teacher interview essay sample

• Grades 6-12
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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.

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!

Click below to get your free PDF now:

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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!

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• 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!
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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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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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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.

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.

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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.

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.”

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?

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.

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 .

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.

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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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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20 Must-Know Literacy Teacher Interview Questions (With Answers)

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

As a literacy teacher, you’re responsible for helping students develop important reading and writing skills. But before you can start teaching in the classroom, you have to ace your job interview.

No matter if you’ve been an educator for years or are just starting out in the field, it pays to prepare for the questions that will come your way. To help you get ready, we’ve rounded up some of the most common literacy teacher interview questions—plus advice on how to answer them.

• What strategies do you use to engage students in the learning process?
• How do you assess a student’s literacy level and create an individualized plan for their development?
• Describe your experience with teaching phonics, grammar, and other language fundamentals.
• Are you familiar with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts & Literacy?
• Explain how you would teach a student who is struggling with reading comprehension.
• What methods do you use to help students develop critical thinking skills when it comes to analyzing literature?
• How do you handle students who are reluctant to read or write?
• Do you have any experience working with students who have special needs or learning disabilities?
• Describe your approach to helping students become more confident writers.
• What strategies do you use to make sure all students understand the material being taught?
• How do you incorporate technology into your lessons to keep students engaged?
• Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with other teachers to support literacy learners in your school.
• Have you ever developed a curriculum for a specific grade level or subject area?
• What techniques do you use to motivate students to complete assignments?
• How do you ensure that each student receives the individual attention they need to succeed?
• What strategies do you use to differentiate instruction for different levels of readers?
• How do you encourage students to take ownership of their own learning?
• What do you do if a student has difficulty understanding a concept?
• How do you measure success in your classroom?
• What challenges have you faced as a literacy teacher and how did you overcome them?

1. What strategies do you use to engage students in the learning process?

Literacy teachers are expected to be creative and find ways to keep students interested in the material they’re learning. They need to be able to transition between topics and activities while keeping students engaged in the learning process. That’s why interviewers want to make sure you have the skills and strategies to keep your students motivated and interested.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you’ll want to provide specific examples of strategies you have used in the past. You can also talk about how you like to mix up activities and teaching styles to keep students engaged. For example, if you are a literacy teacher, you might mention that you incorporate games, reading aloud, group work, and other hands-on activities into your lessons to help keep students interested. Additionally, it is important to emphasize that you use different strategies based on the individual needs of each student.

Example: “I believe that the key to engaging students in the learning process is to make it fun and interactive. I like to incorporate games, reading aloud, group work, and other hands-on activities into my lessons. Additionally, I like to mix up teaching styles based on the individual needs of each student. For example, if a student is having difficulty understanding a concept, I will often break down the material into smaller chunks and use visual aids or other methods to help them understand. My goal is always to create an environment where students feel safe to ask questions and take risks with their learning.”

2. How do you assess a student’s literacy level and create an individualized plan for their development?

This question is designed to test your ability to assess a student’s literacy level and create an individualized plan for their development. In order to be successful as a literacy teacher, you need to be able to recognize which areas a student needs to work on, create a plan to help them reach their goals, and track their progress. Being able to do this efficiently and effectively is essential to success.

The best way to answer this question is to provide specific examples of strategies you have used in the past. You can talk about how you might use a variety of activities such as games, group projects, or interactive presentations to engage students and help them learn. It’s also important to emphasize that you tailor your teaching style based on each student’s individual needs. Finally, be sure to mention any special techniques you have used to track progress and measure success.

Example: “I use a variety of activities to assess each student’s literacy level and create an individualized plan for their development. I begin by observing the student in order to identify areas where they need improvement, then create activities that will help them reach their goals. For example, if a student is struggling with reading comprehension, I might assign them a book report or have them participate in group discussions about what they’ve read. Additionally, I track each student’s progress through assessments such as quizzes or tests, which helps me see how far they’ve come and where they still need work. Finally, I adjust my teaching style based on the needs of each student, making sure to provide extra support when needed.”

3. Describe your experience with teaching phonics, grammar, and other language fundamentals.

Literacy teachers need to know the fundamentals of the language they teach. Interviewers want to know that you understand the basics and can apply them to teaching your students. They’ll be looking for details about your experience teaching phonics, grammar, and other language fundamentals. They’ll also want to know if you have experience creating lesson plans and assessments that incorporate these elements.

Start your answer by explaining the type of language fundamentals you have experience teaching. For example, you can mention phonics, grammar, and syntax. Then explain how you’ve used these elements to create effective lesson plans and assessments for your students. You should also provide examples of successful activities or projects that you have created in which you incorporated language fundamentals. Finally, discuss any challenges you faced while teaching language fundamentals and how you overcame them.

Example: “I have extensive experience teaching phonics, grammar, and other language fundamentals. I have created lesson plans and assessments that focus on the correct usage of these elements. For example, I designed an activity in which students had to identify and correct grammatical errors in sentences. Additionally, I have developed several projects in which students had to write stories using proper punctuation and syntax. I also recognize the importance of providing feedback and support to my students as they are learning new concepts. To ensure this, I regularly review their work and provide guidance when needed.”

