Practice Questions for Teacher Interviews with Answer Suggestions

1. What made you decide to become a teacher?

Many teachers discover that their love of children draws them to teaching, or that their own
love of learning makes them passionate about teaching. Others are inspired by a role model
or mentor from their education who had a positive impact on them personally. Whichever one
you choose, be sure to elaborate. Interviewers are looking for how well you address this
question not which answer you choose.
Answer:

2. What is your teaching philosophy?

This is almost guaranteed to be asked in some form. If it isn’t asked, try to build it into one of
your answers (e.g., “What do you think is most important about teaching?” OR “Tell us about
yourself.” Or any of the questions in the finale section! Teaching philosophy is an excellent
“final words” topic.)
Your teaching philosophy is very important. It is a reflection of your education, your values,
and classroom experience.
Often, an interviewer will ask if there is anything else you would like to tell about yourself. This
is an excellent place to highlight your philosophy.
If you don't currently have a personal teaching philosophy, now is the time to develop one!
Refer to earlier sections in this book on interview skills for examples of teaching philosophy
statements.
Answer:

3. What is your classroom management style?

This is another question almost always asked in some form. This is where your research pays
off. You should know the school district's philosophies on classroom management and
discipline. Your answer will vary depending on what grade level you are applying for, your
teaching style, and your previous experience in the classroom, but it should be compatible
with that of the school and/or district. Be sure to let the interview panel know you are aware of
their policy.

Answer:

4. How have you used, or how will you use, technology in the classroom?
With all of the technological advances available, schools are eager to incorporate it into their
classrooms whenever possible. It's important to assure your interviewer that you are familiar
with and enthusiastic about using available technology. In addition, note that you are always
looking to research new technologies to implement in your classroom, as they become
available.
Provide specific examples and show student samples.
Answer:

6. How have you nurtured student self-confidence?

Be sure to select a good example and provide personal examples of how you have helped a
student on an individual basis. Most likely, you were not only helping them with something
that they were having difficulty with, but by showing them that they could do it, you also
boosted their self-esteem.
Answer:

7. How can you add to the school’s extracurricular activities?

During your interview, you want to show how enthusiastic, positive, and engaged you plan to
be at your new school. Once you get the job, you can accept or decline any after school
activities based on your schedule and interest. Right now, here’s your chance to show how
you can help. It is also an opportunity to build in statements about the importance of
extracurricular activities and your willingness to work with other staff members as part of a
team to deliver quality extracurricular experiences to kids at all grade levels.
Answer:
8. What questions do you have for the panel?
This is the last question you will probably be asked. Its answer is important as this is your chance to
leave a good, memorable final impression. Take the time to research the school district, the school you
would be working for, the administration, and the school community. From that research, you will most
likely find several questions and comments to make at this time. This is also your last opportunity to
assure yourself that this position is a good fit for you.
Asking questions shows that you are truly interested in the position and the community, and that you
have taken the time to do some research. Not only will asking questions show your interest in the
school, but learning all you can about the position and the district will help you decide if the position is
a good fit for you also.
Things you might ask could include questions about the after school and community sports programs,
art or music clubs, and chess, debate, yearbook or academic clubs. It is a good time to build in
something the school or district excels at or something they don’t have (like a teacher mentor
program) where you might be an asset.
You might ask about the school’s community involvement or neighborhood involvement in the school.
Mention that you plan to move there and have your children involved in the school.

Answer:

9. If you could change one thing about your job what would it be? Avoid letting this answer
sound whiny or negative. Select something that will help children learn better (like lower PTR
or more technology in the classroom). Elaborate to show how this would enhance learning.
Answer:

I’ve divided practice interview questions into sections according to theme:

A: Getting to Know You Questions
1. What makes you a good fit for this job and our school district?

2. If you could change one thing about your job what would it be?

3. In what ways are you qualified for this teaching position?

4. Tell us a little about your professional experiences.

5. What items in your professional portfolio would you most like to share with this interview
panel?

6. What prompted you to choose a career in teaching?

7. What three words best describe you?

8. Explain how your philosophy of teaching matches the mission statement of this district?
9. What separates you from others we will be interviewing?

