point that they may opt to skip meals instead of getting that attention – don’t have any concerns.

9. How have you integrated technology into the classroom in your past roles?

Today’s students are increasingly tech-savvy, even at a young age. Since that’s the case, many interviewers want to know how you’ve integrated technology into the classroom experience in the past.

At my last school, we were fortunate enough to have access to tablets in the classroom. Along with using them for certain heads-down experiences, I took advantage of the tablets’ capabilities to revamp my approach to engagement. I integrated live polls into many lesson plans, allowing students to participate even during lectures. For example, I’d present a hypothesis relating to the subject and ask students what they think was true based on the four available answers. Then, we’d review the responses and engage in discussions before moving forward. It was a fun way to promote broader involvement, all thanks to the live polling features in the tablets.

10. How do you handle a parent that blames you for a child’s poor performance?

If a child isn’t excelling in school, some parents automatically blame the teachers. Since those conversations can get heated, the interviewer wants to ensure you’ll approach them in a professional manner.

If a parent feels I’m responsible for a child’s poor performance, my main goal is to remain calm and professional during the conversation. I strive to maintain a fact-based approach. After ensuring they feel heard, I concentrate more on working with them to find a solution than anything else. It’s not about placing blame; it’s about developing a plan that’ll help their student thrive. By maintaining that mentality, I find that most parents will pivot, allowing us to dive into the challenges the student is facing and how we can help them together.

15 More Common Teaching Interview Questions

• How would you prepare your classroom if it was the first day of school?
• How do you evaluate students?
• Why do we teach “X” in school?
• How do you communicate with parents?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
• What did you love most about your last school, and what did you like least?
• How do you use data to analyze student performance and identify areas for your own improvement?
• Which subject was your favorite as a student?
• Why did you leave your last teaching role?
• Tell me about a challenging student you had previously. How did you manage the situation?
• Why should we hire you to teach here?
• What’s the biggest challenge that students face today?
• How do you incorporate collaborative experiences into your learning plan?
• What steps do you take to keep students motivated?
• How do you handle a disengaged parent?

Do You Have Any Questions For Me?

Questions to ask at the end of a teacher interview.

If you’ve ever been to a job interview, you know that after you spend time answering interview questions for teachers, you will usually be asked if you have any questions of your own.

This is the gold mine question and one that serves two distinct purposes. It gives you an opportunity to get information you might not have been able to gather during your research period while also allowing you one more chance to demonstrate you are the perfect candidate by having a pre-prepared list of questions you’d like answered.

Good questions to ask include:

• Can you tell me a little about the culture here at the school?
• What is a typical day like?
• Are there any qualities you’re looking for in a teacher that were not listed in the job description?
• Is there a teacher mentoring program here?
• Are there opportunities for furthering my education available here?
• What is the average classroom size?
• How are the classrooms equipped? Is this a wired school?
• What goals and expectations do you have for your teachers?
• Are there any challenges the school/district is facing that I should be aware of?
• Is there an active PTA here?
• How is the relationship between the parents and the school?
• Is the school a part of the community?
• How does this school handle student discipline?
• How does it handle bullying?

Putting It All Together

So, there you have it, tips, tricks, and a study guide stuffed full of teacher interview questions and answers for you to go over and use for practice. Make use of all of the information above.

And as always…good luck!

P.S. Now that you’ve got a good feel for the teacher interview questions you are going to be asked, don’t forget that there are hundreds of non-teacher interview questions that you could be asked in your interview! Thankfully we’ve outlined the most common questions AND given you word-for-word answers in our free PDF below:

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Here's what you're getting:

• Word-for-word sample answers to the most common interview questions
• Tell me about yourself, why should we hire you?, What's your greatest weakness and more!
• Free Access to our VIP resources area

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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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.

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67 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers 

June 22, 2024

There’s no way around it: job interviews are always nerve-wracking. But as teachers always say, “Practice makes perfect.” The only way to steady the nerves and ace the test is through preparation. If you’ve brainstormed your best responses to the questions that most often come up, you’ll be able to head into the interview with an abundance of calm, confidence, and poise . Whether you’re an experienced teacher changing schools or a new teacher just beginning your career, we’ve got you covered. The teacher interview questions and answers below will help you think through all the things that make you a great teacher and a perfect fit for your future school. In this article, we cover:

• Teacher Interview Questions and Answers—General Questions
• Teaching Experience Questions
• Handling Conflict and Challenges
• Workload Management
• Supervision and Growth

Elementary Teacher Interview Questions

Special education teacher interview questions.

• Behavioral Questions
• Wrap-up Questions
• More Resources

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— General Questions

1) so tell me about yourself….

The most dreaded question! It’s difficult to know where to start with such a broad query, but open-ended questions can be a great opportunity to focus on the information that serves you best. This isn’t the right place for your full life story. Instead, before the interview, brainstorm a brief narrative overview of your professional experiences, highlighting roles and skills that are most relevant to the position. To wrap up, explain what you’re seeking in your next position, future goals, and why you’ve applied to this particular job.

2) Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Likely the most important teacher interview questions to nail your answer to, arriving at a strong answer might require more reflection than you think. You’ll want to say something more than “I love kids.” Think back to your own favorite teachers, formative learning experiences, and moments that helped you discover your passion for sharing knowledge. Offering a meaningful anecdote can help you stand out.

3) Why do you want to teach this age group/type of student?

To help generate an answer to this question, it might be helpful to first think about why you don’t want to teach other age groups. Then, think about your future students’ developmental and behavioral needs and offer an answer that shows you understand and enjoy working with that particular grade. If you haven’t taught before but have worked with kids that age through volunteering, tutoring, or other work, mention those experiences. If you’re applying to teach special education, this is a great time to explain why you’re drawn to students with different needs.

4) Why do you want to teach this subject?

One of the most common teacher interview questions, this is a great place to show your expertise and passion for the subject. Share a memory of what first drew you to the topic, an anecdote from a meaningful class, or an example of your favorite lesson plan. It’s also a great idea to discuss relevant educational background, favorite books on the subject, and your ongoing learning.

5) Why do you want to teach at our school?

Answering this question well will require some research. Consult the school and district websites to learn more about their student demographics and initiatives. For private schools, look up their mission statement and specialty programs. If you have contacts in the district or at that school, reach out to ask about school culture. Showing you understand the school’s specific priorities and needs will go a long way.

6) What makes a great teacher?

Rather than listing a few abstract adjectives like “compassion, care, and resilience,” offer a few examples of impactful teaching from your own education or classroom experience. Make sure to connect the skills and attributes you mention to your own teaching practices with a follow up sentence like, “That’s why I always make sure I do X in the classroom.”

7) What, in a few words, is your teaching philosophy?

Avoid cliché students like “I want to help kids succeed” or “Children are our future.” Instead, consider your personality and unique approach to teaching. Are you a community-builder who loves to teach students how to collaborate? Do you specialize in lifting struggling students up? Do you prioritize creativity? This question allows you to give a brief overview of your individual strengths as a teacher with key examples.

8) What do you love learning about?

This question gives you a chance to demonstrate your zest for knowledge. Mention a recent book, documentary, or newspaper article that fascinated you. For bonus points, explain how you would share this knowledge with your students.

9) What are your hobbies outside of the classroom?

No need to pretend you live and breathe work. Hopefully, your interviewer will soon be your colleague, so sharing some of your interests and pastimes will help them get to know who they’ll be working with. Sharing that you play soccer on the weekends or love travel photography will help your interviewer connect with you and show you have healthy ways to unwind after a long week in the classroom.

10) What role do diversity, equity, and inclusion play in the classroom?

Diversity statements are most meaningful when they’re personal and specific. Before your interview, think of at least one example to share from your personal or professional experiences that illustrates the power of DEI in education. Offer a general statement about why DEI measures are important to you and to kids, and then back your statement up with relevant examples.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Teaching Experience Questions

11) what’s your favorite thing about teaching this grade level.

With this question, it’s smart to show you understand both the delights and challenges of working with a particular age group. Share at least one thing about this grade level that brings you joy and one challenge (like early literacy, AP exam stress, or senioritis) that you enjoy tackling head-on.

12) How do you include parents and guardians in students’ education?

One of the most common teacher interview questions, we recommend offering examples of ways you maintain clear and consistent communication with parents about topics like grades and upcoming deadlines. But don’t forget to also discuss how you communicate with parents when issues and conflicts arise.

13) What are 3 adjectives that past students would use to describe you?

In your response, there’s no problem with listing one predictable adjective like “strict” or “hardworking.” But this question is also a perfect opportunity to show what makes your classroom different from other teachers. If you let your interviewer know you’re a “PowerPoint queen,” “grammar nerd,” or a “class cheerleader,” they’ll have a much clearer sense of what makes you you .

14) What type of classroom culture do you cultivate and how?

Similar to the teaching philosophy question in the “General Questions” section, this is an opportunity to highlight your unique strengths with key examples. If you aim to cultivate active learners, explain how. If you aim to spark student curiosity, offer examples of your successes.

15) How do you track and assess student learning?

Test scores, grades, and tracked data will be your primary method of assessing student learning, particularly if you’ll be working at a public school. If you haven’t taught before, mention any relevant experience you have working with data. If you have taught before, discuss your usual strategies for organizing and presenting data and explain how you use data to differentiate student needs by group.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Handling Conflict and Challenges

16) what has been your biggest teaching challenge to date how did you handle it.

It likely goes without saying that you should choose an example that shows your ability to learn and grow. Perhaps you struggled with behavioral issues in your first year of teaching or faced high levels of student apathy. Share a memory of a classroom challenge, explain how you solved or improved it, and reflect on how you plan to continue addressing the problem at your new school.

17) What are some of your core classroom rules? How do you ensure students follow them?

For this question, it’s best to offer examples of rules that are unique to your classroom. Just about every teacher will require students to raise their hand before speaking, but this is your chance to share creative ways you design, communicate, and implement rules.

18) What’s your approach to student discipline?

Since you’ll likely be interviewing with the school principal, it’s not wise to say you send every troublemaker straight to the principal’s office. Your interviewer will want to hear you’re able to effectively and consistently handle disciplinary issues. Share your go-to classroom management policies and at least one key example of a time when strategic discipline improved your class dynamic.

19) If the majority of your students failed a test or assignment, what would you do?

A question that asks you to demonstrate a high level of self-awareness, your interviewer will want to hear that you pay attention to your own successes and failures as a teacher. Every teacher has a lesson plan flop now and then, but a great teacher takes responsibility and ensures students master the material.

20) What are the biggest challenges students face in our current education system?

To show you’ve done your research, offer an answer that is relevant to your future school’s student demographic. Whether you focus on budget shortfalls, inequity, student apathy, or another issue, it’s wise to show that you know challenges differ between public and private schools, by region, and age group. As you answer, be sure to explain how you help students face these challenges.

21) What are the biggest challenges teachers face in our current education system?

With this question, your interviewer isn’t asking you to vent. Instead, they’re asking you to show an understanding of the challenges professionals face in your field. You might choose to speak about student behaviors, parental involvement, budget cuts, teacher workload, or any other topic. The most important thing, though, is to discuss how you cope with these challenges.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Workload Management

22) How do you balance teaching duties and grading?

23) How do you balance teaching and data collection?

24) How do you plan your lessons?

25) What organizational skills and tools do you use regularly?

The four questions above are all getting at the same core query: are you organized? As you answer these questions, be sure to be as specific as possible about the skills and tools you use to keep yourself organized. Do you start every morning by writing out a to-do list? What about using an app to manage your workflow? Do you use a Pomodoro timer when you grade? Filling your interviewer in on your organizational style will help them see how well you manage a heavy workload.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Supervision and Growth

26) What resources do you use to continue developing as a teacher?

27) What support do you hope for from school administrators?

28) What would you like to learn from a mentor?

The three questions above are all about your level of independence and your willingness to learn. Demonstrating that you’re self-reliant but open to feedback can be a delicate line to walk. As you answer these questions, be frank about weaknesses you hope to work on, offer examples of ways in which you’ve invested in your own growth, and mention a few areas you hope to continue improving through self-study and mentorship.

Although teaching varies greatly by grade, most elementary teacher interview questions will cover the same ground as other grade levels. You can expect to encounter additional questions on topics like:

29) Your ability to teach foundational early education topics like reading, phonics, and basic math

30) Age-appropriate classroom activities that make learning fun

31) Age-appropriate discipline strategies

To answer these elementary teacher interview questions well, you’ll want to illustrate your understanding of young children’s unique needs. If you haven’t taught before, offer examples from babysitting, volunteering, or other positions. If you’re an experienced teacher, share examples of your most effective lessons and activities.

Most special education teacher interview questions will cover the same ground as those geared toward general education teachers, but special education teachers can expect additional questions on topics like:

32) Gathering and tracking data on student behavior and needs

33) Handling students in distress

34) Interpreting and complying with complex policies

35) Your understanding of disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders

To prepare to answer each of these special education teacher interview questions, brainstorm relevant examples of times you’ve utilized these skills. If you haven’t taught before, offer examples from school, volunteering, or other positions. If you’re an experienced teacher, discuss your typical approach to special ed students.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers—Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are one of the most common types of teacher interview questions. An exercise in personal reflection, these questions ask you to share a memory or two that speak to your ability to handle job-specific duties and challenges.

You might be asked to give an example of…

36) A time you made use of technology in the classroom.

37) A time you worked collaboratively with a colleague.

38) A time you made a challenging concept easier for your students to understand.

39) One of your most successful lesson plans.

40) How you motivate students to learn.

41) How you encourage student creativity.

Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers  (Continued)

42) Something you do to encourage social development in your classroom.

43) Something you do to encourage collaborative skills in your classroom.

44) A lesson plan that asked students to engage with real-life issues.

45) An accommodation you’ve made for students with different learning styles.

46) An accommodation you’ve made for students from different cultures and backgrounds.

47) An accommodation you’ve made for non-native speakers.

48) How you’ve handled a mistake with a student.

49) How you’ve handled a mistake with a parent.

50) How you handle student disruptions in the classroom.

51) One of your weaknesses and what you’ve done to improve it.

52) A time you helped a struggling student succeed.

53) A time you intervened when a student was being bullied.

54) A time you had a difficult conversation with a parent. How did you handle the issue?

55) A time you had to make an important decision quickly. What did you do?

56) A time you addressed a student with ongoing behavioral problems.

57) A time you said “no” to a student. How did you handle it?

58) A time you said “no” to a parent. How did you handle it?

59) A time you had to juggle competing responsibilities.

60) A time you struggled to meet an important deadline. What did you do?

61) A time you disagreed with a supervisor.

62) A time you received negative feedback from a teacher or supervisor. How did you respond?

63) A time you received competing instructions. How did you proceed?

64) A time you had to learn a new skill quickly. How did you do it?

As you can see, experiential teacher interview questions can run the gamut. Some will ask you to share examples of the things you excel at. Some will ask you to reflect on your biggest professional challenges. When discussing challenges, be honest—everyone makes mistakes and faces struggles—but be sure to provide stories that demonstrate your learning and growth. With each question, make sure to provide detailed, vivid stories that will help you stand out in your interviewer’s mind. As a final addition, explain how what you learned from your experience will aid you in your future role.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Wrap-Up Questions

65) where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years.

Of course, we all want to say, “I see myself winning the lottery and retiring early.” But this question is asking you to demonstrate your investment in teaching and your future goals. If you hope to be promoted to school administration, this is a great time to say it. If you plan to earn a graduate degree, your interviewer will love to hear you have plans to continue developing your expertise in the field. Tell your interviewer you’re in it for the long haul and offer a few examples of how you hope to grow as a teacher in the coming years.

66) Why are you a good fit for this position?

It’s difficult for most of us to toot our own horns, but if you’ve reflected on your experiences and found answers to the questions above, you’ll know many reasons why you’ll be a great addition to the school. Give your interviewer a few examples of what you bring to the table and at least one reason why you’re a perfect fit for their particular school culture.

67) What questions do you have for us?

By the end of an interview, all we want to ask is, “Do I have the job?” But this question offers a great opportunity to demonstrate your sincere interest in the position. Come to the interview with 5-10 questions ready. You likely won’t be able to ask them all, but having a variety on hand means you’ll be able to ask at least a few questions that weren’t covered during the interview. You can ask:

Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview

1) How would you describe your school’s culture?

2) How is the school hoping to grow in the coming years?

3) What would you say is your student population’s greatest challenge/need?

4) How involved are parents?

5) How do current teachers usually collaborate?

6) What are you looking for in a candidate? (This question gives you a chance to reiterate your matching skills).

7) What is your hiring timeline?

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers—More Resources

Looking for more career development resources? Check out our articles on:

• How to Become a Teacher: College-to-Career Advice
• 3 Great Cover Letter Examples for Any Job in 2024
• How to Reschedule an Interview – With Sample Email

Explore all the resources in our Careers section .

