When going into an interview for a teaching job, it's important to be prepared for typical teacher interview questions that could come up. These questions are designed to ascertain whether you are the right fit for the school and vice versa. Being familiar with common teacher interview questions allows you to showcase your skills, passion, and suitability for the role. Here are 20 typical interview questions, along with tips on crafting winning answers:
Be Prepared With the The Most Common Teacher Interview Questions
Prepare for your interview using the questions below and get ready to ace that school teacher interview!
20 Typical Teacher Interview Questions You Could be Asked
1. Why do you want to work in this school?
Research the school's mission, values, and achievements. Highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with their approach and how your skills can contribute to their continued success. "I'm impressed by your school's focus on project-based learning, which aligns with my passion for fostering creativity in students. My experience using technology in the classroom can further enhance your engaging learning environment."
2. What would you contribute to the life and community of the school?
Go beyond academics. Mention extracurricular activities you can lead or your willingness to participate in school events. Show enthusiasm for being part of the school community. "I'm a passionate debate coach and would love to establish a debate team here. I'm also eager to volunteer for school plays and create a positive and inclusive environment for all students."
3. What or who inspires you?
Connect your inspirations to your teaching philosophy. Mention educators you admire or personal experiences that ignited your passion for teaching. "My high school history teacher, Ms. Smith, made learning come alive. I strive to create a similar classroom environment where students are actively engaged and excited to discover new things."
4. What are your personal interests or hobbies?
Share relevant hobbies that demonstrate well-roundedness and transferable skills. "I'm an avid reader, which allows me to stay current on educational trends and recommend engaging literature to my students. My passion for hiking motivates me to incorporate outdoor learning activities whenever possible."
5. Can you give an example of a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you dealt with it?
Describe a classroom challenge and your successful solution. Focus on clear communication, problem-solving skills, and student well-being. "Once, I had a student struggling to participate in class discussions. I implemented small group activities to boost their confidence. Seeing them blossom into a vocal participant was incredibly rewarding."
6. How do you judge or measure pupil achievement?
Showcase your understanding of multiple assessment methods. Mention using a combination of tests, projects, presentations, and student self-reflection. "I believe in a holistic approach to assessment. While tests are important, I also use projects, presentations, and student self-reflection journals to get a well-rounded picture of student learning."
7. How do you manage stress?
Acknowledge the pressure teachers face and what tools you might have to be able to cope. "Teaching can be demanding, and managing stress is crucial. I prioritise staying organised by planning lessons well in advance. I also find exercise and relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation very helpful in maintaining a healthy balance."
8. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths - consider the most important attributes a teacher needs to succeed in the role: "My strengths include clear communication, creating engaging lesson plans, and fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment. I'm also a patient and supportive teacher who can differentiate instruction to cater to diverse learning styles."
Weaknesses, avoid saying anything too incriminating! Rather talk about how you want to learn and develop in the role. "I'm always looking to improve, and one area I'm actively developing is incorporating more technology into my lessons. I'm eager to learn new tools and strategies to further enhance student engagement."
9.If we sat in on one of your classes, what could we expect to see?
Focus on the structure of your lesson and how you would foster engagement: "You'd see a well-structured class with clear learning objectives at the beginning. I use a variety of teaching methods, including interactive activities, discussions, and technology integration, to keep students engaged. I also encourage student participation through questioning and opportunities for collaboration."
10. How do you judge or measure pupil achievement?
Make sure you touch on multiple assessment methods so your interviewer knows you have different tools and techniques to help assess progress: "I believe in a comprehensive assessment approach. While tests are important, I also use projects, presentations, class participation, exit tickets, and student self-reflection to gauge understanding and track individual progress."
11. What behaviour management strategy have you used successfully in the past?
Talk about positive reinforcement and setting clear expectations with your pupils: "I find a positive reinforcement approach highly effective. I clearly communicate expectations and celebrate good choices. For minor disruptions, I use redirection or a brief time-out. For more serious issues, I follow the school's established procedures and collaborate with parents."
12. How would you accommodate EAL pupils?
Interviewers will be looking for your understanding of differentiation and support strategies: "I'd utilise visuals, graphic organisers, and technology tools like translation apps to support EAL learners. I'd also encourage peer collaboration and provide opportunities for them to practise speaking in a safe environment.
