Common teaching interview questions and how to prepare for them

Teaching can be a highly rewarding, but challenging profession. When attending an interview for a teaching position, you will be going up against other highly-qualified candidates. Therefore, it is crucial you make a great impression. Above all else, preparation is key, but it helps to consider some of the questions you might be asked in a teaching interview.

So, what are some common teaching interview questions and how do you answer them?

Why do you want to teach?

Here, the interviewer is asking you to explain why you are passionate about teaching. They want to understand what inspires and motivates you. Make your answer as personal as possible. For example, maybe you enjoy watching students learn and develop as people.

What makes you a good fit for this school?

Interviewers ask this question to determine if you are genuinely interested in their school rather than simply seeking any teaching role.

To answer this question effectively, research the specific school you are applying to. Pay particular attention to its values and what it is known for.

What characteristics do you think students want their teachers to have?

Interviewers ask this question to see if you understand the needs of students. They also want to see your self-awareness and whether you can see things from a student perspective. When answering this question, you should illustrate how you demonstrate the characteristics you outline in your teaching.

What role does discipline play in teaching and what is your approach?

Behaviour management is a key aspect of any teaching position. Interviewers will ask this question to see a potential teacher’s approach to discipline and whether it aligns with the school’s. When answering this question, you should provide specific examples of how you manage challenging behaviour and reinforce positive behaviour.

Give me an example of a situation where children have been challenging. What did you do to overcome this?

Interviewers ask this question to see your problem-solving abilities and how you manage disciplinary issues. Take the opportunity to highlight how you have overcome challenges at work. For example, could highlight how you overcame significant behavioural issues to get a lesson back on track, or how you managed students with complex needs.

If I walked into your classroom during an outstanding lesson, what would I see and hear?

Before any teaching interview, prepare for questions about your teaching philosophy, lesson planning, and delivery.

When answering this question, describe what an ideal lesson would look like. Outline the subject matter, the year level it is aimed at, and the resources students would use. Be aware that in a second-stage interview, the interviewer might ask you to demonstrate this lesson—so don’t promise anything you can’t deliver!

Tell me about a lesson that didn’t go well and what you did about it

Here, the interviewer is asking you to reflect on your mistakes and how you learn from them. They also want to see how you adapt to changing circumstances. For example, maybe you realised that a lesson wasn’t going to plan and changed course.

How would past students or colleagues describe you?

This question can be used to assess your self-awareness. Interviewers may cross check your response with your references to see if you are self-aware.

Teaching interviews can be challenging. However, with preparation and self-reflection, you can give yourself the best chance of success.

Are you looking for a teaching career? Public Service Resumes can help. We offer various services including interview coaching for teachers.

Article References 

Hays (n.d) ‘How to answer 8 difficult education interview questions’, Hays, accessed 21 January 2025.

Indeed (n.d) ‘8 common interview questions for teachers’, Indeed, accessed 21 January 2025.