112. What role does technology have in the classroom?
Technology can greatly increase your efficiency as a teacher. It can also be a tremendous burden. Recruiters want to know how you deal with these pros and cons.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“Technology is the future of teaching. It allows us to do a better job, more efficiently and in a way that really connects with students. As teachers, our job is to find the best way to get through to students and help them learn. Technology helps us do just that.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“While I’ve used technology in the classroom, my experience is that it is helpful but can also be distracting for kids. In some cases, the old methods are still better, and in others, technology is great at capturing students’ attention and communicating to them in a way they understand.”
113. What frustrates you the most in the classroom?
Interviewers want to know if there are situations that you struggle with. They also want to know how you’ll deal with this.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“What frustrates me most is when students refuse to pay attention. These students often attempt to distract the rest of the class, which makes it difficult for everyone. Luckily, I am learning from my own experience and from other teachers about how to best handle this.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“What frustrates me are kids who don’t have a good mindset for learning. I am talking about the students who aren’t interested in learning and want to do as little as possible. They also make it harder for other students to learn.
What frustrates me is not their mindset, but how and why we as their teachers don’t do a better job of intervening before it gets to that point. The cause is most likely something that is happening in their life, and if we can get through to them — if we can show them that we care and are there for them — that can make all the difference.”
114. How do you get your classroom ready for teaching?
This question determines your preparation skills. They want to know your thoughts on this and if there’s anything special you do to prepare.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I try to make my classroom welcoming. The way I do this is with posters and visual aids. I also try to keep my classroom clean and tidy.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“The most important thing is knowing exactly what I’m going to teach that day. It’s not really about getting the classroom ready, but about getting your subject matter ready and making sure you are teaching it in a way that captures and keeps the students’ attention.”
115. How do you manage large classrooms?
Managing a large classroom is challenging, even for experienced teachers. You should have a plan for dealing with this.
New Teacher Example Answer: “I try to keep everything in the classroom organized. This way, students can quickly and easily get what they need. Organization also includes knowing where everyone should sit and having a plan for the day.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “It’s important to quickly identify trouble makers. You want to quickly handle anyone who steps out of line. This allows you to maintain control, no matter how big the class is.”
116. Should a classroom be noisy or quiet?
Dealing with a noisy classroom is a major challenge for many teachers. On the other hand, a quiet classroom can be just as much of a problem. Interviewers want to know your views on this and how you handle these issues.
New Teacher Example Answer: “I don’t mind if my classroom is noisy. I take it as a sign that kids are involved and engaged. That being said, you don’t want things to get too noisy.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “I think there’s a place for both, but it’s important that students know when they can talk among themselves and when they need to put their heads down and work.”
117. What is the most important rule in your classroom?
Most teachers have specific rules for their classrooms. Employers want to learn about your rules and why you think they’re important.
New Teacher Example Answer: “My biggest rule is that children listen when I speak to them and when others speak to them. When you do this, you are showing respect to others. I think learning to listen not only helps the class, but is a valuable life lesson.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:“My number one rule is that it is mandatory to do your homework and turn in assignments. If students do not do their homework, I try really hard to find out if there is an underlying problem so we can work together towards a solution. If it is merely a matter of laziness, I make sure they are clear on the consequences.”
118. How do you handle discipline issues in your classroom?
This is a deeply personal question. It’s important that you have a clearly thought-out plan for dealing with this issue.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“It’s important that students understand that I have rules in my classroom. I make it clear what I’m not willing to accept and that there are consequences for stepping out of line. I also make it clear that the rules are there to help everyone learn and become the best they can be. I communicate this with kindness, and let them know that I really and truly care.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I use a zero-tolerance policy. If the students aren’t behaving themselves, then I remove them from the classroom to show them that what they are doing is serious, but also to enable the rest of the class to focus. Things like detention and being sent to the principal’s office are also effective.”
119. How do you support above-average students?
Interviewers want if you have a plan for helping top students. How will you assist these students in maintaining and excelling beyond their grade levels?
New Teacher Example Answer: “I make sure they understand that I believe in them and want to help them challenge themselves beyond what everyone else is doing, because I know they can. I know they can do it, and they need to know that they can do it.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “I try to work as closely as possible with them. This can mean many things, from making myself available before and after hours, to providing additional learning materials that challenge these gifted students beyond what others are doing in the classroom. By doing this, I help these students reach their full potential.”
120. How do you keep students engaged in your classroom?
Students who don’t listen or participate will not learn. You need to have a plan for helping with these students.
New Teacher Example Answer: “I keep students engaged by involving them in the teaching process. For example, if I see that someone isn’t listening, then I’ll ask them a question or find another way to get them to actively participate.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I think the most important thing is keeping everyone focused and interested in what we are learning. I find different ways to communicate the information and reinforce the lessons. I like to get everyone out of their chairs, moving and being creative.”
121. What are your thoughts on homework?
Homework is a part of teaching. Interviewers want to know your views on the subject and how you use homework to help your students learn.
