43 Commonly Asked Interview Questions

Whether you’re looking for your first teaching job or you are a seasoned educator seeking new opportunities, navigating the interview process can be daunting. Of course, preparation is key, and that’s why we’ve rounded up 43 questions commonly asked during teacher interviews. Read through these on your own or partner with a friend for a mock interview, and walk into your next interview feeling confident and prepared.

1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
2. How did you hear about the position?
3. What do you know about our organization/school/company?
4. Why do you want this position?
5. Why do you want to teach?
6. Why should we hire you?
7. What are your greatest professional strengths?
8. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
9. What frustrates you the most about teaching?
10. What qualities make an effective teacher?
11. What is your greatest professional achievement?
12. What is your dream job?
13. Where do you see yourself in five years?
14. What is your teaching philosophy?
15. How do you evaluate whether or not a lesson was successful?
16. How do you utilize your planning periods?
17. Can you describe your classroom management style?
18. How do you handle disruptive students?
19. How do you motivate students?
20. How do you keep students engaged?
21. How would your students describe you?
22. How do you communicate with families about their student’s education?
23. How do you keep families involved in their student’s education?
24. What role does technology play in the classroom?
25. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work and how you dealt with it.
26. What other companies/schools/organizations are you interviewing with?
27. Why are you leaving your current job?
28. What are you looking for in a new position?
29. What type of work environment do you prefer?
30. What are your thoughts on team-teaching?
31. What is your management style?
32. Can you tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership?
33. Can you tell me about a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?
34. How would your boss and coworkers describe you?
35. Can you explain this gap in your employment?
36. Can you explain why you changed/are changing career paths?
37. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
38. What would you expect your first 30, 60, and 90 days to look like in this role?
39. What are your salary requirements?
40. What do you like to do outside of work?
41. If you were an animal, which one would you be?
42. What do you think we could do better or differently?
43. Do you have any questions for us?