Getting a job as a teacher is a bit different to any other job. The people you work with the most will not be there. You basically have to talk to a grown-up about how good you are at talking to little kids.
It might even be better if the interview was held by the kids themselves.
Actually strike that that’s a terrible idea!
Interviews are stressful occasions, you need to put yourself out there and hope that the other person thinks that you are a competent enough person to trust with the role.
In order to reduce the stress you need to ensure that you come prepared. You are dressed the part, you arrived on time and you have checked yourself out in the mirror beforehand (make sure there’s nothing stuck in your teeth!).
But the most important thing you can do to prepare is to practice interview questions beforehand.
And that is what we are going to look at today. We are going to go through some of the most popular Teacher Interview Questions.
Take your time and think about how you would answer these questions in an interview setting and make some notes if necessary. Hopefully in doing this you will nail your next interview.
Teacher Interview Tips
Lean heavily on your experience – Follow the B-STAR process (discussed further below) and refer back to your previous time in the classroom regularly. Show the interviewer that you are very well acquainted with the subject matter at hand.
Name drop the processes, systems and tools you have used – If you use any learning aids in the classroom make sure you namedrop them (particularly if you know the institution is also using – or has used – the same tool).
Tailor your answers to the school – Learn all you can about the organisation that is interviewing you. Each institution is different and offers different learning experiences to their students (classroom size, extra-curricular activities, etc.)
How Best To Answer Teacher Interview Questions
Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.
Answers using this method follow the below structure:
B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? – As a Teacher you should have your own set of philosophies and an overall ‘teaching style’ that you tailor to each situation.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter – You are going for a Teaching role (presumably) so the situation you describe should have you at the head of the classroom if possible.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question.
R – Results – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. student pass rates rose 10%).
Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.
What You Should Not Do When Answering Questions
Do not badmouth a previous institution
Do not avoid the question.
Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).
Do not downplay the situation.
Do not overhype the situation.
Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.
Do not reject the premise of the question.
Do not have a passive role in the situation.
Do not give a one-sentence answer.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action.
General Teacher Interview Questions
Why do you want to work in our school? / why do you want to teach? (often asked together)
What makes you an effective teacher? / Why should we hire you?
How would you contribute to making our school a safe environment for children? / Tell us how you dealt with a safeguarding issue in school
What are the current issues in education?
How do you build relationships and communicate with parents/carers? / How do you engage with students’ parents or guardians?
What would you do if there was a pupil in your class who was refusing to complete their work? / Can you tell us about a time when a pupil has refused to cooperate with you?
Can you tell us about a time you’ve faced challenges at work and how you’ve overcome them?
How would you handle bullying in your class?
How do you assess and record children’s progress?
Why did you choose to teach this particular age range?
What do you think makes a successful school?
How do you feel about parent helpers in the classroom?
How would you meet the needs of more academically able children in the class?
What strategies do you use to support children with special educational needs?
If a child doesn’t show signs of improvement after all your planning, monitoring, assessing and so on, what do you do next?
What do you think is the best way to motivate pupils?
How would you like to see your career develop?
Tell me about a lesson that didn’t go well and what you did about it
What behaviour management strategies do you tend to employ in the classroom?
What role do you believe technology has in the classroom?
What is your teaching philosophy?
What has been your greatest success as a teacher?
Primary School Teacher Interview Questions
What are your favourite and least favourite subjects to teach, and why? How do you ensure that you teach your least favourite subject well?
How would you develop children’s communication and language skills?
What are the important things to consider when setting up your inside space?
Secondary School Teacher Questions
How would you plan the progression of knowledge in your subject from Key Stage 3 into GCSE study?
How would you use a Year 10 assessment to identify misconceptions and adapt the next lesson?
What would you do if several pupils in a mixed-attainment secondary class had understood a topic but others were still struggling?
Example approach to the assessment question: “I would look beyond the total marks and group the errors by the underlying concept. If several pupils missed the same idea, I would reteach it using a different explanation and give the class a short check for understanding. I would then use the results to decide which pupils needed guided practice and which could move to the next task. I would review their next piece of work to see whether the misconception had been resolved.” Adapt this example to your subject and a real lesson you have taught.
Additional Teacher Sample Answers
Then, let me introduce you to a fantastic interview resource. Penned by the experienced career coach, Mike Jacobsen, this guide is packed full of interview tips. This 100+ page guide is packed with over 100 sample answers to the most common and challenging interview questions. It goes beyond simply giving you answers – it guides you on how to structure your responses, what interviewers are seeking, and even things to avoid during interviews. Best of all, it’s available for instant download! Dive in and give yourself the competitive edge you deserve.
