30 History Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our History Teacher interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Describe a time you mentored someone.
How to Answer
Mentorship is a wonderful opportunity and lives can truly be changed by a positive mentor. Speak to the value of mentorship. Also, share what a typical mentor session looks like.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"Two years ago, I took on a student teacher who I was mentoring. She worked really hard to prepare lessons in the class she was teaching for me. We talked through constructive criticism pieces on a week-to-week basis. For me, it was a honor to be a part of a life-shaping experience like this."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
2. What do you change year-to-year with your teaching?
How to Answer
Year to year, teachers should work to give their students variety. This gives class a fresh feel. Tell the interviewer how you have done this before.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I have tried to change up my American History class every year. I bring in new research, videos, and activites to make this happen. Students may not know things have changed, but I am a better teacher in the process."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
3. How do you select classroom supplies?
How to Answer
Building up the supplies in your classroom may or may not be up to you. Speak to the interviewer to clarify this point. But, do talk about the supplies you would like in your classroom.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I would love to have more hands-on activities in my classroom. There are some fun history games out there that really resonate with students. Anything to help the student learn while having fun, right?"
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
4. How do you push through obstacles?
How to Answer
Pushing through obstacles can be challenging. But, an administration wants to see your fortitude here. Speak to how you overcame the obstacle and what kind of mindset you had to have.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"One obstacle I had was with a parent at my last school. They did not seem to be happy with much of what I did. We got the counselor involved, as well as another history teacher. We both worked to see eye-to-eye. It was not perfect, but there was progress."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
5. What research have you conducted in history?
How to Answer
History research gives an administration even more interest in hiring you. The more you can promote the subject outside of the school the better. It may even lead to new opportunities within the school.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"Every summer, I work with professors at the local university to help with research. We have done many projects on local history of the area. It is projects like this that make me love history."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
6. Share an experience where you were tested in patience.
How to Answer
Patience being tested is a part of teaching. How you handle yourself is what all students will see. Speak to what the whole situation was about.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I had a student who yelled in my class. I told them to stop, but they either did not hear me or were ignoring me. I walked up to them and put my hand on their shoulder. It eased the situation and diffused things. I then asked to speak to the student in the hallway so we could have a private conversation and they could calm down. It helped to get the student in a private setting to talk through his feelings. Then, I let him go get a drink and he returned to class ready to work."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
7. How do you get students to be self-motivated?
How to Answer
Self-motivation is not easy for everyone. This is where a teacher comes in to bring confidence for students. Share how you make things happen for students to get to work and stay on task.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"To help students stay self-motivated, I give participation points, as well as positive reinforcement. Whether it is candy, extra credit, or some kind of reward system, I want to encourage students as best I can."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
8. How do you create classroom discussions?
How to Answer
Discussions are an imperative part of every classroom. Expectations should be talked about here. This way, the administration can see that you have prepared the situation so things can go smoothly.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I certainly share expectations upfront. It is important students understand norms and are held accountable to them. Without them, it can be hard to have a successful discussion. I want to remind students that they need discussions to get different perspectives in life. I typically require that all students speak at least once; they can either share a new idea or build off an existing idea being discussed."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
9. Share an ethical dilemma in history.
How to Answer
Ethical dilemmas in class can be hard to speak to. But, as a teacher, students need honest feedback that is unbiased about the situation. Describe how you go about doing this appropriately.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"When we get to talking about he colonization of America, there has to be honesty when talking about the Native Americans. There was minimal kindness shown to a people who lost their homeland. This is hard to swallow, but the right thing to teach about, so responisbility can be taken."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
10. How do you approach teaching a different theme?
How to Answer
Sometimes, themes in a history class cannot be taught in a normal way. Share how a different way of teaching a theme can matter greatly for students to look at things in a different perspective. This can make all the difference for a student.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"When I have a different theme to teach, I work hard to come at it from a different viewpoint. As I was teaching about Ancient Greece, I wanted things to be interactive. So, we used Google Earth to check out different locations across Greece. The students really enjoyed it."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
