30 Biology Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
1. How do you deal with teaching situations were the technology does not work?
How to Answer
Even as great as technology is, things will not always work the way you want them to. An interviewer wants to understand how you are flexible and think on your feet. These are attributes of a quality teacher.
1st Answer Example
"I had a problem last year with my projector not working. There was a slide presentation I was working with. Instead, I taught from the notes I had. Students were still able to move forward with the material."
2. What professional organizations are you a part of?
How to Answer
Getting connected with a professional organization grows your stock even more, as you work to be the best teacher you can become. List off an organization that you are connected with and why. If you are not a part of one, share one you would be interested in joining and why.
1st Answer Example
"I am a member of the American Society of Microbiology. This has been a great organization because I receive resources that have helped spice up my teaching. Additioanlly, I am connected with other biology teachers, where we can talk about education ad nauseam."
3. How do you allow students to be independent learners?
How to Answer
Having students become self-sufficient is the goal of every human in life. Even biology teachers play a part in this. Share how your class prepares students for the real world.
1st Answer Example
"To help prepare my students to become independent learners, I give students time to learn new things about biology that they are interested in. Every semester, each student has a project where they have to research and present on a biology topic to share with the class. Then, we all learn new things together."
4. Share some long-term goals you have.
How to Answer
Giving vision to your interviewer is ideal to make a connection with them. Share your life-long plans and be honest as to how the community can help to get you there. Education is a two-way street that works to make everyone better.
1st Answer Example
"Some of my long-term goals include working in administration one way or the other. I would love to go back to school and receive training to help me on that path. Additionally, I want to be able to teach other science subjects like chemistry and physics."
5. What are some motivational techniques that you use?
How to Answer
Motivating students can be like fingernails on a chalkboard. But, it is still the educator's job to inspire and motivate to the best of their abilities. An interviewer wants to see the hard work you put in to help get your students to tolerate, enjoy, and love biology.
1st Answer Example
"I believe the best way for students to take in biology is to see how it works in the real world. Students want to see why it matters to them. So, I bring biology to their level. I do this by showing films, listening to podcasts, and bringing in speakers. This way, enjoyment is had by all."
6. How do students learn respect from you?
How to Answer
When individuals hear the world 'respect,' people view it in different ways. An interviewer wants to grasp how you deal with the world and how the interaction of respect connects students and teachers alike. Give a personal example of how respect works with you as a teacher.
1st Answer Example
"As I teach, I never tell my students 'to respect me.' I believe respect is earned. I still have protocols, rewards, and consequences that play out in my classroom. During our time together, respect is earned by treating students fairly, taking a genuine interest in students, being prepared for class, showing up daily, and demonstrating follow through. I want students to see these things in me and treat everyone with respect. I have seen this play out with students who did not like each other outside of my classroom, but they would tolerate each other when expectations were placed on them."
7. What classroom aspects make learning happen?
How to Answer
Learning does not always happen when teachers teach and students listen. There are a ton of others ways to make this happen, too. An interviewer wants to see how you foster an atmosphere of learning in your classroom.
1st Answer Example
"In my biology classroom, I have posters and objects all over the room that speak to the subject. Even if students are not paying attention to what I am speaking about, they can look around them and still be mentally stimulated. I also utilize anchor charts and examples of problems around the room for my visual learners. This is what a biology teacher should do to create an atmosphere of knowledge."
8. How do you help English Language Learners (ELLs) to be successful in biology?
How to Answer
English Language Learners have a lot they need to wrap their heads around. When it comes to subjects like biology, terminology can be difficult for native English speakers, let alone English Language Learners. As you share your answer with the interviewer, do so with a plan as to how you will help all learners.
1st Answer Example
"I have had ELLs in my class before. For these students, I have guided notes to help them out during presentations. I provide visuals attached to vocabulary words, whenever possible. Additionally, I offer up times to meet before and after school to make things work out for everyone involved."
9. How do you use technology in the classroom?
How to Answer
Technology is a vital part of any 21st century classroom. Share with the interviewer how you have used it. Before the interview, see if you can get some information on what technology the school already possesses. This way, you can speak about technology at the school you are trying to get the job for.
1st Answer Example
"I am a big fan of the activity 'Kahoot.' This interactive tool helps me get direct feedback from students when I am checking for understanding. Additionally, because it works as an online competitive game, students have a lot of fun with it and put their learning to action at the same time."
10. Choose a strategy where students learned a concept successfully.
How to Answer
There are many strategies that teachers can use in a classroom setting. But, the interviewer wants to see what makes you stand out as a teacher when you teach. Think back to a specific example to help push the answer home.
1st Answer Example
"One strategy I used to was 'I Do, We Do, They Do.' We were working on a concept involving cells. I started by teaching the students. Then, the class worked together to identify parts of a cell. Lastly, they had to do it on their own to finish class. This gradual release of responsibility for students allows them to slowly take ownership of their learning."
