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Teacher Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Teacher interview questions and answers.

  1. Tell me about the technology you use in the classroom. See answer
  2. Do you have any special skills that would be an asset to our school district? See answer
  3. How do you think past students and colleagues would describe your teaching style? See answer
  4. What do you do to get your classroom ready for the first day of school? See answer
  5. How do you assess and evaluate student progress? See answer
  6. How do you ensure your lessons fit within the allotted time? See answer
  7. Are there any ways you encourage students to express their creativity? See answer
  8. What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being a Teacher? See answer
  9. Do you have any questions about our school or district? See answer
  10. How do you check student’s understanding as you teach?
  11. How do you manage challenging students?
  12. How do you communicate and build relationships with students’ parents?
  13. Why did you become aTeacher?
  14. Describe what the first 15 minutes are like in your classroom.
  15. Do you think a Teachers’ personality affects their success?
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Hire your next Teacher today.

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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

Tell me about the technology you use in the classroom.

Technology is now at the forefront of learning, making it an important topic for interviewing a Teacher. This question helps you understand how a candidate incorporates technology into an engaging learning environment for students.What to look for in an answer:

  • Innovative thinking and dynamic teaching techniques
  • Computer literacy
  • Modern teaching style

Example:

"Through the pandemic, I taught remotely, which is something I hadn't done before. While the process took some adjusting, I used technology to engage students in new and exciting ways.I also incorporate technology into my physical classroom as a visual learning tool. I plan educational games to make learning fun and innovative for my students. In my previous job, I created a virtual scavenger hunt for students to work in pairs and find answers to questions. This not only improved the learning but ensured collaboration and teamwork between students."

How do you check student's understanding as you teach?

This question reveals a Teacher's awareness of their students, and how they assess progress aside from exam results. What to look for in an answer:

  • Responsive to students
  • Evaluates student progress
  • Adaptable teaching style

Example:

"At the end of each class, I encourage students to write what they learned from the class on a whiteboard. This helps me identify students who need extra help to understand some topics. To further assess their progress, I also set aside 10 minutes at the start of each session to give students a chance to ask any questions they have about lessons from last class. This ensures everyone understands the material over time."

How do you manage situations with challenging students?

Teachers need to manage a large group of students with different learning styles and minimize distractions. This question assesses whether a candidate has strategies for handling disruptive or challenging students. What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Professionalism
  • Understanding of common behavioural issues and how to correct them

Example:

"Depending on the issue, I may meet with the student to discuss it. Understanding the reason behind the student'sbehaviour canhelp in finding a solution. For example, if they are being disruptive, it may be because they are struggling with understanding the material, in which case I can provide them with extra help. They may also need a way to channel their energy, in which case I can implement more interactive and fun group projects in the classroom."

How do you communicate and build relationships with students' parents?

Working with parents and guardians is a crucial part of teaching and can be a way to ensure thatstudents meet expectations. This question assesses a candidate's ability to collaborate with parents to support the teaching of students. What to look for in an answer:

  • Collaboration and support
  • Evaluation and sharing of student progress
  • Strong communication skills to manage parent and guardian expectations

Example:

"A positive relationship between Teachers and parents helps improve the student's academic performance. I like to take every opportunity to meet parents face-to-face to discuss questions they have regarding their child's performance and progress. At the start of a school year, I invite parents for an individual meeting and give them an overview of what is being accomplished in the classroom. This keeps the parents up-to-date with the current curriculum, projects, and tests."

Do you have any special skills that would be an asset to our school district?

This question evaluates any special skills a candidate could bring to your school or district and whether these skills align with your program. What to look for in an answer:

  • Fluency in multiple languages
  • Additional certifications
  • Adaptability and transferrable skills

Example:

"I am fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). In my role at XYZ Elementary, I was a tutor for students with deafness and hearing impairments, and I delivered all lessons in ASL. I noticed in your posting that this district is adding a new program for students with hearing impairments next semester, and I would love to assist with that launch."

Why did you become a Teacher?

This question assesses a candidate's dedication to teaching and motivation for becoming an educator. What to look for in an answer:

  • Reason for following a career path as a Teacher
  • Background information and career goals
  • Passionate about education

Example:

“The best Teacher I've ever had was a mathematics Teacher in my middle school. She could see past numbers and formulas and taught mathematics with real-life examples. It was her unconventional teaching method and style that inspired me to pursue teaching as a career. I always strive to implement the same techniques and focus on learning instead of grades.”

How do you think past students and colleagues would describe your teaching style?