4. Are you familiar with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts & Literacy?

If you’re applying for a position as a literacy teacher, the interviewer will want to know if you’re familiar with the CCSS. The CCSS are important because they provide a consistent set of expectations for teaching literacy in schools across the country. Knowing the CCSS will show the interviewer that you’re up to date on the latest best practices for teaching literacy.

If you’re familiar with the CCSS, explain how you use them in your teaching. Talk about any specific strategies or approaches that you use to help students meet the standards. If you’re not familiar with the CCSS, be honest and explain that you’d need more time to learn them. Show that you’re eager to do so by talking about your interest in learning new techniques and staying up-to-date on best practices for literacy instruction.

Example: “Yes, I’m very familiar with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy. In my current role as a literacy teacher, I use them to guide instruction and assessment in my classroom. For example, I incorporate activities that help students develop their ability to analyze texts closely, understand different types of figurative language, and write effectively using evidence from multiple sources. I also stay up-to-date on changes to the CCSS by attending professional development workshops and reading relevant literature.”

5. Explain how you would teach a student who is struggling with reading comprehension.

This question tests your ability to come up with creative and effective strategies for dealing with a specific problem. It also reveals your knowledge of literacy teaching methods and your ability to assess a student’s needs in order to create an effective lesson plan. It also shows that you understand the importance of building relationships with students and their families.

Start by talking about the strategies you would use to assess a student’s reading comprehension level. You can mention things like running diagnostic tests, observing the student in class, and speaking with the student and their family about any difficulties they may be having. Explain how you would use this information to create an individualized lesson plan for the student that focuses on strengthening their comprehension skills. Talk about how you would incorporate different teaching methods such as games, activities, and visual aids into your lessons. Finally, explain how you would measure progress over time to ensure that the student is making progress.

Example: “When teaching a student who is struggling with reading comprehension, I would start by assessing their current level of understanding. This can include running diagnostic tests, observing them in class, and talking to the student as well as their family about any difficulties they may be having. With this information, I would then create an individualized lesson plan that focuses on strengthening the student’s comprehension skills. My lessons typically involve games, activities, visual aids, and other methods designed to engage the student and foster a positive learning environment. Throughout the course of instruction, I will track the student’s progress to ensure that they are making steady improvements in their comprehension.”

6. What methods do you use to help students develop critical thinking skills when it comes to analyzing literature?

This question is designed to gauge your knowledge of literacy teaching methods and how you approach helping students develop their critical thinking skills. The interviewer wants to get a sense of how you create engaging lesson plans and how you help your students connect the material to their own lives and experiences. They want to know that you can support your students in developing critical thinking skills that will help them in the future.

To answer this question, you should provide specific examples of the methods and techniques that you use to help students develop their critical thinking skills. You can talk about how you introduce different types of literature and have your students analyze it for themes, symbolism, structure, or other elements. Explain how you guide them in constructing arguments and analyzing evidence. You can also mention any activities or projects that you’ve created to help foster critical thinking, such as debates, essay assignments, or group discussions.

Example: “I believe that critical thinking is essential to understanding literature, so I always strive to create lesson plans and activities that will help my students develop these skills. For example, when we’re studying a novel or poem, I have the students break into small groups and discuss the different elements of the text—such as themes, characters, and symbolism—and how they interact with each other. We also do research projects where students must analyze multiple sources and make arguments based on evidence. Additionally, I often assign essay assignments in which students must make an argument about a particular element of the text and support it with evidence from the text itself. Through this type of analysis, I hope to equip my students with the tools they need to be successful readers and thinkers.”

7. How do you handle students who are reluctant to read or write?

Literacy teachers are expected to be patient, creative, and resourceful when it comes to helping students learn. It’s important to show that you understand the importance of motivating students to read and write, and that you can think of innovative ways to engage even the most reluctant learners. Showing that you have a toolbox of strategies to help students overcome their reading and writing challenges is key.

To answer this question, you should start by talking about your approach to teaching literacy. Explain how you work to make the material relevant and engaging for students, and how you use activities that are tailored to each student’s interests and abilities. You can also talk about how you create a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. Finally, don’t forget to mention any specific strategies or techniques you’ve used in the past with success, such as using visuals or hands-on activities.

Example: “I believe that every student can learn to read and write, no matter their level of motivation. My approach is to make the material relevant and engaging for my students by finding ways to connect it to their own lives and interests. I also use activities that are tailored to each individual’s needs and abilities. For example, I might use visuals or hands-on activities with some students who are more visual learners. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where students feel safe taking risks and trying new things without fear of failure. This helps them develop a positive attitude towards reading and writing, which in turn leads to greater success.”

8. Do you have any experience working with students who have special needs or learning disabilities?

Teaching literacy to students with special needs or learning disabilities requires a unique set of skills and strategies. The interviewer wants to know if you have the experience and training to effectively help these students. They’ll also want to know if you have any strategies that might be useful for the particular students in their school or district.

