30 ESL Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our ESL Teacher interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Speak to an example where a challenging student became a better student in your class.
How to Answer
Sometimes, you will have an experience where the difficult student will be one of your best at the end of the day. Speak to how you accomplished this. With techniques and strategies, the interviewer will get a better perspective of who you are and how you teach.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"One student at the first school I taught at was hard to manage during my year of teaching. She knew I was new, and there was a lot of testing by her going on. Early in the year, I pulled her aside and discussed my expectations of her and how I thought she could be an outstanding student. Things did not change overnight, but that conversation propelled her to be my biggest advocate by the end of the year."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Behavioral
2. Give an example of your most challenging students and how you handled situations with them.
How to Answer
Every teacher knows challenging students will present themselves over time. The interviewer wants to see how you have handled these examples in the past, so they can see how you will work to deal with these things in the future. A play-by-play with specifics for best results is a quality answer here.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I had a student in my last school who pushed back to anything I was teaching him. He struggled in my class because he thought he did not need to be in ESL. I worked to ease the tension and prove to him this class would benefit him in the long run. Ultimately, I was patient with him and built trust over the year to give him quality tips and skills to make him a better English learner."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Behavioral
3. What modification do you do with students who are struggling behaviorally in your classroom?
How to Answer
Diversification is one of the best ways an interviewer can see if you are a qualified teacher or not. Talk through situations where you had modifications with a student to breed success. A plethora of examples can show the interviewer you have experience in this area.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are a few things I can try to diversify a student's learning who is struggling. Sometimes, moving a student refocuses them on the material. If poor behavior is still happening, I talk with them one-on-one to see how I can support them. Even asking the student if they are o.k. can diffuse any behavioral issues."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Behavioral
4. What communication do you have with parents when their child is not living up to expectations?
How to Answer
Protocols are things that interviewers want to see in a possible new hire. Go through a plan that you have to include parents in a student issue. A disorganized teacher with classroom protocols can get knocked down a peg if there is no preparation for a scenario like this in an interview.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I like to give my students as many opportunities as possible to fix the behavior on their own. But, if this does not happen, I involve the parents through an email or phone class first. If improvement does not happen, I bring the parents and students into the school. Lastly, if the problem persists, I bring in the administration for added support."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Behavioral
5. How do you work with troublesome students?
How to Answer
Troublesome students will present themselves at some point in time. The interviewer knows this, but they want to know what your philosophy is when handling the situation. Share how you work with the most common of troublesome individuals in your class.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I have a troublesome student, I have gotten better at not letting the situation bother me. I understand better now that this situation has less to do about my teaching and more about them. I work to correct the behavior, find positive reinforcement, and give more attention to the student."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Common
6. Share one thing about yourself.
How to Answer
This question is an icebreaker of sorts. The interviewer wants to get a sense of your personality and likes in your life. Give them an answer that adds fulfillment to your life.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"One thing I like to do is run. After each day of work, I hit some running trails nearby. This exercise is a great kind of stress-reducer for me if I have had a hard day. Additionally, I sleep better at night, and I feel good to finish off my day."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Common
7. What do you like about this school?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see what kind of research you have done in the school. The answer to this question will prove if you care about a job at this school or not. Make sure that you have checked the school's website or connect with some teachers that have worked at the school to give you some perspective before the interview.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"One thing I noticed on your school website is that the school community is active around town. I believe a school that cares for its community will see its students thrive. I certainly want to be apart of something like that."
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Common
8. What keeps you motivated to teach during the day?
How to Answer
Teaching is not always easy. The interview knows this fact. But, what the interviewer does want to see is that you keep up the motivation throughout the day. Share any tricks and tips you have for a positive work environment with your students.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"The students are the ones that keep me going day after day. Their humor and conversations are rewarding. However, I know there will be days that maybe my students are not as motivating. When this happens, I pull out old thank you notes past students have written to me. These notes are a reminder of the influence I have had in the past."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Common
9. What are the best ways to motivate your students?
How to Answer
Since students are the reason a school is open, the interviewer wants to see what motivation strategies you use. Give prior knowledge and experiences that proved students stayed focus on the materials at hand.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I know from personal experience that not all students are motivated the same way in my ESL class. For example, I had one student who loved tangible rewards when he succeeded in an assessment. It was little trinkets like stickers, candy, pencils, etc. On the other hand, another student was not interested in rewards. Instead, vocal encouragement is what she cared about the most."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Common
10. How many years have you been an ESL educator?
How to Answer
Sure, you may have this information on your resume. But, here is where you can elaborate more on your experience. It is alright not to be humble here. Be proud of what you have experienced to excite the interviewer.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have 15 years teaching ESL at two different schools. The schools were very different from one another. One school was in the inner city, while the other one was in a more rural setting. I believe this example has given me a more diverse teaching experience to better connect with my students."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Common
