List of 30 English Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
1.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"There was a teacher in my last school that some students were very vocal about their dismay with him. Whenever I heard it come up in my classroom or the hallways, I would pull them aside and have a quick discussion on how he was my friend. Even though they may have a frustration with the teacher, I would encourage them to talk to the teacher instead of spewing anger around the school."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Community 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."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Shane Reinhard Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
2.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Tell me more about the English extra-curricular opportunities at the school. I read on the website that there are a few that students join. I wanted to get a better idea of how English works across the school dynamic."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Community 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?"
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Shane Reinhard Reviewed the Above Answer
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.
3.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My typical day involves taking roll, while the students write about a quote of the day. Next, we dive into our text, spend time journaling or free reading, and have interactive activities to get students working in groups. To close, we have a group discussion on what students learned in the class period."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Community Answer
"Planning a lesson should not be thrown together. I have consistency in my lesson plans as well that my students expect."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Shane Reinhard Reviewed the Above Answer
Consistency is an ideal method. Do not forget to assess your students somehow before the class is over.
4.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
5.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
6.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
7.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
8.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
9.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
10.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
11.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
12.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
13.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
14.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
15.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
16.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
17.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
18.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
19.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
20.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
21.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
22.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
23.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
24.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
25.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
26.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
27.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
28.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
29.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
30.
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.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021