If you have experience working with students who have special needs or learning disabilities, explain how you helped them succeed. If you don’t have specific experience in this area, focus on the strategies you would use and why they would be effective. You can also mention any additional training or courses you’ve taken to help you better understand and work with these students.

Example: “I have experience working with students with special needs and learning disabilities. In my previous role as a literacy teacher, I worked closely with a student who had dyslexia and was struggling with reading comprehension. I used a combination of multisensory instruction, hands-on activities, and visual aids to help him better understand and retain the material. I also worked closely with the student’s parents to ensure they were involved in the process. I have also taken additional courses to become more familiar with different learning disabilities and the best strategies for helping students with them. I believe that my experience and training make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

9. Describe your approach to helping students become more confident writers.

Writing is often a difficult skill for students to learn and build confidence in. The interviewer wants to know that you have a strategy for helping students become better writers and that your approach will be effective. They’ll also want to know if you have any special techniques or methods you use to help them succeed.

To answer this question, you should think about the strategies and methods you use to help students become more confident writers. For example, you can talk about how you provide feedback on their writing so they understand what needs improvement and what they’re doing well. You could also discuss how you teach them the fundamentals of grammar and structure so they have a strong foundation for their writing. Additionally, you might mention how you give them opportunities to practice writing in different contexts and formats (e.g., essays, reports, creative stories). Finally, don’t forget to include any special techniques or activities you use to make learning fun and engaging!

Example: “I believe that the key to helping students become more confident writers is to provide them with a solid foundation of grammar, structure, and style. From there, I focus on guiding them through the writing process, providing detailed feedback, and offering plenty of practice opportunities. I also emphasize the importance of reading to help them become more aware of different writing styles and techniques. Finally, I use a variety of activities and games to make writing fun and engaging. For example, I might have students create a story together or have them write a poem in a certain style. By doing this, I’m able to help them become more confident and competent writers.”

10. What strategies do you use to make sure all students understand the material being taught?

Literacy is an important skill that all students must learn. It’s the foundation for learning in all other subject areas. The interviewer wants to know that you have the ability to engage all students and ensure that everyone is able to learn the material. They will be looking for specific strategies that you have used in the past to make sure that all students understand and can apply the material being taught.

As a literacy teacher, it is important to be able to ensure that all students understand the material being taught. To answer this question, I would discuss my approach to teaching which includes using various methods of instruction such as lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities. I also emphasize breaking down complex concepts into smaller components so they are easier for students to comprehend. Additionally, I use formative assessments throughout the lesson to gauge student understanding and tailor my instruction accordingly. Finally, I provide ample opportunities for practice and feedback in order to help students master the content.

Example: “As a literacy teacher, it is my priority to make sure all students understand the material being taught. To do this, I use a variety of methods to ensure that all students are engaged and comprehend the concepts. I use lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities to present the material. Additionally, I break down complex concepts into smaller components to make them easier to understand. I also use formative assessments throughout the lesson to gauge student understanding and tailor my instruction accordingly. Finally, I provide ample opportunities for practice and feedback so that students can master the content.”

11. How do you incorporate technology into your lessons to keep students engaged?

Technology can be a great tool for teaching, especially when it comes to literacy. It’s a great way to keep students engaged and to give them hands-on experience with the material. The interviewer wants to make sure you understand how to use technology effectively in the classroom and how to keep students engaged.

Talk about how you’ve used technology in the past to keep students engaged. For example, you might mention using online reading programs or apps that allow students to create their own stories. You can also discuss ways you’ve incorporated technology into writing assignments by having students use word processing software, such as Google Docs, to write and edit their work. Lastly, talk about how you use technology to assess student learning and provide feedback on their progress.

Example: “I think it’s important to keep students engaged in the classroom and to give them hands-on experience with the material. That’s why I like to incorporate technology into my lessons whenever possible. I’ve used online reading programs to give students practice with comprehension, and I’ve had them create their own stories using apps. I’ve also used technology to help with writing assignments, having students use word processing software, such as Google Docs, to write and edit their work. Finally, I use technology to assess student learning and provide feedback on their progress.”

12. Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with other teachers to support literacy learners in your school.

Literacy teachers need to collaborate with colleagues in order to support students in their school. Interviewers will want to know that you are a team player who is willing to work together to help students succeed. They will also want to know that you understand the importance of collaboration and can work well with others to achieve a common goal.

When answering this question, it is important to provide a specific example of when you collaborated with other teachers in your school. Talk about the situation, what you did to collaborate, and how that collaboration benefited the students. Be sure to emphasize the importance of working together as a team to support student literacy. Additionally, discuss any challenges you faced during the collaboration and how you overcame them. Finally, talk about the outcome of the collaboration and how it impacted the students’ learning experience.