10. Why should we hire you for this position?

11. What is the greatest strength you bring to the job?

12. Who has been your greatest inspiration?

13. What is your greatest flaw?

14. What lasting mark would you most like to leave on your profession?

B: Questions about Your Education and Student Teaching

1. How well has your post-secondary education prepared you for a career in teaching?

2. What was the most useful course you took?

3. What is the most important thing you learned from your student teaching?

4. What was the greatest lesson you learned from an associate teacher?
5. Describe your student teaching experience.

6. What is your greatest frustration about teaching?

7. Teaching is always changing. What is the most exciting change on the horizon?

C: Personal Information
1. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

2. What are your three greatest strengths?

3. Name three of your weaknesses.

4. What is the most satisfying thing for you about teaching?

5. What is the biggest challenge in teaching?

6. What is the scariest thing about teaching?

7. What part of teaching do you look the most forward to?

8. What is the last book you read?

When did you read it? Tell us about it.

9. In what ways can you support the extracurricular activities at our school?

10. What are the important aspects of a good staff member?

11. What is your least favorite subject to teach?

12. With what age group of students do you feel least comfortable?

13. Have you ever been a substitute teacher or an in-school volunteer?

Describe that experience.

14. What type of professional development opportunities would you find most useful?

15. What professional teaching organization is most helpful to you?

16. What qualities does an outstanding teacher possess?

17. Who has been your greatest inspiration?

18. Describe an instance when you acted as a mentor.

19. What type of student were you in high school?

20. What are your interests outside of teaching?

21. How do you make use of computer and Internet technology in the classroom?

22. If cost were no object, what one thing would you like to see in all classrooms?
23. In what ways are you a flexible person? 24. Why do you want to teach in this school?

25. What will your references say about you when we contact them?

26. What criticism would your most recent employer have of you as an employee?

27. How would one of your students describe you?

28. What community service activities are part of your extracurricular life?

29. How do you hope people will speak of you at your retirement?

30. How do you want your students to view you?

31. Who do you most admire and wish to emulate?

D: Interview Questions about Teaching Style

1. What adjectives would you use to describe your teaching style?

2. Describe an incident where you used positive reinforcement effectively.

3. How do you integrate computer technology into your teaching?

4. Are you a team player? Give us an example of your team skills.

5. How do you allow students to express their creativity in your classroom?

6. Give us an example lesson where you applied Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory
effectively.

7. How do you ensure you students use higher order thinking in your class? Give an
example.

8. How do you nurture self-esteem within students?

9. How do you prepare students for province-wide (or state-wide) testing?

10. How do you make learning exciting and fun for your students?
11. Describe a typical lesson.

12. What teaching techniques you use besides direct instruction?

13. What strategies do you use to make sure every student understands the concept?

14. How closely do you follow your lesson plan?

15. Explain how you set up your daybook to incorporate the learning objectives of your lesson
plan?

16. How do you incorporate writing into your lessons?

17. Describe the most effective teaching technique you have used.

18. How do you connect your lessons to “real world” experiences?

19. How do you manage classroom noise levels?

20. What is your position on assigning homework?

21. How do you check to ensure homework assignments are done and being done by the
student himself?

22. How do you gauge the right amount of homework?

How do you know this is a good amount?

23. What strategies do you use to stay current in your field?

Interview Questions about Parent/Teacher Communication

1. How have you communicated with other teachers in your department?

2. Give us an example of effective communication with an administrator.

3. Have you ever used a class newsletter or a blog?

Explain how this was effective.

4. How would you deal with an angry parent?

5. How do you communicate with parents on a regular basis?

6. How do you keep parents aware of their son’s or daughter’s progress?

7. How would you react if a parent complained about your class?

8. What would you tell a parent if he or she was concerned a child’s grades?

9. What would you do if you received a note from a parent asking for their son to be excused
from last night’s homework because the student was too busy with another activity?

10. A student claims he is being abused at home.

What legal actions are you required to take?

