Interview

scenario interview questions for teachers

Robby

Looking for teacher interview questions? Use our sample questions and tips to determine what to look for in candidates.

TEACHER Behavioral Interview Questions and ANSWERS! (Teaching Interview Tips!)

How might you handle students who talk constantly during class?

Interviewers might ask how you handle both individual and group student issues. For this question, explain how you address student social interactions that can disrupt the class as well as how you might prevent situations like these from occurring outside of pre-planned activities.

Example answer: I like to give students time to interact with one another to help their development. I incorporate as much group and partner work into lessons as possible so that students can both complete the learning tasks and socialize. However, if students talk continuously when Im teaching to the entire class, I address them individually. I ask questions like, “Is this something that can wait until later?” then explain how talking might disrupt their other friends in class. If they continue to talk after multiple warnings, I adjust the seating arrangements.

How might you handle a fight in the classroom ?

Sometimes verbal arguments or physical fights can happen in the classroom, though more escalated incidents may be rare. Administrators may want to see how you could diffuse a tense situation. In your answer, demonstrate your skills for staying calm and preventing small instances from escalating into bigger situations.

Example answer: If students started a verbal argument in the classroom, Id reinforce any classroom and school consequences related to the incident. Id also invite all participants to look at me, rather than at each other or their classmates, to help lessen their emotions. If a physical altercation occurred, Id calmly contact school security and the principal, per the school conduct standards. Id also remove other students from the immediate area to ensure they dont get hurt.

11 teacher interview questions about classroom scenarios

Here are some interview questions that administrators might ask to see how you respond in different classroom scenarios. Showing the skills you apply when dealing with these scenarios can give interviewers an idea of your experience and best practices:

What are hiring managers looking for when interviewing teachers?

No matter the specific role or workplace, hiring managers look for common themes in qualified teaching applicants:

  • Teaching skills: Unsurprisingly, how you work with students on a group and individual level is crucial. “Do they know how to have an effective classroom where all kids are learning and engaged?” says Dan Swartz, Managing Director at Resolve Talent Consulting, LLC, a firm that specializes in education recruitment.
  • Data proficiency: In today’s modern school system, data is also incredibly important, Swartz says. He wants to know: “Have you been able to master or are you proficient at the use of data?” So whenever possible, give examples of how you used data to guide you. For example, have you gleaned insights from individual test scores or overall class performance metrics?
  • Subject matter expertise: Candidates have to show that they’re adequately knowledgeable about the content area they’re looking to teach, whether it’s history or science. “[A lot] of times there are state standards,” Swartz says. So when it makes sense, try incorporating “how much you know about the standards or how much you can use the standards for your instruction,” he says.
  • Teamwork: Being a team player when it comes to working with other teachers, administrators, aides, and staff means you’ll help not only students but also the entire school thrive.
  • Organization and accountability: Candidates who are on top of deadlines and can meet classroom goals will go far. “As an administrator, I need to know that I’m going to be able to get lesson plans from you,” says Rob Sheppard, an ESL teacher who started his own online English school, Ginseng English.
  • Commitment to students: If there’s one thing that can’t be taught, it’s care for students—so interviewers want to know you have it. “The rest of the stuff, educators can teach.” Swartz says. “They can teach you content, they can teach you how to be a more effective teacher delivering your lessons, but they can’t teach the belief in students.”

    • Keep these themes in mind as you prepare for your teaching interview and look for opportunities to communicate them whenever possible—especially in response to these common questions.

    Need some tips for writing your teaching resume? Find a full guide here.

    Behavioral Interview Questions for Teachers

    Planning and Organizing

    Good planning requires the ability to establish clear objectives and priorities, schedule time, resources and activities effectively and efficiently and carefully monitor progress and results.

  • Describe your planning process for a new project or study unit.
  • What methods do you use to monitor student progress?
  • How have you incorporated technology into your lessons?
  • What do you do when your teaching plan for the day is upset by unforeseen circumstances? Give me an example of when this happened recently.
  • What have you done in order to manage your time more effectively?

    • The STAR method and how to answer behavioral interview questions with sample behavioral interview answers.

    Adaptability

    Situational interview questions for teachers will explore your ability to adapt and adjust your approach to meet different task and situational requirements as well as manage and value diversity in the classroom.