11. What are some reasons you would call a parent?
How to Answer
Calling a parent does not always have to be a negative occurrence. Share with the interviewer how you will communicate the good and bad of a student's school year. Think about examples in your past when this has worked well for you.
1st Answer Example
"Calling a parent should happen when a student has done positive things, not only negative. A phone call from a teacher generally has a bad connotation because it typically means bad news. So, I have called parents after a student did something I was proud of in class. For example, I had a student who helped another student in class, by going above and beyond. I called the parent to tell them."
12. At the end of a school year, how would we know we picked the right candidate in you?
How to Answer
An interviewer wants to make sure that you committed for what you have signed up for. After a year in a position, the interviewer would hope there have been good things taking place. Cast vision to what you will do over the next year when you fill this biology teacher position.
1st Answer Example
"Over the next year of being the biology teacher, you can expect that I will work hard, living up to rules and standards. Students will learn to trust me because I speak openly with them. I will develop positive relationships with other teachers as we learn from each other and share ideas, and I will challenge students in the classroom both academically and personally so they leave my classroom a better, well-rounded individual."
13. Why is it essential to teach all types of students?
How to Answer
There will be some students teachers will love and others that will be a real challenge. When working at a school, it is expected that teachers work well with all types of students. Show that you care for the dream students and the challenging students.
1st Answer Example
"No matter the race, social-economic background, or academic value a student possesses, I care about each one. Every student brings a different piece to the classroom that is valuable. I always work to share that with my classes, too."
14. What would you do if a student has their phone out and if they get one more detention they will not graduate?
How to Answer
Rules exist at every school. The interviewer wants to see if you will follow them or bend them in this situation. As a teacher, if you have an expectation, you need to follow it. The administration can handle the rest.
1st Answer Example
"As a teacher, I would need to follow the rules. This is awful for the student, but they made their choice. The administration can decide if this is grounds for graduating or not. The graduation situation is above my pay grade, but I have an obligation to report the cell phone usage and uphold high expectations for all students."
15. What is the reason we should hire you for this job?
How to Answer
Every candidate for a teaching job has their value. Be honest about sharing yours. This is no time for you to act humble. Sell yourself because the interviewer wants to know what makes you stand out.
1st Answer Example
"The reason you should hire me comes down to one thing: work ethic. When I get hired for a job, I am all in. I will work to exceed expectations because I care deeply for the students and community I am a part of."
16. What is the best biology lesson you have ever taught?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get a sense of how good of a teacher you actually are. Share your best stuff with the interviewer and wow them. This way, the interviewer can see the talent you truly possess.
1st Answer Example
"Dissection is always the most fun that biology students have in a year. So, I try my very best to get in as many dissections as possible. If I space them out during the year, I can keep students engaged and excited week after week."
17. What are two weaknesses and two strengths you have as a teacher?
How to Answer
Every teacher has their strengths and weaknesses. An interviewer wants to see how handle your weaknesses, and what makes you a strong educator. This way, they get the full perspective of who you are and what you are about.
1st Answer Example
"My weaknesses are not letting things go and working too much. I eventually can get over things, but they weigh on me because I care. I also have to set boundaries with work or I just keep going and get burnt out. For strengths, I am a fantastic communicator and I listen well to hear people out."
18. What inspired you to teach biology?
How to Answer
Inspiration can come from a lot of different places. The interviewer would love to hear why you are passionate about biology. Then, they will understand how you can inspire others.
1st Answer Example
"When I was in the 10th grade, I had a biology teacher who I loved. She cared about the students, made learning fun, and was wildly energetic. This is the kind of teacher I am working to become."
19. What did you do in your last biology class?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get a sense of how you teach and what your lessons look like. Give detail as to what you did and how your students enjoyed it. Then, the interviewer can understand more about you and how you teach.
1st Answer Example
"The last biology class I taught, we were discussing different organisms. We talked about different structures of cells and students even built their own cells. The students got to work together and created something that was fun for all."
20. What is the best way to handle biology students who have a negative attitude?
How to Answer
You will experience poor attitudes with students from time to time. With any teacher, there needs to be optimism and encouragement offered to the students who are struggling. An interviewer wants to hear how you will separate yourself from other candidates here.
1st Answer Example
"When I have a student with a negative attitude, I stay calm, cool, and collected. Any sort of escalating the situation can cause big problems. This way, the student can work to calm themselves, and we can work to be positive moving forward."
21. How do you work with disrespectful students in your classroom?
How to Answer
On occasion, you will deal with a student who is being disrespectful. You can shine here by explaining how despite this, you are able to work with them and carry on with class, as an educator. Showing that you are calm, yet direct and provide an example, if necessary.
