Questions you might be asked during a teacher job interview, suggested answers, and advice for acing a teacher job interview.
Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Everyone will have a different answer to this interview question. Just be prepared to answer it, and answer it as honestly as possible. Many teachers discover their "passion for teaching" and their "love of children" at some point during their college education. Think about using terms like "making a difference" or "helping others."
It can also be helpful to expand on this by providing personal anecdotes. For example, maybe one of your own teachers inspired you to follow in their footsteps. These are all just some ideas, and you should be prepared to discuss your own personal story during an interview.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Most likely, you developed your "teaching philosophy" during college or graduate school. In order to prepare for your interview, you should pull out that paper, reread, and remember it. Even if your interview doesn't ask you what it is, you may want to take the initiative to incorporate it into your interview.
If you haven't come up with your philosophy yet, take some time to develop a few key points. Your teaching philosophy should be a self-reflective statement about your beliefs on teaching and learning. In the document, you should discuss how you put your beliefs into practice by providing personal examples of what you have done or what you plan to do in the classroom.
There are many resources online to help you construct your philosophy. For additional information, the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching has many different links that will help you get started.
Because teaching styles and methods change over the years, every teacher should revisit their philosophy from time to time and make changes when necessary.
What type of classroom management/discipline would you implement?
This answer will vary depending on what grade level you are applying for, your teaching style, and your previous experience in the classroom. It is a good idea to research the school district's philosophies on classroom management or discipline.
Be sure to give examples of your method - personal examples are best. Some answers include redirecting students, engaging students by making a set of classroom rules together as a class, having students sign contracts that they help create at the beginning of the year, and listening to the students' side of the story, when applicable. These are just some ideas which you can expand on using your past experience. It's a good idea to have an idea of what works best for you before you entering the classroom.
How have you used, or how will you use, technology in the classroom?
With all of the new forms of technology available to us, schools are eager to incorporate it into daily classroom activities. However, many faculty members are of a "different generation" which did not have all the technological advancements available to them when they were being trained as teachers. Many of the more seasoned teachers are intimidated by technology. As a new teacher, you want to assure your interviewer that you are familiar with and comfortable using available technology.
Also, give your interviewer some examples of what technology you have used in the past. Before your interview, it's helpful to do some research about what other schools have used and how you would like to do the same, stressing that you would be happy to teach other teachers how to use it, as well.
Have you had experience boosting a student's self-esteem? If so, how did you do this?
It's a good idea to think of all the times you have worked with a student individually. Most likely, you were not only teaching them something that they were having a hard time with, but in doing so you were giving them a boost in self-esteem. Working one-on-one with students is the most effective way to boost their self-esteem because they feel special, noticed as an individual and not overlooked in the classroom.
Would you be interested in coaching or taking part in any after school activities?
Always say yes! During your interview, it's key to be as positive and as engaged as possible. Once you get the job, you can accept or decline any after school activities offered to you, if the activity isn't a good fit. However, it is highly recommended that you do coach, lead an afterschool club, offer afterschool help, or get involved somehow until you are tenured.
Also, if you get the position and you cannot fit in after school activities, make sure to decline them in the most respectful way. You shouldn't say "No" outright. Rather, tell your employer that you will see if you can rework you schedule to fit it in. Then, in a timely fashion, get back to them with your answer. It's best to at least look like you made some sort of an effort to get involved.
Do you have any questions for me?
Before going into the interview, it's a good idea to do some research on the school district, the school you would be working for, and maybe even the town that the school is in. From that research, compose a few questions of your own that you may want to ask at the interview. If your questions aren't answered, this is the perfect time to ask.
Asking questions will show that you are truly interested in the position and would like to learn all that you can about it. For example, you could ask if there are any after school sports teams or clubs that you will be able to participate in as a coach or mentor, if it wasn't previously mentioned. Not only will asking questions show that you're interested in the position, but learning all you can about the position and the district will help you decide if the position is a good fit for you, too.
More Interview Questions and Answers
Typical job interview questions, plus sample answers you can use to practice for a job interview.
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