Being a teacher is incredibly rewarding. After all, you get to shape how your students learn, grow, and see the world around them.
Of course, teachers have things they need to learn, too—like how to answer interview questions in a way that’ll nab you a job at that amazing school you’ve had your eye on.
To help you prepare, check out these common teacher interview questions—with advice on how to answer them and example answers. Plus, learn what skills and qualities hiring managers are looking for and get some bonus tips for nailing your next interview.
Tell Me About Yourself – Ultimate Teacher Interview Questions and Answers SERIES – Amanda Teaches
How to Answer the Question Tell Me About Yourself
So you are preparing for your teacher interview, and you know that the first question is going to be…”So, tell me a little bit about yourself.” Or- “So, how do you end up here today, and why do you want to work at this school?” This is a fantastic opportunity to start your interview off strong and share some helpful pieces of information about yourself.
To answer the question “Tell me a about yourself” here is the format you should use:
Talk about yourself now, talk about yourself in the past, and then add in a small piece of information about something you are hoping to achieve in the future. Past + Present + Future
Sure! My name is Jessica, and I am just finished up my 5th year teaching third grade at an elementary school in ABC ISD. At my school, I had the privilege of creating a school-wide positive behavior initiative, but my favorite part was building such amazing relationships with my students and their families. I am looking to continue growing as an educator which is why I am so excited about this opportunity to teach at Willow Creek Elementary School.
Yes! Let me start off by saying that I am SO excited to be here interviewing today. So I am graduating from The University of Texas at Austin this May, where I am studying Special Education. I have had the amazing opportunities to student teach in a 1st-grade classroom, a 3rd-grade classroom, as an interventionist for K-5, and in a self-contained K-2 classroom. I grew up in this area, I actually went to Soyer Elementary School down the street, and I am really excited to begin my career in Willow Creek ISD. Outside of work, I love working with animals, so I volunteer at the local vet once a week. Overall, I am really passionate about education, and can’t wait to begin my teaching career!
Keep it Positive and Professional
When you are answering this interview question, it is important to keep things positive and professional. Don’t focus on how much you dislike your old school, or really negative things that may have happened in your life thus far. Instead, focus on who you are today, why you are passionate about education, and where you are hoping to end up in the future.
When you are asked to talk about yourself, it might feel like an open door to share about your entire life. Here is the unspoken part, though. You actually shouldn’t share too much. You can definitely be vulnerable, share an experience that touched you, and things like that. However, you need to be aware that this is your first impression moment. Opening up too much, sharing about irrelevant personal topics, or talking about things that are going to make your interviewers pity you…not the best first impression to make.
Why do you want to be a teacher?
“You have to know who you are as an individual and as an educator, and you have to know what you can bring to the school,” says Calvin Brown, Senior Recruiter at Alignstaffing, an education staffing firm. This question gets to the heart of that passion and self-awareness.
7 sample answers to “Tell me about yourself” question in an interview for a teaching job
Well, I’m Marry, 24 years old, fresh from college, and extremely excited about finally interviewing for my first real teaching job. I love being around children, and feel a big responsibility as someone who’s supposed to be not only a skilled teacher, but also a good role model for their pupils. My favorite subjects to teach are reading and writing, but I do not particularly dislike teaching any subject–they are all important after all. In my free time I enjoy handicrafts, and having a discussion with like-minded people about anything related to elementary teaching.
My name’s Aaron, I’m 31, and I’ve been teaching at XYZ school for five years already. I have passion for teaching and for trying to have an individual approach to each child, with a goal of achieving the best possible progress with everyone. There have been some changes in my life lately, however. I will get married soon, my fiancee is a professional singer in the Opera and because of her work I have to move to this city. That’s the reason why I am applying for a job with you, hoping to benefit from my existing teaching experience, and bring some value onboard your school. Would you like me to elaborate on my education, hobbies, or on anything else?
* Do not forget to read also: Teacher interview – where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m Krystal, 23, native speaker, and I’ve always dreamed of teaching English abroad. I am interested in many things, including traveling, history, literature, and arts. I’ve always wanted to have a job with a meaningful purpose, and teaching English the underprivileged children here in South-East Asia will allow me to do so, while realizing my passion for traveling and getting to know new people and cultures. I would characterize myself as responsible, passionate about teaching and life, and still a bit idealistic about life–which isn’t a bad quality to have after all…
My name is Michael, and I’ve been a history teacher for over two decades. It seems like a long time–and it indeed is, but I still enjoy my time in the classroom, trying to teach the important lessons of history to my pupils. With my divorce going on and everything related to it, however, I am looking for a new place of work, and I am extremely excited about the vacancy at your school. I’ve always liked this place, the leadership and management of the school. What you try to do here with the children resonates with my values, and with the way I would characterize great education. It would be wonderful to teach here. In my free time I enjoy easy hikes in the nature, or working in a garden. It is important for me to balance the time I spend teaching with healthy relaxing activities, such as hiking or gardening. Would you like to know anything more about my education or teaching experience?
I’m just another university graduate, eager to get his first teaching job. I have passion for innovative teaching methods, such as learning by playing or reversal of roles in the classroom, and it is the main reason why I decided to apply for a job with your private school. People say that I am a great listener and communicator in general, and it is easy for me to win the hearts of children. But I honestly believe that I still have to improve on many things, if I am to become a great teacher one day. I am eager to give it my best though, and your school is an ideal place to follow my dreams.
If I should characterize myself with three words only, I would pick enthusiasm, drive, and commitment. And that’s true about both my personal life and teaching. I am committed to my roles of wife, mother, and teacher, and try my 100% in every interaction with fellow human beings. If you are interested in some details and numbers, I can tell you that I’ve graduated from Teaching in 2012 and have been teaching ever since, and I have been married since 2013 and have one daughter with my husband. Please tell me if you’d like me to elaborate on any aspect of my professional life.
Let me start with a super quick bio. I was born in 1987, graduated from Teaching in 2011, and currently teach at ABC secondary school, with a specialization in Math and Physics. As you can see on my resume, it is my second teaching job. I’m an avid reader and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I decided to apply for a job with you because I would like to start teaching at high school. I have progressively realized it is a better match to my personality and teaching methods than secondary school. Anyway, I do not want to brag about my skills or experience at this point. But I hope to have a chance to convince you that it makes sense to hire me….
FAQ
How do you introduce yourself in a teaching interview?
A simple formula for answering “Tell me about yourself”
Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment. Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that’s relevant to the job and company you’re applying for.
What is the best answer for Tell me about yourself?
I can describe myself as friendly, enthusiastic and respectful. As a teacher, we can easily get respect from the students if they would feel respected first. First, English is a language and not a basis of intelligence.
How can I describe myself as a teacher?
I can describe myself as friendly, enthusiastic and respectful. As a teacher, we can easily get respect from the students if they would feel respected first. First, English is a language and not a basis of intelligence.