11. How is your teacher’s professional organization useful to your career?

12. In what ways is your teachers’ union/federation useful to you as a classroom teacher?

Teacher Interview Questions related to Differentiating Instruction

1. Give an example of how you differentiated instruction in a lesson to accommodates\
student individual learning needs.

2. How do you accommodate for gifted or high-ability student in your class?

3. How do you manage students with reading disabilities?

4. Explain how you meet the needs of students who have an IEP.

5. How do you feel about integrated classrooms where students of all exceptionalities learn in
the same environment?

6. What are the biggest challenges for a classroom teacher with a large number of
exceptional students?

7. What is your experience co-teaching or team teaching?

8. How do you accommodate for students whose first language is not English?

9. In what ways are students with physical challenges (mobility, hearing, sight)
accommodated in your classroom?

10. How is integrating students with exceptionalities a valuable experience for all students in
your class?
Questions related to Classroom Management

1. What is your classroom management style? How do you make it work?

2. What does the ideal classroom look like to you? 3. How do you avoid classroom
management issues?

4. Describe a challenging classroom discipline issue you’ve had to deal with?

5. How do you use behavior modification to deal with recurring misbehavior?

6. Describe the most challenging behavioral situation you’ve dealt with on the playground.

7. What are your classroom rules?

Final Interview Questions

1. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

2. Do you have any questions for us?

3. What is the lasting impression with which you’d most like to leave us?

When we discuss this interview,

what things do you hope this interview panel will say?

Throughout this bonus report several suggestions have been given about how to deal with
various questions during an interview. Answers should be specific to YOUR experience,
YOUR teaching/learning styles and YOUR philosophy of teaching. Doing a thorough
research of the school, the district, and the community is vital. Knowing as much as you can
about each member of the interview team is so useful. Wherever possible refer to something
members of the panel value, have made a name for themselves, or want to see happen.

Remember: This interview—and what happens before and after it—is all about proving to this
interview panel that YOU are the best person for this job! Take time to formulate answers to
the practice questions. Rehearse answers in front of a mirror. Try the answers out on a
colleague or a mentor. Incorporate them into a mock interview. Take the interview and analyze
your performance. Revise anything that still needs work. Practice! Practice! Practice!

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& Answers
Top 30 Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
last updated August 31, 2019/7 Comments/in Science & Education/by renish

1) How can you prepare students for standardized assessments?

In almost all grades, standardized assessment is carried out. You should be able to tell the
name of the test and the format of the test. It will be an extra credit if you explain it with some
of the experiments you carried out with the students.

2) What is the motive behind building a middle school?

The motive behind building middle school is to fill the gap between elementary and high
school and a smooth transition of students into adolescence.

3) Mention the pros and cons you see of implementing CCSS (Common Core State
Standard)?
Pros
You can examine the standard by yourself and see whether it gives the desired result
It helps to know students and teacher’s consistency at each grade throughout all states
It allows teachers to collaborate with any school nationwide
It helps to improve professional development for teachers
Easy for the student to get a grip over the subject while moving to other states
Cons
Lack of implementation
Sometimes challenging for students to meet the CCSS standards

4) What is the type of qualities would you look for in a principal?

Having a vision and a clear goal
Planning and motivating
Good communication at all levels
Visibility, consistency, and accountability
Supportive

5) What are the responsibilities of a middle school teacher?

The middle school teacher responsibilities include
Helping children to move from early phases of learning to become expert
Conducting and grading tests
Presenting and setting up lessons
Working with students both in groups and personally
Tracking and monitoring the performance and progress of each student
Regular meeting with parents to discuss student’s progress
Supervising activities after school hours for sports, club and dance activities

6) What will be your approach when a lesson does not work well?
Try to analyze what went wrong
Concentrate on the weakness of the lessons
Make the content accessible and more comprehensive
Utilize useful resource
Take advice and guidance from other experienced teachers

7) What are the skills middle school teacher should have or implement to make teaching more
effective?
Provide study material which is compelling and easy to understand
Try to create an ambiance where students can help each other
Allot homework smartly which is a burden less and more meaning full
Model thinking and not solution or answer oriented
Provide the feedback immediately and which is more relevant to the task
Before state testing gets math tutor volunteers once a week for two months
Use storytelling method to teach maths to students
8) What thing middle school teacher (PGT & TGT) have to take care while dealing with
students?
Don’t dictate or pressurize student to use what they have learned
Don’t expect from the student to understand everything that you taught especially figurative
language
Don’t keep talking and discussing the topic to yourself, let the student get involved in it
Don’t make student work on the same thing over and over
Don’t embarrass students
Don’t allow to sit students in groups with the same peer
Don’t expect students to work independently

9) What are some of the problems faced by middle school?