New Teacher Example Answer: “Homework is a great way to reinforce classroom learning. It’s also helpful if you don’t have time to cover everything in class because you can assign reading as homework to give students a foundation for what you will be covering the next day.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “Homework is extremely valuable. It teaches children how to be responsible and disciplined, how to work outside of a classroom setting, and how to use critical thinking. I don’t overdo it and I don’t assign busy work. I make sure that what I give them as homework reinforces what I have taught them and I try to make it fun.”
Miscellaneous Questions
122. What makes a principal successful?
It’s important that you avoid conflict with the principal. How you answer this question allows interviewers to determine if this might become a problem.
New Teacher Example Answer: “I think that the principal should have a vision for where the school is heading. He or she should also be available and have the ability to build a team which reaches its goals.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “School leaders need to back up their staff and be willing to support them. This is especially important when it comes to discipline issues. When administrators and teachers are divided, it can really cause problems.”
123. How do you handle feedback from staff members, principals, or parents?
From time to time, you will be criticized. You need to have a plan for dealing with this and making constructive changes.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“Whenever I am criticized, I try to find the positive side of things which helps me not take the criticism personally. I also make sure to thank the person who is criticizing me, and let them know that their feedback will help me be able to do better.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “I start by acknowledging the feedback. I then ask follow-up questions and mention something specific that I will do to solve the problem.”
124. Are you interviewing with anyone else at the moment?
Be careful when answering this question. If you look at the sample answer, you’ll see that we mentioned looking at other schools, but didn’t go overboard. Doing this might put interviewers off (especially if you’re looking at jobs unrelated to teaching).
New Teacher Example Answer: “I have had other elementary teacher interviews in the last month. The interview processes have gone well, and I have some more meetings scheduled next week. My goal is to decide on a full-time position by the end of the month.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “I am not interviewing with any school besides this one. If things don’t work out for me here, I’ll probably go back to teaching English as a second language.”
125. Who would you hire for this position?
This is something you may be asked during the teaching interview. Try to provide two or three points for the interviewer to think about. Make sure that you tie these points back into your skills and qualifications.
New Teacher Example Answer: “You mentioned earlier that retaining staff is a problem. Because of this, I would hire someone who seems to be in it for the long haul and someone who is outgoing enough to connect with other staff and help foster a community here.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer: “I would hire someone who has a wide range of experiences in the teaching sector — a person who is dedicated to the profession and who has an awareness of the latest trends and ideas in the field. I truly believe that I am that person.”
126. If you could do anything besides teaching, what would it be?
These types of questions are meant to trip you up. Interviewers are trying to see how passionate you really are about teaching. This means you shouldn’t mention anything other than being a teacher.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“The biggest influences in my life are still the people who taught me. This is true all the way from middle school to college. I couldn’t imagine being anything other than a teacher.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I could not imagine being anything other than a teacher. This has always been my purpose in life. The longer I do it, the more I know it.”
127. If you don’t get this job, what are your plans? Would you consider something else?
This is similar to the above question. A good answer will indicate that you’re dedicated to this profession and do not have alternative plans.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“Teaching is my dream job, and I’m 100% committed to this career. If I don’t get this job, I’ll continue applying to other schools. I’m also prepared to work as a substitute teacher or help out with extracurricular activities.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“If I don’t get this job, I’ll be disappointed. I would absolutely love to teach at this particular school, and I really think it is a fantastic environment that I want to be a part of.”
128. What attracted you to our job description?
Writing job descriptions that attract the right people is difficult. Prospective employers want to know if there was something that attracted you in their job description. They also want to know if you actually read the description properly.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“From the job description, it seemed that you were open to hiring inexperienced teachers. This encouraged me to apply.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“What I liked was that you clearly mentioned what was expected in this role. Many job descriptions are vague. This makes it difficult to know if you’re right for the job.”
129. How do you deal with students who have emotional or mental health issues?
One of the challenges facing teachers today is the increasing number of students with these issues. This question gives you a chance to share your thoughts on this.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I think the best thing to do is maintain a caring attitude. These types of students need to know they are not going to be judged and that you’re willing to listen to them.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I think it’s extremely important that teachers stay aware of their students’ mental health. Many kids hide their problems, and this can have serious consequences down the line. As a teacher, I need to know what’s going on with my students. This way, I can get them the help they need and also be even more patient with them.”
130. Why should I hire you over people with similar backgrounds?
When answering this question, give a specific example that relates to your skills and training. There is no wrong answer. Just avoid sounding too general.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I’m highly educated and also have experience teaching this age group. Another reason why you should hire me is that I’m a young teacher. This means I’m fresh and eager to learn. I have new ideas, unlike a more experienced teacher.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I’m probably the best person to fill this position for several reasons. First, I have the necessary experience and qualifications. Second, I am adaptable and open to doing things in new and different ways. Third, I put the needs of the students first and set high standards for myself, and continually work to exceed those standards.”
131. Do you see yourself as a risk-taker?
New Teacher Example Answer:
“It really depends on the situation. If I think there are benefits to taking a risk, then I’ll definitely go for it.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“At this stage of my career, I’m not really a risk-taker. This is basically because I know what works and what doesn’t. That being said, if something is worthwhile, I am willing to take a risk on it.”
