Making a Strong First Impression

First impressions matter. Interviewers will typically try to gauge your character and your motivations at the top of your interview. You might have the right qualifications for being a teacher, but you need to get this right, too!

To get into the right frame of mind, we recommend being self-aware around what your teaching philosophy is and how it aligns with the school's philosophy before going into the interview. This will set your frame of mind for how best to answer those all important interview questions.

If you don't have an interview lined up, and are still trying to figure out how to become a teacher, we recommend checking out our guide here before moving on. Otherwise, let's look at 6 common teacher interview questions, and how you can consider answering them!

1. Why Did You Decide to Become a Teacher?

Interviewer is looking for: The interviewer is assessing your passion for the teaching profession and your future aspirations. They want to understand your motivation for entering teaching, your commitment to the field, what experience you have as a teacher or paraprofessional, and your ambitions for professional growth and development.

Our advice: You could answer by mentioning a teacher who inspired you or a specific experience which solidified your decision to become a teacher.  Also, describe what you hope to achieve as a teacher, such as making a positive impact on students' lives or contributing to the educational community.

For example, you could discuss how a high school English teacher sparked your love for literature. That personal touch strengthens your answer.

Let’s take a look at some example answers;

• "I was inspired to become a teacher by my high school English teacher, Mrs. Anderson. She made learning fun and engaging, and she always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. I want to be that same source of inspiration and support for my students."
  
  

• "I've always loved working with children and helping them learn and grow. I believe that teaching is one of the most important professions in the world, and I'm excited to make a difference in the lives of my students. My goal is to create a classroom environment where all students feel valued and respected, and where they can reach their full potential."
  
  

• "I'm passionate about education and I believe that every child deserves a quality education. I want to be a teacher who makes a positive impact on my students' lives, both academically and personally. My long-term goal is to become a leader in my school and community, and to advocate for the needs of all students."

2. What Are Your Current Learning Interests?

Interviewer is looking for: Evidence that you are committed to staying up-to-date in your content area and dedicated to ongoing professional development.

Our advice: Schools value educators committed to professional development and lifelong learning. Highlight anything that enriches your content knowledge. This shows your commitment to staying current in your content area.

You could highlight activities and experiences that demonstrate your dedication to staying current in your content area. Here are a few examples you could draw from:

• Attending relevant conferences and workshops: Participating in relevant conferences and workshops demonstrates your commitment to learning from experts and keeping up with the latest advancements in your field.

• Participating in professional learning communities: Engaging in professional learning communities is essential. These groups offer a valuable opportunity for educators to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from each other's experiences.

• Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications: Working towards advanced degrees or certifications shows that you are dedicated to enhancing your understanding and skills in your field.

• Exploring professional journals and publications: Keeping current with the latest research and best practices in your field is crucial for successful teaching.

• Engaging in action research: Participating in action research means taking a close look at your own teaching methods in a structured way to find opportunities for growth and enhancement.

Classroom Management in Common Interview Questions for a Teacher

Consider how you'd handle classroom observations focused on classroom management. Interviewers seek strategies rooted in respect and collaboration.

3. How Would You Handle Disruptive Students?

Interviewer is looking for: Evidence that you understand the importance of addressing the root cause of disruptive behavior and that you can use a variety of strategies to de-escalate situations and resolve issues.

Our advice: When dealing with disruptive behavior, it's more effective to address the root cause of the behavior than to simply punish the student. Non-verbal cues can be helpful in de-escalating a situation, and pulling a student aside to discuss their disruptive behavior in private shows empathy and can help resolve the issue. These "softer approaches" are often more successful than punitive measures.

• Acknowledge the Importance of Addressing the Root Cause: Show that you understand disruptive behavior often stems from underlying issues. State your commitment to identifying and addressing these root causes, rather than simply reacting to the surface-level behavior.