Some of the problems faced by a middle school are
Insufficient teacher training
Inappropriate learning environment
Less involvement of parents
Emotional stress and other issues

10) What are the changes you would like to see in student you have taught?
Active involvement in studying
Positive approach towards new ideas
Ready to learn new things
Making progress in written and oral exams
High level of participation in other curriculum activities
11) What are the exploratory courses or classes you prefer for middle school student and
why?
Any exploratory courses or class can be helpful for a middle school student to develop their
skills
Arts: Student can express themselves by learning instruments and dance including band,
chorus, etc.
Business Courses: It teaches them typing and enhances their keyboard skills which can be
further used in business marketing and computer design
Foreign languages: Learning a foreign language always add a credit to your skills, and middle
school can help the student to get a head start in this
Physical education and health: Physical activities help students to become stronger and
become competitive and also relieves them from stress and boredom

12) According to you what is the role of parents towards students in middle school?
Parents should be supportive
Parents should try to understand their child learning ability and motivate them to improve
further
Parents should not oppose on their liking and dislike towards the subject
Parents should tell the student that it is ok to fail
Parents should encourage students to learn new things
Parents should track their progress in schools
Parents should build qualities like patience, hard work, and practice

13) What does special education teacher do in middle school?

Special education teacher helps the students who have severe emotional or physical
disabilities. Their key responsibilities include
Specialized techniques used to teach such students like problem-solving assignment,
intensive individualized instruction, and small group work
While arranging a test, lengthening the time for a test or providing material which is read-only
Develop IEP (Individualized Education Program) which sets individualized teaching program
for specific students and preparing them for middle school
Co-ordinates with associate teachers, teacher assistant, therapist, social workers, and related
personnel to meet such student needs
Teaching such students individually in a separate class

14) What is the primary reason for the drop out in middle school?
The major reason for the drop out in school is a student’s lack of skill in reading, writing,
mathematical, reasoning, and other learning skills. Also, students who are dropping out of
school find schooling boring and less interesting.

15) How can you reduce drop out in middle school?

To reduce drop out in middle school various steps that should be considered are
Link student interest with learning
Provide them an appropriate environment for studying like vary classroom format day to day
Give students a few options in topics to study or research, and make an attempt to link the
material or topics to everyday life, for example, relate some outdoor activities with math
problem
Use a map, a pictorial diagram, PowerPoint presentation, and visual image to make the topic
more comprehensive and less boring
Teachers should bring belief in their students about how the project or some course can
benefit them in their career prospectus
One to one conversation with students about their liking towards any activities it could be
sports, music, painting, etc.
16) What would be your classroom management structure if you are hired?
The classroom management structure that I would opt for –
Listening to students in a one-to-one meeting
Solving issues among the students
Try to involve parents in the disciplinary process
Having student sign a learning contract at the beginning of the year
Agreeing on a set of classroom rules together as a class

17) How can you bring interest among students for a subject like science?
At the beginning of the year, set the tone as the science is creative, dynamic and fun
Wherever possible ask question to arouse curiosity
Use the example of scientific discoveries often in your conversation
Take help of other science teachers for organizing some science fair or seminar for students
or group activities related to science
Look for collaboration with local scientific research institute even if it is for temporary
Take full advantage of lab facilities
Let student work freely with their practical’s and let them use the trial and error method

18) What are the duties of a high school teacher?

High school teacher duties include
Prioritizing teaching methods
Preparing material for seminars and presentations
Enforcing disciplinary actions
Conducting progress reports
Assessment of student progress
Lecturing and discussing concepts
Making administrative and budget decisions

19) What are the extracurricular activities high school teacher can organize?
Quiz competition based on subjects
Debate or discussion on subjects and out of subjects
Indoor and outdoor games
Drama and stage performance
Yearbook
Volunteering in NGO’s or field that student interest

20) What are the benefits of extracurricular activities?

