Online teacher Interview questions

An Overview

Being a teacher is an incredibly rewarding job. You have the opportunity not just to engage individuals, big and small, on a specific topic (or range of topics), but to shape how they learn, grow, and see the world around them.
Of course, teachers have things they need to practice and work on, too—like answering interview questions in a way that’ll nab you that dream job at that amazing schoo

1. Why do you want to be a teacher?

I had trouble reading as a child My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Paulette, introduced us to an amazing list of short stories and books. She read to us and worked with us on reading comprehension. Her care switched on an unquenchable thirst that led me to read thousands of books on topics as diverse as history, biology, sociology, and nature. Mrs. Paulette’s attention forever changed my outlook on life.

2. What’s Your Teaching Style or Philosophy?/What Adjectives Would You Use to Describe Your Presence in the Classroom?

An interviewer wants to see that you’re not just trying to push students toward some goal or academic result, but really want to help them develop inside and outside school. Basically, you care about people and their success, not just your own professional achievements.
“A good answer would be a community approach. So knowing that you’re one piece of this person’s journey,” says Mary Finley, Senior Teacher Success Manager at Skill share and a former Teach for America Core Member and elementary school teacher. In other words, you see teaching as more than just standing in front of a whiteboard barking orders.

3. What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in teaching to each student’s passion. For instance, in one kindergarten class, my students had trouble with punctuation. I observed that one student, Mary, suddenly got excited about apostrophes. I fueled her passion with a big book on punctuation. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon the entire class was asking bright and animated questions.

4. How Do You Motivate Students?

Similar to the question above, interviewers want to see how you influence students to do what you need them to do. Findley adds that this is an especially important thing to vet for when hiring virtual teachers, because motivating others over video requires a lot more creativity than when you’re teaching in person.
Positive reinforcement is super important to keep a student motivated, so one thing I like to do is throw out rewards or bonuses when they perform especially well. This could be candy, or a star, or a sticker, or even just a compliment—whatever I can tell students enjoy receiving, and it’s different for everyone. I never want students to feel left out or overindulged, so I always try to be fair and consistent with everyone.

5. Why do you want to work for our school district?

I respect Snowy Peaks High’s belief in teaching to the whole child. Your focus on academics, character, community, and nature fit perfectly with my own philosophy. It’s easier to teach well-rounded students. The best lesson plan in the world can’t help a child who’s struggling in all other areas of life.

6. What do you find most frustrating about teaching?

Teaching interview questions like this attempt to see if you are easily discouraged.
I get very frustrated with bright kids who become overconfident and don’t apply themselves. There’s nothing sadder or more common than wasted potential. At my last position, I worked with several children who weren’t trying. I implemented a research-based program to incorporate student ideas into the lesson plan. The addition of their thoughts created more complete engagement.

7. What Are You Learning Right Now?

This question is about showing that you’re curious and believe in continuous learning—qualities that are important in a teacher as well as for a teacher to pass on to students.
Hopefully, you’re doing something to help yourself grow—it doesn’t have to be career-related! Maybe you’re reading a series of books about a particular topic, or attending a class, or making yourself practice a new skill. It doesn’t matter how extensive your learning is. You just want to express a growth mindset and an appreciation for continuing to get better at something.

8. How much time would you give to a student?

It’s easy to get carried away. In my early days of online teaching, I answered emails around the clock. Generally, I get back to the students in 24 hours or less, but I don’t answer emails in the evening and on weekends. Some students require less support than others. Sometimes a short email will suffice. Sometimes, assignments require detailed feedback. But, in general, you shouldn’t spend any more time doing an online teaching job than you do a regular teaching job, especially if you do not have to do any modifications to the course. You might find the work spread out.