Teacher interview questions are designed to assess the potential candidates' motivation, ability to transfer knowledge, competence, and specific skills related to the teaching profession. Your answers and reactions to these questions will help the employer estimate whether you’re the right fit for the job.
In this article, we’ll explain the most relevant teacher interview questions and answers and suggest the best way to address each, to ensure you’re well prepared for the assessment.
Key Takeaways
Teacher interview questions gauge your communication, empathy, problem-solving, and classroom management skills and help potential employers determine whether you’re the right fit for their school.
The best way to answer teacher interview questions is to draw on your experience, share examples from practice, and structure your answers using the STAR method.
To prepare for the interview, research the school and the job description thoroughly to understand the values and skills you should emphasize in your answers.
Be prepared to answer questions that aren’t highly specific to teaching jobs but instead focus on assessing your overall professional expectations and ambitions.
What Are Schools Looking for in Teachers?
Schools look for teachers who can handle the challenges of teaching different age groups and create an inspiring, positive learning atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the three main qualities sought in teachers:
Love for teaching. Teaching is a very specific profession that requires real passion and commitment. Schools seek teachers who find purpose and meaning in their jobs and who are genuinely interested in the well-being and education of their students, qualities that would be reflected on a high school principal resume for those aspiring to lead a school.
Classroom management skills. There are many challenges a teacher needs to address while teaching to keep a peaceful and positive learning environment. Therefore, schools seek teachers who can maintain discipline and handle different personality types without jeopardizing the quality of their teaching or school values.
Adaptability and resourcefulness. Many unpredictable factors in a teacher’s work require them to think on their feet and find effective solutions on the go without compromising the school’s mission and values. Teachers need a lot of creativity on a day-to-day basis to keep the students inspired and motivated.
Strong interpersonal skills: Teachers need to be able to establish a bond with their students individually and as a group. Their communication style needs to be adaptable to different age groups yet reflect their consistency and integrity.
10 Common Teacher Interview Questions & Sample Answers
Now, let’s explore the most common teacher interview questions and provide examples of the best answers to help you prepare for the meeting.
#1. Why did you become a teacher?
This is an unavoidable teacher interview question, and there’s a good reason for it. The employer wants to evaluate your passion, commitment, and inspiration as a teacher and whether you have a genuine desire to connect with students.
Good Answer
“I became a teacher because I have always found joy in learning and inspiring others to learn and grow. I enjoy helping other people discover and develop their potential. Overcoming all the challenges that come with teaching, such as establishing communication with so many different personalities and impacting their lives, gives me a great sense of fulfillment.”
Why this answer works: This answer shows that you’re not just passionate about teaching but also aware of the challenges that come with it and willing to overcome them.
#2. What is your teaching style?
This is a straightforward question that employers use to assess whether the way you work aligns with their values, needs, and style. You should be honest when answering this question, describe your style, and point out that you’re open to implementing new approaches.
Good Answer
“My teaching style is student-centered. I prefer to create an interactive environment where students feel welcome to share their opinions and learn through exchange with others. I also love using contemporary technologies in the classroom to cater to different learning styles. For example, I often use a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on activities to engage all students and foster a dynamic atmosphere.”
Why this answer works: This answer works because it demonstrates your adaptability and focus on students’ needs, which are key qualities schools seek.
#3. How do you handle difficult students?
This question targets your classroom management skills and ability to handle complicated situations empathetically and professionally. In addition, it also assesses your communication skills.
Good Answer
“I understand that challenging students usually struggle with different issues and need adequate support and understanding more than any kind of punishment. Therefore, I am patient with those students, and I subtly encourage them to open up so that I can identify the root cause of their problematic behavior and guide them toward a solution.
If necessary, I organize one-on-one conversations, include school psychologists, or seek support from parents, depending on what arises as the issue. My experience taught me that problematic students have bigger problems than those they cause in the classroom, so I try not to add to their difficulties but also communicate clearly what’s not acceptable in my classroom.”
Why this answer works: It shows that you are patient, have problem-solving skills, and possess real-life experience with challenging students. Moreover, it describes you as a person who isn’t afraid to step up and offer help while maintaining your personal boundaries with students.
#4. What techniques and methods do you use to keep the students engaged?
This practical teacher interview question helps the employer learn about your teaching style and the ability to create an engaging learning environment.
Good Answer
“My approach is student-centered, so I make sure to get to know my students and their learning styles well to use the techniques that align with their preferences. Usually, it’s a mix of multimedia, real-world examples, and hands-on activities that keeps them curious and eager to learn. I also use positive reinforcement techniques to motivate participation.”
Why this answer works: It highlights your adaptability, creativity, and focus on students’ needs, portraying you as a dedicated professional who creates a positive classroom experience.
#5. How do you build rapport with parents?
Schools know that maintaining good relationships with parents is just as important as establishing strong student bonds. With this question, the employer wants to know whether you can handle the different demands of different parents.
Good Answer
“I know that good communication with parents plays a huge role in my students’ success. Therefore, I regularly send updates about students’ progress to their parents and invite them to share any concerns they might have regarding their child’s success. I also make an effort to show up at school events and meet the parents in person.”
Why this answer works: It shows that you understand the importance of collaboration with parents and are willing to foster a healthy, professional partnership with them.
#6. What is the most challenging aspect of being a teacher for you?
This teacher interview question aims to determine what causes stress at work for you and how you handle it. It helps interviewers gauge your self-awareness and resilience. While being honest in your answer is important, you should also point out how you overcome challenges.
Good Answer
“I have experienced many complicated situations so far, but what remains the most challenging aspect of teaching is making every student feel equally supported while ensuring the curriculum deadlines are met.
