30 Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview

An interview is an inevitable session and a requirement for every job in our world today. In other words, beyond the professional appearance of your CV or resume, a face-to-face interview is needed to determine if you’re a good fit for the position.

Perhaps, you’re aspiring for a teaching job and feel nervous about the entire interview process. In response to this, questions to ask in a teacher interview will help you combat interview anxiety by boosting your confidence. Knowledge of these questions enables you to prepare adequately.

Also, providing accurate answers to all questions isn’t all your interviewers are looking for, as they are very much interested in your mode of answering; Is it engaging and straightforward?

Therefore, this article will guide you through the important questions to expect in a teacher’s interview and provide examples of how to answer them appropriately.

What’s a Teacher’s Interview?
Specific Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview
Smart Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview
Conclusion
References

What’s a Teacher’s Interview?

This is a formal face-to-face conversation between an interviewer and an aspiring individual for the position of a teacher in any educational sector. However, the majority of interviews are mainly in the form of a question and answer session involving a certain level of practical approach.

Furthermore, education is pivotal to the growth and development of every nation, hence, the position of a teacher is of great value to the system. That’s why you need to know about questions to ask in a teacher interview, which guarantees your success.

It’s important to know the: Frequently Asked Teacher Interview Questions in 2023

Specific Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview

1. Why Are You Interested in Teaching?

This is a vital question that’s asked to evaluate the commitment and passion of a person as regards teaching. They want to know why you taught as a profession or are you just applying because every other job opportunity isn’t forthcoming.

Example: Being privileged to gain a standard education is an experience I’m forever thankful for. I’ve grown to see the positive impact of education on my life in general and for this reason, I’m committed to ensuring more children out there get to experience the unending benefits of education.

At the same time, you can check: Top 20 Frequently Asked Assistant Principal Interview Questions

2. What Do You Like About Teaching?

This simply is asking you for your favorite aspects of teaching. Indeed, you may be interested in teaching, however, they may be an aspect of teaching that attracts you the most and encourages you to continue in that field even though you feel like quitting.

Example: I’ve always loved to expand my knowledge base about life and teaching is one of those ways to achieve this. It also provides me with an avenue to boost my communication skills.

Don’t Fail to Read: What Not to Wear to an Interview: 10 Things To Avoid

3. What Do You Dislike About Teaching?

The above questions sound like a negative question that may arise to make you fail the interview, but no it isn’t. They are simply asking this to know those challenges you encounter as a teacher and what you’re doing to solve them.

Example: Researching for both detailed and practical information before teaching the students comes with a great deal of rigor. Notwithstanding, the personal knowledge that comes with this teaching process has been my motivator.

Read More to Understand: How to Send a Second Follow Up Email After Interview

4. What do you think is the Greatest Challenge Facing Today’s Educational System?

This question may appear broad to answer but it’s a straightforward question. Therefore, you don’t need to think far or crack your brain to provide an answer, just look around you; what’s limiting the growth of education?

Example: I see a standard educational system reaching out to everyone irrespective of their status, likewise student learning with all necessary materials. Sadly, most of those requirements aren’t sufficient for all the students, and to meet these demands, most schools’ fees become high making the less privileged unable to receive standard education.

5. How Do You Handle Your Teaching Responsibility?

Most questions to ask in a teacher interview always contain questions regarding the management of teaching duties. At this point, your interviewer wants to know how you plan on fulfilling your teaching role with maximum effectiveness. This is because the job of a teacher is tasking and time-consuming.

Example: Indeed, teaching is a huge responsibility that mustn’t be toiled with if positive results must be achieved. Hence, I have learned to manage my time by allocating a time range for important activities while discarding unproductive activities.

6. What’s Your Biggest Achievement as a Teacher?

Questions like this arise so you could showcase your expertise in the field of teaching. In essence, use this time to tell them about your valuable impact on the educational system as a teacher either individually or collectively as a team.

Example: In my previous school X where I taught, I discovered that their student’s editorial/press unit wasn’t functioning as expected. This hindered the dissemination of information from the management to the students. However, I, together with a few colleagues, worked cooperatively in reviving that unit and in doing so, I won the award of “the most innovative teacher of the year”.

7. What Do You Think Are the Greatest Challenges Students Face?

If you must win that teaching job of your dreams, you must pay close attention to this question as it reveals whether you care about your students or you’re just after the payment. Therefore, you must creatively answer this question by stating the problem and possible solutions.

Example: Recently, social media platforms have now stood as a destructive tool for students. In other words, time meant for personal study is being used to engage in unproductive group chats and conversations. I’m not disputing the benefits of technological devices but urging parents to work cooperatively with the school management to turn this tool into productive activities. This includes academic research, Joining educational groups, and more.

8. What Do You Think Are the Greatest Challenges Teachers Face?

This session calls for your sincerity to air out those major challenges that are common to teachers in the educational system. However, don’t go the extra mile by apportioning blames on anyone, just state those challenges— keep it simple.

