What to Expect in a Teaching Interview
Typically, a teacher interview takes place at the school you're applying to. Depending on various factors such as the size of the team, the specificity of the role, and the interview stage, you might meet with one teacher or staff member (like a principal, administrator, or counselor), or even a panel of multiple interviewers.
Teacher Interview: What hiring managers are looking for?
During interviews, hiring managers seek specific traits and characteristics in qualified teaching applicants. Based on conversations with talent acquisition teams and HR partners from schools in Australia, here are the key characteristics and skills they value:
- Teaching Skills: Hiring managers are interested in how you work with students on both group and individual levels. They often analyze your strategies for managing a classroom, keeping students engaged, and tailoring learning for diverse styles.
- Teamwork and Accountability: Being a great team player means contributing to the overall success of the school. Candidates who meet deadlines and achieve classroom goals are highly valued.
- Commitment to Students: Interviewers want to see genuine care for students. Demonstrate how you attend to the needs of all students, including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEP).
- Data Proficiency: Effective use of data is crucial in modern education. Provide examples of how you use data to enhance your teaching approach, such as tracking student performance and improving teaching strategies.
Common teaching Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Tip:
It may seem like a trivial question, but schools want to know if you are dedicated to enriching the lives of students. Answer honestly with anecdotes and examples.
How to answer:
I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in students' lives, much like my favourite high school teacher did for me. She made learning exciting and meaningful, which inspired me to pursue teaching so I could share that same passion and impact with my students.
2. Why do you want to teach in this school?
Tip:
Research the school’s culture, students, and programs. Demonstrate your fit and how you can contribute.
How to answer:
I am drawn to your school because of its strong community focus and commitment to inclusive education. Your innovative programs and dedication to student success align with my teaching philosophy and goals, making it an ideal place for me to contribute and grow as an educator.
3. How would you handle students you found difficult to teach?
Tip:
Difficulties with students can look like many different things, from falling grades to disrupting lessons. Interviewers want to know how you can help students with the varied obstacles they may face.
How to answer:
I approach challenging students by building a strong rapport and understanding their unique needs. I use engaging and varied teaching methods to keep them interested and collaborate with colleagues and parents to provide consistent support and encouragement.
4. How do you leverage technology in education?
Tip:
Highlight your tech-savviness and its impact on learning outcomes.
How to answer:
I leverage technology by integrating it into my lessons to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. For example, I use interactive tools like educational apps and online resources to make lessons more dynamic and accessible. I also utilise digital platforms for collaborative projects and virtual field trips, which provide students with unique learning experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting.
5. How do you approach lesson planning?
Tip:
Detail your planning process, including flexibility and meeting learning goals.
How to answer:
My approach to lesson planning involves setting clear objectives, understanding my students’ needs, and incorporating diverse teaching methods. I start by identifying the key concepts and skills to be covered and then design activities that cater to different learning styles. I also include formative assessments to gauge student understanding and adjust my plans as needed to ensure that all students are making progress.
6. Tell me about a lesson that didn’t go well and what you did about it?
Tip:
Showcase your problem-solving and adaptability.
How to answer:
Once, I planned a science experiment that didn’t go as expected due to technical difficulties with the equipment. Instead of abandoning the lesson, I used it as a teachable moment about problem-solving and adaptability. We discussed what went wrong and brainstormed alternative methods to achieve the experiment’s goals. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and turning setbacks into learning opportunities.
7. What behavioural management strategies do you find most effective?
Tip:
Behaviour management is a key component of teaching, and you can’t be a truly brilliant teacher without this. Be specific when answering this kind of interview question.
How to answer:
I find that positive reinforcement and clear, consistent expectations are highly effective in managing classroom behaviour. I establish a classroom culture of respect and responsibility from day one and use praise and rewards to reinforce good behaviour. Additionally, I implement a structured routine and provide clear consequences for misbehaviour, ensuring that students understand the importance of adhering to classroom norms.
8. How can you meet the needs of a student with an IEP?
Tip:
Today’s inclusive classrooms require that teachers know how to meet each child’s unique educational needs, especially those with disabilities. Prepare a couple of examples of ways you can differentiate instruction to support their particular needs.
How to answer:
To meet the needs of a student with an Individualised Education Program (IEP), I closely follow the accommodations and modifications outlined in their plan. I collaborate with special education staff, parents, and other relevant professionals to tailor my teaching strategies and materials to the student’s unique needs. Regular monitoring and adjustments ensure that the student receives the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
9. Describe your teaching philosophy
Tip:
Avoid clichéd, generic responses. Focus on your mission statement.
How to answer:
My teaching philosophy centres around creating an inclusive and stimulating learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated to learn. I believe in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. By using a student-centred approach and differentiated instruction, I aim to meet the diverse needs of my students and empower them to reach their full potential.
10. How do you accommodate different learning styles in your classroom?
Tip:
Understand learning styles and provide specific examples.
How to answer:
I accommodate different learning styles by incorporating a variety of teaching methods and activities into my lessons. For visual learners, I use diagrams, videos, and charts. For auditory learners, I include discussions, lectures, and audio recordings. Finally, kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on activities and movement-based tasks. By offering multiple ways to engage with the material, I ensure that all students can access and understand the content.
Best Questions to ask during a teacher interview
At the end of an interview, you’ll often be asked, “Do you have any questions?” This might seem as a way to wrap up, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of the interview. By asking relevant questions, you can show your enthusiasm for the role, grasp a better understanding of your day-to-day duties and know what the hiring managers are expecting from candidates. Here are the top questions to ask during the interview:
What are some of the challenges you expect the teacher in this position to face?
By asking these questions, you'll gain a clearer picture of the job, enabling you to make informed decisions later. For instance, you might discover challenges like overly involved parents, insufficient resources, or the expectation of 60-hour work weeks. You can then discuss how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past, strengthening your case to the hiring manager.
How would you describe your school’s culture? What types of teachers tend to thrive here, and what types don’t do as well?
Not all school environments suit every teacher. It's crucial to know if this school expects frequent participation in extracurricular activities or allows personal time outside the classroom. Consider whether the environment is collaborative or if it's more independent. Reflect on whether you fit well with this culture to determine if the role suits you.
Thinking back to teachers you’ve seen hold this role previously, what differentiated the good ones from the great ones?
This is usually the magic question that will impress your interviewers. This question would resonate with the hiring managers as they are interviewing candidates to find someone who excels in their job rather than just doing an average job. By asking this question, you will be able to show your desire to be a great teacher and have a chance to say something about yourself and how you will fit what they are looking for.
Approach your interview with confidence
Preparation is key to nail your interview. Once you have prepared to answer these teacher interview questions, you’ll feel more confident and would be able to answer them well. Don't forget to also practise articulating your teaching style. If you get stuck during the interview, remember to think back to why you decided to become a teacher in the first place.