Example: “At my previous school, I collaborated with other literacy teachers to create a comprehensive literacy program for students. We worked together to develop lesson plans that focused on phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. We also worked to create a system of assessment and feedback to ensure that students were progressing. We faced the challenge of limited resources, but we were able to use our combined expertise to create a successful program. The collaboration was successful and the students showed significant improvement in their literacy skills.”

13. Have you ever developed a curriculum for a specific grade level or subject area?

This question is asked to gauge a teacher’s ability to create meaningful and effective learning experiences for their students. It’s important for a teacher to be able to develop curriculum that is tailored to their students’ needs and interests, and this question helps to determine if a candidate is capable of doing so. Additionally, the interviewer may be looking for the candidate’s experience in lesson planning and evaluating student progress.

To answer this question, you should provide examples of how you have developed curriculum for a specific grade level or subject area. You can discuss the process you went through to create the curriculum and any research or resources that you used. Additionally, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to evaluate student progress and adjust the curriculum accordingly. Be sure to explain why you chose certain materials and activities and how they helped students learn more effectively.

Example: “I have developed curriculum for a variety of grade levels and subject areas. For example, I recently developed a literacy curriculum for 3rd grade students that focused on phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension. I used a variety of resources, including books, games, and online activities, to create a comprehensive program for my students. I also monitored their progress and adjusted the curriculum accordingly to ensure that they were making progress. I also created a program for high school students that focused on writing and public speaking. I used videos, readings, and other resources to help them develop their communication skills. Overall, I am very experienced in developing curriculum that is tailored to the students’ needs and interests.”

14. What techniques do you use to motivate students to complete assignments?

Teaching is a tough job with its own set of challenges and rewards. One of the most important tasks for a teacher is to motivate students to complete assignments and stay engaged in their learning. An interviewer wants to know that you have the skills and techniques to do this, and can also demonstrate an understanding of the various techniques that can be used to motivate students in different situations.

Start by discussing the techniques you use to motivate students in general. For example, do you like to offer incentives or rewards for completing assignments? Do you provide positive reinforcement and celebrate successes? Do you set realistic goals and expectations that are tailored to each student’s individual needs? Then, provide an example of how you have used these techniques in a specific situation. This will show your interviewer that you understand how to apply these techniques in real-world situations.

Example: “I believe in creating an environment of mutual respect and trust where students feel supported and motivated to do their best. I use a variety of techniques to motivate my students, such as providing positive reinforcement, setting realistic but challenging goals, and offering incentives for completing assignments. For example, I recently worked with a student who was struggling with reading comprehension. I used positive reinforcement to encourage him to keep trying, and I set small, achievable goals that helped him build confidence. I also offered incentives such as extra recess time or a reward system. By the end of the semester, he had made measurable improvements in his comprehension and was much more engaged in the reading process.”

15. How do you ensure that each student receives the individual attention they need to succeed?

This question is really testing your ability to differentiate instruction. Differentiating instruction means providing different approaches, strategies, and activities to meet the unique learning needs of each student in the classroom. It is essential for literacy teachers to be able to differentiate instruction to ensure that each student is able to learn, access, and comprehend the material at their own level. Interviewers will want to know that you understand the importance of differentiating instruction and that you have the skills necessary to do so effectively.

To answer this question, you should focus on the specific strategies and techniques that you use to differentiate instruction. For example, you could talk about how you create small groups of students based on their ability levels so they can work together at a pace that is comfortable for them. You could also discuss how you provide different reading materials or activities to meet the needs of each student. Whatever strategies you choose to mention, make sure it’s clear that you understand the importance of providing individual attention to each student in your classroom.

Example: “I understand the importance of providing individual attention to each student in my classroom in order to ensure that they are able to reach their full potential. To do this, I create small groups of students based on their ability levels so they can work together at a pace that is comfortable for them. Additionally, I provide a variety of reading materials and activities to meet the needs of each student, and I also make sure to give individual feedback on their work. I also make sure to monitor their progress and provide additional support when needed.”

16. What strategies do you use to differentiate instruction for different levels of readers?

Literacy instruction is an important part of any educational system and teachers must be aware of the different needs of their students. Interviewers want to make sure that you understand the importance of tailoring literacy instruction to the individual needs of each student. They also want to see that you have the skills to create an environment that can accommodate those needs.

To answer this question, you should be prepared to provide examples of how you have differentiated instruction in the past. Talk about strategies such as using leveled texts, providing small group instruction, and differentiating assignments based on student needs. You can also mention that you use a variety of assessment tools to monitor student progress and adjust your instruction accordingly. Finally, emphasize that you understand the importance of creating an environment where all students feel valued and supported.

Example: “I understand that every student is unique and that their literacy needs will vary. To meet the needs of all my students, I use a variety of strategies such as leveled texts, small group instruction, and differentiated assignments. I also use a variety of assessment tools to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. I believe in creating an environment where all students feel valued and supported, so I foster a positive classroom culture that encourages collaboration and open communication.”

