As an educator, we all want to make a difference and leave a lasting impact on our students. However, in order to achieve this goal, we must nail the interview for the dreamed teaching job.
Here are 10 interview questions listed below to help you prepare for it.
Most Common Educator Interview Questions and Answers
Preparing for an interview can be nervous, but don’t worry, as long as you have the well thought out answers, you will have the confidence you need to succeed.
Here are some of the most common interview questions for educators with simple answers:
Why Do You Want to Be a Educator?
When you go for a teaching job interview, you’ll probably be asked “Why did you become an educator?” It’s a really common question.
The people doing the interview want to know that you’ll be able to deal with difficulties that come up, because there will definitely be some.
They hear lots of boring answers, so don’t just say “Because I want to help people.” Think of some examples that show how much you really want to be an educator.
What Do You Consider to Be Your Teaching Philosophy?
Employers may ask this question to find out if you are a good fit for their school, which is similar to asking you to tell them about yourself. Of course you can be honest about your own style, but do research the school’s beliefs before the interview.
You can share your opinions on your understanding of the teaching method and say:
Example:
“As an educator, I believe it’s my job to help my students not only understand the lessons in class, but also navigate any difficult situations they may encounter. I work with them and other support systems to keep them motivated, at ease, and happy while they’re learning.”
How Do You Manage Students Who’s Not Easy to Teach?
Actually this is a common issue. If students are having a tough time, it can appear in various ways. This is why interviewers want to know if you’re capable of aiding students in overcoming obstacles they may experience.
Example:
To begin with, I would speak with the student alone to discuss the problem and understand why they are behaving that way. I would then work with them to find a solution to the issue. This approach has been successful for me in the past that once in my class…
Why Do You Want to Work for Our School District?
The people in charge want to make sure you’re serious about wanting to work here. To show you are interested, find out what you like about the school, talk to educators who work here, and see if you can imagine yourself as a good fit for the job.
Example:
I agree with ABC Elementary School’s belief in teaching, which takes into account character development, community involvement, and outdoor experiences. I believe that well-rounded students are easier to teach effectively.
How Can You Help Our School/Students?
Firstly you should find out the needs of the school or the students. Then you can prepare an answer by highlighting your experience.
Example:
After speaking with some educators in your school, I understand that you may be struggling with some administrative duties. I have a great deal of experience with administrative tasks and even earned a certificate from an online program. In my previous position, I was…
What Do You Find Most Frustrating About Teaching?
Interview questions like this is searching out whether you give up easily. When answering, you should highlight your resilience. It’s best to face these frustrations and explain how you cope with them.
Example:
It can be frustrating to see students not engaging in class. So, to tackle this problem, I introduced an interactive session in the class. There was one time that…
How Do You Like to Build Relationships With Parents?
This interview questions is to find out if candidate believes parent connection is key to a student’s success.
Example:
It’s crucial to meet and know the family members of my students, so I meet with them at the start of every school year. I send a survey to understand their home life, try to build a good relationship, and keep them updated on their child’s progress throughout the year. If there are any problems, we can talk about them together.
Tell Me About a Time When You Worked With a Team to Solve a Problem
Sharing a story about a time when you were on a team and faced problems is a good way to show that you can work well with others. Instead of focusing on the problem, explain how you worked together to find a solution that worked.
Example:
In my last role as a science educator, I had to team up with the school’s guidance counselor to help a student having behavioral issues. It was a challenge, but we worked together to plan a strategy that worked for the student. As an educator, it is essential to work alongside other staff members, to ensure that every student is supported.
How Do You Evaluate Your Students?
During a educator job interview, you might be asked how you evaluate your performance. Try to give specific answers and talk about a time when something you did as an educator helped your students to learn better. Avoid giving generic answers.
What Questions Do You Have for Me?
Now it’s your chance to ask important questions. The school may interview you, but they will appreciate it if you ask questions that show you did some research about the school and the job. Try these interview questions like:
● What’s the most exciting thing for you to work here?
● What was the biggest challenge you’ve met working here?
● What does a typical day or week look like in this role?
● What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?
● Are you anticipating any changes in the job descriptions of this role within the next six months to a year?
Be aware, there are questions that focus on how you use technology in classroom. Just be prepared and do your homework, there’s a high chance that you will win the job. Want to read more tips on how to become a great tutor? don’t forget to sign up for EDU Passport now!
