List of 30 English Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
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1.
What importance do you place on collaborating with other teachers? Tell me about a time when you worked with another teacher to integrate elements of your lessons.
How to Answer
Interviewers want to see how well you collaborate with others. The best way to be a unified school is by working together with your counterparts. Share past examples of how you have maximized your time in this area before.
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Anonymous Answer
"With the novel "A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court," there is a tourney that happens. I thought it would be fun to collaborate with the P.E. teacher and have a tournament between the two classes. It has been fun over the years."
Shane's Response
I love the idea! You can always pair up with a variety of teachers to hit home subject matter. A little fun is never a bad thing in education.
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2.
Tell me about a time when you planned a great lesson , but everything went wrong. What did you do?
How to Answer
This question needs answering carefully. If you cannot prove you have classroom management skills, this may be a red flag to the interviewer. Instead, speak to academic and behavioral challenges you have had based on your experience. When you talk about things that took place in the classroom, you can create trust with the interviewer when talking about working with old books, a lack of resources, etc., and then turn the story successful in the end.
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Anonymous Answer
"When it comes to being a teacher, you always hope things will turn out well. But, there are times when the perfect lesson falls short. I always try to evaluate myself. If I have multiples of the same class, I change and rework for better results in future classes."
Shane's Response
Continue to work the lesson and do not be afraid to try something different in the other classes, if the first couple lessons fall short. Sometimes, moving on with something new changes everything.
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3.
What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
You have another typical question that many interviewers will ask you over the years to see what qualities you have that could add nicely to this school's culture. Feel free to speak about a strength that has helped other jobs in the past. The interviewer wants to see how you are going to fit in.
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"The strength I have is determination. Even in the most difficult of classes, I still have my students' well-being at the forefront. Things can be tough, but this mindset is key."
Shane's Response
This is one of the hardest things for many teachers to stick to. That is why there is so much teacher turnover. Don't get down. Keep it going!
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4.
What would you do if a student has asked to go to the bathroom every day for a week?
How to Answer
Classroom management is in how you handle minuscule tasks like bathroom breaks in your class. Students can learn to manipulate a teacher very quickly if they start to see loopholes. Telling the interviewer what your protocol is in a situation like this can be enlightening to the process.
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Anonymous Answer
"Having an honest conversation is the right way to go. Just check into see if the student is alright. Remind them you have expectations to be in class for as often as possible."
Shane's Response
Of course, there are emergencies where students should be able to go to the bathroom. But, more than twice a quarter is not needed for most students.
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5.
How do you motivate students, and why is it important?
How to Answer
An interviewer wants to see the way you can influence students. Whether you are a virtual teacher or for in-person learning, motivating students involves creativity and planning. Speak of examples of students shining in your classroom.
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"Motivation is not the easiest thing to do. But, I work to get an idea of what my students want to accomplish. It is easier to motivate my stduents when they have interest in the material."
Shane's Response
This is a good way to go. Thinking about your students and having open and honest conversations can make all the difference. You may be surprised on what your students will teach you in the process.
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6.
How would you handle a student who uses inappropriate language in your classroom?
How to Answer
Students, at one point or another, are going to speak something inappropriate in your classroom. The interviewer wants to see how you will present yourself while speaking with the student kindly yet effectively.
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"Inappropriate language is a part of the English language. But, I pull the student aside and speak to them why we do not use the word they are saying, and we all move on together."
Shane's Response
Even if you do have more issues with the student down the road, you will have established a base with them. Do not be afriad to get another teacher or the adminstration invovled in the process, as well.
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7.
What do you do to handle a challenging student?
How to Answer
Any teacher will experience a problem student at one time or another. The interviewer knows this and cares about how you have handled situations in the past. One area to focus on is speaking to the fact that problem students have potential. These types of students should never be outcasts but be engaged more.
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"Challenging students can be frustrating. But, one of the most diffusing ways to interact with a troublesome student is taking them out of the classroom and asking if they are alright. This usually sets the frame of mind of the student for a better class moving forward."
Shane's Response
Great way to handle this situation. Rather than making a scene with the student among his or her peers, this is a productive way to show you care.