17. How do you encourage students to take ownership of their own learning?

As a literacy teacher, you’ll be responsible for helping students develop their reading and writing skills. But it’s just as important to help them take ownership of their own learning. You’ll have to show that you understand the importance of empowering students by giving them the tools and resources to become independent learners. The interviewer will want to know how you plan to do this.

To answer this question, you should think about how you’ve encouraged students to take ownership of their own learning in the past. Talk about specific strategies that you’ve used such as assigning independent projects or allowing students to explore topics of interest. You can also talk about how you foster a collaborative classroom environment where students are comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. Finally, emphasize your ability to provide feedback and guidance while still giving students the freedom to learn at their own pace.

Example: “I believe that it’s important to foster a classroom environment that encourages students to take ownership of their own learning. I do this by providing them with resources and support to help them explore topics of interest and complete independent projects. I also give students the freedom to ask questions and share their ideas in a collaborative setting. I provide feedback and guidance, but ultimately I want the students to be in control of their own learning process.”

18. What do you do if a student has difficulty understanding a concept?

It’s important for a literacy teacher to be able to think outside the box when it comes to helping students understand material. This question allows the interviewer to assess your problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to be creative in your teaching. They want to know that you have strategies in place to help students who are struggling to comprehend the material.

You should discuss the strategies you use to help students understand difficult concepts. These can include breaking down complex ideas into simpler parts, using visual aids or real-world examples, providing additional practice exercises and activities, or offering alternative explanations of the concept. You can also talk about how you involve other members of the school community in helping struggling students, such as working with learning specialists, counselors, or parents.

Example: “When students have difficulty understanding a concept, I try to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. I also use visual aids and real-world examples to explain the concept in a way that’s easier for the students to understand. I also provide additional practice exercises and activities that can help the students reinforce their understanding of the concept. If needed, I involve other members of the school community, such as learning specialists, counselors, or parents, to provide additional support for the student. My goal is to provide the student with the tools and resources they need to be successful.”

19. How do you measure success in your classroom?

This question is an opportunity for you to showcase your teaching philosophies and demonstrate that you have a strong understanding of the science of learning. It’s also a chance to show that you have a clear plan for measuring progress and that you’re able to recognize success when it happens. This is important for any teaching position, but especially important for literacy teachers, who need to track the progress of their students and make sure they’re learning the material.

Your answer will depend on the age of students you’re teaching and what type of literacy program you are using. Generally, though, you should discuss how you use a variety of assessment tools such as quizzes, tests, rubrics, and surveys to measure progress in your classroom. You can also talk about how you look at qualitative measures such as student engagement, enthusiasm, and confidence when discussing success. Finally, be sure to mention any data-tracking methods you may have used in the past to track student performance over time.

Example: “In my classroom, I measure success in a few different ways. First, I use a combination of assessment tools such as quizzes, tests, rubrics, and surveys to measure student progress. I also look at qualitative measures such as student engagement, enthusiasm, and confidence when discussing success. Finally, I also use data-tracking methods to track student performance over time. This helps me identify areas where students may need additional support, and also allows me to recognize and celebrate successes. I believe that these measures are essential for helping students reach their full literacy potential.”

20. What challenges have you faced as a literacy teacher and how did you overcome them?

Teaching literacy to students can be a difficult and challenging job. Interviewers want to know that you are aware of the challenges that come with the job and have the necessary skills and strategies to overcome them. This question is a great opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and demonstrate your understanding of literacy teaching.

To answer this question, you should start by discussing the challenges that you have faced as a literacy teacher. You can talk about things like working with students who have learning disabilities or behavioral issues, teaching students from different cultural backgrounds, and helping students learn to read at their own pace. Then explain how you overcame these challenges. For example, you could talk about using visual aids and hands-on activities to make learning more engaging for students, creating individualized lesson plans based on student needs, and developing strategies to help struggling readers.

Example: “I’ve faced a number of challenges as a literacy teacher. One of the most difficult ones is working with students who have learning disabilities or behavioral issues. To overcome this, I’ve developed strategies to help these students learn to read at their own pace and stay engaged in the lesson. I also use visual aids and hands-on activities to make learning more interesting and accessible to all students, regardless of their learning style. Finally, I create individualized lesson plans for each student based on their needs and interests. By doing this, I’ve been able to help students of all backgrounds and abilities become more confident and successful readers.”

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Best Teaching Essay Examples

Teacher interview.

985 words | 4 page(s)

Introduction For English teachers, there are conflicting views about their ability to understand and apply specific concepts. This is because, curriculum standards are constantly changing and there are different ideas about its importance. To fully understand what is occurring requires conducting an interview with an educator and looking at their ideas in conjunction with Kolln & Peacock’s assertions and Bizzell’s insights. Together, these elements will illustrate the overall scope of these shifts and the influence they are having on today’s English teachers.