  • How have you allowed for different learning styles when teaching a subject?
  • Classes incorporate students with differing abilities. How have you met the needs of students with both low and high abilities in a particular subject?
  • Describe a lesson where you had to use differentiated instruction.
  • In what ways do you encourage students to be accepting of one another?

    • Problem-solving and judgment

    As a teacher you need to be able to detect problems and gather all the necessary relevant information, consider all relevant facts and information and consider all alternatives before deciding on the most appropriate action.

  • How have you handled a student who was not completing his or her homework on a regular basis?
  • How have you handled a conflict situation between two or more students?
  • Describe a situation where a lesson clearly didnt work well. What did you do?
  • Tell me about a time you had to make a tough decision about a student.

    • Resilience and tenacity

    Can you handle disappointment and opposition while maintaining effectiveness?

  • How have you handled situations when students appeared disinterested or bored in your lesson?
  • How have you managed a situation where you felt you were losing control in the classroom?
  • Describe a time you had to deal with angry complaints from a parent about your teaching methods.
  • How have you responded when students have let you down?
  • What has been one of the biggest obstacles you have had to overcome to reach your objectives as a teacher?

    • High energy levels

    A teacher needs to maintain a high activity level without losing effectiveness.

  • What extra curricular activities have you helped with?
  • Tell me about a time you had to catch up on an accumulated backlog of work after a very busy period.
  • What activities in your teaching day require the most effort?

    • Motivate and maximize performance

    Successful teachers create a learning environment in which students want to and are able to achieve their potential.

    They are able to identify strengths and opportunities for student development. Expect scenario interview questions for teachers that include:

  • What types of positive reinforcement have you used to encourage students?
  • How have you supported under-performing students?
  • What approach have you used to motivate students to actively participate in class?
  • How do you encourage students to use their initiative in your classroom?

    • Integrity

    Teachers are expected to promote and maintain ethical and social norms within the learning environment including maintaining confidentiality, presenting truthful information and adhering to school policies and regulations. They also need to display honest insight into themselves.

  • How have you dealt with situations where students have confided important information in you?
  • How have you reacted when students have broken the rules in your class?
  • Which subject do you believe is your strength and what do you consider your weakest?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?

    • Communication Skills

    Teaching requires active and attentive listening skills, the ability to express ideas effectively and present information effectively. Teachers should adjust language and terminology to meet the needs of the students. Expect these sort of situational interview questions for teachers.

  • Give me an example of when you had to present complex information to your class. How did you make sure they understood?
  • How have you encouraged students to contribute their ideas and opinions in the classroom?
  • Tell me about a situation when you had to persuade a student, colleague or parent of your point of view.
  • What steps do you take to try and establish rapport with your students?
  • Tell me about a situation when you had to be especially sensitive in communicating negative information to a parent or student. How did you go about doing this?

    • Initiative and innovation

    These teacher behavioral interview questions explore your ability to be proactive in generating ideas and activities for improvement and finding creative solutions to problems and issues.

  • Describe some innovative teaching techniques you have used.
  • Some students finish their work sooner than others. How do you deal with the free time they have?
  • What curriculum materials have you recently developed?
  • What improvements did you make to the physical appearance and layout of your classroom?
  • What effective methods have you used for classroom management?

    • Why did you decide to become a teacher?

    It seems trite and like a softball question, but don’t let that fool you. Most administrators are looking for something more than, “I’ve just always loved kids.” If you don’t have a substantive answer, then why are you even applying? Schools want to know you are dedicated to enriching the lives of students. Answer honestly and with anecdotes or examples that paint a clear picture of the journey that you took to become a teacher.

    FAQ

    What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers for teachers?

    Bonus teacher interview questions
    • Why are you interested in teaching at this school?
    • What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
    • How do you use technology in the classroom?
    • What would you do if a student is in danger of failing your class?
    • What adjectives would you use to describe your presence in the classroom?

    What are some common questions asked during an interview for a teaching position?

    20 Common Situational Interview Questions
    • Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for work. …
    • Tell me about a time you had to choose something else over doing a good job. …
    • Describe a situation where you weren’t satisfied with your job. …
    • Tell me about a time you reached a big goal at work.

    What is the hardest question for teachers?

    Most common teacher interview questions
    1. Why do you want to teach? …
    2. What makes you a good fit for this school? …
    3. What characteristics do students want their teachers to possess? …
    4. How does a teacher’s personality affect their success? …
    5. What role does discipline play in teaching and what is your approach?

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