Congrats! You’ve landed an interview appointment for the teaching position that you’ve applied for. Here are some of the most commonly asked interview questions for teachers, and sample answers to help you nail that interview. All the best!
1. Why do you want to teach?
Be sure to explain your passion for teaching, and talk about any person or experience, if any, that inspired you to become a teacher.
Sample answer: “I really admired Ms. Tan, my Year 10 Science teacher. Even though I’ve left school for so many years, I still turn to her for advice and guidance to this day. It’s that sense of warmth and assurance, and so much more, that she provided me that inspired me to enter this profession. I’d love to be that person whom my students can lean on as they navigate through their learning and life journey.”
2. What makes you a good fit for this school?
A good answer explains what characteristics you think are the most important for a teacher to possess and how these traits benefit students. Be sure to look up the school’s vision statement and reference how your teaching will reflect those goals.
Sample answer: “I believe students want their teachers to be dedicated and approachable. For this reason, I keep an open-door policy at all times and strive to build rapport with each student. I’m inspired by this school’s reputation for educational excellence and for encouraging independent learners through its forward-looking curriculum. So, I’m extremely motivated to use my teaching strategies to support students as they learn and help them succeed.”
3. Tell me about your teaching philosophy.
You’d want to be honest about your specific teaching style and mindset. The interviewer would want to see that you really want to help students develop inside and outside school.
Sample answer: “As a teacher, it’s not only my job to support students through the lessons but also through the other challenges that they may face. If they are given the support they need, they will even be able to use those lessons to solve future problems on their own.”
4. Describe your classroom management structure.
If you’re new, explain what you’ve learned as a student teacher and how you’ll plan to run your first class. If you’re an experienced teacher, you may discuss how you’ve handled your class in the past, with examples of what worked best and why.
Sample answer: “I’d describe myself as an authoritative teacher with a high focus on student engagement and enjoyment. I love to see my students participating actively and collaborating with each other while learning. I also give my students plenty of opportunities to provide input and feedback about their education.”
5. How do you motivate your students to become active learners in your classroom?
The interviewer would want to see how you influence students to do what you need them to do.
Sample answer: “I think positive reinforcement is important to keep students motivated and present in the classroom. Little things like expressions of praise and rewards for performing or behaving well will keep them happy and excited to learn. But I never want any student to feel favoured or left out, so I always try to be fair with everyone.”
6. How would you handle a student you found difficult to teach?
Difficulties can be many different things, from an inability to focus to behavioural problems. A good answer delves into figuring out the cause of the problem and discussing solutions with the student instead of getting mad at them.
Sample answer: “I’d talk to the child diplomatically and ask questions that would get to the root cause before coming up with a solution. I once had a student who couldn’t seem to sit still during lessons and would disrupt the class. We talked about it and agreed that when he was feeling nervous, he could raise his hand and he’d be allowed to do deep breathing in the quiet corner or walk laps at the back of the class. I also make a conscious effort to keep my lessons interactive and hands-on to keep everyone engaged.”
7. How do you incorporate parents into students’ education?
Communicating and building positive relationships with parents are equally important aspects of being a teacher as these connections have been shown to improve students’ achievements and overall well-being.
Sample answer: “As the teacher, I think it’s also really important to communicate and get to know the parents of my students. I’ll schedule meetings with each student’s parents to get a better understanding of their background, student’s home life and needs; sometimes their family dynamics can explain the student’s performance and behaviour in school. Then, throughout the year, I’ll update parents with the goings-on.”
8. What is one of your weaknesses, and what are you doing to improve it?
Sometimes too much of a good thing isn’t exactly a good thing. For instance, being too detail-oriented to the point where it hinders efficiency. Be sure to explain how you’re making improvements in this area though.
Sample answer: “My greatest weakness is that sometimes I focus too much on the details of the task. I’ve been striving to improve on this aspect by scheduling my day in blocks to help boost my productivity and the team’s ability to meet deadlines.”
9. How do you maintain your own professional development?
It’s important to show that you are making an effort to learn and develop yourself continuously. Mention any books you are reading, courses you are attending, other resources you are using to keep up with the latest trends in education, etc.
Sample answer: “I have a few favourite fellow teacher blogs that I check on often. At the moment, I’m attending an online workshop that teaches me more about how growth mindsets can benefit early learners. I’d also love to brush up on my Mandarin so that it will be easier for me to blend to different situations when needed.”
10. Do you have any questions for us?
Most interviewers wrap up with this question at the end. While it may seem like an insignificant question, never say, “No, I don’t have any questions.” Asking thoughtful question(s) shows your interest in the position and leaves a memorable impression.
Sample answer: “How would you describe the culture of the school?”