Kollin & Peacock vs. Bizzell Kollin & Peacock believe that English teachers are not prepared for the challenges they will face. This is because there has been a shift away from teaching it, towards taking a more generalized approach. The result is that they have a basic understanding of the rules. However, when they are applied, many of them are open to interpretation. Once this takes place, is the point, they may have a basic understand of these concepts. Yet, adjusting them to the classroom is another challenge in itself. (Kollin & Peacock)

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While Bizzell, believes that teachers should be encouraging various forms of academic discourse. This is because, he feels that these unique interpretations will help to promote creativity and encourage everyone to follow specific guidelines. Once this happens, is the point they can have basic understanding of the language and the flexibility to apply it to the way they are talking about specific topics. These techniques can be adapted to a host of disciplines and give the student’s the creativity they need. (Bizzell)

An Interview with an English Teacher The English teacher that was interviewed is Sue Perry. She has been educating students on this subject for the last 15 years at Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado. Her insights help to show how the field is changing and the lasting effects it is having on everyone. The combination of these factors, will illustrate the overall scope of what is happening. (Perry)

What was your “training” in teaching grammar before you entered your first classroom? Perry, “I received my Bachelors degree in English from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In the last year, I spent a considerable amount of time working with middle and high school students as a teaching assistant. Once I graduated, I had to further my education by becoming certified with the state of Colorado.” (Perry)

How confident did you feel in your ability to teach grammar? To teach writing? To teach literature? Perry, “I felt very confident in my ability to teach grammar, writing and literature. This is because I had studied these courses extensively as a part of my major. Second, I was actively involved in the student newspaper (i.e. the Colorado Daily) and I was passionate about learning various periods of literature. During the last two years of my undergraduate education, I focused on them in order to complete my degree.” (Perry)

How does classroom grammar instruction affect students’ ability to do well on standardized tests? Perry, “Grammar instruction is important to a certain extent when it comes to standardized tests. However, the student must be comfortable with this format for assessing their abilities. This means that they have to have good test taking skills, a sense of confidence about themselves and be relaxed. Those who are able to this will perform much better in comparison with others. While at the same time, someone could be good at studying grammar. Yet, they may have poor test taking skills and will become very nervous during these kinds of exams. This hurts their overall levels of performance.” (Perry)

What do you wish you had known / learned about teaching grammar/writing before you began teaching? Perry, “In general, I wish I had learned numerous techniques for teaching students from different backgrounds and skill levels. These areas are problematic in modern day education, as some are passed through the system. While at the same time, there is a probability of working with English Language Learners. If I had the tools and time to connect with more them effectively, I feel I could have a greater impact on everyone in the class.” (Perry)

How has teaching affected your knowledge / understanding of how students learn and use language? Perry, “Teaching has taught me that students learn and utilize the language based upon what they see others doing, popular culture and those close to them. The key in reaching them; is to make a direct link and combine these ideas with areas of interest. Those who are capable of doing this will be more successful in the longer term.” (Perry)

How has the Common Core Standards affected you or the way that you teach? Perry, “The Common Core Standards are having an influence on the areas I will cover. This is because I need to focus on topics which are most relevant to these guidelines and not deviate from them. These factors mean that I cannot talk about other aspects of English. That is just as important, with the limited amounts of time available.” (Perry)

Conclusion Clearly, the interview with Sue Perry is showing how the field of education is changing. This is taking place by focusing on meeting certain guidelines for achievement tests. Anything that goes beyond these standards, are often overlooked from a lack of time. As a result, she was not as prepared for these challenges and had to adapt to a real world environment. These shifts have continued throughout the course of her career. This is because of the changing standards from administrators on the state and federal levels. As a result, this is illustrating the ideas from both Kolln & Peacock and Bizzell.

• Bizzell, Patricia. The Intellectual Work of ‘Mixed’ Forms of Academic Discourses. Portsmouth: Brooks and Cole, 2002. Print.
• Evans, Carol. Teaching English. London: Sage Publications, 2009. Print.
• Kolln, Martha and Hancok, Craig. “The Story of English Grammar.” English Teaching Practices, 4.3 (2005): 11 – 31. Print.
• Perry, Sue. Personal Interview. 24 Apr. 2014.

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11 Questions You’ll Be Asked at a Teaching Interview

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

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

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

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

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

11 Questions You Should Prepare For

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Diversity — An Interview with Teachers on Diversity, Inclusivity, Strategies and Respect in the Classroom

An Interview with Teachers on Diversity, Inclusivity, Strategies and Respect in The Classroom

• Categories: Diversity

About this sample

Words: 1548 |

Published: Oct 17, 2018

Words: 1548 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Table of contents

Understanding diversity in the classroom, strategies for inclusivity, valuing diversity, challenges and opportunities, looking ahead.

"Diversity tends to be a function of the neighborhood in which a school is situated."

"Inclusivity is the mission for a speech language pathologist."

"Realizing the lesson objective may sometimes take a back seat to conversation is paramount."

