10 Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

This is a common interview question that offers insight into the teacher's work history, whether this will be their first teaching job or if they're a seasoned educator. Past behavior can give you an indicator of what to expect if they're hired, so ask this to learn about their background.

When answering this question, look for a thoughtful response about what they've gained from the teaching experience, including any achievements. Even if they've recently earned their degree or certification, they can still discuss experiences as a student teacher.

While it was once common to teach as if all students are at the same level. Now, many teachers have embraced differentiated instruction, which allows both gifted and struggling students to learn at a level that’s appropriate to them. Ask about their teaching style, and how it accommodates the different challenges that students may have with certain material.

Ask about their experiences instructing students of different levels, especially if they've done so within the same classroom.

This question gives teachers the opportunity to dive deep into their teaching style, including what philosophies and practices have inspired them along their teaching journey. Look for indicators that they're able to be flexible depending on the situation and the students in their class.

Discovering what a teacher is passionate about gives great insight into what you can expect from them during the school year. For general education teachers in primary grades, the answer could show the interviewer the respondent’s strong and weak points. For a teacher applying for a specific subject, their answer to this question could show why they are the ideal person for the task.

Lesson plans are extremely important for keeping teachers and their students on track. Listen for insights into their organizational skills as well as what their typical lesson plans may entail. Are they a teacher that does consistent testing throughout the year? Or do they prefer other methods for ensuring students understand the material? The lesson plan will let you know whether their teaching style and plans align with the school's goals.

This question gives the interviewee an opportunity to showcase their problem-solving skills and how they’ve overcome challenges in their career. Their answers can help them gain a better sense of how they'll fit within their team.

Every school year provides a series of difficult challenges, whether it’s a change in leadership, a difficult parent, or a subject matter they had to teach but didn’t enjoy. Asking about their biggest challenge will demonstrate how the contract teacher was able to move forward.

Every educator knows that some students’ lives at home can make them difficult in the classroom. During the interview, ask this to gauge their problem-solving skills and how they deal with challenging students by treating them with empathy and understanding.

Positive reinforcement, even in the most difficult situations, is very important. This question will allow the teacher to share how their strategies have been beneficial during times of conflict.

If the school you’re hiring for has a robust afterschool program, then you may want to see if the teacher would enjoy leading clubs or sports activities. Should they decide to sign on for these activities, it will be another way to build bonds with their new students.