Also check out our Teacher Tools such as:

• 151 Best Summer Jobs for Teacher
• How to Become a Teacher
• 50 Best Colleges for Education Majors
• 10 Companies That Offer Tech Apprenticeship Programs
• 100 Best Quotes about Education
• 60 Best Team-Building Activities for Middle and High School Students
• 150 Journal Prompts for Kids, Middle & High School Students 
• 102 Last Day of School Activities 
• Teacher Tools

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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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

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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.

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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:.

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• Dance 6–12 (279)
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• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German EC–12 (611)
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• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Vietnamese EC–12 (604 & 609)
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• Mathematics 7–12 (235)
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• Science 4–8 (116)
• Science 7–12 (236)
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• 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)

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30 Common Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Being a teacher can be incredibly rewarding for many. To get your dream teaching job, you first need to ace your interview. The best way to do this is to review common teacher interview questions. Whether you’re interviewing for your first teaching job or you’re a seasoned professional, it’s always a good idea to put in some solid preparation time before your meeting. In this article, we’ll go over 30 common teacher interview questions, as well as some example answers to get an understanding of what interviewers are looking for. We’ll also provide some tips and common mistakes to avoid when answering. Key Takeaways: Interviewers are looking for your expertise in subject matter, interpersonal abilities, and your teaching skills during interviews. When answering questions it’s important to be confident and honest in your answers. Make sure to do your research and prepare talking points and your own questions to ask before going into the interview. In This Article    Skip to section How to answer teacher interview questions 13 Common teacher interview questions and sample answers 17 Additional teacher interview questions What hiring managers are looking for in a teacher interview Teacher interview tips Common interview mistakes to avoid Teacher interview questions FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to answer teacher interview questions

When answering teacher interview questions , you should demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge by telling a story and providing examples from your past. Here is a more detailed list of how to answer teacher interview questions:

Be confident and honest. There is a difference between being confident and being cocky. Being confident is knowing your value and communicating that to interviewers.

Demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge. You should be comfortable with using common lingo and show that you know your stuff. If this means you need to study up a little bit before your interview, do that, but be ready to talk about common philosophies, trends, and industry leaders.

Listen well. Don’t spend the whole interview thinking about what you’re going to say next. Listen closely to the interviewers as they’re telling you things about the school and asking you questions. They can tell that you’re paying attention, and your answers will be better because of it.

Tell a story when you can. Even if they don’t ask you for an example like they would in a situational interview question , interviewers want to see examples of your work in the past. They know you can say one thing and do another, so paint a picture of how you’ve lived out your answers whenever possible.

End on a high note. If you’re talking about a weakness you have, a challenge you faced, or a mistake you made, end on a positive note and explain how you responded to it. Talk about what you learned from the experience or what steps you’re taking to correct a weakness.

13 Common teacher interview questions and sample answers

Here is a list of some common teacher interview questions and sample answers to help you understand what the interviewers are looking for when they ask each one.

Why do you want to be a teacher?

This question is an opportunity to share a little about yourself and what you’re passionate about. It’s also an opportunity to show what you bring to the table as an instructor . Be sure to include both of these factors in your answer.

Example answer:

“I’ve always had a love for learning, and I believe that much of that love came from a few of my teachers who combined their passion for learning with their deep care for their students. “I want to connect with students individually and help them fall in love with learning in their own way, as every student does this differently. Those are the skills they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Why do we teach [insert subject] in school?

No matter what subjects you’re teaching, schools want to know the reason why you teach them. Saying something generic like, “So students can graduate and get good jobs” isn’t enough. Explain why you value the subject and how you’re going to relay that to your students.

“I believe that the true purpose of English and literature courses is to teach students how to think and how to appreciate other perspectives. My goal is that they walk away from my classes with those skills , even if they don’t remember what iambic pentameter is for the rest of their lives.”

Why do you want to work for our school district?

This is a question that requires some preliminary research. Before your interview, look up the school or district’s mission and vision and glance through their social media pages to see what kinds of stories they’re highlighting. Pay attention to what strikes a chord with you and how you’d fit in with the school’s culture .

“I admire West Lake’s philosophy about valuing both excellence and relationships. No student can succeed when they don’t feel safe and cared for, and helping them be their best is an important piece of caring for them. I’d love to be a part of furthering that culture.”

Describe your teaching philosophy and approach to education.

When you answer this, be honest, but try to frame your answer in a way that reflects the school’s philosophy. Interviewers want to see that you’re ready and willing to further the larger organization rather than just your own ambition.

“I try to balance school and state requirements with relating to my students’ individual needs. I know that students won’t perform well on tests if they don’t understand the material. “Some students may grasp math concepts through lectures, but others won’t as easily, so I try to create as many hands-on learning opportunities as possible through projects and visuals. These help not only the students who struggle to learn through lectures, but they also solidify the material for those who do.”

How would you handle a difficult student?

If you can, explain how you handled a problematic student in the past, remembering to include the steps you took and the results of your efforts. If you’re interviewing for a student teaching job or internship and don’t have this experience, outline how you would approach the problem, focusing on collaboration instead of pure discipline.

“The first thing I would do is have a private conversation with the student where I’d try to get to the root of the problem. Once we find the root issue, I’d then work with them to come up with creative solutions. If we couldn’t do that, I’d involve the parents in the conversation. “For example, I had a student who would become disruptive only during independent work. After talking with her about it, I learned that she struggled to concentrate when it was perfectly quiet. I started playing soft music during these times, and she settled down much more easily.”

What frustrates you most about teaching?

Be honest when you answer this question, but be sure to include how you work through your frustration. Everyone has things they struggle with, but your interviewer is looking to see how you overcome difficulties instead of just listening to you complain.

“I’m most frustrated when I’m not able to meet every student where they’re at. At my last position, I had a large class size with a wide variety of abilities. I knew some of the kids were getting bored while others were totally overwhelmed. “I implemented a tutoring program where students who were ahead could work with struggling students to help them with their assignments. This kept the previously bored students engaged and helped lessen the load for the ones who were struggling.”

How do you motivate your students?

This is one of the most essential parts of being a teacher, so interviewers will want to know how you do this. Remember that there’s no “right” way to motivate students. However, hiring managers ask this question to learn if your methods for motivating students aligns with the school’s vision and methodology, so keep those elements in mind when answering.

“I’ve found that sixth-graders love competitions, so I try to create as many fun ones as possible. Whether it’s individuals competing against each other, individuals beating their own high scores, teams competing against teams, or a class-wide goal to hit, I’ve found that these activities are powerful motivators. “I balance the competitions so that they stay fun for everyone and so that the same people don’t win them every time. It’s amazing how into it everyone gets, and it’s a great opportunity to teach good sportsmanship along with the material we’re working on.

How do you evaluate your students?

Evaluating your students is another vital piece of teaching, so your interviewers will want to hear your thoughts on this as well. Give examples when you can, but be sure you include your basic thought processes behind what you do, as well as your more technical teaching techniques and philosophies.

“I use formal methods such as tests and quizzes alongside more informal ones such as in-class work, reports, and activities. I take the feedback from both areas seriously, as I’ve had some students perform well in class and not on the quizzes and tests. “After talking with these students and their parents further, I was able to get them help with their test-taking techniques. Their scores went up significantly throughout the rest of the year.”

How do you communicate and work with parents?

Being able to work with parents is key to your students’ success. Schools want to hire teachers who are proactive about this, so they’ll likely ask you about it in an interview. This is another opportunity to give examples of your past work and share philosophies you have about this subject.

“The key to successful students is support from both their teachers and their parents, so I work to get to know the most influential adults in my students’ lives early on. “At the beginning of the year, I hold individual meetings with the parents. I ask them about their home life and anything that might make their child unique. Then throughout the rest of the year, I meet with them regularly to share their child’s wins and work to find solutions to difficulties as quickly as possible.”

What are you learning right now?

As a professional in any field, you should never stop learning and growing, and this is especially true for teachers. Interviewers want to know how you’re doing this, even if it isn’t directly related to teaching. Take this opportunity to share about other things you’re passionate about and what you like to do in your free time.

“I’ve always been fascinated by breadmaking, so I decided to take an online class and learn how to do it myself. I’ve already mastered whole wheat bread, and now I’m working on sourdough!”

Why should we hire you to teach here?

This question is asked in nearly every interview across all industries. Share what makes you unique and how you would further the school’s goals . This is another reason for you to research the school ahead of time.

“I know you value innovation in the classrooms, and I’m always looking for new ways to improve what I do. For example, at my last job , I implemented math projects that made the lessons more fun and engaging. “My students’ average test scores at the end of the year were 10% higher than the semester before when we hadn’t done those projects.”

How would you get your classroom ready for the first day of school?

Interviewers don’t just want to know about your decorating abilities; they want to see that you have an organized plan. Share the why behind your decisions as much as what you’d do.

“I want my students to feel welcome and to know what I expect of them. There are few things more frustrating as a child than not knowing what an authority figure wants from them. “I’d label the desks so that students have a place they know they belong, hang up fun posters that they’d enjoy, and make a cheerful, yet clear list of rules and consequences to hang prominently.”

Can you provide an example of a time when you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal?

The interviewer will ask you this question to get an understanding of how you collaborate and communicate effectively within a team setting. Use an example from your past to help answer this question.

“In my previous position as a 7th grade science teacher , we were tasked with implementing a new project-based learning (PBL) to enhance student’s critical thinking skills. I was apart of a three teacher team, each with a different subject of expertise. Our goal was to develop a project that would align with the curriculum but also ignite a students curiosity. “I took the lead in developing the science content and assessment rubrics, while my colleagues focused on the math and language arts part. We scheduled regular check-ins to discuss any progress, provide feedback, and refine the project’s details.”

17 Additional teacher interview questions

If you’re looking for additional practice questions, here are an additional 17 commonly asked teacher interview questions:

Describe a time when you overcame a difficult challenge.

What are your strengths as a teacher?

What’s your biggest weakness as a teacher?

What do you like best about teaching?

Walk me through a lesson.

Tell me about a time you had to adapt to an unexpected situation.

How do you organize your day to make sure that you get all of your responsibilities done on time?

Tell me about your worst day of teaching.

Tell me about a time you worked with a team to accomplish something.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

How do you differentiate your instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners in your classroom?

How do you handle classroom management and discipline?

What strategies do you use to engage and motivate students?

How do you handle stress and pressure in the teaching profession?

Tell me about a time when you had to adapt your teaching for a student who was struggling to grasp the material.

How do you communicate and collaborate with parents and guardians?

What questions do you have for me?

What hiring managers are looking for in a teacher interview

Hiring mangers are looking for your expertise in subject matter, interpersonal abilities, and your teaching skills in your answers to teacher interview questions. Here is a more detailed list of what hiring managers are looking for in potential teachers:

Expertise in subject matter. Acting as an authoritative source of knowledge is a key function of your role as a teacher. Schools want to hire teachers who can provide accurate information, first and foremost.

That means you need to be comfortable fluently discussing your subject at a level above the highest course you’d be teaching. Your interviewer might even be the department head — in that case, be prepared to show your chops in your field of study.

Interpersonal abilities . K-12 is a particularly busy time in a young person’s life — so much is going on, and navigating the educational system is just one piece of the puzzle for them. As a teacher, you’re a valued community member who can act as a mentor and model for developing minds.

Being personable and approachable are important factors for building and maintaining rapport with students. And students who trust and like their teachers are typically much easier to manage and more likely to excel.

Teaching skills. Classroom management, curriculum development, teaching methodologies, etc. are all things that hiring managers are interested in learning about. The school might have a defined philosophy to all of these elements (and more) or it might encourage a diversity of approaches.

In any case, it’s good to brush up on your pedagogical terminology before the interview, so you’re not caught off guard by a question from your days studying for your teaching degree. Also, consider your teaching philosophy and what techniques you most commonly use for successful results.

Technical skills. With remote learning and other new methodologies emerging, it’s more important than ever for teachers to be tech-savvy (or at least tech-literate). Between creating presentations and other documents, managing grading software, and using other web-based teaching solutions, the more advanced your technical skills , the more attractive of a candidate you’ll be.

Be sure to bring up your experience with remote communication software, presentation programs, and anything else that sells you as a person who won’t be put off by using or learning new technology.

Culture fit. Hiring managers can see your qualifications on your resume . They already know how long you’ve been teaching, and if you’re at the interview stage, they’ve decided that you’re a qualified candidate.

Interviews are held so that they can see how you would further their school’s particular mission and vision and mesh with your coworkers. So don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine during your meeting.

Teamwork abilities. Working as a teacher means working with other teachers. It’s important to be able to work well with others and work with students to be a teacher.

Commitment to students. One thing that can’t be taught is care for the students. Not everyone has the ability to teach students properly. Interviewers want to make sure you are committed to the students and their success.

Teacher interview tips

Make sure you do your research on the school before the interview and you should prepare some talking points. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when in a teacher interview:

Do your research. Before you show up for your interview, peruse the school’s website to become familiar with their mission, vision, and values. Look up their history and key leaders so that you can recognize them if you meet them.

Prepare some talking points. Come up with two or three points about why you’re the best person for the job, and then make sure you work them into your interview answers.

Dress professionally . Show that you’re serious about getting this position by dressing up more than you would normally. You should still wear clothes appropriate for a teacher, though, especially if you’re interviewing at an elementary school where you’ll need to be able to move easily.

Prepare questions to ask. You’re interviewing the school just as much as they’re interviewing you, so come ready with your own questions to ask . Find out about the school’s culture, teacher support systems, and standards, but don’t ask about salary or time off just yet. Save that for when you receive a job offer .

Common interview mistakes to avoid

You should avoid arriving too early or late to your interview and speaking poorly of your previous employer. Here are some more common mistakes to avoid in an interview:

Arriving late or too early. You should be arriving at your interview between 10 and 15 minutes before your interview. This shows that you are respectful of the interviewer’s time and gives you time to prepare and calm any nerves before the interview.

Not preparing questions to ask the interviewer. You should be asking questions during the interview. This helps you get more information on the company and the position. It also shows your interviewer your enthusiasm and interest in the position.

Not researching the company or organization beforehand. You should be using the information on the company that you found in your research in your answers. This helps to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position. Some things you should have an understanding of their company values and their mission.

Not focusing on the questions being asked. You should sleep well and eat something nutritious before the interview. This will help you keep your focus on the interview and what is being asked. You should avoid looking around the room or having closed-off body language when talking with the interviewer.

Speaking poorly of previous employers. Speaking poorly of previous employers can be a red flag for hiring managers. Try to focus on any skills you learned or what you want for your future. Speaking poorly about your previous employer can make the hiring manager see you in a negative light and it could burn bridges.

Neglecting to follow up. Following up after an interview is important. You should send an email within 24 hours of your interview. This helps show your interest and enthusiasm for the position. You should also thank the interviewer in this letter. Following up can help leave a final good impression.

Teacher interview questions FAQ

How do I pass my teacher interview?

You should show your passion for teaching and demonstrate your technical skills in your answers. Interviewers want to see your passion for teaching children. Be sure you show your passion and enthusiasm by using examples from your past. This is also how you should demonstrate your technical skills and experiences.

What are some questions to ask at the end of an interview?

Some questions to ask at the end of an interview include:

What is the company culture like?

What is your favorite thing about working for this company?

What are the company’s most important goals right now?

What would an average workday look like?

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Employment Interviewing: Seizing the Opportunity and the Job

U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

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Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

15 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

By Sherice Jacob

Published: January 27, 2024

Navigating the job market as an aspiring teacher can be a daunting task . With the right preparation, however, you can turn this challenge into a rewarding opportunity. Let’s delve into the most common teacher interview questions and answers and share effective strategies for formulating answers that will impress your potential employers.

What qualities and skills are hiring managers looking for in a teacher?

• Passion for Teaching and Learning

One of the most essential qualities of a successful teacher is a genuine love for teaching and learning. This passion often translates into a deep commitment to their students’ success and a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure every student can achieve their full potential.

• Communication Skills

Teachers must be able to effectively communicate complex ideas in a way that students can understand. This extends to communicating with parents, other teachers, and school administrators as well.

• Patience and Empathy

A classroom environment often involves a diversity of students, each with their unique abilities, challenges, and pace of learning. Teachers need to be patient, understanding, and empathetic to effectively manage this diversity and foster an inclusive learning environment .

• Adaptability

Curriculum plans can change, unexpected issues can arise, and each class of students will have unique needs. An adaptable teacher can handle these changes gracefully and adjust their teaching methods as necessary.

• Classroom Management Skills

A productive learning environment requires discipline and structure. Effective classroom management skills ensure that students are focused, respectful, and engaged, which contributes significantly to their learning outcomes.

1. Can you tell us about your teaching background and experience?

This is a common initial question , allowing the hiring manager to gain a high-level understanding of your background and experience. They’re seeking to determine if your skills, experience, and teaching approach match the requirements of the role and the needs of the school.