References:

• Banks, J. A. (2016). Cultural diversity and education: Foundations, curriculum, and teaching (6th ed.). Routledge.
• Gay, G. (2018). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). Teachers College Press.
• Nieto, S. (2017). Affirming diversity: The sociopolitical context of multicultural education (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Villegas, A. M., & Lucas, T. (2007). Preparing culturally responsive teachers: Rethinking the curriculum. Journal of Teacher Education, 58(4), 361–377.
• Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). But that’s just good teaching! The case for culturally relevant pedagogy. Theory into Practice, 34(3), 159–165.

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Teacher interview questions: Tell me about yourself – Sample answers & more

When they ask you what’s your favorite teaching method , or how do you want to gain trust of the students, it is relatively easy to answer the question. It is easy, because they specify exactly what they want to hear from you, what you should talk about. With “ Tell me about yourself ” question, or “ Please introduce yourself ” the story is quite different. They do not ask you to talk about your education, teaching experience, hobbies, family, secret addictions , or whatever. The choice is yours, and you can (and have to) pick some area of your life to talk about. But what do they really want to hear from you? And what should you focus on? We will try to find the answers together.

Let’s start directly with 7 sample answers to the question. I tried to come up with some variety on the list, to help you choose the best self introduction in your teacher job interview. Answers fitting for different levels of education and experience, for teachers who are just starting out, as well as for seasoned professionals. I also included a couple of unconventional answers , just to give you some food for thought and perhaps an idea that you can actually make an impression saying something not many people would dare to say in the interviews. Do not forget to read also my notes below the answers, for additional hints and explanations.

7 sample answers to “Tell me about yourself” question in an interview for a teaching job

• Well, I’m Marry, 24 years old, fresh from college , and extremely excited about finally interviewing for my first real teaching job. I love being around children, and feel a big responsibility as someone who’s supposed to be not only a skilled teacher, but also a good role model for their pupils . My favorite subjects to teach are reading and writing, but I do not particularly dislike teaching any subject–they are all important after all. In my free time I enjoy handicrafts, and having a discussion with like-minded people about anything related to elementary teaching.
• My name’s Aaron, I’m 31, and I’ve been teaching at XYZ school for five years already. I have passion for teaching and for trying to have an individual approach to each child , with a goal of achieving the best possible progress with everyone. There have been some changes in my life lately, however. I will get married soon , my fiancee is a professional singer in the Opera and because of her work I have to move to this city . That’s the reason why I am applying for a job with you, hoping to benefit from my existing teaching experience, and bring some value onboard your school. Would you like me to elaborate on my education, hobbies, or on anything else?

* Do not forget to read also : Teacher interview – where do you see yourself in five years?

• I’m Krystal, 23, native speaker, and I’ve always dreamed of teaching English abroad . I am interested in many things, including traveling, history, literature, and arts. I’ve always wanted to have a job with a meaningful purpose , and teaching English the underprivileged children here in South-East Asia will allow me to do so, while realizing my passion for traveling and getting to know new people and cultures. I would characterize myself as responsible, passionate about teaching and life, and still a bit idealistic about life–which isn’t a bad quality to have after all…
• My name is Michael, and I’ve been a history teacher for over two decades . It seems like a long time–and it indeed is, but I still enjoy my time in the classroom, trying to teach the important lessons of history to my pupils. With my divorce going on and everything related to it, however, I am looking for a new place of work, and I am extremely excited about the vacancy at your school. I’ve always liked this place, the leadership and management of the school . What you try to do here with the children resonates with my values , and with the way I would characterize great education. It would be wonderful to teach here. In my free time I enjoy easy hikes in the nature, or working in a garden. It is important for me to balance the time I spend teaching with healthy relaxing activities, such as hiking or gardening. Would you like to know anything more about my education or teaching experience?
• I’m just another university graduate , eager to get his first teaching job. I have passion for innovative teaching methods , such as learning by playing or reversal of roles in the classroom, and it is the main reason why I decided to apply for a job with your private school. People say that I am a great listener and communicator in general, and it is easy for me to win the hearts of children. But I honestly believe that I still have to improve on many things , if I am to become a great teacher one day. I am eager to give it my best though , and your school is an ideal place to follow my dreams.
• If I should characterize myself with three words only , I would pick enthusiasm, drive, and commitment . And that’s true about both my personal life and teaching. I am committed to my roles of wife, mother, and teacher , and try my 100% in every interaction with fellow human beings. If you are interested in some details and numbers, I can tell you that I’ve graduated from Teaching in 2012 and have been teaching ever since, and I have been married since 2013 and have one daughter with my husband. Please tell me if you’d like me to elaborate on any aspect of my professional life.
• Let me start with a super quick bio. I was born in 1987, graduated from Teaching in 2011, and currently teach at ABC secondary school, with a specialization in Math and Physics. As you can see on my resume, it is my second teaching job. I’m an avid reader and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I decided to apply for a job with you because I would like to start teaching at high school. I have progressively realized it is a better match to my personality and teaching methods than secondary school. Anyway, I do not want to brag about my skills or experience at this point. But I hope to have a chance to convince you that it makes sense to hire me….

* Another tough question : Teacher interview – What are your weaknesses?

