You already know you’ll be a great teacher, but are you a great interviewer?
The best way to ensure you have a successful interview is to take the time to practice answering some of the most common interview questions for teachers, like the ones listed in this article.
Types of Interview Questions for Teachers
While there’s no way to know the exact questions you will be asked, you should be prepared to answer questions relating to the following topics:
- Your teaching experience
- Your education and credentials
- Your teaching philosophy
- Safeguarding children
- Classroom management strategies
- Your approach to dealing with difficult students or situations
- How you integrate technology into your classroom
- Any extracurricular or volunteer activities you’re involved in that relate to teaching
- Your plans for continuing your education
9 Interview Questions for Teachers with Example Answers
1. What are your thoughts on the standardisation of education?
Example Answer: I think the standardisation of education is a necessary evil. On one hand, it is important to have standards in place so that all students have access to a basic level of education
On the other hand, the standardisation of education can lead to a ‘one size fits all’ approach, which can be detrimental to students who learn in different ways or have different interests.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?
Example Answer: My greatest inspiration came from my own experience as a student. I have always loved learning and exploring new things, and I want to help instil that same love of learning in my students.
I believe that every student is capable of achieving great things, and it is my job as a teacher to guide them on their path to achieving greatness.
3. What do you think are the most important qualities of a good teacher?
Example Answer: I strongly believe that the most important qualities of a good teacher are patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help students learn.
It is also important to be able to create a supportive and positive learning environment in which students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.
4. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing teachers today?
Example Answer: I think one of the biggest challenges facing teachers today is the increasing pressure to meet high standards and expectations.
With the ever-changing landscape of education, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest pedagogical approaches and technological advancements.
Also, teachers are often expected to do more with less, which can lead to feelings of burnout and frustration.
5. How do you think new technologies are impacting education?
Example Answer: New technologies are impacting education in a number of ways. One way is by providing new tools and resources that can help teachers to be more effective in their classrooms.
For example, there are now a number of online platforms that provide access to educational content, which can be used to supplement traditional teaching methods.
I am very open to the use of technology, I believe these new technologies are changing the way students learn, as they are easily able to access information and resources independently.
6. What are your thoughts on the role of the teacher in society?
Example Answer: I believe that the role of the teacher in society is to prepare students for the future by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.
However, I also think that teachers have a responsibility to instil values such as empathy, respect, and tolerance in their students. This will create a well-rounded individual who is not only academically successful, but also able to contribute to society in a positive way.
7. What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
Example Answer: For me, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing my students grow and develop over time. It is always satisfying to see a student who was struggling at the beginning of the year make great progress by the end.
It is also gratifying to know that I have made a difference in the lives of my students and that I have helped them to develop a love for learning.
8. What would you do if a child is continuously disruptive in class?
Example Answer: If a child is continuously disruptive in class, I would first try to talk to the child privately to see if there is anything going on that is causing them to act out.
If the child is not receptive to this approach, I would then speak to their parents or guardians to see if they can help to resolve the issue, if the child continues to be disruptive despite these interventions, I would then consider involving the school administration.
9. What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in teaching?
Example Answer: If you are considering a career in teaching, I would advise you to make sure that you have a genuine passion for working with students and helping them learn.
It is also important to be patient, flexible, and open-minded, as there will be days when things don’t go as planned. Most importantly, remember that every day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your students.
How to Answer Common Interview Questions for Teachers:
While every interview is different and unique in its own way, there are a few common teacher interview questions that crop up over and over again. You should be prepared to answer these as well.
Here are some of the most common interview questions for teachers and tips for answering them:
Tell me about yourself
How to Answer: When answering this question, focus on sharing information about your professional background and experience that is relevant to the teaching position you are applying for.
Avoid sharing personal information or going off-topic e.g saying you like playing video games or going to the cinema etc. Keep your answer concise and to the point.
Why do you want to be a teacher?
How to Answer: Your answer to this question should be based on your own personal experiences and motivations for wanting to become a teacher.
Perhaps you had a great teacher when you were growing up who inspired you, or maybe you have always been interested in working with children. Whatever your reasons, make sure they are genuine and authentic.
What do you think makes a good teacher?
How to Answer: When asked this question, employers are looking to see if your values and beliefs align with their own.
Some qualities that you could mention include being patient, having a good sense of humour, being able to empathise with students, being organised and having good classroom management skills.
What is your greatest weakness as a teacher?
How to Answer: Your answer to this question should show that you are trying to improve upon a specific teacher’s weakness.
For example, if classroom time management is an area of weakness, you could say that you are taking lessons on how to manage class time more effectively.
Whatever area of weakness you choose to discuss, be sure to emphasize that you are taking active steps to improve upon it.
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult student.
How to Answer: This question is designed to test your problem-solving skills and how you handle difficult situations. When answering, be sure to share a specific example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult student.
Avoid generalizing, instead, focus on sharing a specific story that illustrates your ability to handle challenging situations.
Why should we hire you as a teacher?
How to Answer: This question requires an answer which highlights the strengths and qualities that make you the best candidate for the job.
When preparing your answer, think about what makes you unique from the other applicants and why you would be the ideal teacher for the students at the school.
Why do you want to work at this school?
How to Answer: When answering this question, keep your answer specific to the school you’re applying to. You can mention what you like about the school’s values, ethos, curriculum or teaching methods.
Avoid talking about salary or benefits, instead, focus on what you can bring to the school and how you can contribute to its continued success.
11 Questions to Ask at the End of a Teacher Interview
After questioning, the interviewer will most likely ask “do you have any questions for us?“. Drawing a blank at this stage of the interview could make or break your chances of getting the teaching job you want.
Instead, use this opportunity to ask questions about the school, the students, or the job itself. Asking thoughtful, insightful questions shows that you are truly interested in the position and that you have done your research.
Some examples of questions to ask at the end of a teacher interview are:
- What is the average class size?
- What are the school’s policies on classroom management?
- What support is available for new teachers?
- How often do teachers collaborate with each other?
- What opportunities are there for professional development?
- What is the school’s philosophy on education?
- What are the demographics of the student body?
- What are the school’s standardized test scores?
- How does the school deal with disciplinary issues?
- What are the expectations for after-school activities?
- What is the school’s policy on collaboration with parents?
See Also: Child Safeguarding questions to ask at the end of an interview.
How many questions to ask at the end of a teacher interview?
The number of questions you ask at the end of your teacher interview depends on the interviewer and how the interview has gone.
If the interviewer seems open to questions, then ask 1 or 2 questions.
However, if the interviewer appears to be rushed or uninterested in answering questions, then it is probably best to not ask any questions. Thank the interviewer for their time and end the conversation.
Wrapping up
We all know that a teacher interview can be daunting, but by preparing ahead of time and knowing what to expect, you can set yourself up for success.
Be sure to brush up on your knowledge of the school, the students, and the job itself.
And don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions at the end of the interview – this is your chance to end the interview on the right foot. Good luck!
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