Examples: From the results of my findings across the various educational systems, I’ve come to realize that the majority of teachers are underpaid. In other words, the payment isn’t equal to the endless effort put in to ensure knowledge is learned by the students.

9. What’s Your Greatest Mistakes as a Teacher and Lesson Learned?

Nobody is above mistakes, so, don’t think telling them about your past mistakes would nullify the entire Interview session. In contrast, it shows you’re willing to learn from every situation that happens and this is a great quality to possess as a teacher and a top question on the list of questions to ask in a teacher interview.

Example: Applying a single teaching method to teach different students with different assimilation rates was my greatest teaching nightmare. By the end of the term, I discovered only a few pupils understood what was being taught. However, this experience has opened me up to adapt various teaching approaches depending on the assimilation rate of the student.

10. What’s Your View Regarding Discipline in the Teaching System?

Discipline is a core value to every field of life, without discipline nothing functions as expected. Similarly, the educational system requires discipline, especially when dealing with students. So, don’t hesitate to attest to that fact, stating the importance and your view to this.

Example: The importance of discipline to the educational system can’t be overemphasized. Students will perform better next time when they get disciplined for the wrong they have done. However, discipline isn’t violence and I prefer a productive disciplined approach such as creative letter writing among others.

Smart Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview

11. What Qualities Do Students Desire Their Teacher to Possess?

Now, you need to put yourself as a student who desires to learn from a qualified teacher, this will enable you to answer accurately.

Example: Every student who desires to learn needs a creative, knowledgeable, and friendly teacher with whom they can relate at all times. Most importantly, teaching with simplified methods until what’s taught is understood.

12. How Does Your Personality Influences Your Mode of Teaching?

Oftentimes, questions to ask in a teacher interview cut across the ability of a teacher to deliver appropriately despite their personalities. Hence, this question is asked to see how you have been able to positively incorporate your personality into your teaching career.

Example: I’m an outspoken person who loves to socialize in most gatherings, getting to learn more about others. This distinct personality of mine has influenced the way I relate with my students and other staff, paving the way for effective communication.

13. What’s the Mode of Your Teaching Plan?

Every teacher must have a laid down lesson plan for teaching, this approach helps you simplify the entire lesson process, organize the topic, plan ahead of time and become more accountable. Most importantly, all lesson plans must abide by the standard curriculum of that educational system.

Example: A lesson plan is vital to the entire teaching process and should be given much attention. Therefore, I chose to be more flexible when creating my plans while keeping in mind the standard curriculum for that academic system.

14. What’s Your View Regarding Technology in Classrooms?

The world system is advancing, so, is the educational system. The advent of technology has helped make life easier and create more room for creativity. Therefore, technology in the educational system is a helpful tool that can be employed for an easy learning process by the students.

Example: The adaptation of technology in the classroom is a great step that should be welcome if notable growth and development must be achieved in the educational system. I believe if a student is granted the privilege to use the internet their knowledge will be broadened as they become involved in more research work.

15. What Will Be the Impression of Your Past Student, Colleagues, and Administration When They Remember You?

Individual experience with you differs based on their first and continuous encounter with you. So, feel free to tell them the progress of your relationship with others.

Example: I believe that relationship is key to everything one can think of. Therefore, I value everyone I come in contact with in the past irrespective of their status. Hence, I believe those who know me from the past can attest that I value, care, and appreciate every one.

16. Do You Think Parents Are Part of the Educational System?

Certainly yes, because at the end of every school day, every student is expected to go back home to their parents. Parents are a vital element in the teaching equation. In essence, parents are in the right position to encourage their children to learn more by providing learning materials, likewise managing their activities ensuring they are productive.

Example: The role of teaching isn’t complete without the input of parents, so, for effective learning to be attained parents must be carried along and encouraged to give more attention to their kid’s academic works.

17. How Would You Motivate Students to Become Active Listeners in Your Classroom?

At this stage, they put your creativity as a teacher to test and you have to answer boldly as someone who truly is passionate about teaching. This reveals you care more about your students understanding what’s being taught.

Example: Students need to listen actively during classes to understand what’s being taught. Therefore, I adapt the interactive and practical approaches to every topic, this way the students are actively taking part in the teaching process.

18. If the Majority of Your Students Fail a Test, What Will You Do?

Most questions to ask in a teacher interview always include the above questions for a reason. Oftentimes, to test the creativity and flexibility of a teacher. It’s not encouraging to see your students fail a test regarding a topic you taught effectively. Therefore, most interviewers desire to know your next line of action amidst the discouragement.

Example: Sincerely speaking, I will be discouraged, but such experiences are simply indications that my teaching approach needs modifications. And without time wastage, I will quickly switch to the next effective teaching method.

19. How Would You Ignite Your Student Creativity?

Creativity is required in the life of every student. This is because it motivates them to go beyond what’s taught in the classroom to learn more and also to come up with other productive ideas.