1st Answer Example
"When I have a disrespectful student in my classroom, I work to not call them out in front of their peers. Instead, I pull them aside or wait until the end of class to make corrections. Usually, a student is just having a bad day, and the problem does not persist day in and day out. However, when things are nipped in the bud, we can all move on."
22. Where do you envision yourself in the next five years?
How to Answer
Interviewers ask this question to see if you are willing to make a long-term commitment to their school, if you get the job. An interviewer wants to make sure they are hiring someone for at least five years. So, arrive prepared to sell yourself as sticking around for the next half decade, at least.
1st Answer Example
"I want to continue to grow myself professionally and work towards getting my master's degree. I do expect to be here over the next five years, as I become a better colleague and teacher at this school. It would be a special experience to work in a community that I am passionate about, like I feel about this place."
23. What makes your lessons successful?
How to Answer
Not all lessons are wonderful. An interviewer knows that even the best teachers have bad days. Speak to the process you've developed to create a learning atmosphere that is positive.
1st Answer Example
"When I prepare my lessons, I first think about the standards I have to meet for the class. Secondly, I work to create pre-assessment and post-assessment activities. With all this in mind, I want to have creative lessons that keep students engaged and excited about the topic."
24. What is the most imperative piece of classroom management?
How to Answer
Classroom management is a vital part of every classroom. An interviewer will ask this kind of question to see how you have a handle on your classroom. Speak specifically to what protocols you have in your class.
1st Answer Example
"My style for classroom management revolves around respect for one another. One thing I will not tolerate is students tearing each other down in my classroom. My consequences involve loss of participation points, moving the student to another seat, or moving the student out in the hallway."
25. What planned instruction engages students the best and why?
How to Answer
An interviewer wants to get a sense of how you keep students on-task and excited for biology. Speak to an example were a lesson kept students hanging on every part of your class. Of course, the interviewer knows this may not happen for every single lesson. But, if you can share something remarkable, it may be enough to propel you to the top.
1st Answer Example
"One of the lessons I prepared at my last school involved a marine biologist speaker. Students were truly engaged and asked so many questions after the presentation. I believe the connections that I have will allow for important speakers to get in front of students and share their knowledge and career paths. This way, students can see how biology works in the real world."
26. Why do you want to work at this school?
How to Answer
Every school has its benefits and positives. First off, the interviewer wants to see if you have done your homework to identify things about the school. Secondly, the interviewer hopes that you are excited about the prospects of being at this school to make sure you are the right teacher for the job.
1st Answer Example
"I want to work at this school for a few reasons. First, I believe the type of education this community is a part of is second to none in the area. Secondly, I want to grow my skills as a teacher with other peers who have vast experience. With these things in mind, I know I can make a big impact here."
27. What have you learned in the process of teaching a sensitive topic?
How to Answer
Biology has its sensitive moments where educators teach something that can be unnerving. An interviewer wants to see your professionalism in these situations. Share what you have learned and how your handled the same topic differently another time.
1st Answer Example
"I was first teaching about dissection a decade ago. When I was bringing up the anatomy of a frog, some students thought they would have some fun with the subject matter. The next year, before we dissected something, we talked first about the maturity of this project and how every student needed to be on their best behavior. If not, they would not be a part of this special occasion. It was safe to say that things were better the second time around."
28. What support do you give to struggling students?
How to Answer
Not every student will completely understand biology. This is why an interviewer wants to see how you give extra help for best results in your classes. Do your best to give specific examples, so the interviewer can get a better understanding of how you work in this specific situation.
1st Answer Example
"When I have students struggling in my biology class, I provide extra steps to help students be successful. First, I give extra credit opportunities for students to come before or after school, so they get extra points and work on biology concepts that are challenging. Next, I speak to students individually if they are struggling, and we set up a time to meet. Lastly, I encourage students to attend tutoring sessions at our school, so they can further their knowledge for extra credit."
29. What is the best way to make sure students stay safe on field trips?
How to Answer
Safety is priority in any school. So, when it comes to a field trip, educators need to be aware of every student during the outing. Speak to the interviewer on how you will have the utmost concern for every individual on the field trip.
1st Answer Example
"Whenever I take students on a field trip, I make sure first that every student has a signed permission trip, for liability reasons. Then, for the students who can attend the trip, we have a conversation before the event, so they know what my expectations are. I also bring along parent volunteers to help chaperone."
30. How do you handle a student who is squeamish during dissection?
How to Answer
There will come a time when a student or two will be squeamish about dissecting an organism. The interviewer wants to see what your Plan B is or if you have some way to help them along in the right direction. When an interviewer sees that you have all students covered, they will feel more at ease to hire you.
1st Answer Example
"I know that not everyone will love dissection. I will do my very best to make sure they feel comfortable to take part. But, some will become squeamish. If they cannot accomplish the tasks at hand, I will have something else for them to do, so they can still participate, but without feeling like they're going to be sick. Having a back-up plan keeps engagement up and excitement flowing."