53. List 5 words that best describe you.
Interviewers are trying to determine how you see yourself. The words you list give them an idea of what type of person you are.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I see myself as a happy, fun-loving, and honest person, but also someone who is determined and an optimist.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I think the words which best describe me are dependable, trustworthy, disciplined, hardworking, and values-orientated.”
54. If your students were to describe you, what would they say?
The point of this question is to learn how what impression you think students have of you.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“Hopefully, they would say nice things and tell you I’m their favorite teacher. I think they definitely would say that I am patient and really listen to them.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I think my students would describe me as hardworking, dependable, and a great all-around teacher. Someone who helped them through the hard times. I really hope they would say that I am their favorite teacher.”
55. What do you consider your greatest strength?
This is another question where interviewers are trying to learn who you are. They may be looking for a person with certain skills or strengths, so answer carefully.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I’m great at making students feel included in the lesson. I also think I bring a positive attitude into the classroom, which students appreciate.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“My strengths lie in keeping control and discipline in the classroom. After many years of teaching, I’ve learned how to quickly get students back into line.”
56. What are your weaknesses, and what are you doing anything to work on them?
Many people will advise you to answer with something that is really a strength. You can use this approach, or talk about a minor weakness that you have mostly already corrected.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“My biggest is my lack of experience. I think the best way to solve this problem is by watching other teachers teach, if at all possible, perhaps taking on extra classes, and by studying teaching techniques outside of school.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“My biggest weakness is that I can sometimes be less patient than I would like with students who do not make an effort. After many years of teaching, I have seen so many children blossom into smart, responsible and motivated children with bright futures that I need to remind myself to have extra patience with those who are not putting in the work. There is a reason for this, and I work really hard to find it and its solution.”
57. How do you handle stress?
Teaching can be an extremely stressful job. Interviewers want to know if you’re capable of handling this.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“The key is to never lose control. Stay calm and collected and deal with the situation quickly. If you lose control, then the problem gets worse.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I’ve dealt with stressful situations many times over the years. I’ve found that the best way to handle these situations is by addressing the source of stress as quickly as possible. This is the easiest way to get things back to normal. So for example, if a student is being disruptive, I would address that situation specifically and individually.”
58. Do you consider yourself a flexible person?
You’ll have to work with a wide variety of students and be placed in different, sometimes difficult situations. How do you specifically deal with these situations?
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I find that it’s best not to be too attached to the outcome. We are all working for the benefit of the students, and there are a lot of ways to achieve the same end results. So I keep in mind that the method to the end goal might change, and so might the end goal itself. The one thing that doesn’t change is that we all want what is best for the kiddos.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I try to keep an open mind and be willing to accept whatever situation I’m placed in. I think that if you refuse to accept something that only makes things more difficult.”
59. If someone was going to criticize you, what would they say?
This question provides insight into how you see yourself. Interviewers want to know what areas you’re weak in.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“Probably that I’m young and inexperienced and don’t know what I’m doing.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“Probably my biggest issue is that I can occasionally lose my temper with students. I can sometimes also be cynical about the teaching profession.”
60. What characteristics do you want your students to possess?
Interviewers want to know what you’re looking for in the student body. For example, what do you think makes a good student body and therefore a good student?
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I think the best characteristic a student can have is cooperation. A school environment is healthy when students get along and are willing to work with one another. When students are not interested in cooperating, problems happen.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“The best quality that a student can possess is that they actually care about school. I’ve taught students who sat with their eyes glazed over in every class. It was obvious that these students didn’t care about learning and were basically waiting for the bell to ring. I want students who are engaged and interested in learning and do my very best to make learning interesting and fun.”
61. What do you like to do in your free time?
Interviewers are interested in your life outside of school. Mention the various ways you spend your time, including your hobbies or things you do for fun. You will want to show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded person.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I have always been a physically active person. In my spare time, I like to run and train for marathons. Other than that, I like to explore new coffee shops with friends and talk my dog to the dog park.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I really enjoy spending quality time with my family and making every moment count. I also enjoy traveling. Last summer, we took a family road trip to Colorado to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.”
62. What books are you reading right now?
This question helps interviewers determine what type of person you are. It’s a good idea to mention that you read professional publications.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I like to read things which help in my professional development. For example, I like to read something called Education Week. This is a newspaper which covers education-related topics and helps keep me up-to-date with the latest developments in teaching.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I’ve always been a fan of mystery novels, especially from authors like Agatha Christie. I also like to read textbooks and magazines related to the subjects I teach.”