The student will learn many things through extracurricular activities
Learning time management and prioritizing
Learning about long term commitments
Motivates them for other careers
Raise their self-confidence
Teamwork and relationship skills
Making a contribution
21) How often is it good to see students’ parents?
A weekly meeting would be more preferable to monitor student progress, which is usually held
by sending a weekly parent newsletter. For grades 3 and above, a daily assignment book will
do this job as their parents have to sign on their daily progress report. On the disciplinary
subject, you can call and talk to their parents.

22) How can Teacher make teaching effortless?

These can help the teacher to leave his impact and make out the maximum of it
Use a pleasant and normal tone while communicating with the student.
Start delivering lecture only when a student is ready to receive from you
Try to use non-verbal communication or hand signals. This will help the student to take an
interest in what you are saying. Sometimes non-verbal communication says more than your
verbal thing
Address immediately on any unpleasant or unsatisfactory situation with students, always
approach student as they need help or have some doubt.
Bored students are equally harassing as troubled students. Always have an interactive
session and well-designed engaging lesson
Organize the class outside the classroom sometimes like in open ground. It will change the
ambiance.

23) How can a Teacher handle a weak student?

A teacher can motivate the weak student by motivating him/her for the subject they are
interested in
Sometimes the teacher has to realize and tolerate a student’s strength and weakness
The teacher can individually talk with the student about the problem he is facing
The teacher could adopt different teaching methods, so it’s easy for the student to understand
the thing
The teacher must encourage such student to express their view on the subject
The teacher must create an ambiance that makes weak students feel equally important and
unbiased

24) What is your opinion on the implementation of a new subject in the curriculum and which
subject you would like to include?
Computers are inevitable in the 21st century; a basic computer programming course from
high school onwards can help students to become a pro by the time they complete their
colleges
Data science engineering is another subject that could be helpful to the student in their near
future
Data is the new oil. With little knowledge in statistics, they can handle and operate data library
in any field

25) What must the teacher do on their very first day?

On their very first day, the teacher must do the following things
Know the school policies
Familiarize yourself with the school
Meet your colleagues
Make your material ready for the first day
Prepare your lesson thoroughly and stay relaxed
Make detailed lesson plans for the first week
Teach something to the student that is easy for the student to learn, and spend the last 5-10
chatting with the student
26) What must a Teacher not do?
The teacher should not humiliate student, especially in front of others
They should not judge a student based on their academic records and marks.
The teacher should not give a low grade to the student due to their personal strife
The teacher should not ask the student to cover everything on their own when they miss a
class; their assistance is required
The teacher should not assume students grasping power as an equal to his/her, and expect
them to learn everything really quick
The teacher should not teach a lesson as if he/she teaching to himself/herself. He/She must
involve students by taking small breaks in between lessons and ask them if they needed any
help
The teacher should not try to dominant student, in fact; they should remain calm and be at
receiving end
The teacher should not be over-demanding and understand the potential of the fellow student
before allotting any task

27) How can a teacher involve parents in students’ progress?

Regular parent’s conference: One-to-one contact is the best way to communicate with
parents. In a meeting, the teacher needs to discuss the student progress, and any concern
parents have about the student
Use technology: Teacher should post about the assignment, project due dates and event
information on their school website so parents can be aware of the latest updates and events
going on the school. Providing an e-mail is another effective way to communicate with parents
Open House: Encourage parents to participate as classroom volunteers, and become a
member of the parent-teacher organization. An open house is another medium to keep
parents updated with the essential information they will need throughout the year
Monthly Newsletter: It is an easy way to keep parents informed about their child progress.
The newsletter includes information like school events, assignment due dates, monthly goals,
volunteer opportunities, etc.
28) In what areas parents can offer their volunteer service?
Parents can offer their volunteer service in various field like lunch-room monitor, tutor,
crossing the guard, library aid and concession stand worker for school events.

29) What are effective classroom management styles?

Effective classroom management styles include
Don’t attend any parent’s- teacher conference, student meeting or discussion until you are
clear about the goal
Don’t promise student to do something which you can’t able to do
Understand students all aspects and requirement for classroom
Ensure that whatever you implement or say should be practically feasible and beneficial for
the student

30) Explain what is co-teaching?

Co-teaching is a new strategy adopted by teachers to teach a particular subject by sharing
their responsibility. Co-teaching can be fun for the student learning one subject from two or
more people who may have different ways of teaching or thinking.