13. How might you boost a child's self-esteem and aspirations?
Here you should touch upon how you would incorporate personalised learning and positive feedback into your teaching strategy: "I focus on personalised learning and celebrate individual student progress, no matter how small. I provide specific and constructive feedback that highlights their strengths and encourages them to challenge themselves. I also create a safe space for them to take risks and learn from their mistakes."
14. What's your opinion on homework?
When asked about your opinion on homework, it’s important to present a balanced perspective that reflects both the benefits and challenges associated with homework. You might also want to discuss innovative approaches to homework, such as incorporating technology to make homework more engaging and interactive. Showing that you are open to new ideas and methods can set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.
15. What is the importance of target setting?
Make sure you stress the importance of setting targets for students to monitor progress. "Target setting is crucial for both student motivation and measuring progress. Setting clear, achievable goals helps students focus on specific learning objectives. Regularly reviewing these targets allows me to adjust my teaching strategies and provide targeted support to ensure students are on track for success."
16. What's more important: teaching or learning? Explain your reasons why
Here interviewers will be interested in your unique perspective - naturally it’s best to emphasise how teaching and learning are both crucial aspects of the teaching role. “ In my view, teaching and learning are intertwined. Effective teaching fosters a dynamic learning environment where both the teacher and students actively participate in the learning process. I see myself as a facilitator who guides students to discover knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. As they learn, I also learn new teaching methods and gain valuable insights to improve my practice."
17. What is your experience dealing with parents?
Be honest about whether you have had any experience dealing with parents - this won’t be a dealbreaker if you are new to teaching, but do try to draw on some examples - even if they aren’t in a teaching setting. “Positive communication with parents is essential. I've experience using various methods like emails, newsletters, and parent-teacher conferences to keep parents informed about their child's progress and the curriculum. I also actively encourage open communication and welcome parent feedback to ensure a collaborative approach to student success."
18. How would you deal with a parent who is angry and/or uncooperative?
Dealing with parents who are unhappy about some aspect of their child’s learning or school environment is part and parcel of the job and your interviewer will want to know how you would approach this. “When dealing with an upset parent, I prioritise active listening and de-escalation. I'd acknowledge their concerns and create a safe space for them to express themselves. Once emotions settle, I'd focus on the student's well-being and collaboratively seek solutions that benefit the child. If necessary, I'd involve appropriate school personnel to ensure a unified approach."
19. Can you tell us about how you have successfully worked in a team?
Collaboration is vital in education and successful teachers will be able to demonstrate their ability to work well as a team. “In my previous role, I worked closely with colleagues to develop a new interdisciplinary curriculum. We shared resources, brainstormed ideas, and provided constructive feedback on each other's lesson plans. This teamwork ensured a cohesive learning experience for the students and fostered a supportive and positive work environment."
20. If we decided not to hire you, what would we be missing out on?
This is a great opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and value proposition. "You'd be missing out on a passionate and dedicated educator with a strong track record of student achievement. My [mention specific skills or experience] combined with my [mention another strength] would allow me to make a significant contribution to your school community. I'm confident I can create a stimulating learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential."
Finally, remember it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Take time to formulate your answer before responding. You can always ask for clarification if you are unsure about what was said. Make sure your answer is as detailed as possible and give examples to back up your statements.
Ask your own questions too
A teacher interview isn’t just about being questioned, it's also an opportunity for you to ask questions and find out more about the school to see if it's really where you want to develop your teaching career. Some good questions to ask your interviewer could include:
What are the biggest challenges and rewards facing teachers in this role? (This demonstrates your interest in the specific position and helps you assess if it's a good fit.)
- Can you tell me more about the professional development opportunities available for teachers at your school? (This question shows your commitment to continuous learning and growth).
- How would you describe the school culture and student body? (This question helps you understand the school environment and if it aligns with your teaching style).
- What are the school's expectations for parent communication and involvement? (This question provides insight into how you'll collaborate with parents).
- When can I expect to hear from you regarding the next steps in the hiring process? (This question demonstrates your continued interest and professionalism).
- Is there anything else I can provide to further demonstrate my qualifications for this position? (This question indicates your willingness to go the extra mile).
Find a new teaching position with Horizon Teachers
If you're currently looking for a teaching position, browse our jobs board here for the latest exciting opportunities. Alternatively, contact our team on 0207 444 0009 or request a call from us to discuss your next steps in your teaching career.