• Start from the most recent and relevant experience, then work backwards.
• Mention both formal and informal teaching experiences, including internships, student teaching, volunteering, or tutoring.
• Discuss specific accomplishments or initiatives you’ve been a part of, showing measurable impact if possible.
• Make sure to mention any experience with the age group or subject matter of the role you’re applying for.

Don’ts

• Overwhelm the interviewer with every single detail of your entire career. Stick to the highlights.
• Speak negatively about past schools, students, or colleagues.
• Assume they have fully read your resume. Summarize your experiences, even if they’re listed on your CV.
• Veer off into unrelated personal history or stories.

Sample Answer:

“I’ve been in the  education  field for over seven years. I started my career as a student teacher at ABC Elementary School, where I fell in love with teaching third graders. I then moved on to DEF Middle School, where I worked for four years as a Math teacher.  There, I developed a math curriculum that resulted in a 20% improvement in student test scores in one academic year. For the past two years, I’ve been teaching sixth-grade Math at GHI Junior High. I’ve particularly enjoyed the challenge of making math accessible and enjoyable to students who often find the subject intimidating.”

2. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your motivation for choosing teaching as a profession . They want to ensure that you’re passionate about this field, as this often translates to dedication and resilience, qualities essential in the classroom.

• Reflect on your personal motivations and passion for teaching.
• Discuss any key moments or influences that led you to pursue teaching.
• Highlight the rewards you find in teaching, such as helping students learn or grow.
• Give generic answers that could apply to anyone.
• Imply that you see teaching as an easy job or fallback career.
• Forget to convey your enthusiasm for teaching and its impact on students’ lives.

Sample Answer: 

“My decision to become a teacher was greatly influenced by some of my own teachers who made a significant impact on my life, showing me the difference a dedicated educator can make. I was particularly inspired by my high school English teacher, who not only taught us grammar and literature but also encouraged us to think critically and express our ideas confidently. Seeing the transformation in my own and my peers’ learning was really profound. I realized that as a teacher, I could help shape minds and make a real difference in the world.”

3. Can you describe your teaching philosophy?

By asking about your teaching philosophy , the hiring manager wants to understand the values and principles that guide your approach to teaching. This can provide insights into your teaching style, your view of student learning, and how you handle classroom situations .

• Discuss your beliefs about teaching and learning in a clear and concise manner.
• Mention how your teaching philosophy aligns with the school’s mission or philosophy.
• Show how your philosophy translates into practical strategies in the classroom.
• Illustrate your philosophy with a brief example from your teaching experience.
• Give a generic or vague response that doesn’t differentiate you as a candidate.
• Present a philosophy that is inconsistent with the way you actually teach.
• Fail to align your teaching philosophy with the age group or subject you aim to teach.
• Avoid discussing how your philosophy benefits students’ learning.

“I believe in creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive classroom environment that fosters curiosity and a love for learning. I think it’s essential for students to feel safe and valued, as this encourages them to take risks and participate actively in their learning.  I also believe that learning should be student-centered, meaning I tailor my teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students, incorporating different teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles. For example, in my previous role, I integrated technology and hands-on activities alongside traditional lectures to cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.”

4. Who inspires you?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand more about your personal values, motivations, and the type of personalities you admire. The answer can also provide insights into the type of role model you might be for your students.

• Choose someone who genuinely inspires you.
• Discuss specific characteristics or actions of this person that resonate with you.
• Explain how this inspiration affects your work as a teacher.
• Select someone without being able to explain their meaningful impact on you.
• Choose a controversial figure without carefully considering how it might be perceived.
• Give an answer that doesn’t connect to your role as a teacher or your personal values.

“One person who greatly inspires me is Fred Rogers, best known for his educational television show, ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’ He had a profound respect for children, seeing and valuing them as individuals. His gentle, caring approach to discussing complex subjects always resonated with me. The way he communicated with empathy and understanding, always with the intent of making the world a better and kinder place, is something I try to bring into my own classroom.”

5. Can you provide an example of a challenging situation in the classroom and how you handled it?

The hiring manager wants to know how you handle challenges and conflicts in a classroom setting. Your answer can provide insight into your problem-solving skills , resilience, and ability to maintain a positive and productive learning environment under stress.

• Clearly describe the situation, your actions, and the outcome.
• Discuss your thought process and decision-making during the situation.
• Highlight skills and strategies you used to resolve the issue.
• Discuss a situation without focusing on your role in resolving it.
• Speak negatively about any student, parent, or colleague involved in the situation.
• Overlook discussing what you learned from the situation and how it has informed your teaching since then.

“I can share an experience from when I was teaching at my previous school. I had a student who was typically well-behaved but started becoming disruptive and inattentive. Instead of immediately implementing disciplinary measures, I chose to speak with him privately to understand if there were underlying issues.  I found out that his parents were going through a divorce, and he was having a hard time coping with it. After discussing this with our  school counselor  and his parents, we arranged regular counseling sessions for him. I also gave him additional attention in class and tried to involve him more in group activities to ensure he felt supported. Over time, his disruptive behavior decreased significantly, and he became more engaged in class.”

6. How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students?

The hiring manager asks this question to assess your ability to meet the diverse needs of students in a classroom. Your answer will indicate your understanding of differentiated instruction and how you adapt your teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles , abilities, and interests.

• Show an understanding of differentiated instruction and why it’s important.
• Share specific strategies or techniques you use to differentiate instruction.
• Give an example from your teaching experience to illustrate how you’ve implemented these strategies.
• Provide a generic answer that doesn’t show your understanding of the concept.
• Ignore discussing how you assess and monitor the effectiveness of your differentiation strategies.
• Overlook mentioning how differentiated instruction contributes to student engagement and success.

“It’s important to understand that every student has unique learning styles and paces. In my classroom, I differentiate content, process, and product based on students’ readiness, interest, and learning profile. For example, I might present content through videos, reading materials, or hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles. When working on projects, I allow students to choose their preferred method of demonstrating their understanding, be it through a written report, a presentation, or an art project.”

7. Can you describe your experience with integrating technology into your lessons?

The hiring manager asks this question to gauge your comfort level and proficiency with integrating technology into your teaching. As technology becomes increasingly important in education, it’s crucial for teachers to be able to effectively use it to enhance student learning.

• Share specific tools and platforms you’ve used in your lessons.
• Discuss how you’ve used technology to engage students and enhance learning.
• Mention any training or professional development you’ve pursued to stay updated with educational technology.
• Give a generic answer that doesn’t show your personal experience with technology in the classroom.
• Neglect to discuss how technology has benefited your students’ learning.
• Ignore any challenges you’ve faced while integrating technology and how you’ve overcome them.

“In my previous role, I integrated various digital tools into my lessons. For example, I used platforms like Google Classroom for assigning homework and tracking student progress. I’ve also utilized interactive educational software to make lessons more engaging and cater to different learning styles. For instance, I’ve used Kahoot for formative assessments, which not only helped me gauge students’ understanding but also made learning fun for them. I’ve also used Zoom for parent-teacher conferences, which provided greater flexibility for parents.”

8. How do you assess student learning beyond standardized testing?

The hiring manager wants to understand your approach to student assessment beyond the traditional standardized testing methods. This allows them to gauge your ability to effectively monitor and assess student progress, provide useful feedback, and tailor instruction based on students’ individual needs.

• Describe various formative and summative assessment methods you use.
• Explain how these assessments help you understand a student’s learning progress and adapt your teaching accordingly.
• Discuss how you provide feedback and encourage students to self-assess.
• Rely solely on traditional testing methods in your answer.
• Overlook the importance of ongoing, formative assessments in monitoring student progress.
• Neglect to mention how you use assessment data to improve teaching and learning.

“While standardized tests have their place, I believe a variety of assessment methods provide a more holistic view of a student’s learning. In my classroom, I use multiple formative assessment techniques such as quizzes, class discussions, exit tickets, and learning journals. These not only gauge students’ understanding but also give me immediate feedback to adjust my teaching as needed. I also incorporate project-based assessments and presentations to evaluate students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.”

9. Can you describe a lesson plan you developed and how it was effective?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your lesson planning skills , how you align your lessons with learning objectives, and how you evaluate the effectiveness of your instruction. Your response will indicate your understanding of effective instructional design and your ability to reflect on and improve your teaching practice.

• Describe a specific lesson plan including the subject, the learning objectives, the teaching methods used, and any materials or technologies incorporated.
• Discuss how you differentiated instruction within this lesson.
• Explain how you assessed its effectiveness and made adjustments, if necessary.
• Give a vague or overly general description of a lesson.
• Forget to mention how you tailored the lesson to the needs and interests of your students.
• Overlook discussing the outcomes of the lesson and how it contributed to students’ learning.

“Last year, while teaching the water cycle in my science class, I developed a lesson plan that combined direct instruction, group activities, and technology. The objective was for students to understand the various stages of the water cycle and the concept of conservation of matter. I began with a short lecture using a PowerPoint presentation, followed by an interactive animation on the SmartBoard.  Students were then divided into groups to create their own diagrams of the water cycle using a digital drawing tool. This task catered to different learning styles – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. I circulated around the room, providing guidance and answering questions. I assessed their understanding through the accuracy of their diagrams, their participation in the group activity, and a short quiz at the end.”

10. How do you align your teaching with the Common Core or other state standards?

The hiring manager asks this question to ascertain your familiarity with the Common Core or other state standards, and how you incorporate these into your teaching. It’s important for teachers to align their instruction and assessments with these standards to ensure they are meeting educational requirements and supporting students in achieving these benchmarks.

• Demonstrate your understanding of the Common Core or relevant state standards.
• Describe how you use these standards to guide your lesson planning and assessment.
• Discuss how you use standards to set clear expectations and learning goals for students.
• Ignore the connection between these standards and your day-to-day teaching practice.
• Fail to mention how you keep up to date with any changes or updates to the standards.
• Neglect to highlight the importance of these standards in promoting consistency and equity in education.

“Incorporating the Common Core standards into my teaching is integral to ensuring that my students are on track and meeting the appropriate grade-level expectations. When planning lessons, I first identify the relevant standards for the subject and grade level. These standards inform the learning objectives of each lesson, the instructional activities I choose, and the assessments I use to measure student learning. For example, if a standard requires students to be able to analyze a text’s structure, I would design activities and assignments centered around this skill. I also reference the standards when giving feedback to students and parents, so they understand what is expected and how their work aligns with these goals”

11. How do you accommodate for special needs students in your classroom?

The hiring manager asks this question to gauge your understanding and experience in providing inclusive education. It’s important for teachers to be able to adapt their teaching strategies to meet the needs of special education students and create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.

• Discuss specific strategies you use to accommodate special needs students.
• Highlight your knowledge of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans , if applicable.
• Show your understanding of the importance of communication with special education staff, parents, and the students themselves.
• Give a vague or generic answer that doesn’t show your personal experience or understanding of special education.
• Neglect to mention how you foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects and values diversity.
• Overlook discussing the role of ongoing assessment and adaptation in meeting these students’ needs.

“In my classroom, I adapt my instruction based on the needs of each special education student. If a student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan, I closely follow the accommodations and modifications outlined in it. For example, I might provide extended time on tests, use assistive technology, or incorporate visual aids to support understanding. I also differentiate instruction and use flexible grouping to promote effective learning for all students.”

12. How do you communicate with parents and guardians?

The hiring manager asks this question to evaluate your communication skills and your approach to establishing strong relationships with parents and guardians. Effective communication with parents is crucial in ensuring students’ academic and social success.

• Highlight different methods of communication you use.
• Discuss how you establish open lines of communication from the beginning of the school year.
• Mention how you handle difficult conversations or issues that arise.
• Overlook the importance of regular and proactive communication with parents.
• Neglect to discuss how you respect and accommodate the communication preferences of different families.
• Forget to mention how you involve parents in their child’s learning process.

“At the start of the year, I share my communication plan with parents, which includes regular updates on their child’s progress and classroom news. I typically use emails, newsletters, and the school’s online parent portal to share information. I also schedule parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress in detail. In these meetings, I make sure to highlight positive achievements as well as areas for improvement. If there are any issues or concerns, I reach out to parents promptly and professionally, inviting them to collaborate on solutions.”

13. What are your long-term goals as a teacher?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your commitment to the teaching profession and your aspirations for professional growth. Your answer provides insights into your motivations, your dedication to continuous learning, and your potential future contributions to the school.

• Discuss specific goals related to professional development, student impact, or contributions to the school community.
• Show enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning.
• Connect your goals to the values or mission of the school.
• Provide a generic answer that doesn’t show your personal commitment to growth and improvement.
• Ignore discussing how achieving these goals would benefit your students and the school.
• Overlook mentioning any steps you’ve already taken or plan to take to achieve these goals.

“I plan to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction to deepen my understanding of effective teaching strategies and stay updated with current educational research. I also aim to take on a mentorship role for new teachers in the future. I believe that by sharing my experiences and learning from others, we can foster a collaborative and supportive teaching community.”

14. Can you provide an example of a project-based learning activity you have implemented?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your experience and proficiency in implementing project-based learning, an educational approach that emphasizes student-centered and experiential learning. Your response should demonstrate your ability to engage students in complex, real-world projects that enhance their problem-solving skills, creativity, and knowledge application.

• Describe a specific project, including the subject, the project goals, and the steps students took to complete it.
• Highlight how the project aligns with curriculum standards or learning objectives.
• Discuss the outcomes of the project and how it contributed to students’ learning.
• Give a vague or generic description of a project.
• Forget to mention how you guided and supported students throughout the project.
• Overlook discussing how you assessed student learning during and after the project.

“In my previous role, I implemented a project-based learning activity for my 6th-grade science class around renewable energy. The project objective was for students to understand different forms of renewable energy and their impact on the environment, aligning with our state’s science standards. Students were grouped into teams, and each team chose a type of renewable energy to research. They were responsible for understanding how their chosen energy source worked, its benefits, drawbacks, and its potential impact on our local community. They then created a presentation, including models and diagrams, to present their findings to the class. I guided students throughout the process, providing resources, answering questions, and facilitating discussions. I assessed their learning based on their research, collaboration skills, final presentation, and their ability to answer questions from their peers. The project was a success, and students were deeply engaged. They demonstrated a thorough understanding of renewable energy and developed valuable research and presentation skills.”

15. How do you promote social-emotional learning in your classroom?

The hiring manager asks this question to assess your understanding of social-emotional learning (SEL) and how you integrate it into your classroom. This shows your ability to support students’ emotional well-being and social skills, which are crucial for their overall development and academic success.

• Discuss specific strategies or activities you use to foster SEL in your classroom.
• Highlight the importance of a positive and respectful classroom environment.
• Show your understanding of the five core competencies of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Overlook discussing how you model positive social and emotional behaviors.
• Neglect to mention how you address social-emotional learning in your lesson planning and instruction.
• Forget to talk about how you support students in developing these skills over time.

“I incorporate SEL in various ways. Firstly, I explicitly teach and discuss SEL skills through various activities. For instance, we might have a weekly class meeting where we discuss topics like empathy, managing emotions, or conflict resolution. Secondly, I integrate SEL into academic instruction. For example, when teaching literature, we discuss characters’ emotions and decisions and relate them to our own experiences. I also make an effort to model positive SEL behaviors such as active listening, empathy, and respect. Furthermore, I create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their feelings and perspectives.”

Your Next Steps to Becoming a Teacher

From being able to clearly articulate your teaching philosophy to showcasing how you handle classroom challenges, differentiate instruction, and engage parents, your responses will reflect your readiness for the role. The key is to stay focused, authentic, and put the students’ needs at the forefront of your practice. 

Remember, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but about inspiring curiosity, fostering a love for learning, and helping students develop essential life skills. By demonstrating your commitment to these principles, you can prove your potential as a valuable addition to any educational institution. 

The good news is that it’s easy to get the guidance you need on your next steps. From creating a stellar resume and preparing for your interview , take your next steps with confidence!

About the Author

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Top 10 Teacher Interview Questions And The Best Answers

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There are probably many reasons why you became a teacher. Your love of learning, wanting to make a difference in someone's life, or the flexible schedule. But I’m guessing preparing for teacher interview questions wasn't on the top of your list when you went to college!

Luckily, you don’t need to love them! But you do probably want to prepare for them so you can land a teaching job you love.

In this post, I’m going to share the top 10 questions you’re likely to hear in a teacher interview. And, I’m also going to show you how to craft interview answers like a top performer in any field so you can stand out as the teacher to hire!

Let’s start by going over some general tips on how to best prepare to answer teacher interview questions.

Tips On How To Prepare Teacher Interview Questions

What you do to prepare for a teacher interview isn’t much different from how you prepare for any type of interview . Generally, how well you do in the interview will depend on two things in particular:

• How well you’ve researched the company — in this case, the school — so you can tailor your answers
• Whether you’re able to answer each interview question in a clear, concise, and memorable way

Do Your Research

When researching, don’t just scan the school’s website. You may find some valuable information that way. But you’ll still only know the same things as your competition. And how much is that going to boost your confidence? Probably not much.

