When interviewing for a teaching position, there are certain questions that you can expect to be asked. By being prepared for these questions, you can easily answer them and show the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job. In this blog post, we will discuss five common interview questions for teachers and provide tips on how to answer them. Read on to learn more!
1. Why do you want to be a teacher?
This is a common question that interviewers ask in order to get to know you better. It is important to answer this question honestly and succinctly. Some good reasons to become a teacher include wanting to help students learn and grow, making a difference in the world, and having the flexibility to work part-time or full-time hours. By sharing your reasons for becoming a teacher, you can help the interviewer understand how dedicated you are to teaching and why you would be a good fit for the job.
2. How do you think technology is changing education?
It’s important to have an answer prepared for this question, as technology is a hot topic in education today. There are many different ways to answer this question, but a good approach is to share your thoughts on how technology can be used to enhance the learning experience for students. You may also want to mention how you keep up with current trends in technology and how you plan to use them in your future classroom.
3. How would you handle a situation where multiple students are talking while you’re trying to teach?
Most interviewers ask this question in order to see how well you can manage a class. It’s important to convey confidence when answering the question without coming across as too aggressive. You may want to share an experience of a time when you dealt with this issue and how you resolved the situation. Additionally, it’s important to mention that you will always maintain control of your class and that students know better than to disrespect you or their peers.
4. Do you have any teaching philosophy statements?
This question is often phrased differently, but the idea behind it is the same: the interviewer wants to know how you think about teaching. A good way to answer this question is to share your views on different aspects of teaching, such as student-teacher relationships, diversity and inclusion, and assessment. You may also want to mention any teaching methods that you are particularly fond of or that have worked well for you in the past.
5. What are your teaching experiences?
This question is another way for the interviewer to get to know you better. When answering, focus on experiences that have prepared you for a teaching position. Examples could include tutoring, leading extracurricular activities, or working with students of different ages and backgrounds. Additionally, you may want to mention that this job is ideal for you because of the subject that you would be teaching.
6. How do you deal with difficult students?
This question is designed to test your ability to manage a class. When answering, be sure to mention that you will always maintain control of your classroom and that students know better than to disrespect you or their peers. Additionally, you may want to share an experience of a time when you dealt with a difficult student and how you resolved the situation. By showing that you are capable of handling difficult students, you can reassure the interviewer that you would be a great teacher.
7. What educational degrees or teaching certificates do you have?
This question is straightforward and designed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for the job. Be sure to list any degrees or teaching certificates that you have. If you possess multiple certifications, it may be beneficial to mention the ones that are most relevant to this position first. You can also mention if any of your previous work experience relates to the position in terms of educational requirements.
8. What is your passion?
The interviewer wants to know about your interests outside of work. When answering, don’t forget to mention that you are excited about the specific job for which you are interviewing. You may also want to mention how your passion relates to what you would teach or provide students in this position. For example, if one of your passions is sports, you could say that you would love to share your enthusiasm for sports with your students and help them develop a love for the game.
9. How do you keep up with current trends in technology?
This question is designed to see if you are familiar with using technology in the classroom. When answering, be sure to mention that you keep up with current trends by reading articles, watching videos, and attending workshops. Additionally, you may want to mention any particular tools or applications that you are familiar with and how you would use them in the classroom.
10. What type of student do you think will excel in your class?
The interviewer wants to know what type of student you think will be a good fit for your teaching style. When answering, focus on the characteristics of a student who is motivated and eager to learn. You may also want to mention that you believe in setting high expectations for all students and that you are willing to work with each student to help them meet their goals.
11. What is your teaching experience like?
The interviewer wants to know about your teaching style and how you connect with students. When answering, be sure to mention any experiences you have had working with different types of students. Additionally, you may want to share a story about a time when you went above and beyond for a student or when you received positive feedback from a parent or student. By showing that you are passionate about teaching, you are more likely to get the job.
12. What do you think makes a great teacher?
The interviewer wants to know what characteristics make a good teacher in your opinion. When answering, mention that being able to establish positive relationships with students is key and that teachers should also possess the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure. You may also want to share an experience that shows you have these qualities and how it relates to the skills and training necessary for the position.
13. What do students like best about your class?
The interviewer wants to know what your students think of your teaching style and if they would recommend your class or course to other students. When answering, be sure to mention common positive responses from your students such as your accessible and engaging style of teaching, your understanding of individual student needs, and the fun atmosphere in your class. By mentioning what you have done to make a positive learning environment for students, you can instill confidence that you would do the same with any future students.
14. What is your teaching philosophy?
The interviewer wants to know what you consider to be the most important aspects of teaching. When answering, mention that you believe in setting high expectations for all students and that you are willing to work with each student to help them meet their goals. You may also want to share any experience you have had working with different types of students and how you used your teaching style to help them.
15. Why do you want to work at our school?
This question is designed to see what motivates you when choosing a potential workplace. When answering, be sure to mention that the specific job fits into your career goals and that you are interested in learning from colleagues who are experts in their field. Additionally, you may want to mention any similarities you see between the school and your personal teaching style. By emphasizing that you are a lifelong learner, you show that you are willing to invest in your own professional development.
16. How do you connect with students?
The interviewer wants to know how you build relationships with your students. When answering, mention that you believe in establishing a positive rapport with each student and that you take the time to get to know them on a personal level. Additionally, you may want to share how you use different teaching methods to engage all types of learners. By showing that you are invested in each student’s success, you contribute to a positive learning environment and show that you would be a valuable part of the school’s staff.
