Mastering common teacher interview questions
Are you applying for teaching jobs and feeling overwhelmed at the thought of an interview? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news is that with some preparation, you can set yourself apart from the other candidates and highlight your passion for teaching. It’s all about familiarizing yourself with the typical teacher interview questions and crafting impactful responses that demonstrate your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm.
Let’s go over some of the common questions you might be asked during a teacher interview and review sample answers to give you an idea of what to expect.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A TEACHER?
Almost every interview will start with a question about why you became a teacher. The interviewer wants to gauge your passion for teaching and commitment to the profession. When answering this question, be honest and sincere. Share your personal story and how it led you to become a teacher. Talk about your passion for education and desire to impact your students’ lives positively.
Sample answer: “My thirdgrade teacher, Mrs. Johnson, ignited my passion for teaching. She made me feel valued and supported, even when I struggled. Her dedication to helping her students succeed inspired me to become a teacher and provide the same level of support and encouragement to my own students. As a teacher, I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and capable of achieving their goals. Seeing my students grow and succeed motivates me to continue teaching.”
HOW DO YOU HANDLE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT?
Classroom management is a critical skill for any teacher. The interviewer may ask this to learn how you maintain a positive and productive learning environment in your classroom. When answering this question, discuss your strategies for establishing clear expectations, enforcing rules and consequences, and building positive relationships with your students. Share examples of how you have handled challenging situations and what you learned from those experiences. If you are new to teaching, you can use an example
from in-classroom training or volunteering.
Sample answer: “At the beginning of the school year, I take the time to discuss my classroom rules and expectations with my students and involve them in creating our classroom guidelines. I also prioritize building positive relationships with my students by getting to know them personally and showing them that I care about their well-being.
“When enforcing rules and consequences, I take a proactive approach by addressing issues before they escalate. I create a supportive and positive classroom environment that encourages students to make good choices. However, if a student does break a rule, I use a progressive discipline approach, starting with a verbal warning and escalating to more severe consequences if necessary.
HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT WITH EDUCATIONAL TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICES?
The interviewer may ask about this to learn how you stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in education, which is essential for teachers.
When answering this teacher interview question, talk about your commitment to ongoing professional development, such as attending conferences, workshops, webinars, or reading professional literature. If possible, share examples of how you have implemented new strategies or techniques in your teaching practice and how they have benefited your students.
Sample answer: “Iama regular reader of the National Education Association (NEA) blog and Education Week for their insights on current issues and best practices in teaching. I also participate in professional development opportunities, attend conferences and workshops, and engage in discussions with colleagues to stay up to date and continuously improve my teaching methods.”