Consider digging a little deeper. How? By reaching out directly to some of the school’s current teachers. Most likely, you can find them on LinkedIn. From there, you can shoot them an email and ask questions like: What do they think is special about the school’s culture? What would be their advice to a new teacher coming in? What’s an area the school is currently looking to improve?

Why do this? Because the more you know about the school, the more relevant you can make your answers to the interview questions. And, believe me, your interviewer will love this!

Deliver Memorable Answers

Generic answers aren’t going to cut it. At least not if you’re after a competitive teaching position. So, what does work? What does a great, memorable answer to a teacher interview question look like?

Well, no matter the job, a good way to approach this is to follow the STAR method. If you’ve never heard of that, the STAR method is a popular technique for remembering how to answer interview questions, particularly problem-solving interview questions .

STAR stands for:

• S ituation: the context for your story about solving a problem
• T ask: the problem you encountered
• A ction: what steps you took toward solving the problem
• R esult: the resulting outcome

If that’s not clicking in your mind yet, don’t worry. The answers I’m about to share for the most common teacher interview questions follow this method!

10 Most Commonly Asked Teacher Interview Questions (With Answers)

1- why did you decide to become a teacher.

What inspired you to become a teacher? Is there one particular moment that was the catalyst? Use that story to demonstrate your drive and commitment to what you do. This is one of the most commonly asked teacher interview questions.

Sample Answer

“I fell in love with teaching when I was in high school. Every Saturday, I volunteered at my local library as a math tutor for underserved kids in my community. There was one kid named Daniel who was so sure that he’d never be able to understand Algebra when we met. But I knew that if I could help him see how the material could be used in daily life, he could get it. After weeks of him struggling, I’ll never forget the moment when the concepts started to click. It was like he’d unlocked something inside his mind. And once it did, his confidence grew and everything became so much easier for him. Since then I’ve pursued teaching as a career because, for me, there’s nothing quite like the moment when you help a child see that, with effort, they can learn anything.”

2- Why do you want to teach at this school?

What sets this school apart from others? And how have those unique qualities led you to apply to work there? In short, this is the classic “ Why do you want to work here ?” interview question.

“I’ve been a science nerd for as long as I can remember. So, when I saw that your school had a Junior Science Institute, I was immediately intrigued. And as Mr. Brown, one of your current chemistry teachers, shared with me, the impact of this program is significant. He told me about one student who is only 13 years old but already doing advanced level physics. That’s amazing! It’s also something I want to be a part of. On top of that, I also value your administration’s approach to supporting your teachers with professional development and career advancement opportunities. Everyone that I’ve spoken to so far has expressed how much they love working at this school!”

3- What is your teaching philosophy?

Your teaching philosophy will give the interviewer an idea of what you’re like in the classroom. What are your values and beliefs when it comes to teaching? What standards do you have for yourself and how you structure your classroom’s learning environment?

“My philosophy as a teacher stems from the idea that I have just as much to learn from my students as they do from me. But, I learned this the hard way. Early in my career, I unintentionally acted as if I was the one who determined the best way to interpret literature. I wasn’t open to discussions of how certain texts were similar to pop culture events. And anytime my student mentioned it, I dismissed it as a joke. Luckily, my students kept pressing me, and for one of their final projects, one group of students did an in-depth comparison of Romeo and Juliet and one of their favorite reality shows. I was shocked at how good it was! Since then, I’ve approached teaching with an open mind and feel no shame when my students prove me wrong.”

4- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?

There’s no need to lie when discussing your strengths or weaknesses as a teacher. With this type of question, the interviewer wants to gauge your level of self-awareness and confidence in your teaching abilities.

“Do you remember mad libs? The story game where you’re asked to fill in the blanks with adjectives, nouns, verbs, etc. Well, in a recent English lesson, I decided to use mad libs as a fun activity to test my students' understanding of the different parts of speech. Most of the kids thought the exercise and the silliness of the resulting stories were entertaining. But there were a few students who didn’t participate. They were either too shy or quiet. Undoubtedly, they didn’t get much out of this lesson. So, while I think my strength lies in finding ways to make lessons fun and engaging, I’m still learning how to make sure what I’m doing is effective for all of my students. For that reason, recently, I’ve been diving deep into research on the best way to nurture the academic development of introverted children.”

5- How do you motivate students to stay engaged in class?

As a teacher, you know there’s more to your job than sharing knowledge. You’re also responsible for keeping your students engaged and motivated throughout the learning process. What strategies do you use to accomplish those goals?

“I encourage failure. I know that sounds strange. But on the first day of class, I like to teach my students about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset. Not enough students know that most things in school don’t require any special talent. They just require consistent effort and support. So, I reward the students who take risks with trying things outside of their comfort zone like raising their hands to answer difficult questions. In doing so, I find my students are more willing to try and less worried about embarrassing themselves for getting something wrong.”

6- Tell me about your process for assessing your students’ progress.

For better or worse, part of your success is determined by how your students perform on both formal and informal assessments. How do you evaluate whether they’re progressing toward successful results?

“One of my best students last year failed the first two exams. In class, he showed a proficient understanding of the material. But each time those exams came around, he panicked. He was a nervous test taker. And while I considered it my duty to help him calm his nerves before big exams, I also knew I couldn’t evaluate him or any of my students on exam scores alone. So, in my classes, I like to use a variety of classroom assessment techniques. That way, most students get a chance to shine. It also gives me a chance to test different ways of teaching the same material and find what works best.”

7- How do you make sure parents and guardians are involved and up-to-date on their child’s education?

For this question, you’ll want to be specific about the strategies you use. Do you send email updates, make phone calls as needed, and/or schedule virtual meetings?

“In my first year of teaching, there was one parent who had no idea that his son was repeatedly failing assignments until the end of the term. I took this to be a huge mistake on my part. Since then, I’ve made sure to have at least one check-in by phone or email per term with the parents of any student who is struggling in my class. Parents usually appreciate this. And it’s made a significant impact on motivating kids to do their best on exams.”

8- Tell me about a time you had to use discipline in the classroom.

Few teachers like to discipline their students. But, as you know well, it comes with the territory. Do you have experience handling these types of situations with confidence and tact?

“In my classroom, my students always know that I don’t tolerate plagiarism of any kind. But, at the beginning of last school year, one of my students broke that rule by turning in an essay that she clearly didn’t write. I knew that this needed to be addressed right away. But also knew that she was having a hard time with the material we were learning in class. She had been visibly embarrassed by this for weeks. So, instead of making a big deal about this during class time, I met with her one-on-one after class and asked her why she plagiarized the essay. This is my approach to most classroom situations that require discipline. I don’t just want to reprimand them for what they did wrong. I want to discuss what’s causing that behavior without putting them on the spot in front of the rest of the class. With the student who plagiarized, I was able to help her see that her way of thinking about the material was good enough and worthy of her belief in herself.”

9- Tell me about a time when someone gave you feedback and how you handled it.

Throughout your time as a teacher, you’ll be challenged to grow and improve just as much as your students. Can you handle constructive criticism and use it to grow?

“During my first teaching assessment, I was a nervous wreck. I stayed up all night lesson planning and worrying about every little thing that could go wrong. But, the feedback I received from my mentor was so valuable in helping me become the teacher I am today. I took note of everything she said and devised ways to practice my weak spots in the ensuing lessons. After a few months of diligent practice, I invited my mentor back into my class for another observation. Unsurprisingly, she still had some notes. But we both acknowledged that I’d improved drastically from the last time. I now make sure I’m regularly getting feedback from other teachers and my students.”

10- What questions do you have for us?

This is one of the most predictable interview questions. Yet, it’s one that stumps many people who aren’t prepared for it. So, what’s the best way to respond to this question? Here are a few examples:

• In your opinion, what’s special about the culture at this school?
• What qualities do this school’s most successful teachers share?
• Is the school currently facing any challenges I should be aware of?
• How is the school’s relationship with the surrounding community?
• What’s something that might surprise me about being a teacher here?

Final Thoughts

Becoming a teacher isn’t easy. But you’re already so close. You’ve just got to crush those your interview! Use the tips I’ve shared here on how to best answer common teacher interview questions and knock it out of the park. And don’t forget to follow up on a successful interview with a post-interview thank you email !

Also, if you’re really looking to increase your chances of securing a job offer, consider showing how well suited you are for the job before the interview with a Value Validation Project !

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Austin Belcak

Austin is the founder of Cultivated Culture where he helps people land jobs without connections, without traditional experience, and without applying online. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, & Fast Company and has helped people just like you land jobs at Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, & more.

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50 Teacher Interview Questions and Answers for 2024

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Acing a teaching interview is more than convincing the employer you have all the necessary qualifications; you must show your passion for shaping society’s young minds. How do you successfully achieve this?

Our expert guide will help you prepare thoughtful answers for teacher interview questions and impress employers with your knowledge and dedication to teaching. 

10 Common Teacher Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Start gathering your school supplies because these 10 examples will teach you how to answer teacher interview questions with confidence and ease.  

1. Why do you want to teach?

This is the most common question to ask a teacher in an interview . However, even though it’s common, you should still give a well-thought-out answer. Consider a specific person, life event or personal interest that led you into education. Use that to display your enthusiasm for teaching while including the value you bring to the school. For example: 

“I vividly remember when my high school math teacher helped me understand a complex concept that stumped me for weeks. Witnessing that lightbulb moment in myself ignited a passion to inspire others similarly. Teaching allows me to pay forward the guidance and support I received, shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. I aim to cultivate an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where students feel valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.”

2. What is your teaching philosophy?

The school administration wants to know if your values align with theirs and if your dedication goes beyond academic knowledge. Research the school’s philosophy and emphasize your shared values — this will also help you see if the school is the right fit. Also, show them your interest in teaching life skills to help the kids grow socially and emotionally. A potential answer could be: 

“I believe learning thrives in a community where collaboration, respect, and support are paramount. I view my role as an instructor and a facilitator who nurtures an environment where students feel valued and encouraged to engage with each other’s ideas. By fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility, I aim to empower my students to become active participants in their learning journey, enriching their academic growth and sense of belonging within their broader community.”

3. How can you help our students?

This question gauges how much research you’ve done on the school and its district. No need to worry! Identify the school’s areas of improvement and discuss how your expertise and skills can help the school address the issue. This is how it should look for a school with low test scores: 

“I talked to several of your teachers and heard about the student’s low test scores. I can support our students by implementing differentiated instruction tailored to their individual learning styles and needs. Through ongoing assessment and feedback, I can identify areas of difficulty and provide targeted interventions to address gaps in understanding. By fostering a growth mindset and instilling confidence in their abilities, I aim to empower students to excel academically and achieve their full potential, ultimately contributing to an upward trend in the school’s test scores.”

4. Describe a challenge you faced while teaching. How did you address it?

A question like this is an excellent opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and a results-driven mindset. The employer wants to know if you’re able to perform under stress. Pick a situation where you had to solve a complex challenge and use the STAR method to discuss the results. Here’s how it should look: 

“In a previous teaching position, I encountered a particularly disruptive class where maintaining focus and order seemed daunting. I had to figure out how to regain control and create a conducive atmosphere for learning. I implemented proactive strategies, including establishing clear expectations, engaging activities, and positive reinforcement for desired behaviors. Over time, the class dynamic shifted positively, with students actively participating and demonstrating improved behavior, leading to a more productive and harmonious learning environment.”

5. What techniques do you use to keep students engaged and motivated?

A big part of teaching is knowing how to engage with students to maintain a strong learning environment. Everyone has a different learning method, and some students may need more help than others, so it’s essential to show you can apply an individualized approach to teaching. For example: 

“I employ various techniques tailored to individual preferences and learning styles. This includes incorporating interactive activities such as group discussions, hands-on projects, and multimedia presentations to cater to diverse interests. Additionally, I regularly provide personalized feedback and recognition, acknowledging each student’s progress and celebrating their achievements to foster a sense of pride and intrinsic motivation in their learning journey.”

6. What is your approach to disciplining students during teaching?

There always comes a time when the teacher must enforce discipline to maintain a robust learning environment for every student. The strategy will depend on the student’s age, district policies, and the school’s philosophy. Focus on your discipline approach and how correctly implementing it can positively affect the classroom. Here’s an example answer: 

“My approach to disciplining students is rooted in empathy, clear communication, and positive reinforcement. In addressing behavioral issues with understanding and compassion, taking the time to listen to students’ perspectives and concerns. By implementing consistent expectations and consequences while offering support and guidance, I aim to cultivate a respectful and cooperative classroom environment where students feel valued, accountable and empowered to make positive choices, ultimately fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning and growth.”

7. How do you incorporate parents/guardians into students’ education?

Parents are a critical part of every child’s educational success. Teachers must effectively communicate with parents to share their child’s progress and areas of improvement. Concentrate on the parent’s role and how you plan to involve them in their child’s learning experience. You might say: 

“I prioritize open communication channels with parents, regularly sharing updates on their child’s progress, achievements, and areas for improvement. Additionally, I encourage parental involvement through opportunities for participation in school activities, parent-teacher conferences, and collaborative goal-setting sessions, recognizing their invaluable role in their child’s educational journey and their engagement’s positive impact on student success.”

8. Describe how you like to implement technology in your lessons.

Technology is an excellent tool to encourage learning, and many teachers are incorporating it fully into their lesson plans. Discuss your thoughts on technology’s role in education and how you would use it to maximize learning in the classroom. Here’s an example answer: 

“I embrace technology as a powerful tool to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the digital age. I aim to integrate technology thoughtfully, selecting tools and resources that complement and enrich the curriculum while catering to diverse learning styles. Whether through interactive presentations, educational apps, or virtual simulations, I strive to leverage technology to create dynamic and engaging lessons that foster critical thinking, collaboration and creativity, ultimately preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.”

9. How would your past students, peers or administrators describe you?

This question encourages you to be introspective and think about yourself objectively. How would others describe you? Be honest, but also use it as an opportunity to highlight soft skills . For example: 

“I’ve had students describe me as approachable because of my ability to connect with them. I like cultivating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. My colleagues might define me as a strong communicator and collaborator as well. I enjoy coming up with ways to use teamwork to foster student growth and encourage bonding with other teachers.”

10. How do you evaluate your students?

The school’s administration wants to gauge if your evaluation style aligns with theirs and how diverse your assessment techniques are. Beyond that, this is an opportunity to mention an accomplishment you may have had with a student. For example, you might say: 

“I evaluate my students using various assessment techniques tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. This includes traditional methods such as quizzes, tests, essays and more dynamic approaches like project-based assessments, presentations and peer evaluations. I once had a student who consistently scored poorly on written exams but excelled in collaborative projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material when allowed to apply it in a hands-on, interactive setting. Working closely with him, I discovered he had an undiagnosed vision problem. He got corrective lenses, and his test scores matched his performance in collaborative projects.”

30 General Teacher Interview Questions

We gathered 30 more teacher interview questions to help you prepare for that all-important meeting. 

What makes you a good fit for this school?

How would you get your classroom ready for the first day of school?

What do you love most about teaching?

What are you currently learning?

How do you handle a student who is challenging to teach?

What has been your most significant teaching success?

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

Have you ever made a mistake with a student? How did you address it?

What teaching experience do you have at this grade level?

What do you think the students expect and need from their teachers?

Walk me through a lesson. 

How do you approach lesson planning?

How do you help students prepare for standardized testing?

How do you confirm your students understand the material while teaching?

Describe your classroom management structure. 

How do you communicate and implement classroom rules?

What behavior management strategies do you find most effective?

What support do you expect to receive from school administrators?

How do you approach remote teaching?

What do you think is the greatest challenge teachers face today?

How do you cope with stress?

What is your educational background?

What extracurricular activities did you enjoy while you were in school?

What are your teaching strengths and weaknesses?

What is your favorite subject to teach?

What do you dislike most about teaching?

Describe your worst teaching day. What did you learn from the experience?

How do you encourage students to express their creativity?

How do you support students with learning difficulties?

What would you do if most of your class failed an evaluation?

What Questions to Ask in an Interview for a Teacher

Asking inquisitive questions shows interest in the position and can leave a lasting impression. We suggest arriving at the interview with a couple of questions and bringing a notebook to write down any others that may arise during the interview. Here’s a list of 10 possible questions to ask the interviewer: 

1 How would you describe the school's culture?

2 what qualities do you look for in a teacher, 3 what extracurricular activities do you offer the students, 4 what are some of the school's greatest achievements, 5 what are your expectations for my first year, 6 what's the average classroom size, 7 do you have an active pta, 8 how do you handle bullying, 9 how do you measure a teacher's success, 10 is the school involved in community initiatives, teacher interview tips.

These five expert tips are just what you need to feel confident and convince the school you’re the best teacher for the job. 

