Gill Kilvington from the University of Hull helps you to prepare for your postgraduate teacher training interview with a list of typical questions, covering areas ranging from why you want to teach to your choice of degree subject.
At interview, recruiters for postgraduate teacher training courses will be looking for recent examples from your classroom experience to illustrate your answers to their questions. Your previous employment, voluntary work and hobbies may also be relevant, where they link to teaching, skills and education.
Give full answers to questions, bringing in your experience and knowledge of current issues in education. Prepare answers which evidence the skills required, such as good communication, professional working relationships and the ability to accept and act on feedback. Be ready with examples around what youve learned, such as when planning lessons, organising the classroom, assessing learning and adapting to the needs of different students. Dont be afraid to state your views, practical solutions or novel ideas.
Top 5 Teacher Training PGCE Interview Questions and Answers
Interviews for Top Jobs at QTS
Intern Interview
I interviewed at QTS
Interview
it was great, an hour-long process and interesting questions. it really made you think, but the overall interview process was great. it was an hour long and it still worked with the different time zones.
- If you had a superpower, what would it be
Director Interview
I interviewed at QTS
Interview
I submitted an application and waited to hear from HR (either to schedule an interview or be told I was not being considered for the position). Then I waited. And waited. And waited some more. Several weeks went by without any word so I reached out to a connection at the top of the org familiar with the role to see if he had a status on the opening. He did and within a few hours he connected me to the hiring manager. We discussed the role over the phone and there has been radio silence since. I assume I wasn’t the right candidate for the role and that is has been filled, but I have heard nothing from HR and it has been a few months now. I find it very inconsiderate, especially for the size of this organization, to not communicate anything with an applicant. Is it really that difficult or time consuming to send even a canned response?
- I had a casual informational call with the hiring manager.
As well as the example questions below, you can find further help in our University Interviews Guide.
Tips for answering interview questions
Structuring your responses to interview questions using the STAR method will ensure youre getting your point across:
Keep your answers concise. Describe your maximum achievement in the minimum time, and be sure to finish on a positive note so your interviewers are left with a strong overall impression of you.
Personalise your answers. Do your research on the school and visit if you possibly can. Talk to anyone you know who works, trains or studies there, and find out what you can online about their curriculum, academics, recent Ofsted report, catchment area and specialisms.
Mention at least some of your findings in your answers to show your genuine enthusiasm in them as a school or organisation. This will help your answers stand out.
Ask someone you know to give you a mock interview as practice, such as a friend, tutor, teacher or careers adviser.
Interview questions for teacher training: school experience
FAQ
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers for teachers?
- Tips for answering interview questions. …
- Why do you want to be a teacher? …
- Why do you want to work in our school? …
- How will you manage challenges at work? …
- What experience do you have in schools? …
- What are the core skills and qualities that pupils look for in teachers?
What questions will I be asked in a PGCE interview?
- Give us an example of when you worked as part of a team. …
- Why have you picked a university-based route? …
- What have you learnt from your work experience in schools? …
- Why do you want to be a teacher? …
- Tell me about a time you’ve given a successful lesson.
What questions do they ask in a teacher training interview?
What qualities make a successful teacher? Do you have any special skills that would contribute to your role as a teacher? Why are you interested in teaching this subject and age group – what appeals to you? Why do you want to do your teacher training with us?
How do I prepare for a teaching interview?
- Research the school online and talk to teachers. Learn their challenges.
- Brainstorm times you’ve solved problems like theirs.
- Practice sample teacher interview questions. …
- Gather materials like a lesson plan, Praxis scores, and transcripts.
