Teacher interviews can be stressful, largely because you don’t know what questions they will ask you. With an endless array of possibilities, pinpointing what questions to focus on can feel overwhelming. However, preparation is key to landing that teaching job, so to ensure you present yourself as the best candidate for the job, you must treat your interview prep like you would a test.
Review common questions and prepare thoughtful, reflective answers. Being well-prepared can significantly improve your chances of success as well as make you feel more confident going into the interview. Here are a few key questions you should be able to answer without hesitation, as well as some pointers on how to craft your response.
Why do you want to become a teacher?
You can guarantee that this question will be asked during the interview process. This question lets interviewers understand your passion and reasoning for becoming a teacher. This is the time to talk about any inspirational teachers you’ve had, your favorite subject, or any struggles you had as a child in school that you had to overcome. Being open and honest with the interview panel will allow them to see your personal side. Here is an example.
“I want to become a teacher because I want to make a difference in the lives of our youth. I have a passion for education and to be given the opportunity to shape the lives of young people sounds incredibly rewarding.”
What is your method of classroom management?
Take some time to think about how you would like to handle classroom management. The interviewer is looking to see that you have put thought into an effective classroom management plan and have specific strategies that you plan to employ once in the position. Depending on your own beliefs as well as the age of your students, everyone’s method may look a little different. Here is an example.
“My classroom management plan starts by building a strong relationship with my students, setting clear rules and expectations, and maintaining a consistent routine. My classroom will be an inclusive, engaging learning environment where all students will feel valued. To address any behavioral issues, I will implement positive reinforcement strategies and use restorative practices to help students reflect on their actions.”
How will you incorporate technology?
Integrating technology into today’s education is essential. The interviewer is looking to see how familiar you are with technology and wants to know what specific pieces you will use in your classroom. Research what the school district already uses and become familiar with each tech tool. If you plan on using something they don’t have, make sure you know how to use it and how the school can get it. Here is an example of how you can answer this type of question.
“I would incorporate a variety of different pieces of technology into my classroom. The first tool would be a Smartboard. I would use the apps Class Dojo and Go Noodle. I’ve used these pieces of technology in the past and know firsthand the wonderful benefits they produce. The second piece of technology I will use in my classroom is an iPad or a Chrome Book. I will use several different apps, such as Google Classroom and Flip, to help enhance my students’ learning throughout the day. Lastly, I would like a class to set of tablets. If this is not feasible for the school district, then I will go to Donorschoose.org to try and get a free set.”
Describe a challenging teaching experience and how you handled it?
This question is testing your problem-solving skills and looking to see how resilient you are. Share a specific example of a challenge you faced while student teaching or working with children and discuss the steps you took to overcome that challenge. Here is an example.
“During my student teaching experience, I dealt with a consistently disruptive student. After several failed strategies in the classroom, I arranged a meeting with the parents. We discussed the changes in behavior and developed a plan together that included strategies both at home and in the classroom. This collaborative approach led to the support the child needed and improved behavior both at home and in school.”
How will you meet the needs of all students?
Today’s teachers are expected to meet the needs of each individual student. This question is looking for how you will specifically appeal to different learning styles. Here is an example of how to answer this question.
“To meet the needs of all students, I will differentiate instruction and regularly assess students and get their feedback. I will tailor my teaching strategies to accommodate the diverse learning styles and abilities of each student to ensure a personalized learning experience. Additionally, I will use assessment and student feedback to gauge student learning and understanding.”
If the interview panel asks a follow-up question on what specific strategies you will use to differentiate learning, make sure you have a few strategies, such as choice boards, flexible grouping, or tiered assignments.
A few other questions you should prep to ace your interview are:
- What is your teaching philosophy?
- What is your approach to communicating with parents?
- Why do you want to work in this school district?
- How do you access student learning?
As long as you’re well-prepared and honest with your answers, you should have a successful interview. Think of a few insightful questions you ask them during your interview, such as:
- What kinds of technology resources are available for teachers?
- How does this school support professional development for teachers?
This will help demonstrate your interest in the position and give you an idea of whether this school district is the right fit for you. Good luck! You got this!