Materials like lesson plans, worksheets and sample evaluations will show your expertise. 

Use any opportunity to highlight how your hard skills have helped you in past work experience .

Research the school’s needs, faculty and district. 

While the interview is about whether you’re qualified for the role, maintaining your answers about your students shows your dedication and commitment. 

Like teaching, the best way to demonstrate you’re equipped is with many examples from past teaching experiences. 

Key Takeaways

Now that you’re ready to ace that interview and start shaping young minds, let’s review the key points: 

Researching the school will help you understand what the students need and how you can help them. 

Show that you can accommodate student’s needs to facilitate learning for all.

Emphasize your shared values with the school without compromising your ideology. 

Displaying your versatility in teaching and evaluating students is critical. 

Incorporating parents into students’ learning process is essential to maximize their education opportunities. 

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Last edited by: Ami Icanberry, Content Editing Manager - July 15, 2024

Natalia Merced

Natalia holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising. Her focus on music, pop culture, and its intersections with race and gender led her to publish editorial work in Remezcla, Hasta ‘Bajo Project, La Aguja Negra, Diarios Negros and Buena Vibra.

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.

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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.

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Teacher interview questions answered: Why do you want to be a teacher?

Each of us has some values, ambitions, fears and worries . These things determine to a huge extend our career choice , though we should realize that the ambitions and fears are also determined by something–our upbringing, role models, things we experienced in our childhood. You can talk about all these things when the hiring committee inquires why you want to become a teacher , or when they ask you a similar question, for example “ What attracts you to teaching? “, or “ Why did you choose teaching as a profession? ” But what do they really want to hear from you?

First and foremost, they want to hear some enthusiasm in your voice . They want to feel that, regardless of the reasons why you opted for a teaching career, you are enthusiastic about your future, your teaching mission at their school. And they also want to hear a strong enough reason, something profound , since the strong motivation will help you get over difficult days in the classroom. And such days will undoubtedly come…

Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to the question. The list contains some standard choices, but also a couple of strange and unconventional answers . Try to pick one that resonates with your values, and clearly explain the reasons why you want to be a teacher, and teach for many years to come.

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a teacher?” interview question

• I chose teaching as a professions because I love the impact one can have on individual children , especially here at elementary level. Of course it’s a great responsibility , but at the same time I cannot imagine devoting my life to something else, especially since I love being around children –which is likely the second reason why I want to be a teacher. In my view, teaching is more a mission than a job really, especially in the uncertain times we live nowadays. I cannot wait to start working as a teacher.
• I want to become a teacher because I believe to have the right skills, abilities, and attitude to become a good teacher. And I enjoy teaching, talking to children, listening to them , trying to understand their emotional world, and be a good role model for them. At the end of the day, we should do a job in which we see some meaningful purpose . I know that I could earn twice as much working in some big corporation analyzing some data or sitting at a computer programming another mobile application, the billionth on the app store…. But I just don’t see a point in such type of work. Teaching is a completely different story.
• I just want to share my vast knowledge of history and geography with the students. I’ve been doing research in these field for years, publishing papers, going to conferences. At this stage of my professional career, however, I feel that I should hand the ball to the younger generation . It is time to share my knowledge with them, and perhaps have them better understand certain phenomenons of the modern day . History is the best teacher in this case, if you can look at it without prejudice. The proposition of helping them to see these things is highly motivating to me.
• To be honest with you, my ultimate goal is to become a school principal , or even to establish a small private elementary school. But I am still young and inexperienced , and need to learn a lot from seasoned professionals. And I cannot see a better place than your school, which has an excellent reputation and renowned leadership. That’s why I want to work as a teacher here.
• My goal to pay back a big favor attracts me to teaching as a profession . When I was young I struggled to find my place in life. I was a sort of an outsider, always attracted to strange ways, spending times with other outcasts. Had my episode with drugs, skipping school, and everything. But one teacher saved me from a path that would eventually lead me to a lie on the street. They showed huge confidence in my abilities , and they treated me as an equal. Certain things they said to me, and their trust, motivated me to change my ways completely. I became an excellent student, managed to quit drugs and  lousy lifestyle, and eventually graduated from the university. Nothing of it would have happened, however, had I not met that one teacher… Now it is my time to help other struggling youngsters find their way. Or at least try my best to do so.
• To be honest, I am very concerned about the situation in the world. The inequality of people, the widening gap between the rich and poor, the conflicts we have all around. And I do not believe that some Messiah from heaven will come and save us . We people are responsible, and education is the most powerful weapon we have in our hands–if used correctly. I want to help educate children, especially in rural areas. Help them develop the right values, the sense of self-worth, and of course an ability to think critically and question the religious and political leaders . In this way I can play my small role in helping to make the world a better place. Maybe it is just a drop in the ocean. But even the biggest ocean consists of nothing but water drops…
• Teaching is a calling I’ve been following from a young age . I am not sure if I can explain it clearly, why teaching, why not social work, or healthcare. But sometimes you just hear this voice in your head, this calling in your soul, and you know that something is the right thing to do , or the right goal to follow. That’s how I have always felt about teaching, that’s the reason why I chose my school, and ultimately the reason why I sit in this interview with you right now.

Conclusion, other tough questions for your teaching job interview

Teaching is a mission, a calling. Sometimes a pleasure, and sometimes a cross you carry on your shoulders . As long as you know why you do it, however, why you are a teacher and not a manager, engineer, or doctor, you will always get over the difficult period, or over some bad words you may hear in the classroom, or even from fellow staff members.

Ensure the hiring committee that you have your reasons, that they are deeply rooted in your heart, and you won’t quit the profession after first few months. And remember that stories are the best interview answers . Narrating a story of a teacher helping you in your young age, doing something that eventually changed the course of your life, is a great idea. If you have such story, share it with your interviewers.

And if you want to simplify your interview preparation , check out my new eBook the Teacher Interview Guide , for brilliant answers to all 40 teacher interview questions (+ more). Thank you!

Other interview questions that may interest you :

• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
• Teacher interview – Tell me about yourself .
• Where do you see yourself in five years as a teacher?
• Teacher interview – Tell us more about your teaching experience.
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20 Interview Questions that New Teachers Want to Prepare For

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• March 13, 2021
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Whether you are a brand new teacher looking to land your dream job as an educator or a veteran teacher that could be looking for a change of scenery or relocating…this is for you!  When it comes to teacher interviews oftentimes we stress out over what they could possibly ask us. We could be walking into a room of strangers so focused on how to answer their questions correctly that we sometimes forget to be ourselves.  Let’s face it…the unknown is scary!   

I am going to offer you some tips and secrets to landing that job! I was lucky enough to sit on both sides of the table.  I’ve been asked numerous questions over the years as well as the opportunity to ask questions as an administrator for incoming teachers. I am providing you with 20 Interview Questions that New Teachers Want to Prepare For! By all means, this is not an exhaustive list, nor is it the only list of questions that may come your way.   However, this is a great start to prepare for that upcoming interview!

And once you land that teaching job, come back to Education to the Core for all of your lesson planning needs. I would love for you to join us on the unlimited printables side of things by becoming a member of ETTC Premium. Unlock your unlimited access to over 16,000 resources that include teaching slides, centers, printables, digital activities, and behavior support materials.

Personal / Professional Interview Questions

Interview question 1. tell us a little bit about yourself and why you decided to become a teacher.  .

This may seem like an “easy” question, but don’t let that fool you!  Schools want to know you’re dedicated and reliable to building relationships and enriching a student’s life.  Answer honestly!

New Teachers:   Why did you decide to become a teacher?  When did you get that “call” to education?  You may also bring in some of your work during your undergrad and/or student teaching that solidified those feelings and desires of wanting to be a teacher.

Veteran Teachers: Just because you may have already been teaching for one year, five years, twenty even… you can’t escape this question!  You may still be asked why you decided to become a teacher in the first place.  Make sure to highlight that resume and/or Curriculum Vitae (CV). Similar to a new teacher, it is still appropriate to bring in some of your dreams from your earlier years.  Trust me, the interview panel will see that spark come alive when you are talking about your passion.  Add some experiences in your first few years of teaching.  Don’t be afraid to brag about some of those “lightbulb” moments and events in your early years that solidified your career choice. 

Question 2.  What is your teaching philosophy?

This is a tricky question because you really don’t want to give a generic, cliche response.  Your philosophy of education or your teaching mission statement pairs well with the prior “why you’re a teacher” question.  New Educators and Veterans, it would be helpful and beneficial to write out your statement.  Put some thought into it and practice reading it so you are prepared to discuss it for the interview.  I always have a page in my portfolio that has my statement written out.  This way I can refer to it if needed.

Question 3.  Describe your classroom management procedures.

This is another question that I can almost guarantee you will experience somewhere in your interview.  Whether new or veteran, be prepared to discuss how you handle or are planning to handle your classroom.  Bonus Points:  Tie in the district’s philosophies on classroom management and discipline!  This will show that you did your homework and came prepared knowing the district you are applying to. 

New Teachers: You’ll want to map out a plan of how you would like to run your first classroom.  Try not to get caught up in the details.  Districts/schools are not looking for a full detailed plan from start to finish.  Come prepared to talk about two or three main ideas.  For example, perhaps focus on 1) Building Positive and Appropriate Relationships, 2) Creating Rules and Expectations, and 3) Positively Reinforcing Appropriate Behaviors. 

Veteran Teachers: 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. Perhaps your school implemented specific programs like PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports).  Don’t be shy to discuss some of your favorite components of the program and how you would continue to implement those features within your new setting.

Interview Question 4.  How would you handle a disruptive or defiant student?

Yes, this is a different question than classroom management! As an administrator in an alternative school setting focusing primarily on emotional support and severe problematic behaviors, this was the focus of many interviews for me.  

Individual Behavior Incentive Printables for the Year

Question 5.  How will you encourage and include parental support for their children’s education? 

The home-school connection is imperative, yet tough to maintain.  Districts are looking for some concrete ideas here.  Consider ideas of how parents could volunteer in your classroom or how you’ll maintain regular contact.  Will you have a weekly or monthly newsletter?  Is this something that could be both digital (like a website or google classroom) as well as a paper version?  

Another focus, whether new or veteran, is to focus on providing updates on both positive and negative events.  It’s also great to share a plan for providing resources to families when students are struggling.  Districts are not looking or expecting you to be so open that you are going to provide your personal cell number or answer emails at 9 o’clock at night.  However, they are looking for you to have an idea of how you plan to include families. 

Question 6.  Why do you want to teach at this school or why would you be a good fit for this school?

Here is your chance to show off your research skills!  Once you land that initial interview google everything you can about the school.  Do they have social media?  What is the school posting and proud to display?  Do they have an active arts program or sports department?   Check out the school’s website, mission statement, and “About Us” page.

Don’t be afraid to use your network of colleagues.  Talk to teachers that are already in the district or former teachers there.  See what they love most about the district, but also things that they would change.  What is the point of all of this work?  You want to make sure that this school is a good fit for you and that you are a good fit for the school.  Let’s face it, our classrooms are our second home.  

Interview Question 7.  What three words would your peers, administrators, or students use to describe you OR your top three strengths?

Write down your top strengths!  Perhaps you are organized, empathetic, creative, caring, or have good leadership skills.  Whatever category you may identify with, be prepared to share WHY!  It might be tempting to say things that you think the district or interview team might want to hear.  Be true to yourself!

Question 8.  What are you reading right now and what areas would you select for your personal growth?

You might read books, blogs, and articles for professional development as well as just entertainment.  Your answer to this question does NOT have to be related to education.  Perhaps you are reading a sci-fi novel or a murder mystery.  

Discussing personal growth does not refer to teaching “weaknesses” or challenges.  This just provides an opportunity to expand your teaching knowledge and interests. Perhaps you are looking forward to additional training in the area of STEAM or flexible seating?  You may catch yourself reading up more on SEL or the Science of Reading.  This is your opportunity to share your interests as well as your knowledge of specific resources you use to keep up with the latest trends in education.

Content-Based Interview Questions

Question 9.  how do you use technology in the classroom.

I personally feel that in a post-COVID world, this is going to be the highlight of every interview.  Even prior to the pandemic, technology is a hot topic that is brought up in almost every interview that I have experienced.  Don’t let this question make you sweat!   It is about being open-minded, willing to learn, and having innovative thinking around technology. 

New Teachers: Education is moving towards utilizing technology in all aspects of learning.  This isn’t just using a PowerPoint presentation as it was when I started teaching (oh my goodness, I feel like I just dated myself).  A lot of schools have a STEM program or are moving towards building one, so make sure you familiarize yourself with technical aspects in your classroom and bonus points if you tie in STEM!

Veteran Teachers: Here is your chance to talk openly about how you tackled distance learning.  I feel almost all of us have experienced some type of virtual learning/hybrid teaching by now.  How did you manage remote classrooms?  Did you utilize a Google Classroom? Zoom? Google Meets?  What technology did you incorporate and use while teaching at home as well as in the classroom settings?

Digital Morning Meeting Slides

Interview Question 10.  How do you incorporate social-emotional learning in your lessons?

I feel this is another component districts may focus on after experiencing COVID. Some states have added social-emotional learning into their standards already.  The best thing about SEL is that it fits into everything that we do as teachers.  Check out CASEL’s core SEL competencies and how they fit into your education philosophy and lessons.  Describe how you will help students build their skills as well as support them in building relationships.  

Social Emotional Learning for the Year

Question 11. Do you have a homework policy?

What are your thoughts on homework?  I’ve met numerous teachers on both sides of the fence.  Some educators believe that students require homework to continue practicing the learned skill.  That’s okay.   Other educators are not supportive of homework and that’s okay too! 

No matter what your answer will be or what your feelings are about homework, it is important that you support your reasoning.  If you are going to identify a homework policy be sure to discuss how homework plays into grading and what happens if students do not complete homework.       

Question 12.  What are some methods you use to check for student understanding?

It’s one thing to share the “perfect lesson plan”, but what if students aren’t following along, it is over their heads or it is too easy and they fly right through it?  Explain how you will incorporate tools for assessment and how you will continually check for understanding.  This can include a dialogue on different types of questions, “think-pair-share” as well as the possibility of exit slips.  

Opportunities to Respond (OTRs) are truly so powerful.  Consider the use of a whiteboard for students to write their answers and hold up.  You can quickly scan the room to check for understanding.  Use of thumbs up/thumbs down for yes/no questions.  I also regularly use some movement activities (e.g., stretch up high if it is a long vowel, crouch down low if it is a short vowel).  

Interview Question 13.  How do you assess students’ progress? 

Here is the topic to bring your interview to the front of the line… Progress Monitoring!  I feel this is one area that many educators often forget.  Educators walk into the room and share how they will use both informal and formal testing to assess progress.  Pre and post-tests as well as unit tests.   We’ve heard all that, but how does it show progress? 

New Teachers: Keep in mind both formal and informal assessments!  Explain how you will utilize quizzes and exams to show students’ strengths and challenges.  Consider the use of oral reports, group projects, RUBRICS, or Exit tickets!  Another idea to truly make a stand-out interview is to consider thinking about how you want to implement an open form of communication with your students to discover what they need to succeed.

Veteran Teachers:   What types of assessments have you used in your prior settings?   Did you have students complete projects?  Were they provided opportunities for collaboration and did you observe the students working while completing a checklist on them?  How did progress monitoring come into play for you?   Make sure to touch on both the academic as well as behavioral/social side of what data and progress monitoring show.

Question 14.  How can you meet the needs of a student with an IEP?

With inclusion, you can pretty much guarantee that during your early years of teaching, you will have at least one identified student sitting in front of you.  Current teachers need to have a basic understanding of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and how to meet each child’s unique educational needs, especially those with disabilities. 

Special Education Teachers (New and Veterans) : Let’s face it, your entire coursework was designed around how to not only write an IEP but provide supports, accommodations, and unique individualized goals for students with disabilities.  A Special Educator’s interview may be more heavily focused on IEP-related questions.  I’ve been in an interview where it was more scenario-based around the IEP process (i.e., What is the family’s role in an IEP meeting?).  On the other end of the spectrum, I sat in an interview before where I was asked in detail to describe the special education process from request for a referral all the way through to IEP implementation.  My favorite question to ask during my interviews was “What do you feel is the most important piece of the IEP and why?”.  I liked this because it allowed my teachers to share their knowledge of IEPs in general, but allowed for them to create a dialogue where there really was not a right or wrong answer!

General Education Teachers (New and Veterans) :  Familiarize yourself with the process as well as the lingo in an IEP.  As a general educator, it is important to be able to talk about the importance of individual goals as well as the SDI (Specially Designed Instruction).  SDI contains the modifications and accommodations that students shall receive to have access to the general education curriculum. 

Question 15.  How will you meet the needs of the students in your class who are advanced or say they’re bored?