Certain personality traits are required to excel as a Teacher. The goal of this question is to learn more about a candidate's personality and compare their answer with how references describe them. What to look for in an answer:

  • Confidence in their teaching style
  • Positive professional relationships
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to connect with children and coworkers

Example:

“My students and peers describe me as a caring, inspiring and creative person. I enjoy creating lesson plans that help students understand the subject and implement classroom teaching in their everyday life. I organize events for an immersive learning experience. In my previous job, I organized a sports day for the fifth-grade class. Students played scavenger hunts and answered trivia based around history. It was rewarding to see the students cooperating and learning together."

What do you do to get your classroom ready for the first day of school?

The success formula for succeeding on the first day of school is planning. The goal of this question is to assess the learning environment a candidate plans and creates to welcome new students. What to look for in an answer:

  • Organization skills
  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • Creative thinking

Example:

"To prepare my classroom for the first day of school, I always arrange a welcoming environment. Students enjoy an organized and well-decorated classroom and appreciate it when a Teacher puts extra effort in. I decide the best way to arrange student desks and prepare name tags for the class to wear."

How do you assess and evaluate student progress?

This question helps you understand how a candidate evaluates student progress and their methods for assessing areas they could improve on. What to look for in an answer:

  • Commitment fair evaluation
  • Attention to detail
  • Desire to support students and help them succeed

Example:

"To evaluate students, I use several approaches like multiple test formats, including multiple-choice, short answer, long answer and fill in the blanks. In my previous job, I had a student who had developmental disabilities and did not perform well on exams. I adjusted the exam results to 20% down from 50% and increased daily assignments, helping the student reach their maximum potential."

Can you describe what the first 15 minutes are like in your classroom?

The goal is to assess how a candidate thinks, plans and structures their class. It helps in finding out whether the candidate fits well with your school's values. What to look for in an answer:

  • Lesson planning capabilities
  • Confidence in their teaching style
  • Structured class schedules

Example:

"Before class starts, I write the lesson plan out on the chalkboard for students' reference. Firstly, I greet my students before explaining the day's lesson plan. Then I take five minutes to recap the previous class and give students a chance to ask questions they might have before moving on."

How do you ensure your lessons fit within the allotted time?

Structuring a lesson is challenging, especially controlling where the lesson leaves off. This question helps you understand a candidate's time management and planning abilities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Effective time management
  • Lesson planning capabilities
  • Leadership skills

Example:

"To manage time effectively, I plan my lessons in four 10 minute blocks. I leave an extra five minutes per block for questions and conversation. I find this method gives me enough time to control where and when the lesson ends."

Do you think a Teachers' personality affects their success?

A Teacher's personality can affect their teaching and therefore the students' learning process. A Teacher with positive personality traits can have better relationships with students. This question assesses a candidate's personality and provides insight into their teaching style. What to look for in an answer:

  • Leadership skills
  • Enthusiasm
  • Empathic and patient

Example:

"I believe Teachers need specific personality traits to succeed in the role. They need empathy, patience, compassion, self-discipline, and flexibility. In my last position, I always took the time to make each student feel valued and always projected a positive demeanour. I was patient with students with special needs and helped them achieve good grades.”

Are there any ways you encourage students to express their creativity?

Creative expression is an important part of development for all children and young adults. The goal of this question is to gain insight into how a candidate encourages students to learn and engage in classroom activities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Engaging lesson plans
  • Inclusive of all students
  • Ability to inspire students and encourage creativity

Example:

"While teaching, I try to call on every student to share with the class by asking direct questions and encouraging participation. In my previous job, I organized a monthly talent show where students could volunteer to perform without feeling pressured. The response was incredible, and students were always excited to participate. It helped some of the introverts showcase their talents and work collaboratively with their classmates."

What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being a Teacher?

Teachers may come across challenging situations and students. This question aims to assess a candidate's experience and their strengths and weaknesses in the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive attitude and enthusiasm for teaching
  • Ready to take on challenges and learn from experience
  • Adaptability and interest in professional development

Example:

"I get emotional watching my students grow up and progress on to the next school and chapter of their education. I find it challenging to say goodbye to a class every year after spending so much time with them and helping each student develop. However, there's nothing I love more than getting to know a new class of bright young learners, so there's always something to look forward to."

Do you have any questions about our school or district?

A candidate may research your school or district before their interview. The goal is to evaluate a candidate's preparedness and enthusiasm for your school and the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Thoughtful questions and preparation for the interview
  • Enthusiasm and motivation for applying
  • Active listening and critical thinking skills to provoke new questions during the interview

Example:

"After reading through the job description and researching this district, I'm confident that I would be a valuable member of the faculty. I'd love to know more about your schools' athletic teams. Are there any after-school coaching positions available? I played volleyball in high school and university, so I'd love to get involved in the teams here."

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