17. What type of classroom management strategies do you use?
The interviewer wants to know what types of behavior management practices or techniques you use when working with students. Be sure to mention methods such as positive reinforcement, setting expectations and rules, and using logical consequences. Additionally, you may want to share how you work with parents or guardians to create a unified team in support of the student. By demonstrating that you have experience with a variety of behavior management strategies, you show that you are capable of handling any situation that may arise in the classroom.
18. What would you do if a student was not meeting your expectations?
The interviewer wants to know how you deal with difficult students who are not meeting your expectations. When answering, mention that you would first try to work with the student to help them understand why they are not meeting your expectations.
If that does not work, you may want to use a variety of discipline techniques such as positive reinforcement, logical consequences, or detention. By demonstrating that you are willing to work with a student to help them meet your expectations, you show that you are invested in their success.
In any teaching position, it is important to be able to connect with students on a personal level and manage classroom behavior effectively. Sharing how you work with students who are struggling and what types of discipline methods you use shows the interviewer that you know how to create a positive learning environment.
19. How would you describe your classroom management skills?
The interviewer wants to know whether or not managing the classroom is something that you struggle with. When answering, mention that helping students follow rules and behave appropriately is something that you are comfortable with. Additionally, you may want to share how you use different methods such as positive reinforcement or logical consequences to manage student behavior. By demonstrating that you have experience managing a classroom, you show that you are capable of handling any situation that may arise.
20. Do you utilize technology?
The interviewer wants to know how familiar you are with using technology in the classroom. When answering, mention that you use different technologies such as smart boards and computers for educational purposes. Additionally, you may want to share what types of new technologies you think would be most beneficial to students and why they would benefit the learning environment. By demonstrating that you are familiar with using technology in the classroom, you show that you are capable of keeping up with current trends.
It is important for teachers to be able to utilize technology in the classroom. When answering this question, mention how familiar you are with different types of technology and why you think they would be beneficial in the classroom.
21. What technology tools do you use in the classroom?
The interviewer wants to know what kinds of technologies or tools you use when teaching students. Be sure to mention that you utilize a variety of technology tools such as smart boards, computers, and educational websites. Additionally, you may want to share how familiar you are with each technology and what you use it for. By demonstrating that you are familiar with using technology tools in the classroom, you show that you would be capable of managing any technological situation that may arise.
22. How do handle misbehavior?
The interviewer wants to know how you deal with students who misbehave and also if you stay calm when there are disruptions in the classroom. When answering, mention that you would first try to find out what is causing the student to misbehave and meet with them privately. If that does not work, you may want to use appropriate discipline techniques such as positive reinforcement or logical consequences. By demonstrating that you stay calm when managing behaviors and demonstrate understanding towards students, you show that you are capable of managing difficult situations.
23. How do you handle a noisy classroom?
The interviewer wants to know how you handle disruptions in the classroom. When answering, mention that when there are disruptions in the classroom, you first try to find out what is causing them. If that does not work, you may want to use appropriate discipline techniques such as positive reinforcement or logical consequences. By demonstrating that you stay calm when managing behaviors and demonstrate understanding towards students, you show that you are capable of managing difficult situations.
24. What do you do when a student doesn’t complete their work?
The interviewer wants to know how you handle students who either don’t turn in assignments or constantly need your help. When answering, mention that you would first try to find out why the student didn’t complete their work. If that does not work, you may want to use appropriate discipline techniques such as positive reinforcement or logical consequences. By demonstrating that you are familiar with using technology tools in the classroom, you show that you would be capable of managing any technological situation that may arise.
25. How do you deal with parents who are concerned about their child’s education?
The interviewer wants to know how you deal with parents who may be concerned about their child’s education. When answering, mention that you would first try to find out what the parent is concerned about. If that does not work, you may want to use appropriate discipline techniques such as positive reinforcement or logical consequences. By demonstrating that you are familiar with using technology tools in the classroom, you show that you would be capable of managing any technological situation that may arise.
26. What is your teaching philosophy?
The interviewer wants to know what your teaching philosophy is and how it aligns with the school’s mission and goals. When answering, mention that you align with the school’s mission and goals and demonstrate how your teaching philosophy is parallel to it. By demonstrating this understanding of the school’s vision and goals, you show that you would be a good fit for their school.
27. What grade level(s) have you taught?
The interviewer wants to know what grade levels you have experience teaching. When answering, mention that you have experience teaching a variety of grade levels and share a little bit about your experience with each. By demonstrating that you have experience teaching different grade levels, you show that you would be capable of managing any classroom situation.
28. What subjects have you taught?
The interviewer wants to know what subjects you have experience teaching. When answering, mention that you have experience teaching a variety of subjects and share a little bit about your experience with each. By demonstrating that you have experience teaching different subjects, you show that you would be capable of managing any classroom situation.
29. What methods do you use to engage students?
The interviewer wants to know how you engage students in the classroom. When answering, mention that you use a variety of methods to engage students, such as hands-on activities, cooperative learning, and technology tools. By demonstrating that you are familiar with using technology tools in the classroom, you show that you would be capable of managing any technological situation that may arise.
30. How would you assess a student’s understanding of the content?
The interviewer wants to know how you gauge your students’ understanding of the material. When answering, mention that you use a variety of methods to assess students, such as written assessments and hands-on activities. By demonstrating that you are familiar with using technology tools in the classroom, you show that you would be capable of managing any technological situation that may arise.