Personally speaking, I wouldn’t depend on just talking about how you would differentiate.  Differentiation is extremely important and it shows that you are keeping in mind the varying levels sitting in front of you.  I would pair some additional concrete ideas to go along with differentiation.  Consider, depending on grade level, offering more advanced academic exposure (poetry selections, chapter books, compare/contrasts, or alternate problem-solving methods).  Another great option to consider is bringing in some project-based learning.  Where once students finish a task in class they can work on a project.  Whatever it is, make sure that you express the importance of students being actively engaged.  

Project Based Learning Activities

Scenario-Based Interview Questions

Interview question 16.  describe a troubling student you’ve taught or experienced.  what did you do to get through to them.

An anecdote of a past student (remember to protect privacy) is usually appropriate when asked this question.  For new teachers, perhaps the team will provide a specific scenario to you.  The team is looking for how you dealt with or plan to deal with the student.  Focus on your strengths and don’t get caught up in the “complaining” of the behavior.   I would suggest providing a general overview of the measurable and observable behaviors.  THEN focus on how you dealt with the student’s behavior.  Did you create your own resources?  Work in a team approach?  How did you monitor the behavior as well as your strategies?  

Question 17. Describe a lesson that did not go well and how did you learn from it or alter it for next time?

Let’s face it…we ALL have had lessons that did not go well in our careers.  We will continue to have lessons not go as planned in our careers.  This isn’t the time to be shy or possibly feel ashamed to talk about a moment in our educator career that did not go well.  Trust me every single person sitting in that room had those moments and experiences!  You are NOT alone! 

This is your opportunity to show your growth and how you were able to reflect to make the experience more effective.  You can be as specific as you wish when sharing your example.  How did you know it was not going well?  Did you alter your expectations during the lesson?   Scrap it all together or reflect on it afterward and alter it for next time?   Were your students able to offer feedback?

Question 18.  How do you keep your students engaged and motivated?

How do you keep your students engaged and motivated? You often hear the phrase ‘a teacher has many hats’.  We are not only educators, but nurses, families, magicians, and ENTERTAINERS to name just a few! We battle with social media, Fortnite, video games, and other instant entertainment sources for children.  How can you possibly keep your students engaged?!?

New Teachers: Prior to walking into the interview room, take the time to picture your classroom.  How is it set up?  What will be on the walls?  How will students interact with their space?    All of these questions can be incorporated into engagement and motivation because it starts with the environment.  Consider sharing ideas for centers and how students will collaborate with each other.  The power of choice speaks volumes for me!  Providing choice at times for students allows them to take ownership of their learning and feel more motivated in their choices.

Veteran Teachers: Share specific incentive ideas and lessons you’ve completed in the past.  You can share how you build relationships and build upon student interest. I am a HUGE supporter of student centers in my classroom during both reading and math activities.  This provides movement, team building, and sometimes choice throughout their day.  Don’t be afraid to brag about an example of a great engaging and motivating activity or lesson you conducted in the past!

Hands-On No Prep Centers

Interview Question 19.  Don’t let an odd “out of the box” question throw off your game!

One of my favorite questions to ask in an interview was “There is a line, a circle, and a square. Which one describes you as an educator and why?”.  

I have a colleague who’s ‘go to’ odd question is “What are your views on garden gnomes?”  

These questions aren’t meant to trick you. Sometimes they are to lighten the mood in the room, and allow you to laugh and relax.  Honestly, sometimes you hear pretty creative and memorable responses! 

Here’s the ultimate teacher interview question:

Question 20 ~ what questions do you have for us.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not answer with a simple no.  This will generally be the final question and your last opportunity to leave a good and lasting impression.  I would suggest jotting down some ideas that you may want to inquire about prior to walking through the door.  Consider checking out the district or school’s website for some inspiration.  Read over the districts’ goals as well as some of their plans or policies.  Don’t be afraid to refer to them specifically when asking your question(s). 

New teachers, did you feel this list was what you expected?  Any questions you expected to see on this list that weren’t there? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!   Veteran teachers, how did this list compare to your prior interviews? Do you feel anything is missing from this list?  Let us know in the comments!   

I truly hope this list of questions helps you prepare for your upcoming interview!  The number one thing you can do is to be yourself…the content will follow.  Most importantly, I want to hear the words: “I got the job”!

Written by: Christopher Olson

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15 Elementary School Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various elementary school teacher interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Elementary School Teacher Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching, what do you think are the most important qualities for a successful teacher, what do you think are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher, what do you think are the best things about teaching, what do you think are the most important things for teachers to keep in mind when working with elementary school students, what do you think are the most important things for teachers to keep in mind when working with parents, what do you think are the best ways to motivate elementary school students, what do you think are the best ways to manage elementary school classrooms, what do you think are the best ways to assess elementary school students' progress, what do you think are the best ways to differentiate instruction for elementary school students, what do you think are the best ways to use technology in the classroom with elementary school students, what do you think are the best ways to integrate arts into the curriculum for elementary school students, what do you think are the best ways to promote social and emotional learning for elementary school students, what do you think are the best ways to support english language learners in the classroom, what do you think are the best ways to encourage positive behavior in elementary school students.

An interviewer might ask "What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?" to an elementary school teacher in order to gain insight into what motivates the teacher. It is important to know what inspires a teacher because it can impact how the teacher approaches his or her work, how committed the teacher is to the profession, and how likely the teacher is to stay in the profession.

Example: “ I have always loved working with children and helping them learn and grow. When I was younger, I used to babysit and tutor my younger cousins and I always enjoyed it. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching so that I could make a difference in the lives of children and help them reach their full potential. ”

One of the most important qualities for a successful teacher is the ability to develop relationships with their students. It is important for teachers to be able to build trust and rapport with their students in order to create an effective learning environment. Another important quality for a successful teacher is the ability to differentiate instruction. This means being able to adjust your teaching methods and materials to meet the needs of all learners in your classroom.

Example: “ The most important qualities for a successful teacher are: 1. The ability to develop positive relationships with students: A good teacher is someone who is able to build positive relationships with their students. This is important because it helps create a positive learning environment and makes students more likely to be engaged in the material. 2. The ability to engage students in learning: A good teacher is someone who is able to engage their students in the material. This means making the material interesting and relevant to students so that they are motivated to learn. 3. The ability to differentiate instruction: A good teacher is someone who is able to differentiate instruction based on the needs of their students. This means providing different levels of support and challenge based on what each student is able to do. 4. The ability to manage a classroom: A good teacher is someone who is able to manage their classroom effectively. This includes being able to keep students on task, dealing with behavioral issues, and creating a positive learning environment. ”

There are many potential challenges that an elementary school teacher may face. Some of these challenges could include: working with a diverse group of students, having students with different learning abilities in the same classroom, managing a large class size, dealing with behavioral issues, and preparing students for standardized tests.

It is important for the interviewer to ask this question in order to get a better understanding of how the candidate views their role as a teacher. This question can also give the interviewer some insight into the challenges that the candidate is currently facing in their teaching career.

Example: “ There are many challenges that teachers face every day, but some of the most common ones include: 1. Classroom management: Keeping a class of students engaged and on task can be a challenge, especially if there are behavioral issues. 2. Planning: Creating engaging and effective lesson plans takes time and effort. 3. Assessing student learning: In order to properly assess student learning, teachers need to have a clear understanding of the material and the objectives they are trying to teach. 4. Time management: With so many things to do in a day, it can be difficult for teachers to find the time to do everything they need to do. 5. Professional development: Keeping up with the latest trends in education and continuing to develop professionally can be a challenge, especially for teachers who already have busy schedules. ”

The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's level of satisfaction with their current job. It is important to know if the candidate is happy with their current position because it can be a good indicator of how long they will stay in the job. If the candidate is not satisfied with their current job, they may be more likely to leave after a short period of time.

Example: “ There are many great things about teaching, but some of the best things include being able to help students learn and grow, watching students succeed, and knowing that you have made a difference in someone's life. Teaching is a challenging and rewarding career that can make a real difference in the lives of those who choose to pursue it. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an elementary school teacher. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the teacher's understanding of best practices for working with elementary school students. Second, it gives the interviewer insight into the teacher's priorities when it comes to teaching. Finally, it can help the interviewer determine if the teacher is a good fit for the elementary school teaching position.

Example: “ The most important thing for teachers to keep in mind when working with elementary school students is to create a positive and supportive learning environment. This means being patient, flexible, and understanding of each individual student's needs. It is also important to be clear and concise when communicating expectations, and to provide frequent opportunities for practice and feedback. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an elementary school teacher. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the teacher's thoughts on working with parents. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is willing to listen to the teacher's ideas and suggestions. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the teacher's level of experience and expertise in working with parents. This is important because it allows the interviewer to determine whether or not the teacher is qualified to work with parents. Finally, it gives the interviewer a chance to ask the teacher for specific examples of how he or she has worked successfully with parents in the past. This is important because it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the teacher's methods and approach to working with parents.

Example: “ There are a few things that teachers should keep in mind when working with parents: 1. First and foremost, it is important to build a good rapport with the parents. This can be done by communicating regularly and keeping them updated on their child's progress. 2. It is also important to be understanding and accommodating of the parents' schedules and commitments. Parents are often busy, so it is important to be flexible when possible. 3. Finally, it is important to remember that parents are the child's first educators. They play a vital role in their child's education, so it is important to work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcome for the child. ”

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the interviewee's teaching style and methods. It is important to know how an elementary school teacher motivates their students because it can be a predictor of student success. If a teacher uses techniques that are not effective in motivating students, it is likely that those students will not perform as well as they could.

Example: “ There are many ways to motivate elementary school students. Some of the best ways include providing positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and offering rewards for good behavior. ”

An interviewer would ask "What do you think are the best ways to manage elementary school classrooms?" to a/an Elementary School Teacher in order to gain insight into their management style and to see if their methods are aligned with the school's philosophy. It is important for the interviewer to understand the teacher's management style because it will impact the way they interact with students and run their classroom. A well-run classroom is essential for creating a positive learning environment.

Example: “ There are many different ways to manage an elementary school classroom, and what works best will vary depending on the individual teacher’s style and the needs of their students. However, there are some general strategies that can be effective in managing an elementary school classroom. One important strategy is to establish clear rules and expectations from the beginning of the school year, and to consistently enforce them throughout the year. This will help to create a well-ordered and disciplined classroom environment. Another important strategy is to develop positive relationships with students, and to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment. This will help to engage students in learning, and will make them more likely to behave well in class. Other strategies that can be helpful in managing an elementary school classroom include using class meetings to discuss problems and brainstorm solutions; using positive reinforcement such as rewards and praise; and providing opportunities for student choice and input. Ultimately, the best way to manage an elementary school classroom will vary depending on the needs of the teacher and the students. ”

It is important to assess elementary school students' progress in order to determine whether they are meeting grade-level expectations and to identify areas where they may need additional support. There are a variety of ways to assess student progress, including formative and summative assessments, which can provide information about what students know and are able to do at a given point in time.

Example: “ There are a number of ways to assess elementary school students' progress. Some of the most common methods include standardized tests, district-wide assessments, teacher-created assessments, and student portfolios. Standardized tests are often used to measure students' progress in reading and math. These tests are typically given at the end of the school year and provide data that can be used to compare students across grade levels and schools. District-wide assessments are another way to measure student progress. These assessments are usually given to all students in a particular grade level or subject area, and they can be used to compare student achievement across schools. Teacher-created assessments are another option for assessing student progress. These assessments are usually specific to a particular unit or lesson, and they can be used to gauge student understanding of the material. Student portfolios are also a useful tool for assessing student progress. Portfolios can include a variety of student work, such as essays, projects, and classwork assignments. They provide a snapshot of student achievement over time and can be used to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. ”

An interviewer would ask "What do you think are the best ways to differentiate instruction for elementary school students?" to an Elementary School Teacher in order to gain insight into the Teacher's methods and understanding of how to best meet the needs of all students. Differentiation is an important instructional technique that can help all students learn more effectively by providing them with customized content, activities, and assessments that are matched to their unique abilities and interests. When done well, differentiation can help close achievement gaps and ensure that all students have an opportunity to reach their full potential.

Example: “ There are a number of ways to differentiate instruction for elementary school students. Some of the most effective ways include using flexible grouping, providing tiered assignments, and using learning centers. Flexible grouping is an instructional strategy that involves grouping students together based on their abilities. This allows students to be grouped with others who are working at the same level, which makes it easier for the teacher to provide targeted instruction. Tiered assignments are another way to differentiate instruction. This involves creating different levels of assignments, with each level being more challenging than the last. This allows students to work at their own level and progress at their own pace. Learning centers are another effective way to differentiate instruction. This involves setting up stations around the classroom where students can work on different activities. This allows students to choose what they want to work on and also allows them to move around the room, which can help keep them engaged. ”

There are many ways that technology can be used in the classroom with elementary school students. Some of the best ways to use technology in the classroom include using it to supplement instruction, using it for assessment, and using it to engage students in learning.

Using technology to supplement instruction can be beneficial because it can provide another way for students to learn the material. For example, if a student is struggling to understand a concept, the teacher can use a computer program or an app to help the student learn the concept in a different way.

Using technology for assessment can be beneficial because it can help the teacher track student progress and identify areas where the students need more help. For example, if a student is struggling with a certain skill, the teacher can use an online assessment to see how the student is progressing and identify areas where the student needs more practice.

Using technology to engage students in learning can be beneficial because it can make the learning process more fun and exciting for students. For example, if a teacher is teaching a lesson on fractions, they can use a computer program or an app to help the students visualize the concept and make it more fun and engaging.

Example: “ There are many ways to use technology in the classroom with elementary school students, but some of the best ways include using it to supplement and support instruction, using it to engage and motivate students, and using it to assess student learning. Technology can be used to supplement and support instruction by providing additional resources and information for students, by offering alternative ways of presenting information, and by providing opportunities for practice and reinforcement. Technology can be used to engage and motivate students by providing them with new and exciting ways to learn, by offering them opportunities to be creative and expressive, and by giving them a chance to interact with their peers in new and different ways. Technology can also be used to assess student learning by providing opportunities for formative assessment, by allowing students to track their own progress, and by giving teachers real-time data on student understanding. ”

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the interviewee's teaching methods and to see if they are aligned with the school's curriculum. It is important for the interviewer to know how the interviewee plans on integrating arts into their lessons, and if they have a solid understanding of how important the arts are for elementary school students.

Example: “ There are many ways to integrate arts into the curriculum for elementary school students. One way is to use the arts to teach other subjects. For example, you can use music to teach math concepts, or use drama to teach language arts concepts. Another way is to have dedicated arts classes, where students learn about different art forms and practice creating their own art. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to an elementary school teacher. First, social and emotional learning is an important part of a child's development. It can help them in their academic performance, as well as in their personal relationships. Second, the question allows the interviewer to gauge the teacher's knowledge of the subject. Finally, the question gives the teacher an opportunity to share their own personal experiences and ideas on the topic.

Example: “ There are many ways to promote social and emotional learning for elementary school students. Some of the best ways include providing opportunities for students to interact with each other, encouraging them to express their feelings, and teaching them how to resolve conflicts. ”

There are many reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to an elementary school teacher. It is important to know the best ways to support English language learners in the classroom because they make up a large portion of the student population in many elementary schools. Many English language learners are not native speakers of the language and may have difficulty understanding and using the language in the classroom. It is important for teachers to be able to provide support and resources to these students so that they can be successful in the classroom. There are a variety of ways to support English language learners in the classroom, and the interviewer wants to know what the teacher thinks are the best ways to do this.

Example: “ There are a number of ways to support English language learners in the classroom. Some of the most effective include: - Providing explicit instruction in English grammar and vocabulary - Encouraging students to read extensively in English - Using a variety of instructional materials and resources, including technology - Creating opportunities for students to practice speaking and writing in English - Promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an elementary school teacher. One reason is to gauge the teacher's understanding of child development and behavior. It is important for teachers to be able to encourage positive behavior in their students because it can lead to better academic performance and social-emotional development. Additionally, teachers who can effectively encourage positive behavior in their students are more likely to create a positive classroom climate, which can also lead to better academic performance and social-emotional development.

Example: “ There are a number of ways to encourage positive behavior in elementary school students. Some of the most effective include: 1. Providing clear and consistent expectations for behavior. When students know what is expected of them, they are more likely to meet those expectations. 2. Reinforcing desired behaviors through positive reinforcement. This can include verbal praise, stickers, or other rewards. 3. Modelling desired behaviors yourself. If you want your students to be respectful, be respectful yourself. If you want them to be cooperative, be cooperative yourself. 4. Addressing misbehavior promptly and consistently. This lets students know that misbehavior is not tolerated and will not be ignored. 5. Building positive relationships with students. When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to behave in positive ways. ”

Related Interview Questions

• Elementary School Principal
• Elementary Music Teacher
• High School Biology Teacher
• High School English Teacher
• High School History Teacher
• High School Math Teacher

20 Interview Questions Every Inclusion Teacher Should Be Prepared For

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

Congratulations on your upcoming interview for an inclusion teacher position! You’re likely feeling excited and nervous, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll cover the types of questions you might be asked in an inclusion teacher job interview. We’ll also offer advice on how to answer them and provide some example answers. So read on and get ready to ace that interview!