Share something from both your teaching and personal life in your self introduction

“Tell me about yourself” is typically the first question you will get in your teaching interview. It is an icebreaker question, but at the same time they ask it with a purpose . And the purpose is to get some basic grasp of who you are, your communication skills, and personality .

That’s why it is always good to share something from your personal life with the interviewers. Whether you are married and have kids, one or two hobbies you enjoy in your spare time, and so on. Show them that you have some life outside of work , and are ready to talk in a friendly and genuine manner in the interviews. If you manage to make such an impression with your answer, you are up and running for a good result in your teaching interview.

Turn the attention from you to them

At the end of the day, everyone cares mostly for their own good . And while they are interested in you as a person, what matters for them more is how their school can benefit from your skills , education, experience, and personality. That’s why you should always try to connect your past and present with their future .

Instead of just saying that you’ve been teaching this and that here and there, explain them how their school and students can benefit from your experience, teaching methods, attitude, or anything else. The secret of successful interviewing is to always talk about the employer –and what you can do for them, even when you are seemingly talking about yourself…

Special Tip: This is just one question you may face while trying to get a job of a teacher, and to be honest, it i sn’t the most difficult one . If you want to learn how to answer the really tricky questions , and actually practice your answers and get immediate feedback from a life-like AI interview coach , check out this practice page on our partner website, Real Mock Interviews . Just pick one of the interview questions for teachers and start practicing FOR FREE. You’ll thank me later :).

Do not forget on enthusiasm and non-verbal communication

Talking about your passion for teaching and helping children is one thing, looking and sounding as someone who’s really passionate another. Remember that the words you say form just a small part of the message you are sending over, to the other side of the table. And in order to have any credibility in the eyes of the interviewers , your verbal and non-verbal communication has to correspond.

Try to talk with enthusiasm in your voice while introducing yourself to the hiring committee. Show positive gesticulation and non-verbal language in general. You should look pumped for the opportunity of interviewing for this very job with this very school –because that’s exactly the place where you want to work. If you manage to do so, you will be just a step away from a new employment agreement…

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! But it isn’t the only tricky question you will face in your interview for a job of a teacher. Check also sample answers to the following questions:

• Why do you want to be a teacher?
• Teacher interview: what are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in five years as a teacher?
• Can you tell us more about your teaching experience?
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Interview Essay

Essay writing is different for everyone. Some people choose to go to the library and search for facts on a given subject, while others like to focus on gathering information through personal statements .

During this interview process, interviewers typically ask a series of interview questionnaire  that their readers may want to know about. These details are either recorded or jotted down by the interviewee. With what has been gathered, an individual may then write a complete essay regarding the exchange.

Interview Essay Sample

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Personal Interview Essay Template

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Nursing Interview Essay Template

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Leadership Interview Essay Template

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Teacher Interview Essay Template

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Job Interview Essay Sample

Narrative Interview

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Career Interview Essay

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What Is an Interview Essay?

Interview essays are typically based on research gathered from personal testimonies. This could be based on one’s personal experiences or their own input on a given matter. It may be informative essay , descriptive essay , or even persuasive essays , depending on the questions asked by the interviewer.

The content of the essay may include direct quotes from the interview or it may come in a written narrative form. Through this, we are able to gain additional information from a particular perspective.

What to Include in an Interview Essay

For every essay, a thesis statement is needed to help your readers understand the subject being tackled in your work. For an interview short essay , you would need to talk about your interviewee. Any information that will create a credible image for your interviewee will be necessary.

Next, it’s necessary to include the significant ideas that you have acquired from your interview. Ideally, you should pick three of these ideas, elaborate what has been said, and present it in paragraphs. Be sure to emphasize these points in a detailed and concise manner, a lengthy explanation might be too redundant. You may also see sample essay outlines .

Leadership Essay

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Nursing Interview Example

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Personal Interview

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Parent Interview Sample

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Guidelines for an Interview Essay

When writing an interview essay, it would be best to create an outline first.

Organize the information you have gathered from your interviewee and structure it in a logical order. This could be from one’s personal information to the most compelling details gathered. Be reminded of the standard parts of an essay and be sure to apply it to your own work.

Even when most, if not all, of your essay’s content is based on what you have gathered from your interviewee, you would still need to create a good starting of essay  and end to your essay.

Additionally, do not forget to put quotation marks around the exact words used by your interviewee. It would also be best to proofread your work and make sure that there is a smooth transition for each thought. You may also like personal essay examples & samples.

How to Conclude an Interview Essay?

You can end your interview essay how ever you wish to do so. It could be about your learning from the interview, a call to action, or a brief summary writing from what has been expressed in the essay.

But keep in mind, this would depend on your purpose for writing the essay. For instance, if you interviewed a biologist to spread awareness about mother nature, then it would be best to conclude your essay with a call to action. Knowing this, it’s important to end your essay well enough for it to be memorable.

Interview Essay Generator

Text prompt

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Write an Interview Essay on a local community leader.

Discuss the career journey of a teacher in your Interview Essay.