Click here to learn more and get your copy today
Teacher Interview Tips
Know Your Subject Inside Out ? As a teacher, your subject knowledge is your greatest asset. Whether it’s Math, Science, or English, make sure you’re thoroughly prepared to discuss your subject area. Highlight your passion and your unique approach to teaching it.
Understand the School’s Philosophy and Culture ? Every school has a unique ethos and culture. Research the school’s mission statement, values, and community involvement. Aligning your answers with the school’s philosophy shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
Share Real-Life Examples from Your Teaching Experience ?? If you have previous teaching experience, weave those real-life stories into your answers. Whether it’s a breakthrough with a struggling student or a creative lesson plan that went down a storm, personal anecdotes can make your answers come to life.
Show Your Enthusiasm for Teaching ? Passion goes a long way in the teaching profession. Your enthusiasm for educating, inspiring, and motivating students should shine through in your answers. Talk about why you love teaching and what drives you in this incredible profession.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions ? Behavioral questions that ask how you’ve handled past situations are common in teacher interviews. Think of situations where you’ve dealt with a challenging student, worked in a team, or adapted to new curriculum changes. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Professional Development ? Show that you’re not just resting on your laurels. Talk about conferences you’ve attended, workshops you’ve led, or any additional qualifications you’re pursuing. Your dedication to growing and learning will show that you’re committed to being the best teacher you can be.
Ask Thoughtful Questions at the End ? Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Perhaps ask about the school’s approach to professional development, their community involvement, or how they support teachers in their roles. It shows you’re serious and engaged, and it helps you ensure this is the right place for you.
How Best To Structure Teacher Interview Questions
When preparing for a teacher interview, structuring your answers effectively can make all the difference in conveying your experience and suitability for the role. Utilizing the B-STAR method can guide you in presenting comprehensive and engaging responses. Let’s break down how this method relates specifically to the teacher interview:
B – Belief: In the context of a teacher interview, your thoughts and feelings regarding the subject matter could relate to your teaching philosophy, classroom management style, or views on modern education. For example, if asked about how you engage students, you might start by expressing your belief in hands-on learning and the importance of fostering curiosity.
S – Situation: Here, you’d briefly outline a specific scenario from your teaching experience. Perhaps you had a mixed-ability class, and you needed to ensure that all students were challenged and engaged. Setting the scene like this helps the interviewer visualize the context in which you were operating.
T – Task: This part focuses on your role in the situation. In a teaching environment, it’s likely that you were the leader, responsible for adapting a lesson plan, addressing a particular student’s need, or coordinating a team project. Make it clear what your responsibilities were, emphasizing your active participation in the solution.
A – Activity (or action): In this stage, you’ll detail the steps you took and why you took them. This could involve a creative teaching method, individualized intervention, or a collaborative approach with colleagues. In a teacher interview, explaining the rationale behind your actions shows your critical thinking and aligns your methods with educational best practices.
R – Results: Concluding with the results of your actions brings the story full circle. In the context of teaching, these results might include improved test scores, a successful adaptation of a curriculum to meet diverse needs, or an increase in student engagement in a particular subject area. Whenever possible, quantify these results as it adds credibility to your story. For example, you might say, “As a result of the new teaching strategy I implemented, students’ engagement in science increased by 30%, and the class average on exams improved by 15%.”
The B-STAR method is a strategic approach to formulating responses in a teacher interview. It helps you weave the principles and practicalities of teaching into a cohesive story, showcasing your thought process, actions, and successes in a way that resonates with educational leaders. It enables you to demonstrate not only what you have achieved but how and why, reflecting a deep understanding of the teaching profession and your role within it.
What You Should Not Do When Answering Questions
Do not avoid the question.
Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).
Do not downplay the situation.
Do not overhype the situation.
Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.
Do not reject the premise of the question.
Do not have a passive role in the situation.
Do not give a one-sentence answer.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action.
Teacher Interview Question & Answers
“Why do you want to be a teacher?”
When approaching this question, consider the importance of passion for education and your desire to make a difference in students’ lives. Reflect on your motivation and commitment to the teaching profession, and how your unique qualities align with the goals and culture of the educational institution. Avoid generalized statements that could apply to any job; instead, focus on specific examples and experiences that illustrate your genuine interest and suitability for this particular teaching role.
Answer 1
I’ve always believed that education is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress, and becoming a teacher has been a calling that resonates with my core values and passions. From a young age, I was drawn to learning, not just for the accumulation of knowledge but for the joy of discovery, critical thinking, and personal development. This early love for learning was nurtured by some truly inspiring teachers, who not only impar
In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of your subject, and how do you make sure that you teach this well?
What have you gained by studying your main subject at university?
How do you see your subject developing over the next three years?