• What strategies do you use to create an inclusive learning environment for all students?
• How do you ensure that the curriculum is accessible and relevant to all learners, regardless of their background or ability level?
• Describe your experience working with students who have special needs or disabilities.
• Explain how you would handle a situation in which two students from different backgrounds are having difficulty getting along.
• What techniques do you use to foster collaboration between students from diverse backgrounds?
• How do you assess student progress when teaching an inclusion class?
• Are you familiar with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles?
• How do you incorporate technology into your lessons to make them more engaging and accessible?
• What strategies do you use to help students develop self-advocacy skills?
• How do you ensure that all students feel safe and respected in the classroom?
• How do you involve parents and guardians in the education process?
• Do you have any experience teaching English as a second language?
• How do you address cultural biases in the classroom?
• What methods do you use to encourage positive behavior among students?
• How do you support students who may be struggling academically or socially?
• What steps do you take to ensure that all students understand the material being taught?
• How do you differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of each student?
• What strategies do you use to build relationships with students and families?
• How do you collaborate with other teachers and staff members to provide the best possible educational experience for all students?
• Describe a lesson plan you have created that incorporates diversity and inclusion.

1. What strategies do you use to create an inclusive learning environment for all students?

An inclusion teacher needs to be able to create an environment in which all students feel accepted and respected. The interviewer wants to know what strategies you use to ensure that every student is included in classroom activities and discussions, and that they feel comfortable participating in them. They also want to know how you handle any instances of bullying, harassment, or other forms of exclusion that may arise in the classroom.

How to Answer:

When answering this question, you should focus on the strategies you use to foster an inclusive learning environment. Talk about how you create a safe space for students to express themselves and engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers. Explain how you work with students who may have difficulty participating in activities or conversations due to language barriers, physical disabilities, or other factors. Finally, discuss how you address instances of bullying or harassment, and how you ensure that all students feel welcome and respected in your classroom.

Example: “I strive to create an inclusive learning environment for all students by focusing on open communication and respect. I ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in classroom activities and discussions, regardless of their background or abilities. To do this, I use a variety of strategies such as providing visual aids and alternate methods of communication, allowing students to work together in small groups, and encouraging them to share their perspectives and ideas. Additionally, I take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment, and make sure to address any instances quickly and effectively. By creating a safe and welcoming space, I foster an environment where all students can learn and grow.”

2. How do you ensure that the curriculum is accessible and relevant to all learners, regardless of their background or ability level?

Inclusion teachers are expected to create an environment in which all students feel comfortable and welcome to learn. This question is a way to gauge a candidate’s understanding of the importance of creating a curriculum that is accessible to all students. It also helps the interviewer understand how the candidate plans to create an inclusive classroom environment.

The best way to answer this question is to provide specific examples of how you have designed a curriculum that was accessible and relevant to all learners. This could include providing different learning modalities, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities; designing lessons with multiple entry points; or integrating technology into the classroom in order to make content more engaging for students. Additionally, it’s important to emphasize your ability to create an inclusive environment by emphasizing respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Example: “My experience as an inclusion teacher has taught me the importance of creating an equitable learning environment for all students. I believe that every student should have access to a meaningful educational experience, regardless of their background or ability level. To ensure this, I strive to make my lessons accessible and relevant to all learners by utilizing visual aids and hands-on activities whenever possible. Additionally, I am constantly researching new strategies and adapting my teaching style to fit each individual student’s needs. In short, I am committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for all students to learn and grow.”

3. Describe your experience working with students who have special needs or disabilities.

Inclusion teachers work with a variety of students, including those with special needs or disabilities. Thus, it is important for interviewers to get a sense of your level of experience and comfort when working with students who may have different needs. By asking this question, the interviewer is looking to understand how well you can adapt to different situations and how you can best support students who have special needs.

To answer this question, you should focus on your experience working with students who have special needs or disabilities. Describe the types of students you have worked with, the strategies you have used to support them, and any successes you have had in helping them reach their goals. You can also talk about any additional training you have received that has helped you better understand how to work with these students. Above all, emphasize your commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students.

Example: “I have worked with a variety of students who have special needs or disabilities, including those with autism, learning disabilities, physical impairments, and emotional disturbances. I am knowledgeable about various therapeutic strategies to help these students meet their goals and reach their fullest potential. Through my experience, I have developed the ability to be flexible and creative when working with different types of students. Additionally, I have taken courses in behavior management and positive reinforcement techniques to further my understanding of how to best support special needs students. My goal is always to create an inclusive environment where all students feel safe and supported.”

4. Explain how you would handle a situation in which two students from different backgrounds are having difficulty getting along.

Inclusion teachers work with students from a variety of backgrounds and are expected to create and maintain an environment that is safe and respectful for all students. This means being able to recognize and address any potential issues that could arise between students, especially those from different backgrounds. The interviewer is likely looking for an example of how you have handled a similar situation in the past and how you would handle a similar situation in the future.

Start by describing how you would approach the situation. Explain that your first step would be to speak with each student individually and get an understanding of their perspective. Next, explain that you would bring both students together in a neutral environment and facilitate a conversation between them to help them understand each other’s point of view. Finally, discuss any strategies or techniques you have used in the past to encourage positive interactions between students from different backgrounds and how you would apply those same strategies in this situation.

Example: “I believe that the best way to handle this situation is to first talk to each student individually and understand their perspective. Once I have a better understanding of each student’s point of view, I would bring both students together in a neutral environment and facilitate a conversation between them to help them understand each other’s position. In my experience, having students from different backgrounds interact with one another can be beneficial as it allows them to gain empathy for one another’s perspectives and develop an appreciation for cultural diversity. To ensure positive interactions between students, I have used various strategies such as role-playing activities and group projects. These activities provide the opportunity for students to work together while learning about each other’s cultures and experiences.”

5. What techniques do you use to foster collaboration between students from diverse backgrounds?

An inclusion teacher is responsible for helping to create a positive, welcoming learning environment for all students. This means creating an atmosphere where students from different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences can come together to learn and thrive. It’s important to demonstrate that you can create an environment of mutual respect and understanding that encourages collaboration.

To answer this question, you should focus on the strategies and techniques you have used in the past to promote collaboration between students from diverse backgrounds. You can talk about how you create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging open dialogue, setting ground rules for respectful communication, and providing opportunities for students to learn from each other’s experiences. Additionally, emphasize any experience you have had leading activities or projects that require collaboration among different groups of students.

Example: “In my previous role as an inclusion teacher, I was able to foster collaboration between students from diverse backgrounds by creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. To do this, I set ground rules for respectful communication and provided opportunities for students to learn from each other’s experiences. I also implemented activities and projects that required collaboration among different groups of students. For example, I led a unit on global cultures where students worked together in small groups to research a specific culture and present their findings to the class. This activity not only encouraged collaboration but also helped build cultural understanding and appreciation.”

6. How do you assess student progress when teaching an inclusion class?

Teaching an inclusion class is a unique challenge, as it involves working with students who have a variety of needs, abilities, and learning styles. To ensure that all of your students are receiving the most benefit from your instruction, you need to be able to assess their progress and tailor your teaching methods to meet their individual needs. This question is designed to gauge your ability to do this.

You should be prepared to discuss your approach to assessing student progress. Explain that you use a variety of tools and techniques, such as standardized tests, one-on-one assessments, observations, surveys, interviews, and feedback from other teachers or administrators. Additionally, explain how you use the data collected to inform your teaching methods and adjust your instruction accordingly. Finally, emphasize your commitment to helping all students reach their fullest potential by providing individualized support and accommodations when needed.

Example: “When teaching an inclusion class, I assess student progress through a variety of means. I use standardized tests to measure overall academic achievement and track growth over time. Additionally, I conduct one-on-one assessments with each student to determine their individual strengths and weaknesses. I also observe students in the classroom and interview them to gain insight into what works for them. Finally, I solicit feedback from other teachers or administrators who have worked with the student. This helps me understand how best to support each student and adjust my instruction accordingly. My goal is to ensure that all students reach their fullest potential by providing individualized support and accommodations when needed.”

7. Are you familiar with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles?

This is a great question for any teacher in the field of inclusion, as UDL principles are essential to creating a classroom that is accessible and equitable for all students. It is important that the candidate is familiar with UDL principles and can explain how they have used them in their teaching. This will show the interviewer that the candidate is knowledgeable and experienced in their field, and that they have the skills necessary to help create a successful inclusive learning environment.

Be prepared to explain how you have used UDL principles in your teaching. Talk about the strategies you use to create a learning environment that is accessible and equitable for all students, such as providing multiple means of representation and expression, creating flexible learning environments, and using technology to provide personalized learning experiences. You should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the research behind UDL and why it is important for inclusion classrooms.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. In my current role as an inclusion teacher, I use UDL to create a learning environment that is accessible and equitable for all students. I provide multiple means of representation and expression in order to accommodate different learners, create flexible learning environments that allow students to work at their own pace, and use technology to personalize instruction. Additionally, I understand the research behind UDL and why it is important for creating successful inclusion classrooms.”

8. How do you incorporate technology into your lessons to make them more engaging and accessible?

Technology can be a powerful tool for helping students with special needs access lessons and materials. By asking this question, interviewers want to know that you understand how to use technology to create an inclusive learning environment. They want to know that you can create engaging lessons that all students can access, regardless of their ability or background.

To answer this question, you should focus on the ways that you have used technology to create accessible and engaging lessons in the past. Talk about any specific programs or apps that you have used to make materials more accessible for students with special needs. You can also talk about how you have incorporated technology into your lesson plans to make them more interactive and engaging for all learners. Finally, emphasize the importance of being able to adjust and modify lessons as needed to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Example: “I believe that technology can be a powerful tool for creating an inclusive learning environment. I have used a variety of online tools, such as text-to-speech programs, voice recognition software, and online quizzes, to make lessons more accessible for students with special needs. I also incorporate interactive activities such as online scavenger hunts and virtual field trips to make lessons more engaging for all students. I understand the importance of being able to adjust and modify lessons as needed, and I am always looking for new ways to use technology to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.”

9. What strategies do you use to help students develop self-advocacy skills?

Self-advocacy is an important skill for students of all ages and abilities. It’s especially important in an inclusion classroom, where students may have different abilities and backgrounds that require special attention and support. This question is designed to gauge your knowledge of the strategies and techniques for helping students become more self-reliant and advocate for their own needs.

To answer this question, you should focus on the strategies and techniques that you have used in your teaching career. You can talk about how you encourage students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and then develop an action plan for addressing them. You could also discuss how you help students practice communication skills such as assertiveness and negotiation. Additionally, you may want to mention specific activities or lessons that you have implemented to help students become more self-aware and confident in advocating for themselves.

Example: “In my teaching career, I’ve developed a range of strategies to help students develop self-advocacy skills. For example, I use a variety of activities and lessons to help students understand their strengths and weaknesses and how to effectively communicate their needs. I also encourage students to practice assertiveness and negotiation in their interactions with others. I also emphasize the importance of setting goals and creating an action plan for achieving them. Overall, I strive to create an environment where students feel empowered to speak up for themselves and advocate for their needs.”

10. How do you ensure that all students feel safe and respected in the classroom?

This question is important because as an inclusion teacher, your job is to create an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and safe for all students regardless of their background or abilities. Your answer should demonstrate an understanding of the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment and how to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued. This could include things like developing classroom rules and expectations that are clear and positive, providing equitable access to opportunities, and actively listening to students’ concerns and addressing them in a timely manner.

Start by discussing the importance of creating a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Explain how you would go about setting up classroom rules, expectations, and procedures that are clear and positive. You could also mention any strategies or activities you use to promote respect and acceptance in your classroom, such as having discussions about diversity or hosting events that celebrate different cultures. Additionally, discuss how you actively listen to student concerns and address them in a timely manner. Finally, emphasize your commitment to providing equitable access to opportunities for all students.

Example: “Creating a safe and respectful learning environment is an essential part of my job as an inclusion teacher. To ensure that all students feel safe and respected, I start by setting up clear expectations and procedures that are positive and encouraging. I also host activities and discussions to promote understanding and acceptance of different cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, I make sure to actively listen to student concerns and address them in a timely manner. Finally, I strive to provide equitable access to opportunities for all students. My goal is to create a classroom where every student feels welcome and respected.”

11. How do you involve parents and guardians in the education process?

Parental involvement is an integral part of a successful education process, especially when it comes to inclusion teaching. Parents and guardians have a unique insight into their child’s individual needs and circumstances, and it’s important for an inclusion teacher to be able to work with them in order to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. By asking this question, the interviewer is looking for evidence that you know how to effectively communicate with parents and guardians and involve them in the education process.

To answer this question, you should talk about your experience working with parents and guardians in the past. Talk about how you’ve established open lines of communication with them to ensure that their child is getting the best possible education. Also, discuss any strategies or methods you use to involve parents and guardians in the educational process, such as setting up regular meetings, sending out progress reports, or providing resources for them to help their child succeed. Lastly, emphasize your commitment to keeping parents and guardians informed and involved in the education process.

Example: “I believe that parental involvement is essential for a successful educational process, so I always strive to involve parents and guardians in the process as much as possible. I make sure to establish open lines of communication with the parents and guardians of my students, and I make sure to keep them informed about their child’s progress. I also hold regular meetings to discuss the student’s progress and goals. Additionally, I provide resources and tools that they can use to help their child succeed. Above all, I strive to create a positive and supportive environment for all of my students, and I understand that involving the parents and guardians is key to achieving this.”

12. Do you have any experience teaching English as a second language?

Inclusion teachers often work with students who are learning English as a second language, and the ability to teach in multiple languages is a valuable skill. The interviewer wants to know that you have the experience and skills necessary to work with students who may not speak English as their first language. They also want to make sure that you are comfortable and confident teaching in a diverse classroom.

If you have experience teaching English as a second language, be sure to highlight that in your answer. Talk about the methods and techniques you used to help students learn English, as well as any successes you had in helping them gain fluency. If you don’t have experience teaching ESL, talk about how you would approach it if given the opportunity. Show that you are open to learning new methods and techniques, and emphasize your commitment to helping all students succeed regardless of their background.

Example: “I have extensive experience teaching English as a second language. I have been teaching ESL for the past five years and have worked with students of all ages and backgrounds. I believe in using a combination of traditional teaching methods and modern technology to help students learn. I also believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment in the classroom, where students of all backgrounds feel comfortable and respected. My goal is always to help my students gain a better understanding of the English language and to become confident speakers and writers.”

13. How do you address cultural biases in the classroom?

Inclusion teachers are responsible for creating and maintaining an inclusive learning environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities. They need to be able to recognize and address any potential biases that may exist in the classroom, whether they are conscious or unconscious. This question will help the interviewer determine how well you understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and how well you can create an environment that is equitable for all students.

Start your answer by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing any biases that may exist in the classroom. Explain how you use teaching strategies to create an inclusive learning environment, such as using a variety of activities and materials, providing multiple perspectives on topics, and fostering open dialogue about different cultures and backgrounds. Describe any initiatives or programs you have implemented in the past to promote diversity and inclusion, and explain how they have been successful. Finally, mention any trainings or workshops you have attended related to cultural awareness and understanding.

Example: “I believe that it is important to recognize and address any biases that may exist in the classroom. I use teaching strategies to create an inclusive learning environment, such as providing multiple perspectives on topics, using a variety of activities and materials, and fostering open dialogue about different cultures and backgrounds. I have also implemented initiatives or programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom, such as creating a student-led cultural club and hosting workshops on cultural awareness. I have also attended trainings and workshops related to cultural understanding and equity in the classroom. All of these strategies have been successful in creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.”

14. What methods do you use to encourage positive behavior among students?

Inclusion teachers are responsible for creating an environment in which all students feel accepted, welcomed, and safe. It’s essential that you have an understanding of the various strategies that can be used to encourage positive behavior and foster an inclusive atmosphere. This question is meant to assess your knowledge of the different methods you can use to encourage positive behavior, as well as your ability to apply them in the classroom.

To answer this question, you should focus on the strategies that you have used in the past to promote positive behavior among students. Talk about how you use rewards systems and positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. You can also talk about how you create a safe space for all students by setting clear expectations and boundaries, as well as providing opportunities for open dialogue and discussion. Finally, emphasize your commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Example: “I use a variety of methods to encourage positive behavior among my students. I believe in the power of positive reinforcement, so I always make sure to recognize and reward good behavior. I also create a safe and welcoming space by setting clear expectations and boundaries. I also strive to create an inclusive environment where all students feel respected and valued. I do this by encouraging open dialogue and discussion, and by providing students with the opportunity to explore their own identities, cultures, and beliefs.”