11. What questions do you have about this school?
How to Answer
This question's answer proves to the interviewer that you have a real buy-in for this job. Look through the school's website and write down questions beforehand that you could get more clarity.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I noticed on your website that you do not have a Foreign Langauge club. Is there a reason for this? I believe a club like that could tie all foreign language learners together, as well as English students, to connect with a greater understanding of each other."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Discovery
12. What certifications do you currently have in ESL?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get a sense of your background credentials. Be specific about the ones you currently have. In turn, you can explain their importance to ESL teaching.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have a few credentials. TOEFL is one of the most prevalent options in the United States of America. With scoring for speaking, writing, reading, and listening, I can assess students accurately. I also have a certification for TESOL. I use resources from this training to work with students dealing with the business world."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Discovery
13. What technology implementation do you use in your classes?
How to Answer
Technology is a part of the present and will continue to be in the future. The interviewer needs to see how you implement tech to enhance learning. There is a balance you will need to show in your answer here.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"PowerPoint presentations, Prezi, YouTube videos, and Kahoot! are some of the ways I get to use technology in my classroom. I still believe in paperwork because students can learn and remember key definitions. But, there are a variety of helpful online tools to help with memory and long-term understanding that I use weekly."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Discovery
14. How would you describe a strong teacher?
How to Answer
Many people can define this type of teacher as being someone who demands respect in the classroom, is superior, and is dominant in a class setting. This example does not always have to be the case. Speak of a time where a teacher was strong, even though they still have a soft heart for the students.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my last job, there was a female teacher that I respected. When I entered her classroom, I got the sense that she cared about her students. Sure, she still had rules, classroom management, and commitments in the classroom, but she spent time going around to every student through the period, truly engaging them. To me, this example is a strong teacher."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Discovery
15. What is the best teaching achievement you have experienced?
How to Answer
Give a personal example of teaching accolades, but you can also focus on a teacher/student success story. Being more specific is the best answer here. The interviewer wants to get to know you and see what matters to you in the profession.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Over my 15 years in the profession, I have had recognitions and accolades, but nothing is better than the achievement of student success. When a student leaves my classroom, I want a part of them to use the information they have learned in my class for the rest of their lives. By having students coming back to visit and hearing their stories, I understand the impact I have had on students that needed me during a particular time of life."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Discovery
16. How would peers describe your teaching?
How to Answer
Many times, an interviewer does not know the interviewee. Share a part of yourself on how others view your teaching. Be honest and connect how you partner with these teachers. The interviewer wants to see how you will fit into their community.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"My peers would say that I have an energetic teaching style. By interacting with my students in a class, small group, and individual settings, my peers get to see how I spend time in different environments. When teachers are in each other's classrooms, they get a greater sense of teaching. I have learned a lot by checking out different subjects."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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17. What makes an ESL classroom different from a traditional classroom?
How to Answer
The learning environment in a classroom with non-English speakers does look different from a regular classroom. With a variety of resources and teaching tools, new language learning needs support. This question's answer needs to give clarity to the interviewer if you can support ESL students or not. Giving examples of how you have done this before will help.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"In the last school, I brought in Chinese and English cues to help the Chinese international students. By recalling vocabulary and enhancing language concepts, practice happened every day through online text, videos, and other activity introductions."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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18. What other languages do you speak fluently besides English?
How to Answer
The more languages you speak fluently, the better chance you will have of getting this job. You may still get the job if not, but explain what understanding you have of languages to paint the picture of your knowledge to the interviewer.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Besides English, I speak Chinese fluently. I have some understanding of Spanish and French, as well. Conjugations are something I specialize in those languages, which gives me a basic knowledge to help my students."
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Discovery
19. What professional development has furthered your education to this point?
How to Answer
An interviewer always wants to see your developmental path. If you have done development over the years, an interviewer will see your commitment to the profession.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"This year, I participated in some online conferences focusing on ESL. I learned new techniques and strategies that I have used in my classroom. One, in particular, made an impact on me, and my students have loved it. I use this game to assess students, but they enjoy it so much, they do not even know there is an assessment going on."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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20. Share one professional goal you want to achieve over your career.
How to Answer
Interviewers want to see that you are growing and improving yourself. Think through professional goals beforehand that could make you a better teacher and educator. Giving specifics is the best way to go.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"One professional goal that I have is getting my master's degree in ESL. I have looked at a variety of programs and feel like Liberty University's certification would be best. With online curriculum and classes, I can teach as well as take school over a year."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Discovery
21. What is the best thing about teaching?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get a sense of what excites you about teaching. A variety of reasons get a teacher into teaching in the first place. Give the interviewer a sneak peek into your background.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I got into ESL teaching because I grew up in a home where English was not the primary language. I had positive experiences and challenges that have given me a full perspective when taking ESL myself. In turn, I feel like I am relatable to my students."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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22. In what ways do you modify lessons for ESL students who also have a learning disability?