11. How important is analyzing data in your class?
How to Answer
An analysis of data is truly important to any school. Assessing where students have had growth and where they need to improve is paramount to any education. Describe why it has been essential to you.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"Pre and post-assessments have been a worthwhile data point over the years for me. It has shown students concrete numbers of where they are improving and what still needs improvement. It is also a great benchmark for parents to see, so we are not talking in hypotheticals."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
12. Share a time you had to think outside the box to fix a problem.
How to Answer
Outside of the box thinking does not happen overnight. Teachers have to work hard to change their perspective to make their classes different and interesting. Speak to how you do this when an issue arises.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"One time I thought outside of the box was when I had a student who was failing my class. They worked hard in class with their assignments, but the exams they always bombed. So, we tried something different and unorthodox. We did a verbal exam; I knew the student could communicate their learning better verbally than they could in a test format. The student did loads better and passed with ease."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
13. How do you prioritize work?
How to Answer
Prioritizing work can be a challenge to balance. Life can be busy. But, with the proper organization skills, a teacher can show the administration how they multi-task to stay as stress-free as possible.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"Work is a big priority for me, other than my faith and family. I care deeply for the honor I have to work with some of the best students around. To prioritize work, I bring work home, at times, to make sure I am prepared for the next week. I stay late at school, additionally, if students need any help at all."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
14. Speak to an event where you recognized an educational need and developed a way to hit the point home.
How to Answer
Pinpointing educational needs is something a teacher needs to be aware of. Share with the interviewer how you look for educational needs. Then, how you develop ways to help students in need.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I had a student at my last school who really struggled to take notes. I recognized this when the student was turning in incomplete notes, and I knew this was likely interfering with their ability to focus. So, I provided them some guided notes, which allowed them to write less and listen more, and this helped out monumentally."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
15. What does a successful lecture look like?
How to Answer
Lectures can look a lot of different ways. They do not need to look like a teacher talking and students listening and taking notes. Speak to your philosophy on how you make those things happen.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"A successful lecture is not the traditional lecture for me. I want students to engage, ask questions, and have interaction with their fellow peers. When this happens, lectures become exciting and worthwhile for all involved."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
16. Why do you have an interest in history?
How to Answer
Everyone has a story that inspired them to become a teacher. Share with the interviewer what sparked your imagination. This way, they will be able to see your passion for the subject.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"The story of the Civil War got me excited about history. More so, when I was in high school, my class went to a few of the battlefields. It truly was mind-blowing to see the actual places where so much bloodshed happened with Americans killing Americans."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
17. Speak to a time a parent was not happy with their child's grade.
How to Answer
There will come a time when a parent is not happy with the grade you gave their child. It may come in a phone call, email, or face-to-face contact. Share what you did or would do to diffuse the situation.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"There was a set of parents in the last school that did not like a grade I gave their child in U.S. History. The grade was affected by missed assignments and a lack of completing extra credit assignments. We agreed upon the child getting a few opportunities back to help raise their grade. Additionally, I said I would email the parents when missing assignments arose moving forward."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
18. How will you add to the Department of History?
How to Answer
When applying for a history teaching job, of course you will be a part of a bigger team. With all sorts of people and mindsets, you need to add value to the department. Share how you will fit in.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I would add value to the History department in a few ways. First, I would work to collaborate with my fellow colleagues to make sure we are living up to the standards set. Next, I would help out in any way needed, so the pressure of the job would fall on all of us and not just one of us."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
19. Share a time you collaborated with another teacher.
How to Answer
Collaboration is a key practice for any teacher. An administration wants to see that you are a team player here. Speak to past times you had a successful collaboration.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"At the last school I was at, I collaborated with an English teacher. We paired an assignment on the French Revolution with a writing assignment. We paralleled this together and I think the students had fun in the process."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
20. How do you feel about being involved in after-school events?
How to Answer
An administration wants to make sure you are a team player. After-school events are additional things you may have to be a part of, but you will have a better chance of getting the job. So, come in with an open mind.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I am very willing to help out. I love after school things because I get to see the community as a whole. The only evening I would not be available is Monday because I have a college class that night."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
21. Share your weaknesses and strengths.
How to Answer
Sharing about strengths and weaknesses is an interview question you can expect. Be honest about both. Also, be willing to share how you have been working to turn your weaknesses into strengths. Keep your answer positive!