15. How do you support students who may be struggling academically or socially?

Inclusion teachers are responsible for helping students excel in their academic and social lives. They must be able to create a classroom environment that is welcoming, supportive, and conducive to learning for all students. This question helps the interviewer understand your approach to helping students who may be struggling with either academics or social interactions.

You should be prepared to discuss your approach to helping students who may be struggling academically or socially. Explain how you create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, and how you work with students individually to identify their needs and tailor instruction accordingly. Additionally, discuss any strategies you have used in the past to help students succeed. For example, you can talk about how you provide extra support, such as additional tutoring sessions or one-on-one mentorship opportunities. Finally, emphasize your ability to collaborate with other teachers and staff members to ensure that each student is receiving the best possible education.

Example: “I believe that creating a safe and supportive learning environment is key to helping all students succeed. I strive to create an inclusive classroom where everyone can feel comfortable and accepted. I also work with students individually to identify their needs and tailor instruction accordingly. Additionally, I provide extra support, such as additional tutoring sessions or one-on-one mentorship opportunities. I also collaborate with other teachers and staff members to ensure that each student is receiving the best possible education.”

16. What steps do you take to ensure that all students understand the material being taught?

Inclusion teachers are charged with the task of making sure that all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, are learning and understanding the material. This question helps the interviewer understand if you have the skills to be able to teach to a variety of learning styles and abilities. They want to know if you will be able to tailor your teaching to fit the needs of each student, while also challenging them to reach their best potential.

To answer this question, you should focus on how you tailor your teaching to fit the needs of each student. Talk about strategies that you use to ensure all students understand the material, such as breaking down complex topics into smaller chunks and using visual aids or hands-on activities. You can also discuss how you assess a student’s understanding of the material and adjust your approach accordingly. Finally, talk about how you collaborate with other teachers or specialists to ensure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Example: “I believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn and understand the material, no matter their abilities or disabilities. I understand that each student learns differently, so I make sure to tailor my teaching to fit their needs. To do this, I break down complex topics into smaller chunks and use visual aids and hands-on activities to help them better understand the material. I also assess a student’s understanding of the material and adjust my approach accordingly. Additionally, I collaborate with other teachers and specialists to make sure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

17. How do you differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of each student?

Inclusion teachers are responsible for ensuring that each student in the classroom receives an education that meets their individual needs. The interviewer wants to understand how you will develop and execute those plans—what strategies and techniques you use, how you assess the progress of each student, and how you communicate with staff and parents about their progress.

Explain how you differentiate instruction by utilizing a variety of teaching strategies, materials, and assessments. For example, you might use small group instruction to provide more individualized attention or assign different texts for students to read based on their reading level. You should also talk about the importance of collaboration with other staff members, such as special education teachers or speech pathologists, in order to create an effective learning plan for each student. Finally, emphasize your commitment to regular communication with parents and staff to ensure that everyone is aware of the progress of each student.

Example: “I believe that every student is unique and that instruction should be tailored to their individual needs. To do this, I use a variety of strategies and materials to differentiate instruction based on their learning style and ability level. I also collaborate with other staff members and specialists to ensure that each student is receiving the best possible education. I am committed to regular communication with parents and staff to ensure that everyone is aware of the progress of each student.”

18. What strategies do you use to build relationships with students and families?

Inclusion teachers must be able to build positive relationships with students and families in order to be successful. This question helps the interviewer understand your approach to relationship building and how you have used it to create a positive learning environment in the past. Interviewers want to see that you understand the importance of building relationships with students and families and that you have a strategy for doing so.

To answer this question, you should provide specific examples of strategies that you have used in the past to build relationships with students and families. Examples could include things like having regular one-on-one meetings with each student or family member, creating a communication system between home and school, hosting events for parents and students to get to know each other better, or setting up an open door policy where parents are welcome to come in and talk at any time. Additionally, be sure to explain how these strategies have helped create a positive learning environment in the past.

Example: “I believe that building relationships with students and families is essential to creating a positive learning environment. In my current role as an inclusion teacher, I have implemented a variety of strategies to build relationships with my students and their families. I host regular one-on-one meetings with each student and family member to get to know them better and discuss any concerns they have. I also have an open door policy for parents, so they are always welcome to come in and talk. Additionally, I have set up a communication system between home and school, where parents can stay up-to-date on their student’s progress. I believe that these strategies have helped to create a positive learning environment in my classroom and I am confident that I can use these same strategies to be successful in your school.”

19. How do you collaborate with other teachers and staff members to provide the best possible educational experience for all students?

Inclusion teachers are expected to collaborate with all members of the school community to ensure that all students, regardless of ability, have access to a quality education. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of collaboration and can work well with others to ensure that all students have an equitable learning experience.

To answer this question, you should demonstrate your understanding of the importance of collaboration in an inclusive classroom. Talk about how you have worked with other teachers and staff members to create a supportive learning environment for all students. You can also discuss strategies that you have used to ensure that everyone is on the same page, such as holding regular meetings or utilizing technology like Google Classroom to share resources and updates. Additionally, talk about any initiatives you have taken to foster collaboration between teachers and staff, such as creating team-building activities or developing a shared curriculum.

Example: “I understand the importance of collaboration in an inclusive classroom and strive to create a positive learning environment for all students. I work closely with other teachers and staff members to create a curriculum that meets the needs of all learners and ensure that everyone is on the same page. I use technology, such as Google Classroom, to share resources and updates and hold regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges. In addition, I have implemented team-building activities to foster collaboration between teachers and staff. These initiatives have enabled us to create a more cohesive learning environment and provide the best possible educational experience for our students.”

20. Describe a lesson plan you have created that incorporates diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and inclusion are important topics in any educational setting, and teachers play a key role in helping students understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives. Your interviewer wants to understand how you approach this topic and your ability to create lesson plans that are engaging and thought-provoking. They’ll be looking for evidence of your creativity and your ability to think outside the box.

To answer this question, you’ll need to provide an example of a lesson plan that you’ve created. Describe the topic and objectives of the lesson, what strategies or activities you used to engage students, and how you incorporated diversity and inclusion into the lesson. Be sure to also include any feedback you received from your students or colleagues about the lesson. Finally, be prepared to explain why you chose the particular approach you did and how it helped promote understanding and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.

Example: “Recently, I created a lesson plan on the history of the civil rights movement in America. My goal was to not only teach students about the historical events, but also to create an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion. To accomplish this, I used an interdisciplinary approach and incorporated primary source documents, videos, and other media to bring the lesson to life. I also had students work in small groups to discuss their own experiences with diversity and inclusion. The feedback from my students was overwhelmingly positive and I believe it was an effective way to help them understand the importance of these topics.”

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20 Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers: A Detailed Guide

Teaching Assistants require interpersonal skills and educational expertise. Having the readiness to talk about experiences, teaching beliefs, and flexibility in the classroom is crucial. This blog discusses Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers for assessing candidates' skills for educational positions.

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Are you getting ready for a Teaching Assistant interview and need clarification on the questions and answers? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! This blog addresses common Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers and provides helpful responses to showcase your expertise and background.  

Whether you're a beginner or a professional, knowing these key questions will make you more competitive during the interview. Learn how to showcase your beliefs about teaching, classroom management methods, and additional skills. It will prepare you to make a positive impression on potential employers and land your next job as a Teaching Assistant.  

Table of Content s  

1) 20 Typical Interview Queries for Teaching Assistants with Sample Responses  

a) What Responsibilities Does a Teaching Assistant Carry O ut in the Classroom ?  

b) Do you Believe It's Crucial for Children to Find School Enjoyable and Fun?  

c) What Components Make up an Affective Lesson Plan?  

d) What Recommendations Would You Offer to Assist a Student Struggling with a Specific Subject?  

e) Can You Explain Why You Feel Qualified for the Position of Teaching Assistant?  

f) How Would you Manage a Situation Where the Teacher is Doing Something you Strongly Disagree With?  

g) What Prior Experience do you Have Working with Children?  

h) How do you Establish a Solid Working Relationship with the Teacher(s) you will Collaborate With?  

i) Where do you Envision Yourself in The Next Five Years?  

j)  A Student is Disrupting the Class by Bouncing Up and Down in Their Seat. How Would You Address This?  

2) Conclusion  

20 Typical Interview Queries for Teaching Assistants with Sample Responses

Prepare for your Teaching Assistant interview by familiarising yourself with these 20 common questions and example answers, which will showcase your skills.

What Responsibilities Does a Teaching Assistant Carry out in the Classroom?

The interviewer wants to see your knowledge of a teaching assistant's role and your ability to articulate your responsibilities clearly.  

Sample answer: “A Teaching Assistant plays a vital role in supporting both the teacher and the students. My duties typically include helping with lesson plans, preparing materials, and supervising the classroom atmosphere. I would also offer students one-on-one or small group assistance, aiding with assignments and fostering a positive learning environment. Moreover, I will assist with administrative duties like grading assignments and managing student files.” 

Do You Believe It's Crucial for Children to Find School Enjoyable and Fun?

The interviewer seeks to understand your views on the importance of enjoyment in education and your belief in creating a positive learning environment.  

Sample answer: “ Definitely, I think that creating a positive and interactive learning atmosphere is essential for children's success. When students find pleasure in school, they are more driven, curious, and open to absorbing new knowledge. An enjoyable and encouraging environment can nurture a lasting passion for education. Nevertheless, teaching discipline and a solid work ethic are just as crucial. A perfect classroom combines fun with challenging academics, providing a comprehensive educational experience. ”  

What Components Make up an Effective Lesson Plan?

The interviewer evaluates your understanding of lesson planning and ability to structure a coherent and effective learning experience.   

Sample answer: “A successful lesson plan consists of six learning goals. These are interesting beginning, varied teaching methods to cater to various needs, purposeful tasks for hands-on learning, ongoing assessment for tracking advancement, and a solid conclusion for reviewing and contemplating.”  

What Recommendations Would You Offer to Assist a Student Struggling with a Specific Subject?

The interviewer wants to assess your understanding of student challenges and ability to provide effective support strategies.  

Sample answer: “To assist a difficult student, I pinpoint the underlying issue before offering individualised help such as personal tutoring sessions. Establishing confidence by providing p ractical feedback and fostering transparent communication with students, parents, and teachers is essential. Working with other experts and using available resources further improves student development.”  

Can You Explain Why You Feel Qualified for the Position of Teaching Assistant?

The interviewer wants to analyse your self-awareness and how well your skills and experience align with the job requirements.  

Sample answer: “I am well-suited for the Teaching Assistant position because of my passion for education, previous work, and rapport - building skills . I assist teachers with my strong organi s ational abilities and offer personali s ed support to students. I am eager to help students achieve their full potential.”  

How Would You Manage a Situation Where the Teacher is Doing Something You Strongly Disagree With?

The interviewer plans to evaluate your problem-solving skills, professionalism, and ability to handle challenging situations. 

Sample answer: “ If I disagreed with a teacher's actions, I would prioriti s e students' welfare by discussing concerns privately and respectfully. I would first understand their perspective before suggesting alternatives. If necessary, I would consult a supervisor to sustain a positive working relationship and ensure the best outcomes for students.”  

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What Prior Experience do You Have Working with Children?

The interviewer wants to assess your experience interacting with children and your ability to build rapport with them. 

Sample answer: “I have worked as a camp counsellor for three years, interacting with children aged 7 to 12. I was responsible for organi s ing activities, handling group dynamics, and ensuring camper safety. While building lasting bonds with the children, I honed my communication and leadership skills.”  

How do You Establish a Solid Working Relationship With The Teacher(s) You Will Collaborate With?

The interviewer wants to assess es your ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships.   

Sample answer: “Building a solid partnership with teachers is crucial for student success. I would focus on transparent communication, active listening, and regular meetings to ensure alignment with student objectives . Respecting the teacher's authority while being supportive and collaborative is essential. Together, we can establish a conducive learning environment.”  

Where do you Envision Yourself in The Next Five Years?

The question evaluate s your career aspirations, alignment with the company's goals, and ability to think strategically.   

Sample answer: “My goal is to build a strong and stable community of Teaching Assistants in the next five years. I plan to improve my expertise in communication, take on additional responsibilities, and grab opportunities that align with my goals. Also, I aim to be a reliable assistant and an important member of the team's success.”  

A Student is Disrupting the Class by Bouncing Up and Down in Their Seat. How Would You Address This?

This inquiry gauge your classroom management skills and ability to handle disruptive behaviour constructively.   

Sample answer: "If a student were fidgeting in their chair, I would discuss it privately to prevent embarrassment. I would calmly explain the importance of staying seated for concentration and try to understand potential reasons like boredom or trouble focusing. I could suggest stretching or taking a brief break while using positive reinforcement to encourage the desired behaviour."  

What Attributes Do You Think Make a Successful Teacher Assistant, as Viewed by a Student?

This question assess your understanding of the students' perspectives and ability to empathise with their needs .   

Sample answer: “To a student, an effective Teaching Assistant is patient, kind, and supportive. They make learning enjoyable, explain concepts clearly, and encourage students to seek help without feeling ashamed. They treat everyone equally and allow every student to thrive.”  

Why do You Believe You Would Excel as a Teaching Assistant?

The interviewer wants to assess your self-awareness, understanding of the role, and ability to articulate your qualifications.  

Sample answer: "Since teaching is my passion, I’m very confident about providing the right education to the kids. My experience boosted my communication and organisation skills. Now, I feel more like a collaborative team member who contributes enthusiastically to students. I am thrilled to play a part in their achievements.”  

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What Draws You to the Idea of Working at Our School?

The interviewer wants to assess your interest in the specific school and how well you've researched it.  

Sample answer: "I'm drawn to [School Name] for its commitment to [specific school value or program]. I admire the school's focus on [specific aspects ]. My passion for [relevant skill or interest] aligns with the school's goals. I believe my skills in [relevant skills] can be an asset to the team, and I'm excited to contribute to a positive learning environment."  

Can You Share an Instance When You Effectively Collaborated With Children?

The interviewer seeks specific examples of your ability to work with children and achieve a positive outcome.  

Sample answer: “As a camp counsellor, I guided a group of 10-year-olds in a collaborative art project. I divided them into smaller groups for specific tasks, promoting teamwork, open communication, and shared decision-making. We created a beautiful mural admired by everyone at the camp. This experience enumerated the importance of effective communication, patience, and building trust with children.”  

Why do You Think you are the Best Fit for This Job Role Compared to Other Candidates?

The interviewer assesses your self-awareness, understanding of the role, and ability to stand out from other candidates.  

Sample answer: "I believe I’m a perfect fit for this Teaching Assistant role due to my expertise and skillset. I possess a solid grasp of management and communication skills. I’m passionate about helping build an engaging learning environment."  

What Methods do you Employ to Engage and Motivate Students During the Learning Process?

The inquiry examines your understanding of student engagement and your ability to create a dynamic learning environment. 

Sample answer: “I believe involving students is essential for effective learning. I use hands-on tasks, collaborative assignments, and technology to keep students engaged. Connecting lessons with real-life experiences and creating a positive, supportive classroom atmosphere is important. I provide options for students to choose from and offer personalised assistance to encourage a passion for learning.”  

How do You Feel About Supporting Students with Special Needs?

T he goal is to evaluate your attitude towards inclusivity and your ability to work with students with diverse needs.  

Sample answer: “ I strongly believe all students deserve the opportunity to reach their maximum. What I find more rewarding is helping students with disabilitie s. The students should be valued in the classroom. I’m open to new strategies and work closely with specialists and parents to meet the special needs of the students. ”  

Which Teaching Approaches do You Prefer?

The interviewer oversees your knowledge of different teaching methods and your ability to adapt your approach to various learning styles.   

Sample answer: “Varied teaching methods are essential for creating an engaging and effective learning environment. While I prefer student-centred approaches like inquiry-based and cooperative learning . I recognise the importance of direct instruction when necessary. The best method depends on the subject, students' learning styles, and desired outcomes. I also support using technology to enhance and engage students in learning.”  

Are There Any Subjects You Would Rather Not Teach?

The interviewer wants to assess your enthusiasm for teaching and ability to adapt to different subjects.  

Sample answer: “I love education and am open to teaching different subjects. Although I have my preferences, I can teach any subject successfully with proper preparation and enthusiasm. I am confident in adapting my teaching approach to various students and topics.”  

What is an IEP and How do You Utilise it to Ensure Student Achievement?

The interviewer assesses your special education knowledge and ability to implement individualised support plans.  

Sample answer: “An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) is a tailored plan crafted to meet the needs of a student with a disability. As a teaching assistant, I will use the IEP to support the student's academic and social-emotional growth. Also, I’ll collaborate with the IEP team to understand the student's strengths and goals. Regular progress monitoring and communication with the team will help me adjust support to ensure students succeed.”  

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