Five Essential Teacher Interview Questions and How to Answer

Since I became a school administrator in 2014, I’ve asked dozens of candidates hundreds of interview questions.  The good news for you is that certain interview questions come up time and time again.  These foundational questions are a great place to start your interview prep.  In this article, I’ll break down five essential teacher interview questions, why they’re commonly asked, and how to confidently answer them. 

Be sure to download our FREE Teacher Resume and Interview Checklist to help you stay on track!

Question #1:

Tell us about yourself and your background in education.

Estimated odds of getting this question: 98%

The “Tell us about yourself” question is almost always how an interview starts. It sets the tone for the conversation and gives the hiring panel their first impression of you. 

 Why is this question important?

The “tell us about yourself” question helps interviewers assess your personality, teaching philosophy, and how well you might fit into their school community. It also gives them a sense of your communication skills.

How to answer this question:

• Start with your current role or most relevant experience.
• Then share details about past roles that connect to this position.
• Finish with your future.  Specifically, why are you excited about the opportunity to work at this school? Here’s a chance to align your experience with the school’s mission, values, or programs.

For more on this essential interview question, check out this article on the “Tell us about yourself” interview question.

Question #2:

How do you create a positive and productive learning environment?

Estimated odds of getting this question: 90%

This question provides insight into how you define “positive” and “productive” and what steps you take to create that environment.  It blends your educational philosophy with your actions.

Why is this question important?

Schools want to see that you prioritize classroom culture and have clear strategies for fostering student engagement and respect.

How to answer this question:

• Start with a definition of what a positive classroom looks like to you.  For example, one in which students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. 
• Examples are important here.  Share specifics on how you work to establish routines, expectations, and rapport.
• Finish by discussing the importance of maintaining the learning environment throughout the year.  How do you go about doing that?

Question #3:

What strategies do you use to maximize student engagement?

Estimated odds of getting this question: 90%

In some ways, teaching is simple.  When students are engaged, they are likely learning.  This question is your opportunity to share your creativity and passion with the interview panel.  What do you do to get students excited about your class?

Why is this question important?

Schools want to know how you plan lessons that capture students’ attention, cater to diverse learning styles, and demonstrate best instructional practices.

How to answer this question:

• Describe the types of activities and assignments you use, especially those of interest to students.
• Every class has students who struggle.  Every class has students who have decided they don’t like your subject area.  Discuss strategies for reaching those students.
• Highlight an example of a highly engaging lesson you’ve had success with.

Question #4:

How do you handle a student who is continually disruptive?

Estimated odds of getting this question: 75%

Classroom management questions are nearly guaranteed. This one tests your ability to handle real-life classroom challenges while maintaining a positive learning environment.

Why is this question important?

Schools want teachers who can balance empathy with authority, ensuring disruptions don’t derail learning.

How to answer this question:

• Explain how you establish and continually reinforce clear expectations for student behavior.  
• Describe how your system of management and discipline is rooted in a calm, positive, and proactive approach.
• Share an example of how you effectively handled a real situation by demonstrating empathy.

Question #5:

Walk us through a typical lesson.  

Estimated odds of getting this question: 75%

This question moves from philosophy to practice and lets you showcase your ability to plan and manage instructional time effectively.

Why is this question important?

It helps hiring committees understand how you structure a lesson, engage students, and check for understanding.

How to answer this question:

• Describe your lesson flow.  What does a typical beginning, middle, and end look like?
• Explain the strategies you use that emphasize student interaction and engagement.
• Highlight how you check for understanding throughout the lesson and how that informs your teaching at each step.

Final Thoughts

These five teacher interview questions appear again and again because they reveal who you are as an educator and how you handle key aspects of teaching. The best candidates demonstrate a balance between content expertise, classroom with-it-ness, and student connection.

Good luck—you got this!

Helpful Resource:

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.