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8.
What is your teaching philosophy?
How to Answer
This question might seem like a little of a filler question, but it has a lot of weight in the interview. By giving a background of where you come from, how you fell in love with the subject, and where and why you went to a specific college, the interviewer can get a greater sense of who you are.
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"My philosophy has been to work hard for my students, so they will see it is action. In turn, I hope they will do the same."
Shane's Response
Working hard is valuable in its own right. Make sure to have specific ways that your students can work hard. You can help them along in the right way they need to go.
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9.
What do you do when a student asks to share something with you privately?
How to Answer
An interviewer knows that you will find yourself with a student who wants to confide in you at some point or another. In this situation, be honest about how you will protect yourself and the student. This way, the interviewer can feel confident you will handle the situation appropriately.
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Anonymous Answer
"I am always honored when a student confides in me. However, I always tell the student if they are going to tell me about hurting them-self or someone else, I legally have to report it."
Shane's Response
Right you are. If you do not report something like that, you could lose your job or worse. Listen to the stuent, but set the parameters.
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10.
How do you stand up for other teachers within a classroom setting?
How to Answer
Students are not going to like every teacher they ever have. The interviewer knows this fact. But, they do want to see if you will stand up for fellow faculty members or not. Give a brief description of how you have handled the situation before.
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Anonymous Answer
"Students can easily talk down about a class they have just came from. I have a rule in my classroom that we do not talk down about anyone and that includes teachers."
Shane's Response
Staying positive is a teaching moment that teachers can share with their students. You can always remind students that if they are having problems with a teacher, they can go talk to them face-to-face.
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11.
How can you tell if a student understands the material or not?
How to Answer
Individual interaction with each student in the classroom is imperative. The interviewer wants to see how you spend time with every student in the class period. With strategies and methodology, share with the interviewer things you use.
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"I like to do a check for understanding by asking the students how they are comprehending the material by doing a thumbs up or a thumbs down. This gives me a quick understanding of where my students are at."
Shane's Response
Awesome! From there, you can assess students who are struggling to get a better sense of why they are having trouble. Sometimes, an assessment will clear things up quicker than you thought.
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12.
What is the right way to teach English?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to identify your style of teaching English. There is no 'right way' because people learn English differently. One student may get a lot out of one approach, while another student may struggle. So, do not talk about one teaching method of English. Instead, talk about various learning styles that you will incorporate to help students' learn and enjoy English.
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"Every teacher has a unique way of teaching English. For me, I want to inspire students through good prose, fun writing assignments, and ways to use English for the rest of their lives."
Shane's Response
It really does depend on the individual. Continue to vary the things you do with English. In turn, you will see the majority of your students love your class.
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13.
What have been some successful teaching methods used in your English classes?
How to Answer
Focus on how you create lessons when answering this question. By speaking about a plethora of activities you use, the interviewer will see how you work to get students to interact and participate in your class. Show your versatility, so you prove you are much more than only using textbooks or worksheets. Mention things like arts-and-crafts, role-play, debates, and presentations, to name a few.
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"In my class, one of the best teaching methods has been using a mock trial to connect with "To Kill A Mockingbird." It is truly the best part of the year for many of my students."
Shane's Response
Continue to compare and contrast real court life to the case involving Mr. Finch as the attorney in the novel. Your students will continue to make connections you may have not even thought of. Keep it up!
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14.
Why do students need English in their lives?
How to Answer
This question allows the interviewer to see what your expectations are for your English students. Give an answer that relates English to the world around your students. By showing English is empowering to any student, you can speak to the value of this subject.
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Anonymous Answer
"English is a great way to communicate with others. If you want to take in new sides, ideas, and perspectives, English is a fantastic means to share thoughts. There are so many people that speak the language around the world, so there are a ton of ideals to unpack from all corners of the globe."
Shane's Response
Continue to prove this to your students. Show interactions of this playing out around the world. Bring people into your class that can model this.
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15.
Tell me one thing about yourself that makes you stand out against other English teaching candidates.