• Highlight the Effectiveness of Non-Verbal Cues: Explain how you use non-verbal communication, such as body language and eye contact, to de-escalate situations and redirect student attention without disrupting the flow of the lesson.

• Emphasize Private Conversations: Describe how you would take a student aside for a private conversation to discuss their behavior. Explain that this approach shows empathy, allows the student to share their perspective, and helps to find a solution collaboratively.

• Mention the Limitations of Punitive Measures: Briefly acknowledge that while consequences may be necessary in some cases, they are often less effective than preventative and restorative approaches.

• Illustrate with an Example: If possible, provide a brief example of a time when you successfully addressed disruptive behavior by using a calm and empathetic approach.

4. How Do You Build Positive Relationships With Your Students?

Interviewer is looking for: Evidence that you understand the importance of building positive relationships with students and that you have strategies for creating a supportive and encouraging classroom environment.

Our advice:

• Share specific examples: Don't just say you use positive reinforcement and relationship-building techniques; provide specific examples from your past teaching experiences.

• Focus on student well-being: Make it clear that you prioritize the well-being of your students, both academically and emotionally.

• Emphasize the importance of relationships: State your belief that a strong teacher-student relationship is crucial for effective learning.

5. How Would You Accommodate Students With Learning Disabilities In Your Classroom?

Interviewer is looking for: The interviewer is looking for several key indicators in your response. These include an understanding of how important it is to collaborate with both parents and staff, and knowledge of strategies to support students who have learning disabilities. They want to see your ability to build strong partnerships with parents, and that you are familiar with common learning disabilities and their best practices. The interviewer will be looking for specific examples of successful collaboration and support strategies you have used in the past.

Our advice:

• Reflect on your teaching philosophy and experiences. Consider what you believe about how students learn and what your role as a teacher is.

• Think about specific examples of how you've put your philosophy into practice in your teaching.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment.

• Highlight your commitment to student learning and your passion for teaching.

• Tailor your answer to the specific context of the school and the position you're applying for.

6. How Do You Teach 21st-Century Learners?

Interviewer is looking for: The interviewer will be looking for a number of dimensions with this question;

• Evidence of your ability to facilitate engaging and effective classroom discussions that promote critical thinking.

• Understanding of the role of technology in education and your ability to use it to enhance student learning and engagement.

• Examples of how you have used technology to support differentiated instruction and meet the diverse needs of your students.

• Your ability to communicate clearly and effectively about your teaching practices and your use of technology in the classroom.

Our Advice:

• Prepare specific examples of how you have fostered critical thinking through classroom discussions, including the strategies you used and the outcomes you achieved.

• Highlight your experience using technology in the classroom and be prepared to discuss specific tools and platforms you have used effectively.

• Share examples of how you have used technology to differentiate instruction and support students with diverse learning needs.

• Practice your responses to common interview questions about technology in education and be prepared to speak confidently and clearly about your experiences.

Common Interview Questions For a Teacher: Conclusion

Preparing for common teacher interview questions involves introspection, research, and showcasing your passion. These questions assess more than just skills; they reveal your teaching philosophy and how you build trust with students.

Zen Educate can help you find teaching roles to use your refined interview skills. Think about the type of school you're applying to when researching job openings. Their particular school district's approach might affect what they are looking for. Preparing for common mistakes during the job interview will make your answers better.

Use Zen Educate to Find Teaching Roles

Once your resume is polished, explore job openings through Zen Educate. This platform connects teachers and substitutes with schools seeking qualified candidates. Zen Educate simplifies the job search process and offers:

• Access to Numerous Opportunities: Whether you’re looking for part-time, short-term, or full-time positions, Zen Educate offers a wide array of roles to fit all schedules and preferences.

• Streamlined Application Process: The platform reduces the time spent job hunting by matching you with schools that suit your profile.

• Career Support: From improving your applications to preparing for interviews, Zen Educate supports you every step of the way.

Find exciting new positions that align with your skills and interests through Zen Educate. Sign up for free here!