Example: When my students are creative, it becomes an added advantage to me as their teacher as it boosts their assimilation rate. Hence, I love giving my students reasoning projects and assignments that require their ability to think creatively outside the box.

20. How Would You Approach a Student Who Misses School Regularly?

These sets of students are always present in virtually all educational systems. Oftentimes, this truancy may not be intentional but due to certain situations. As a teacher, you must be quick to identify such a student and provide solutions to their situation.

Example: I believe no student should abstain from school for any reason excluding health-related issues. Therefore, I always monitor my students to know those who are absent. Furthermore, I chose to approach that student from a guidance standpoint so he/she can open up to me. Once the cause is discovered, an immediate solution follows.

In-depth Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview

21. What’s Your Educational Background?

To be able to teach in a standard educational system you must have attained a certain level of educational qualification. In essence, you aren’t an illiterate or a novice who knows nothing about the core element of teaching.

Examples: I currently have a BSc. degree in geography education, besides other online educational certificates I have attained. Also, I recently applied for a postgraduate degree in environmental management. This is to expand my expertise.

22. What’s One of Your Weaknesses and What’s Your Plan for Improvement?

Don’t feel that stating your weakness will disqualify you from getting that dream job. In contrast, it shows you’re sincere and proves you aren’t the type that settles for less but desires improvement. State that weakness you feel is limiting your productivity, as well as state your improvement plans.

Example: I’m the type that easily gets discouraged when working at something. Indeed, it is a limitation to the growth of my teaching abilities. However, I have done the things that motivate me more often and stuck around with those who inspire me at my most discouraged moments.

23. What’s Your Hobby Outside the Classroom?

You need to spice up your teaching career by engaging in one or two hobbies when not teaching. This convinces your interviewer that you aren’t a boring teacher or an antisocial person. Therefore, it’s an essential question to know beforehand even as you learn about those questions to ask in a teacher interview.

Example: I’m a big fan of video games as I have come to see the effects in boosting the coordination of the brain. Also, it improves my cognitive ability because it involves quickness and agility to become the winner.

24. What Extracurricular Activities Were You Involved in While in School?

Extracurricular activities are inseparable aspects of education as it provides an avenue to learn about those things that aren’t taught in the classroom. These activities are often fun to engage in and boost the intellectual quotient.

Example: Back in my schooling days, I was a committed member of the press team, as it helped me nurture my inbuilt talent of writing and other skills.

25. What Extracurricular Activity Would You Love to Coach as a Teacher?

This question is quite similar to the previous. Both are being asked to see if you truly still value the impact of extracurricular activities on the current educational system. Or perhaps you just participated back in your school days because you were forced.

Example: Outside my teaching expertise, I’m willing to help students learn the skill of making papercraft. This is one art I’m good at and will freely teach my students, as it’s a way of boosting their creativity among its other benefits.

26. What’s Your Strength and How Does it Apply to Your Teaching Profession?

This question allows you to tell them about your unique traits, most importantly, how does it advance your teaching profession? However, be sincere about your strength.

Examples: Reading is one of my greatest interests which grew into my strength. Currently, I can stay up late reading productive books that cut across all fields of life. This has enhanced my research ability as a teacher.

27. What’s Your Favorite Subject?

The above is an inevitable question on the list of questions to ask in a teacher interview. As an aspiring teacher, your favourite subject has to be in line with your current line of expertise as a teacher.

In essence, your favourite subject should be related to your expertise as it adds more spice to your professionality.

Example: My favourite subject is fine arts, which has motivated me to further my bachelor’s degree in industrial design.

28. Do You Find Teamwork Helpful in the Teaching System?

Teamwork is a top soft skill needed in every organization. Indeed, a task is accurately done when many hands are put together— Division of labour. This process can be a tough one as a result of individual differences but its outcome can’t be overlooked.

Example: I see teamwork as an effective teaching tool in the educational system as it paves the way for the expansion of knowledge. Every staff member has something to contribute to the topic in question, which when put together, will boost the assimilation of students.

29. What Makes You a Good Fit For This School?

This is the point where you tell your interviewer the distinct qualities of the school you desire to teach in.

So, ensure you research the outstanding quality of that school, as your answer will tell the interviewer if you value the input of that school to the educational system. Most importantly, match your abilities with those qualities.

Example: The adaptation of technology to classroom teaching is a significant step for most schools, but most schools have yet to adapt because of the cost surrounding this process. However, my need to teach with technological devices is fulfilled here at your prestigious school that is equipped with adequate technological devices.

30. What Questions Do You Have For Us?

This is an open platform for you to ask those questions you feel unsure about, mostly related to the school.

Interestingly, this is an inevitable part of those questions to ask in a teacher interview. Therefore, research about that school and come up with thoughtful questions.

Conclusion

Furthermore, to show you’re the perfect fit for that teaching position, you must learn about the above questions. These questions spice up your CV and make you appear more professional.

Also, the example provided in this article is just the tip of the iceberg as there are lots of answers you can come up with as you practically the above questions to ask in a teacher interview.

30 Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview | 2023

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