Become a teacher they say! Imagine graduating college, you are ready for the world. Optimistic, confident, and excited you are ready to become a teacher, and now you applied to a school and there is an interview.
In any type of profession, interviews are a must. It is quite a nervous event for you need to prove that you deserve the role and they need to hire you. As a teacher going through an interview means a lot, for you are not only being asked about your qualification but your entire teaching career. The interview questions you will read on this blog are questions that I commonly encounter in a teaching job interview (this might differ for every employer, so, please read this with a grain of salt).
Here are some common interview questions for teachers and how to answer them.
1. Why or How did you decide to become a teacher?
Passion and Dedication is the key in the idea of this question. Employers would like to know the roots of our identity and what leads you to become a teacher. Your influences, journey, and life decisions you made to reach a point in becoming a teacher. I recommend you cite people or life events that lead you in deciding on becoming an educator. Tell me why you feel in love with teaching?
2. What is your teaching philosophy?
Once a belief is a testament to the things you are willing to stand for. The same goes for teaching your philosophy should reveal how you view education as a system and as a profession. Employers would like to know what life and teaching principles you have that are aligned to their school core values; which they want to see you express inside the classroom if ever you are hired. I recommend you answer this with an active tone and enthusiasm; let them feel that you are eager to inflict good teaching principles by your teaching philosophy.
3. What are your strengths and weakness?
Always remember that no man is born perfect. This question is not literary asking you what is good at or bad about you; it entails your self-confidence and willingness to learn. Your strengths and weakness are two sides of the coin, so the key to answering this is to show acceptance and willingness to strive better. Highlight how your strengths pushed you further and what you have done to overcome your weakness.
4. Why did you decide to apply to this school/institution?
Research is the key! You should at least know the basic history and factual of the school you are applying to. If you are that knowledgeable about the school you applied it gives out the feel of interest. It allows the employer to know that you are interested to be part of their school that is why you know details. Again make sure it is factual, so try searching the school website or interview people that came from that school.
5. How do you cultivate relationships among your students, co-workers, and school admin?
In this segment, you are asked about your social skills. How well you are in groups of people with diverse backgrounds. I recommend you answer using simple adjectives related to communication and teamwork and make sure you will use words that promote inclusivity and open-mindedness. Working with people is our literal job, as teachers, we should promote ourselves as an open and relatable beings.
One piece of advice, please avoid using classroom management terms. Okay, hear me out, your interviewer is also a teacher just like you. They already know that classroom management is a tricky subject for the terminologies are limited in real-life application. I recommend you cite situations that you need to inflict classroom management. Tell a narrative of you as a teacher inside the classroom with a situation. For our new graduates, you can use your on-the-job training experience as a guide or built an imaginative/futuristic situation involving your classroom management know-how.
7. How do you see yourself five years from now?
Whether it is in a corporate setup or not, employers would like to know if you are the right employee to be hired, if you have a future plan, and if the company is involved in that. This is a good time to express your short-term goals. Nobody knows what would happen in the future, but you can set a linear idea of where you are headed in your career as an educator. Try also to envision your longevity with the school you are applying to. In my opinion, the school will appreciate your honesty, as long it is sincere.
8. What do you expect from us (school admin) if you are hired?
This is the perfect time to let it all out. Of course, be courteous; the employer is asking this question to let you feel that as a system they can at least provide specifics on what your role as an educator entails and what expected monetization it holds. So do not just free-willingly say you can do anything for the school, as long the price is right. I recommend you state three serious things: professional opportunity, comfort, and stability. Keep in mind you are not the only employee the school has if ever you're hired. Everyone has demands, so draw a line on things you want and things you need as a future employee.
9. Why do you think we need to hire you?
Transparency and confidence are what the employers are looking for, at this point pull out your big guns. Highlight your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications. Be confident with them, give the feeling that you know what you're doing. Also, express your idea on adaptability and learning; express your desire to be part of your employer's ever-growing industry.
10. Do you have any questions or clarification?
Of course, asking questions is proper. Please do not hesitate to ask, especially if you are new to the teaching industry. The employer of course will review everything and they will set your expectation at this point. So you can also do the same, ask about the hiring process if you are confused or anything related to the school that will help you know and makes decisions as well.
Interviews are a form of self-expression, it should not be taken lightly. I have many fair shares of interviews that are a good and total disaster. I never claim to be an expert on this, your employment opportunity is still between you and the employer. Just know that you are not alone, everybody has passed through a needle's eye to have a job. Be confident! Nobody knows you better than yourself. Good luck with your interview!
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