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"My strengths include punctuality, organization, and a concern for others. For a weakness, I can struggle with classroom management. But, I have been working with a colleague to help me in this way. I believe I have improved greatly in this area."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
22. What kind of person should get this history job?
How to Answer
Though an administration knows what kind of person they want to hire, they may want to see if you have administration potential down the road. Speak about attributes that you possess and why those are crucial as a teacher. Feel free to speak about professionalism as a focus point.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I would hire someone who cares deeply for the students. I want them to be competent in history. Also, they should be able to handle classroom management. To me, these are the top 3 components of any teacher."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
23. Explain what you know about our school.
How to Answer
This question revolves around doing some research ahead of time. Pinpoint a few things that matter to you and share why it stands out to you. Schools always want to hear good things about their school, but keep it short and to the point.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"On your website, I noticed you have some great school spirit. The events you put on and the amount of student participation is amazing. It certainly seems a lot better than some schools I have worked for. I'm excited to be a part of an environment like that."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
24. Share some goals you have as an educator in history.
How to Answer
Every educator needs to have some goals for their future. If not, they will get burned out completely. Share with the interviewer how you will balance this to be successful.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I want some of my students to attend a history competition down the road. Understanding facts and how they play into our current lives is important for development. This is something I want to be a part of everyday."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
25. If a student is struggling in your class, how do you connect documents to help them along in the right direction?
How to Answer
There will come a time in every teacher's class when students may not understand things. The administration wants to understand how you will approach this situation. It is important to maintain an environment in which it is ok for students to make mistakes and still feel supported by their teachers. Having a plan to scaffold new learning is expected of all teachers.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I had a student last year who was struggling to keep the battles within the American Revolution in order. So, I handed a timeline to them to help them along. This visual was really important to their success."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
26. Share a time you used IT for teaching a history class.
How to Answer
IT teaching is a new, fresh take on education. An administration may want to see your understanding of the technology. Speak to the value you have with the program or not.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe IT teaching can be valuable for upper level students. For younger students, this can be overwhelming and not very helpful in the end. But, when used, it can help show students the data of events in history that they would not see otherwise."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
27. What brings history to life for your students?
How to Answer
Bringing history to life can be hard for students to grasp. Speak to how you liven up the subject. Share the tools, tricks, and tips you have used during the years to encourage students to learn history.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"Bringing history to life is me going outside the box of teaching. I sometimes dress up as a famous figure and I have students ask questions about me. This is fun for the students because they never expect me to do this the first time. Their reactions are priceless."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
28. What does a typical history class look like for you?
How to Answer
Classes look and feel a certain way week after week. Share with the interviewer how you set-up your class. This way, they can understand the value of your teaching style.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"In my typical history class, I start with a quick video of the time period we will be learning about. Next, lecturing happens. I teach or students teach, which is one of their assignments per quarter. This can include presentations, games, etc. We end class with an assessment of some kind."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
29. How do you get students excited about history?
How to Answer
Students get inspired by a subject in different ways. Speak to your motivation techniques. By elaborating on your teaching methods, the administration will get a bigger picture of the potential impact you could have on a school.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"I do not believe lectures are the most effective way to get students excited about history. I want to incorporate videos, projects, and group work to teach them as well. This way, they get a great perspective of history."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
30. Speak to a great lesson you taught. Why did things go well?
How to Answer
Great lessons can come in all shapes and sizes. Speak to what you did to prepare and how students responded. Detail the experience from start to finish.
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021
Answer Example
"Preparation for this class was extensive, but well-worth it. I created a lesson surrounding the Crusades. A map across Europe was placed around the school. Groups were allowed to move about the school to find clues to give them an experience of the time period. By the end, there was a reward given to demonstrate that the Crusades was not only about religious differences, but accumulating wealth along the way."
Written by Shane Reinhard on April 22nd, 2021