How to Answer
This question helps to separate possible candidates by having a specific thing catch the interviewer's attention. Think quickly about attributes that set you apart and share what makes you great. There is nothing wrong with you praising yourself here for others to see.
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"One thing that makes me stand out is my experience in a variety of low-income schools. I have worked with some of the hardest students around. But, I have felt these experiences have blessed my life tremendously."
Shane's Response
No matter the experience level, every teacher has a story to tell. Share the ways that you have made an impact compared to other teachers. Being your authetic self is the best foot forward here.
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16.
What is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
Sharing a weakness of yours might seem intimidating, but the interviewer wants to see how you grow and get help in certain situations. Be honest with your example, but be ready to share how you overcome it. In turn, you will show your determination, even in times that are personally tough for you.
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"My greatest weakness is pushing ahead, when I should be aware of what the students need. I just get goals in my mind that I forget the small things that really matter."
Shane's Response
Maybe start your class or end it with an intake of how students are doing in general or with the material. It can be a simple thumbs up or down to get them on the right track.
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17.
If a student shares something in class that is inappropriate, how do you handle the situation?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get a sense of your classroom management style. There are many ways to go about this, but you can give clarity on what you would do in this situation. Recall past examples to help in the completion of this question.
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"I certainly do not want to bring attention to it. But, I will for sure pull the student aside after class has left. If the situation is dire, then I will pull the student out immediately."
Shane's Response
This can be a hard thing to navigate, but trust your gut. Making a scene in front of a student's peers is never a good thing.
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18.
When would be a time to call the parents to give positive feedback?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for examples of times parents were called for something positive. The stigma is that parents get called when their student is in trouble. Changing the narrative can go a long way with parents and the administration.
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"At my school, the administration wants us to call 10 parents every semester. The conversations involve positive feedback. I love getting to speak with parents about how their child is succeeding."
Shane's Response
Positive feedback conversations with a parent can include a student working with in groups, a student adding to a discussion, and a student acing an exam, to name a few.
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19.
What do you like to do when you are not teaching?
How to Answer
By giving a background of yourself, you can shine a light on who you are as a person and how you can fit into this school's community. Speak about something wholesome that brings your life value. The interviewer wants to see that you have other interests so you do not get burned out.
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"When I am not teaching, I love being active. Whether I am hiking, running, or playing basketball, my body needs to be in tip-top shape for teaching."
Shane's Response
Teachers often forget to think about their own health when they are thinking about their students all the time. Never forget this. Great advice you are giving.
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20.
How can you tell if a student is on-task or not?
How to Answer
This question goes a little deeper than just being observant of students being disruptive or not. The interviewer wants to know how you get students individually to speak their knowledge of the subject. Speak to strategies or implementations you have used over the years.
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"I am not the kind of teacher that just sits in their desk and let's the world go by. I move around during the class to make sure students aren't on their computers playing games."
Shane's Response
Though it can be hard to stay diligent in this area, a quality teacher is always active and engaged. Do not settle for less.
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21.
What is your protocol for students who are acting out in your class?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for what is your step-by-step process for discipline issues in your classroom setting. By describing how you handle the situation, the interviewer will grasp your style and your management all in the same breath. Talk about how you make this known to the students beforehand.
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"Acting out in class is not acceptable. I nip that in the bud as quickly as possible. A verbal reminder is first, points off second, and moving them out of my room third."
Shane's Response
A conversation might be in order if the problem persists. Sometimes, a student needs to be reminded of what you expect of them and why it matters.
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22.
What qualifications do you have in English?
How to Answer
Of course, you have information on your resume that expresses your qualifications for English. But, be sure to highlight a few areas that show your professionalism in the subject. Examples could include training, conferences, degrees, certifications, and more.
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Anonymous Answer
"Not only do a have a Bachelor's Degree in English Education, but also a Master's of Science in Curriculum and Design. These qualifications give me an upper-hand when helping fellow teacher plan materials for their classrooms."
Shane's Response
This is where collaboration can come into the fold. With the experience you have, this sounds like a great way to get cross-curriculuar work moving in your school.
