Demo Lesson Tips for New Teachers from a School Administrator

You’ve made it to the demo lesson – congratulations! As an administrator, I know how important this step is; schools invite only a small number of applicants to this stage of the hiring process.  It means we see real potential in you. Now, we need to see you in action.  In this article, I want to share my best demo lesson tips.

I recall a math candidate who built immediate rapport by asking students a simple question about what they knew about the topic.  Based on the answers, she adjusted where she jumped into her lesson.  It was impressive. 

She kept the students engaged (and on their toes) by moving around the room, checking in on partner groups as they worked, and then calling on groups she knew had correct responses. 

By the end of her well-planned and interactive lesson, it was clear the students were “with” her. That’s the kind of presence we’re looking for. 

I’m going to walk you through exactly what I, and many other administrators, are looking for during a demo lesson. Consider this a behind-the-scenes breakdown of the demo lesson.

Who’s in the Room?

Typically, you’ll be presenting your lesson to the following:

• Me (or another administrator) – I want to see how you interact with students and manage a classroom.
• The department chair – They’re assessing how you would fit with the team of teachers.
• Other teachers – They want to see if you bring fresh ideas and solid instructional skills.
• Students – Sometimes it’s a full class, sometimes a smaller volunteer group. Either way, their feedback is collected and evaluated.

So, who should you focus on?

The students. The adults want to see how you engage with students.  Bring extra copies of your lesson plan and any handouts for us, but direct all your energy toward teaching the students.

Get the Logistics Right

Before your demo lesson, ask these key questions:

• What grade level and subject will I be teaching?
• Is there a specific topic I should cover?
• What technology is available in the room?
• How long should my lesson be?

Not knowing this information leaves you at a disadvantage.  Make sure to ask.

Demo Lesson Planning Tips

What I Want to See in Your Demo Lesson

1. A Clear Hook – Start with something engaging (a quick question, short story, or real-world connection).
2. Instruction – Deliver concise, clear content.
3. Guided Practice – Work through an example for the students.
4. Student Practice – Let students try it themselves.
5. Exit Ticket or Wrap-Up – Check for understanding.

Set Clear Learning Objectives

Keep it focused—1-2 objectives max. State them at the start, refer back to them, and close by showing how students met them.

Choose a Lesson You’re Comfortable With

Now is NOT the time to experiment with something new. If possible, teach a lesson you’ve successfully used before. If not, choose instructional activities you’re confident leading.

Avoid complex projects, lengthy discussions, or technology-heavy activities. Simple, structured lessons work best in a short demo.  It’s okay to use a more “traditional” lesson framework.

Classroom Management Tips

Even in a short demo lesson, classroom management matters. We want to see that you’re able to create a positive and productive learning environment. 

Here are a few quick strategies to help:

• Engage Quickly – The faster students are involved in the lesson, the less time there is for distractions.

• Use Proximity and Movement – Move around the room to keep students engaged and quickly redirect any off-task behavior.

• Have a Plan for Off-Task Students – If a student isn’t engaged, have a subtle way to bring them back in, like asking a low-stakes question or giving them a specific task. (Even if it doesn’t work, you’ve shown awareness and that you have tools you use.)

• Stay Confident and Composed – If something unexpected happens, keep your cool. Disruptions and disengagement are natural in the classroom; we want to see how you handle them.

Don’t Overlook These Small Details 

I’m Watching For…

• Classroom presence — Do you command the room with confidence but also connect with students?

• Clarity — Are your directions easy to follow?

• Engagement — Are students participating, or are they zoning out?  And, do you notice?

• Rapport — Do students feel comfortable interacting with you?

• Adaptability — If something goes wrong, how do you handle it?

What to Do During Your Demo Lesson

• Introduce yourself — Briefly share your name and background, then jump into teaching.

• Give clear directions — Use phrases like “Raise your hand if…” or “When I say go, you will…”

• Encourage participation — Plan for moments where students interact with you. If they hesitate, have them pair-share or write responses.

• Move around the room — Circulate, check in on student work, and engage with individuals.

• Prepare for tech issues — Always have a backup plan. If your presentation won’t load, can you still teach?

• End on a strong note — Thank the students and acknowledge their participation.

What Happens After You Leave?

At this point, you’ve delivered your lesson, engaged with students, and shown us your teaching style. Now comes the part where we reflect on what we just saw. 

We typically discuss two questions:

1. Did the candidate connect with the students?
2. Did the lesson demonstrate strong teaching skills?

These two questions drive most of our discussion. Notice what’s NOT there? We don’t usually nitpick content knowledge unless it’s an advanced course. We assume you know your subject.  We don’t expect perfection.  What we care about is: Can you make learning happen?

The Role of Student Feedback 

We often ask students:

• How engaged did you feel during the lesson?
• Did the teacher explain things clearly?
• How did the teacher interact with you and your peers?

While student feedback doesn’t (or shouldn’t, in my opinion) make the final decision, it is taken into account. If students say you made the material clear and engaging, that’s a big win!

Final Thoughts: Practice, Practice, Practice

More than any other part of the interview, the demo lesson requires preparation. Your pacing, transitions, and clarity need to be spot on. The more you practice, the more you’ll be able to focus on what matters – connecting with students and showcasing your strengths as a teacher.

If you take anything away from this article on demo lesson tips, let it be this:

The demo lesson isn’t meant to be a “gotcha” moment.  The adults in the audience all know that teaching is hard.  We want you to succeed.  

Good luck!

Amanda Melsby has been a professional educator for 20 years.  She taught English before working as an assistant principal and later as a high school principal.  Amanda holds an Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Leadership and is currently a dean of teaching and learning.