I do my best to recognize the different needs and learning styles of each student and, sometimes, it can be very demanding to manage time and meet the needs of the entire group and each student individually. To address this, I plan every lesson in detail and include many different activities to cater to various learning styles.”
Why this answer works: It portrays you as a caring, dedicated teacher who puts the students’ needs first. Plus, it points out a realistic challenge many teachers struggle with, contributing to your image as an honest, reliable person.
#7. What do you think about current educational trends and best practices? Is it important to keep up with them?
With this teacher interview question, the employer wants to gauge your openness to innovation and ability to adapt to changes in education.
Good Answer
“Continuous learning is one of the most rewarding aspects of the teaching profession, and I am very curious about the latest insights in pedagogy and related fields. Moreover, I take part in many online teacher communities where we exchange ideas and best practices.
I also enjoy reflecting on how I can apply new strategies in my own teaching. For example, I was delighted with my results when I implemented more collaborative projects into my lessons, significantly increasing student engagement.”
Why this answer works: It demonstrates that you really love teaching and are motivated to learn and grow professionally. It also shows that you are resourceful and committed.
#8. How do you react when a student suddenly stops showing good results?
This question targets your ability to connect with your students, motivate them, and provide support. Additionally, it also assesses your problem-solving skills.
Good Answer
“When otherwise a good student suddenly underperforms, I focus on identifying the root cause. I arrange a private meeting with the student to discuss their challenges and pinpoint specific areas of difficulty. If the student is struggling due to personal issues, I encourage them to seek support from a school counselor, psychologist, or pedagogist.
If the issue is related to learning, I create a tailored plan to support the student that might include one-on-one tutoring, modified assignments, or additional resources.”
Why this answer works: It shows that you’re empathetic, genuinely interested in students’ well-being, and willing to collaborate with school staff to support them.
#9. How do you handle bullying among students?
With this teacher interview question, the employer wants to judge your ability to deal with sensitive issues and maintain a safe classroom environment.
Good Answer
“I take bullying seriously and act on it the moment I notice it. Since I am aware of how complicated it can be to prove bullying, as the victims are often terrified to admit it, I address the situation privately with each student involved. I ensure the victim feels safe and protected while offering understanding without judgment to both sides.
After I establish what happened, I decide whether to include parents, counselors, or other school staff. I also talk with students about bullying and empathy to foster an atmosphere in which they feel comfortable reporting concerns and know that I will never tolerate bullying.”
Why this answer works: This answer shows that you’re aware of how sensitive this topic is and that it needs to be taken seriously. It also highlights your commitment to creating a safe and respectful learning environment.
#10. What do you do when a lesson doesn’t go as planned?
This teacher interview question targets your problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to react adequately to unexpected circumstances in the classroom.
Good Answer
“There’s always an element of unpredictability in teaching, which can be both a source of stress and inspiration. When a lesson doesn’t go as planned, I swiftly adjust my approach and focus on identifying the main cause of disruption—whether the material was too complicated, the method inadequate, or the students unmotivated. After the class, I revise the lesson and reflect on what went wrong.”
Why this answer works: It shows that you are not overwhelmed by unexpected situations, are willing to adapt, and are determined to find an adequate solution.
16 More Interview Questions for Teachers
Now that we have covered all the most common interview questions for teachers and provided optimal answers, let’s explore other types of interview questions that might not be as specific:
Additional Interview Questions
What are your salary expectations?
What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?
What are your best teaching skills and strengths?
How do you handle conflicts between students?
How do you incorporate technology in the classroom?
What’s the role of homework in teaching?
What’s your approach to grading and assessment?
How do you encourage creativity in the classroom?
How do you handle difficult parents?
How do you handle students who challenge your authority?
What’s your experience with online teaching?
What’s your approach in teaching gifted and advanced students?
How do you incorporate students’ feedback into your teaching?
How do you connect with students?
What teacher skill are you the most proud of?
3 Strategies for a Successful Teacher Interview
Apart from knowing how to answer teacher interview questions, there are some other things you can do to prepare yourself well. So, here are a few more useful teaching interview tips:
#1. Learn Everything About the School
It is essential to know the values and mission of the school you’re applying to so that you have a general understanding of what kind of person they are looking for. Explore the school website in detail to familiarize yourself with the atmosphere, programs, and communication tone the establishment fosters.
Some schools even offer a teacher interview preparation guide to help the candidates come to the meeting ready. So, check whether the one you’re applying for has a website page for potential employees. If not, explore the online profiles of current employees, student demographics, and community culture. This knowledge will help you customize your answers to meet the school’s expectations.
#2. Prepare Examples From Your Experience
There will surely be plenty of behavioral questions in your interview, so be prepared to share real-life examples from your experience. Focus on the examples that highlight your skills and structure your responses using the STAR method to make them impactful.
#3. Show Confidence and Enthusiasm
Schools are looking for enthusiastic teachers who are willing to develop and learn. So, even if you don’t have all the skills or competencies they are looking for, your self-confidence and passion can outweigh your shortcomings and ensure you impress the potential employer.
In addition, for more insights on crafting a standout application, check out our teacher resume example and use our resume builder to complement your interview preparation and ensure you present yourself as the best candidate.
Final Thoughts
Despite the emergence of AI technology and teaching platforms, the job outlook for teachers remains steady. The projected growth rate for this sector is around 5% over the next decade. While this number may not seem promising, it still translates into approximately 109,000 new teaching positions annually.
So, if you want to secure one of those teaching spots, prepare thoroughly for the teacher interview questions and walk into the meeting confidently and authentically.
Additionally, save this guide on interview preparation for educators, so you can refer back to it whenever you feel anxious about whether you’re adequately prepared.
