Interview questions for Teachers

School principals and any other members of a hiring committee craft the questions they ask in order to determine whether you will be a good fit for their school as well as a champion for the policies established by their school district.

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

From the time I was young I have loved learning and appreciated the great teachers who opened new worlds for me. It’s the only career I ever considered, because I truly want to follow their example and, now in my turn, instill a joy of learning in my own students.

2. What type of classroom management structure would you implement if you were hired?

I take a proactive approach to classroom management, modeling positive behaviors for my students and encouraging supportive peer-to-peer communications. I also identify what triggers stress in individual students, and am prepared to support them when challenges arise.

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. Whenever possible, I try to deliver structured lessons in an unstructured way like this.

4. Why do you want to teach?

I decided to teach because of my high school English teacher, who had a unique teaching style that helped me see the world in a new way. I struggled in the subject and was generally uninterested in school, but he personally engaged with me and enabled me to see my potential.

5. How have you used, or how will you use, technology in the classroom?

In my last classroom, the students used tablets to create and manage their own website, which proved to be a great tool for communicating with parents and allowing them to see the daily activities their kids participated in.

6. What makes you a good fit for this school?

I am inspired by this school’s reputation for educational excellence and for encouraging creativity through its renowned arts program. Though I note there has been a dip in the AP test scores in recent years, so I am extremely motivated to introduce my teaching strategies. I feel confident that I could help students improve their scores and opportunities for success.

7. What characteristics do students want their teachers to possess?

I believe that students want their teachers to be dedicated and approachable and they can tell when a teacher doesn’t possess these qualities. If students know you’re working hard and want to support them as they learn, they’re more likely to succeed. For this reason, I keep an open door policy at all times and strive to build rapport with each student.

8. What continuing education classes, workshops, training etc. have you attended?

All teachers must pursue continuing education in order to maintain their certification. Use your response to showcase the particular areas of educational theory and practice that you have mastered and that will add value to your school. The district where I worked previously offered continuing education opportunities in the evenings throughout the year. I attended these sessions regularly. I especially enjoyed the literacy training sessions that focused on early childhood literature and teaching strategies.

9. What role does discipline play in teaching and what is your approach?

I believe that a teacher can’t be effective without the right disciplinary approach. I prefer to explain what’s expected of my students, so they’re set up for success. Without discipline, there won’t be respect and keeping students accountable may be difficult. After researching several methods, I’ve found that a rewards system is the best method for avoiding bad behavior.

10. Do you believe there’s a place for technology in the classroom?

Many teachers now incorporate technology into their lessons. Your answer to this question should explain your thoughts on technology and how that translates to your teaching. Many teachers aim to use available technology without letting it take over the classroom. I think that technology in the classroom can be a valuable tool in helping students learn. That being said, technology can also be distracting, so setting expectations for appropriately using tech is critical. Students should be able to use the technology for learning as well as to learn basic skills, so I give them assignments that require advanced use of the technology to complete the work.

11. What makes you a good fit for this school?

I am inspired by this school’s reputation for educational excellence and for encouraging creativity through its renowned arts program. Though I note there has been a dip in the AP test scores in recent years, so I am extremely motivated to introduce my teaching strategies.