Are you preparing for an upcoming teaching job interview? If so, you’re likely to be up against the tough competition. To make sure that your application stands out from the rest, it is essential to be ready for any teacher interview questions.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive list of top 10 questions and answers especially tailored for teachers who are getting ready to embark on their journey as professional educators!
Get ahead of the curve with these easily downloadable tips and resources – they will help guide you through those nerve-wracking moments before, during and after your Teacher Interview!
Related: For more, check out our article on SEND Teaching Assistant Interview Questions here.
Why Did You Decide To Become A Teacher?
Becoming a teacher was one of the most rewarding decisions ever. It allows me to shape the minds of our youth positively, and it truly allows me to make a difference in their lives. After seeing the impact that teachers had on my own time in education, I wanted to inspire others as those role models had done for me.
Moreover, I love the challenge of creative problem-solving with students and helping them develop their paths in life. Teaching allows me to share my knowledge and gain new insights every day. Teaching continuously educates me as well!
How Do You Deal With Stress?
Even when faced with the most difficult of situations, it is essential for teachers to remain composed and professional. One of the top questions often asked in teaching interviews is how a candidate copes with stress. The best way to cope with stress is to prioritise tasks and break them down into smaller, more manageable steps.
Additionally, setting aside time away from work to destress and reflect on an issue can be beneficial. Taking breaks throughout the day for a few minutes also helps to clear the mind and reorient oneself mentally to tackle any problems that may arise efficiently.
Ultimately, having an organisational system for managing responsibility allows for better overall performance and less stressful days.
What Is Your Teaching Philosophy?
As a teacher, having the right philosophy is essential. Every teaching job interview should include a question about your beliefs on education and how you’ll apply them in your classroom. Having an answer that is reflective and specific to your values is vital.
Every teaching philosophy will be unique depending on the individual’s education experiences. For an aspiring teacher to be prepared for this essential question, it’s beneficial to think about it in advance and plan an adequate response.
At a minimum, stating what kind of environment you want to create in your classroom and how you believe teachers should guide their students academically can provide an adequate answer.
This article aims to provide resources for candidates looking to formulate responses demonstrating their understanding of teaching philosophies and the value they bring into the classroom.
How Do You Embed Social-Emotional Learning In Your Lessons?
Incorporating social-emotional learning in lessons is an essential aspect of teaching. It requires providing students with the skills to develop self-awareness, foster empathy, and take responsibility for their own ethical decisions.
Strategies used to promote social-emotional learning could range from role plays and cooperative learning activities that enable children to practice communicating and problem-solving skills or creating reporting systems or “buddy systems” in which students offer each other help and support.
Having the correct information ready when answering interview questions related to this topic will prove your commitment to educating all aspects of the student and demonstrate your understanding of the importance of social-emotional learning within the classroom.
How Do You Use Technology In The Classroom?
Utilising technology in the classroom is becoming increasingly important. Technology can be a powerful tool to help students reach their educational goals. Smart boards, computers and tablets are just some of the tools teachers are now using in the classroom to engage their students and provide real-time feedback on performance.
Teachers must find ways to encourage collaboration among their students while using advanced technology, such as interactive whiteboards, to introduce lessons and encourage discussion among their pupils.
By finding creative ways to involve the latest technological advancements in their lesson plans, teachers can more effectively help their students learn new concepts and skills.
Describe Your Classroom Management Structure
Students need structure and consistency to achieve their highest potential, so I emphasise my classroom management. My approach is student-centred, and my expectations for behaviour are communicated in advance.
I ensure a clear structure that includes outlined procedures, consistent rules, and respectful interactions between myself and the students.
Positive reinforcement is the basis of my classroom and encourages students to strive to reach their goals while learning applicable skills. Rewarding effort creates positive momentum and creates an environment where students can thrive.
How Do You Feel About Classroom Observations And Learning Walks?
Facing a classroom observation or walk-through can be daunting for any teacher, but it is an integral part of the job that increases accountability and effectiveness. Entering this situation with an open mind and attitude can make it easier; understanding that these visits are meant to help the teacher improve their craft rather than “catching you in a mistake” can lead to better results.
With proper preparation and willingness to learn from feedback, these experiences can be valuable growth opportunities that inform teachers how to best serve their students in the future.
How Do You Think Covid-19 Has Impacted Children?
The coronavirus pandemic has caused considerable changes to our lives, including how students learn. As a teacher, I’ve noticed that students seem more stressed and overwhelmed. Many have lost routines due to school closures or hybrid models, and their motivation levels can be low as they adjust to new ways of learning.
To help my students cope with these changes, I’ve incorporated interpersonal connections into my teaching style. In classroom discussions, I build relationships and ensure my students feel heard and understood.
I also create opportunities for meaningful projects and activities that allow them to express themselves creatively and build resilience in light of the tribulations caused by COVID-19.
How Did You Find Working Remotely?
Working remotely is an experience that can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, it can provide a sense of freedom and independence since you won’t have someone physically watching or micromanaging you the same way as if you were working in a traditional office space. That level of control allows for creativity and allows you to make your own decisions independently.
On the other hand, remote work can sometimes be isolating and difficult to stay connected with colleagues or customers from far away. Despite this challenge, due to its flexibility, many people find that they are happier and more productive while working remotely.
What Is Your View On Trauma Informed Practice?
Trauma can take on many forms and can have a significant impact on students’ learning. By taking the time to understand how traumatic experiences may manifest in student behaviour, it is possible to assess potential triggers better and create appropriate emotional safety nets.
It is essential only to make assumptions about the root cause of an incident if adequately considering the environment.
To address the effects of trauma in the classroom, it is crucial to incorporate teaching techniques focused on developing a compassionate mindset and fostering community among students who may not share similar experiences.
Creating plans for addressing both proactive and reactive approaches helps teachers build resilience against disruptive triggers and resolve conflicts before they become too serious.
Incorporating trauma-informed teaching practices into any well-thought-out plan for teaching interviews shows passionate commitment from educators to ensure all their students have the best learning experience possible.
Being a teacher is a gratifying profession, but it has challenges. To be the best teacher you can be, you need to be prepared for everything. From questions about your teaching philosophy to how you deal with stress, these are the top 10 questions asked in teaching interviews and some tips on how to answer them.
FAQ
What kind of questions should I expect in a teacher interview?
When interviewing for a teaching position, you should be asked about your teaching experience, qualifications, and ability to interact with students and parents. Other topics may include your philosophy of education, classroom management techniques, and technology utilisation.
How can I best prepare for an interview?
Preparation is vital, so review the job posting carefully to determine what the school is looking for in a candidate. Research the school’s mission and values and think about how you might apply them in your future role. Create a list of questions you anticipate needing to answer during the interview process.
Lastly, practice responding to common teacher interview questions aloud or with someone else so that you are familiar with the material and can respond confidently and eloquently when the time comes.
What qualities do employers look for in teachers?
Employers will look for qualities such as dependability and punctuality, excellent communication skills, understanding of student needs, creativity, passion for teaching and learning, good classroom management skills, flexibility and patience, commitment to student success and a growth mindset thinking.
Additionally, having current knowledge of teaching practices related to Common Core Standards is essential in today’s competitive educational landscape.
