40 Teacher Interview Questions

If you’re planning to become a teacher, your job search process will include interviews with potential schools. The interview process is an opportunity not only for potential employers to evaluate you, but also for you to determine whether the school is a good fit for you.

To help you approach interviews with confidence, we’ve compiled a list of 25 interview questions that you may be asked during a teacher interview. To avoid drawing a blank, it’s helpful to understand the types of questions that may be asked, and practice talking through your answers.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare:

• • • Keep your answers focused on how you will benefit the students and the school, rather than what you hope to gain from the job.

    • Be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy, as well as your approach to discipline, homework, and parent involvement. If you’re a new teacher, you can talk about policies you’d like to implement based on previous classrooms you’ve observed.

    • Come prepared with examples of challenges and successes that you’ve previously had in teaching. If you are new to teaching, try to pull some examples from your time as a student teacher.

    • Have your questions for the interviewer prepared ahead of time. Make sure you’ve researched the school beforehand and familiarized yourself with the job description. By asking specific and thoughtful questions, you can demonstrate your preparedness and interest in the school.

Here are 25 questions to think through as you prepare for your teacher interview.

Commonly Asked Questions in a Teacher Interview:

Introductory Questions:

1. 1. 1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

      2. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

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

      4. What three adjectives best describe you, and why?

Questions about your skills, experience, and interests:

1. 1. 5. What strengths do you have that help you as a teacher?

      6. What are some of the most important things you learned from student teaching?

      7. What activities would you consider coaching or advising as part of the teaching staff?

      8. How do you handle constructive criticism?

      9. What do you think would be your greatest challenge in this role, and how would you handle it?

      10. What curriculum are you familiar with in your specific subject area?

      11. How have your past experiences prepared you to do well in this role?

Questions about teaching style:

1. 1. 12. What is your teaching style/philosophy?

      13. How do you keep your students engaged and motivated?

      14. What would you like your students to take away from their learning experience with you?

      15. What is your philosophy on classroom discipline?

      16. What are your classroom rules, and how do you make students aware of them?

      17. What methods of positive reinforcement do you like to use?

Scenario Questions:

1. 1. 18. Tell me about a time you helped someone become more successful.

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

      20. How would you handle a student who is consistently disruptive or defiant?

      21. How would you manage students on different academic levels?

      22. How would you cultivate positive relationships with your students?

      23. How would you establish authority in the classroom?

      24. What would you do if your lesson was not getting through to students?

      25. How would you provide support for students who are falling behind?

Once you make it to the end of your interview, it’ll be your turn to ask a few questions! Take advantage of this opportunity to get some helpful insight about the school and the position. Asking thoughtful questions will also help you make a good impression, and show that you are serious about wanting to work there.

Here are 15 possible questions to ask your potential employer.

Questions to ask the Interviewer:

Questions about professional development:

1. 1. 1. What are some of your expectations for a teacher who wants to become a long-term employee at this school?

      2. What opportunities are offered for professional development and growth?

      3. What is the teacher evaluation process like, and how often is feedback provided?

      4. Do you have a mentoring program for new teachers?

      5. What is the most important thing you now know as an educator that you wish you knew before you began your teaching career?

Questions about the school:

1. 1. 6. How would you describe the culture of the school?

      7. What technology is available in a standard classroom?

      8. What is the student-teacher ratio in a typical classroom?

      9. What do you think are the school’s greatest strengths?

      10. Do you feel that there are any areas in the school that need improvement?

      11. What is the school’s perspective on discipline?

Questions about the responsibilities of the role:

1. 1. 12. What would a typical day look like in this role?

      13. What are the extracurricular opportunities or requirements for teachers?

      14. How often are staff meetings held?

      15. Do teachers work in teams? If so, how is this organized?

Test Prep Resource: Praxis Practice Tests