Experience Questions
63. How can your experience help our school?
With this question, employers want to know about your past experiences. They are interested in learning how your unique experiences can help them. When answering this, try to give a specific example.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I taught at a middle school for six months during college. Working alongside more experienced teachers was invaluable. I got to see them in action and learn what works and what doesn’t.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I’ve taught math and science for more than 20 years. I have in-depth knowledge of these topics and a well-developed teaching style that works well with these subjects. With these skills, my students tend to do well and receive above-average grades.”
64. How do you make learning fun for students?
Children enjoy learning more when they have fun. Try to provide examples where you make learning enjoyable for your students or where you would make it fun if you are new to teaching.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I think the way to do this is by involving students in the lessons, instead of simply lecturing them. Two good ways to do this are with class projects and interactive question and answer sessions.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“In my personal experience, a great way to do this is by getting student up out of their seats with activities that reinforce learning. Also, I try to avoid dry, boring information and present the most interesting facts wherever possible.”
65. What is your teaching style?
You should be able to talk about the way you teach. This shows that you’re competent and ready for the job. Mention how your style benefits students.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“I like to engage as many of my students’ senses as possible. I do this by using visual aids and audiovisual tools wherever I can. I also like to use crafts wherever possible, especially if I’m teaching young children.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“My emphasis is on teaching the material from several different angles, using text, video, and interactive activities. It takes repetition for students to absorb information, so presenting the information in different ways keeps it interesting and helps keep students tuned in.”
66. What is your greatest accomplishment?
This is similar to what is your greatest strength question. You need to pick something which demonstrates why they should hire you.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“My greatest accomplishment was when I was a special education teacher. During this time, I personally tutored special needs students who were struggling with literacy. Over six months, I took him from someone who struggled to read to reading a new book every week.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“Something I’m very proud of was when I took part in a fundraising drive for my previous job. We needed money for new school furniture, and my team and I were able to raise $50,000 in only three months.”
67. Can you give us an example where you helped a student who was struggling?
Interviewers want to know if you’re dedicated to helping students succeed. They also want to know how you plan on helping students who fall behind.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“One of my students was struggling to read. I took time out of my schedule to personally tutor them one-on-one, using a new teaching method I had recently read about. Within a month, I was able to dramatically improve his literacy level.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“I remember one student who was struggling with math. I sat down with her, and we created a plan for changing this. We decided to do extra tutoring during lunch for two days a week. After a few weeks of this, her grades started to improve, and she caught up with the class.”
68. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
With this question, focus on what makes you different. What unique abilities do you bring to this job, and why are you the best person for the position.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“Working at your school will give me the chance to establish my career as a teacher. Even though I’m new, I’m willing to give it my all and do whatever it takes to help my students learn and grow in a positive and healthy environment.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“Over the years, I’ve acquired the skills and experience needed for this job. Hiring me means the students at this school will benefit from these skills and if it’s okay, I would love to mentor the newer teachers as well.”
69. Why shouldn’t we hire you?
This is a tricky question, which is why you need to be careful. The best way to answer is by turning things around. For example, you may want to mention reasons why you’re overqualified.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“The reason why you wouldn’t want to hire me is because of my lack of experience. On the other hand, this also means that I’m not stuck in a rut and I definitely know that I don’t know it all! I am open to learning new things and excited to absorb as much as I can from the more experienced teachers.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“The biggest thing counting against me is probably my age. That being said, this also means I have decades of experience in a wide variety of teaching scenarios. I think I have pretty much seen it all and have reference points to be able to handle those situations well.”
70. Why did you leave your last job?
Interviewers want to know if you were fired or dismissed from your last job. If this is the case, then you need to answer the question carefully. You have to give a good reason why you left your previous position.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“The reason is that it was a student teaching position. I wanted to stay on at the school, but they weren’t hiring more teachers.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“The simple reason is that I need to earn more money. I also felt that my previous school wasn’t serious about tackling bullying issues. My heart breaks for children who are bullied, and though I tried very hard to be a part of change there, it did not happen. I think that teachers leaving will send a message that there is an issue, and we all need to get serious about providing a safe environment for our children.”
41. Do you have a teaching philosophy? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
They want to know how you teach. Many school districts have a particular way of teaching, and they want to check if you’re a good fit for their style.
New Teacher Example Answer:
“My philosophy of education is that you first need to create a safe and caring environment where children are able to communicate freely. I want a create a space where everyone feels included and can express themselves.”
Experienced Teacher Example Answer:
“My goal is to maintain discipline and structure. I also try to hold myself to the highest standards possible. This helps children and gives them a chance to learn. This way, I also prevent uninterested students from distracting other students from learning.”