How to Answer
Just like a traditional English learner, ESL students can have learning disabilities. For some, ESL students are in the class due to this fact. Share a typical lesson that could have some modifications to give more baby steps to help a student with a learning disability along in the right direction.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Let's say I am working on a lesson involving past tense. For the typical ESL student, I may bring in previous knowledge about using past tense in their native language and adapting it to English. For a student with a learning disability, I would get the class started and work with this student one-on-one, working on the basics of past tense in their language again before diving into more challenging material. By seeing progress, then I can see if they are ready to move on or not. For certain sections, I may group students into different parts of the classroom, based on their knowledge, to give each group the teaching they need for ultimate success."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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23. Describe components that are imperative for a lesson plan.
How to Answer
Some components need to be shared to prove that you know what you are doing when teaching ESL. Go through a traditional plan that gives students the best opportunities for a bright future. The interviewer needs to grasp how you put your lessons together for this question.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Songs are one of the best ways that students learn. So, I start my classes with a hello song and a goodbye song that fit into the lesson I am teaching. Additionally, I have an introduction and wrap-up on the bookends of the class. In the middle of my time, I have a teaching section, assessment opportunities, and activities."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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24. How accessible is your curriculum for ESL students?
How to Answer
Not every student learns the same. An interviewer wants to see how you diversify what you do to give some students' extra resources if they are in need. Dive into different language levels in your class and how you use varying materials to help with personal learning.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Assessment data is the best way for me to lesson plan and diversify my lessons. By understanding learning styles, I can see the kind of support students need, based on the activity. Specific modifications can be things like visual cues or other lessons that allow students' independence for what they need to be successful."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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25. What kind of homework do you give to ESL students?
How to Answer
There is a time and place for homework. But, there are some teachers out there that give homework with no reasoning. Prove your homework's worth. Share what a typical week looks like for you involving extra work.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I only want to give homework that enhances learning outside the classroom. With this in mind, I work to give homework that allows the student to view the world around them in a new way. Let's say we are working on words for different foods. I may have a homework assignment for students to write out the English name of foods that they have in their fridge or pantry."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Scenario Based
26. Describe your teaching philosophy on a day-to-day basis.
How to Answer
Giving the interviewer how your class works every day will assure peace of mind when hiring you. Be specific in what things matter most to you, so the interviewer understanding who you are and why the way you are as a teacher.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"My teaching philosophy every day is to strive for my students to learn one new thing each time. This way, I can assess at the end of each class what stuck out to them and how they can use the information moving forward. My class should never be stagnant, and I need to have my students in mind when planning out what I need to accomplish in class to help them to succeed."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Scenario Based
27. If you find out that a class will lose 15 minutes last minute, how do you adapt to the situation?
How to Answer
Teaching can change on a dime. A seasoned teacher has to adapt to various situations. It is easy to get frustrated, but an interviewer wants to see how you modify lessons in tight windows of time.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the best attributes of any teacher is being adaptable. Students vary from class to class, lessons change, and students' behavior shifts, but teachers can handle this. If I lose 15 minutes, I will not sweat the small stuff. I focus more on activities and less on the teaching of new materials. Then, students can learn and grow through some fun."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Scenario Based
28. What is your approach to developing an assessment?
How to Answer
Creating quality assessments give the interviewer an idea of the experience you have. Through assessment development, show the types of assessment you have used to allow students the best chance to thrive.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Each quarter, I go through a unit with informal assessments. This example is one of the best ways I see progress levels moving. Of course, the informal assessments fit into standards that ESL students have to master, based on state and core learning. Also, to start a year, I assess proficiency in English, and through the year, I assess multiple times to see improvements and challenge areas."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Scenario Based
29. Give an example of progress monitoring in your ESL class.
How to Answer
Finding ways for your students to succeed is what the interviewer wants to see. Express the kind of software, methods, tools, and other resources you use to track any progress.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Over the years, the best monitoring system I have used is Excel on a PC. These digital records help show the learning date for every student that I have. To organize my language concepts, I use separate Excel pages, such as phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and fluency, among other things. I also have a page for state-assessments, so I can gather any information I need for evaluation. The insight I get from this data is priceless."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Scenario Based
30. What do you do to communicate with ESL students' families?
How to Answer
Planning out how to get family members and parents involved with what their student is doing in school is essential. Interviewers want to see how you showcase communication skills, even if they do not speak English.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"With my experience in ESL, I understand that most parents' native language is not English. Of course, this example is one of the most challenging parts of the job, but I pride myself on finding ways to communicate. Over the years, I have used a newsletter in the native languages of the parents. Weekly emails have also been a staple for me. Lastly, I work with students to give information at home to their parents so everyone can be on the same page."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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