If teaching is your dream job, you’ll need to go through several stages until you can step into a classroom. Going through a teacher interview is one of them. While interviews can be nerve wracking, it's important to remember that the process is a critical opportunity to not only showcase your skills and experience, but also to evaluate whether the school and role are the right fit for you. Because of this, coming prepared with some thoughtful, insightful questions will not only impress your potential employer, but also give you better insight into the role, the school and whether you would be a good fit.
Asking the right questions can help you gain valuable insights into the school's culture, expectations, and support systems - all of which will impact your job satisfaction and long-term success.
Here we’ll explore some of the best questions to ask in a teacher interview to help you get the information you need, as well as demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role, and prove that you’ve done your research on that particular school.
Why It's Important to Ask Questions in a Teacher Interview
According to a survey by Jobvite, 76% of job seekers consider a company's culture before applying, and 73% say a positive interview experience can sway them to accept a job offer. This underscores the importance of using the interview as an opportunity to assess whether the school and role are the right fit for you.
Additionally, research from .gov shows that over 10% of teachers leave the teaching profession within the first year, with factors like lack of support, heavy workloads, and poor working conditions contributing to early career departures. By asking the right questions during the interview, you can gain a better understanding of the school's environment and support systems, helping you make a more informed decision about accepting the position.
Questions to Ask During a Teacher Interview
Here are some key questions you should consider asking during a teacher interview:
1. School Culture and Environment
- What is the overall school culture and climate like? How would you describe the relationships between teachers, students, and administrators?
- What are the school's core values, and how are they reflected in the daily life of the school?
- How does the school support teacher well-being and work-life balance?
- What professional development opportunities are available for teachers?
Many schools will have some information about their culture on their website. Earn kudos for phrasing your questions so you demonstrate that you have done your research, but want to know more.
2. Curriculum and Instructional Approach
- Can you describe the school's curriculum and instructional approach?
- How much autonomy do teachers have in designing and implementing their lessons?
- What resources and materials are available to support teaching and learning?
- How does the school measure student progress and achievement?
These questions show that you are serious about your role as a teacher, and that you are passionate about delivering an exceptional standard of teaching to your students. Research from the OECD shows that schools with a clear, coherent curriculum and strong instructional practices tend to have higher student performance outcomes.
3. Classroom Management and Student Behavior
- What are the school's policies and procedures for managing student behaviour and maintaining a positive, productive classroom environment?
- How do teachers receive support in dealing with challenging student behaviours?
- What professional development or training is available to help teachers develop effective classroom management strategies?
These questions show that you are professional and proactive in your approach and want to gain a deeper understanding of the school's policies.
4. Collaboration and Teamwork
- How do teachers collaborate with their colleagues, both within their grade level or subject area and across the school?
- What opportunities are available for teachers to work together on curriculum planning, instructional strategies, or school improvement initiatives?
- How does the school foster a sense of community and support among the teaching staff?
These questions demonstrate an enthusiasm for team working, for supporting your colleagues and for becoming an effective member of the school community.
5. Career Growth and Development
- What opportunities are available for teachers to take on leadership roles or advance their careers within the school?
- How does the school support teachers in setting and achieving their professional goals?
- What kind of mentorship or coaching programs are in place for new or early-career teachers?
A recent survey by the Ambition Institute found that 85% of teachers value dedicating weekly time to professional development, especially for those in their first two years through the Early Career Framework (ECF). Therefore asking these questions demonstrates your ambition to further your teaching career.
6. Community Engagement and Parental Involvement
- How does the school engage with the local community, and what opportunities are there for teachers to participate in community events or initiatives?
- What are the expectations for parent-teacher communication and involvement?
- How does the school support teachers in building strong relationships with students' families?
Asking these questions demonstrates an interest in developing links between the school, parents and the community, and that you will be keen to be involved in helping to keep these links strong.
By asking thoughtful questions that cover these key areas, you can gain a deeper understanding of the school's priorities, values, and support systems, helping you make a more informed decision about whether the position is the right fit for your professional and personal goals.
Remember, the interview process is a two-way street - you're not just being evaluated, but you're also evaluating the school to determine if it's the right place for you to thrive as a teacher. By coming prepared with insightful questions, you can demonstrate your engagement and enthusiasm for the role, while also gathering the information you need to make a decision that aligns with your values and long-term career aspirations.
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If you are interested in a career in teaching, we are here to help. Browse our jobs board for the latest roles in education or get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help find the perfect new position in teaching for you.