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23.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation in which you did not understand the language around you? If so, how did that experience shape your understanding of English and how you teach it?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to get a sense of your worldwide perspective with English. Even if you have not lived abroad, where have you traveled that connects with English should be shared. Give specific examples of how English helped you out and about.
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"I spent time in Mexico last summer. Luckily, I had a friend who handled all the communication. But, I appreciated the way the language flowed and have worked to create lessons that flow similarly in English, even thought the languages are different in nature."
Shane's Response
It is neat how an experience can help you get creative. Continue to look for experiences like this that will create more and more value in your class.
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24.
How do you continue to learn and grow as an educator?
How to Answer
By growing and learning yourself, an interviewer will see how you develop as an English teacher, as well as an individual. Whether you are reading some books, practicing a new skill, or diving into an interest of yours, having a growth mindset is what every school culture wants.
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"I continue to learn and grow by taking as many classes as I can. Anything to further my learning, and I feel like I get a lot of value for what I do."
Shane's Response
I love the drive. Just make sure to not burn yourself out. Go, go, going has worn out even the most seasoned teachers.
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25.
Tell me about a time when you used problem-solving to accomplish something on a team.
How to Answer
Students and parents are who you will interact with the most in a school, but your peers matter as well. When partnering with staff, teachers, and aides, interviewers are looking to see how all parts can help students succeed. Show how you can get along with anyone.
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"Problem-solving is something that I want my students to see in action. So, when I have problems arise in my Yearbook class, myself and the students put our brains together to see what we can accomplish."
Shane's Response
Getting your students onboard is a great teaching moment. You don't just do it for them. But, you allow them to be a part of the experience. Amazing!
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26.
Tell me about how you've supported a student go from struggling to successful in a particular area.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to investigate how you care about your students. Teachers can teach content and deliver lessons, but not all teachers care. This example sets teachers apart from one another.
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"One student I had last year was really struggling to get work in on-time. We worked out a plan for the student to reach out if they needed more time. In turn, there was open and honest conversation and the student reaped the benefits in the end."
Shane's Response
It is amazing how a plan comes together to help a student go forward positively. Keep consistent and you will continue to witness these great things.
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27.
When did you accomplish something satisfying in teaching?
How to Answer
By answering this question appropriately, the interviewer will see achievement in your life. Speak about the growth of a student. The interviewer wants to see how success has happened with the job applicant.
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"I try to look for satisfying moments in teaching all the time. One recently was having a student come back and thank me for their experience at the school. If I only taught that one student, teaching would be worth it."
Shane's Response
Isn't it amazing when a student comes back to thank you? Cherish that for the end of time. Not all students will come back, but a few will make your day. Continue to teach knowing you have students watching.
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28.
If you had to choose one, who would be the most influential author of your youth?
How to Answer
By getting an idea of who inspires you, an interviewer can see what your line of thinking is. This example is a question to free up the conversation and make you feel more comfortable.
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Anonymous Answer
"The most influential author for me was Dr. Seuss. The pictures were fun and the rhyme schemes were memorable."
Shane's Response
Do not be afraid to use Dr. Seuss in your classroom. No matter the grade, you can have value in your class using this material.
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29.
How do you go about planning a lesson, and what are some 'musts' that you always incorporate?
How to Answer
Preparation is the whole part of this question. Make sure to bring along example lessons from your past job. Maybe whipping up a lesson plan could help you get the upper hand, as well.
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"Planning a lesson should not be thrown together. I have consistency in my lesson plans as well that my students expect."
Shane's Response
Consistency is an ideal method. Do not forget to assess your students somehow before the class is over.
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30.
Do you have any questions?
How to Answer
This question comes up often, and it is one of the easier ones to consider. But, you need to prepare ahead of time, expecting this question may come. A query here will help the interviewer understand that you care about the job or not.
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Anonymous Answer
"I am interested in the English Department here at the school. What expectations do you have for the teachers outside of the normal teaching day?"
Shane's Response
It is always good to get clear expecations before you hop into a new job. It is never great when you come into a job and a lot of extra tasks are expected, but were never communicated.
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