What Are Some Interview Techniques for Teaching Jobs?

Interviews for a teaching job may consist of several parts. Determining your potential to become a highly successful teacher is the goal of all questions and conversations. Always answer questions in such a way that everyone understands that you put students first. Additionally, answer any scenario-type questions by assuming you are dealing with the best-case scenario: perfect school, budget, coworkers, parents and students.

Automated Interview

Districts often require an automated telephone or computerized screening interview after the initial application but before the in-person interview. The questions calculate your potential as a successful teacher based on your answers.

Panel Interview

An in-person campus interview usually consists of a panel of campus staff, including teachers and administrators. Most campuses have the same set of planned questions they ask of all applicants during this formal interview.

Questions

The panel interviewers ask about your reputation, how you would handle different scenarios, classroom and teaching styles, strengths, discipline philosophy and successes.

Your Questions

Research the prospective campus or district prior to the interview, then ask questions based on that research during the panel interview to further illustrate your interest in the position.

Share

Share your portfolio, letters of recommendation, and any published works you may have, providing several copies to the interview panel so that they can all look at them.

The Tour

Sometimes, you may be taken on a brief tour of the school as part of the interview process. Take careful notice of things and make positive comments during this time.

Resources

• Extensive list of potential teacher interview questions