List Of 30 Leadership Interview Questions for a Teacher
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1.
What does 'leadership' mean to you?
How to Answer
This question allows the chance for you to give your own definition of "leadership." Speak to the values of this theme in your class and why it matters. Then, the interviewer will better understand who you are and why you tick.
Shane's Answer
"leadership."
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2.
What do you want your 'fingerprint' to be on the school?
How to Answer
Everyone has a reason for teaching. Share with the interviewer what your reason is. Give clarity on what matters for you as an educator, and what you try to accomplish day in and day out.
Shane's Answer
"I got into teaching because of a high school teacher that seriously impacting me for the good. They invested in me, when I did not feel I was worth being invested in. They were an advocate for me and saw promise in me. So, each day, I work to be an advocate for students, helping them grow and succeed to the best of my abilities. That is the 'fingerprint' I want to leave."
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3.
How do you stop bias in your classroom?
How to Answer
Bias can really hurt a classroom. Students will turn on each other, and then they will turn on you. Speak about creating a culture where you can be fair and open with your students. If you can prove of past examples where you did this well, the interviewer will really look in your direction for the next hire.
Shane's Answer
"I remember a few years back where I overheard some students talking about a bias towards ____. I thought it was inappropriate and inconsiderate. As class let out, I kept the students behind to talk about the inaccuracy. It created an understanding where the student realized there were people in the class who they were hurting. It was an eye-opening experience for all."
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4.
How do you model listening in your classroom?
How to Answer
As a teacher, you are one of the few examples in a students life to actually model listening. Talk to the interviewer about how you give each student the time of day to have their voice heard. Showing that you give an outlet for students will really interest an administrator who is considering you for the job.
Shane's Answer
"When it pertains to discussions in my class, I make it clear to my students that they need to be respectful to other students when they are speaking. I also make sure I do this without cutting off my students. Modeling this and letting it play out in my classroom is the best example of allowing a safe environment to share and listen to others."
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5.
Speak of a time where you motivated another teacher.
How to Answer
Everyday brings its own challenges. As a teacher, there will be days when you lack the energy to push through. The same can be said for other teachers. For this question, the interviewer wants to see how you bring optimism to teachers around you and inspire. Share a time when a teacher's mindset changed because of something you did, big or small.
Shane's Answer
"There was one time when I noticed a colleague coming into school down. I pulled her aside into my classroom. I asked how she was doing, and she told me what was going on with a parent of one of her students. I affirmed her, reminded her why she was a teacher in the first place, and she left my room in a better state than when she started."
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6.
In what ways do you work collaboratively?
How to Answer
Teaching is not something you do on your own. There is a lot that is done in teams. The interviewer would love to see what you have completed with other educators in year's past. Share specifics on how the process looked in your example.
Shane's Answer
"Collaboration is something I have really enjoyed throughout my time of teaching. One time, I worked with other science teachers on creating concepts to have in all our classes, so students knew what to expect year to year. It was great to have clarity in this department and students really appreciated this, too."
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7.
Share an example where you experienced poor leadership.
How to Answer
Poor leadership is something, unfortunately, that educators and students experience alike. An interviewer not only wants to hear about how you experienced poor leadership, but more importantly, how you handled the situation. This way, an interviewer can see your true colors in this type of situation.
Shane's Answer
"A few years back, there was a vice principal that did not lead the faculty very well. He always seemed to be unprepared and struggled to communicate positively with the staff. In turn, I worked to help the vice principal, by asking what I could do to help her on a week-to-week basis. This was well-received and our relationship improved."
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8.
Speak of a time when you motivated another student.
How to Answer
It is not always easy for teachers to motivate students. But, the interviewer wants to get a sense of your motivation style. Give a quick, detailed response to how you have motivated in the past.
Shane's Answer
"Last year, there was a student in my class who was having a hard day. I was surprised myself to see him this way because he was normally cheery. I asked what was going on. He told me the situation. Since I worked in a private Christian school, I was able to pray for him. Additionally, we brainstormed some ways to resolve the problem he was facing."
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9.
What is a time where someone was a leader to you?
How to Answer
Think about your whole life, when it pertains to this question. For this example, you could share about a parent, teacher, peer, etc. to answer this question. Just be sure to speak about specifics as to why this impacted you.
Shane's Answer
"My uncle was a great example of a leader to me. I saw him speak into my life, and he made an effort to care about me. This is the kind of leader I want to be in my own life for students."
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10.
What does teaching to look like at the perfect school?
How to Answer
We all know there is no such thing as a perfect school. But, the interviewer wants to get a sense of what matters to you at a school. This way, they can see if you are the right fit for the job.
Shane's Answer
"
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11.
Who are you and how does that impact people?
How to Answer
This question is like an icebreaker of sorts to get to know you as a person. Talk to the interviewer about how your personality sets the tone in your class. By sharing what you are like, the interviewer can get a sense of how you impact people for the better.
Shane's Answer
"I am the kind of person that follows the rules. In turn, I want my students to do the same. I am not the kind of teacher that just expects that of students though. We talk through why there are rules. And if students have problems with some of them, we talk through why they are in place, and I also work to be an advocate if students want to talk to the administration about changing policies. This is the kind of person I am."
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12.
What are the realities of teaching when giving advice to another teacher?
How to Answer
An interviewer wants to see if you understand the challenges of being an educator. It is not all roses when you teach. So, speak honestly how other teachers have reacted to constructive feedback.
Shane's Answer
"Five years ago, I was in a small group where one teacher gave feedback to another teacher. Unfortunately, feelings were hurt and their relationship was hurt for a time. As a teacher, I understand this can happen. Still, I need to be honest and kind as an educator. This balance can go a long way."
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13.
How do you work with other to create an authentic learning environment?
How to Answer
Authentic learning environments can be hard to come by. But, through teamwork, all things are possible. Share with the interviewer a time when you created a lesson or curriculum with someone else that made the space a brilliant place to learn.
Shane's Answer
"Learning environments can often be dull and boring if teachers do not collaborate. That is why, in my last school, I worked with teachers with different focus areas to try to make learning more enjoyable for students. I discussed with other teachers what was working well in their classes, and we brainstormed ways to implement similar learning within our own classes."
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14.
What are the best ways to engage in a school community?
How to Answer
Engagement outside of teaching in a school community makes any teacher a better fit. The interviewer wants to see how committed you really are to a teaching position. An administrator wants a teacher that is a part of the community, much more than just as a teacher. Speak to the fun you have had outside of the classroom, when you have connected with a school community.
Shane's Answer
"One of my fondest memories from the last school I was a part of involved Homecoming Week. I got to chaperone for the dance, which was amazing, and the football game was super exciting. It was a blast to see teachers and students outside of the classroom enjoying themselves."
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15.
How do you maximize the strengths of people around you?
How to Answer
Seeing strengths in someone is a real gift. The interviewer wants to get a sense of how you speak into the lives of others by casting vision. Talk about a time where you shared with someone a strength they had and encouraged them to build upon it.
Shane's Answer
"I had a student in my class last year who I really thought had the intangibles to be a great leader. However, they were making poor choices that other students were following. I mentioned this to him. From then on, it was a slow progression to leadership, but he saw his value and how he could be a better, positive leader."
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16.
What is the best way to solidify relationships with your peers?
How to Answer
Building relationships is not something that comes on Day #1. It takes time and effort. The interviewer wants to make sure that you work towards getting to know the staff. This way, a success work environment can happen. Then, a school can work through even the most challenging of circumstances together.
Shane's Answer
"For me, the best way to build relationships is to create a bond over time. I invest in my peer around me by checking in on them, serving them, and being there for them no matter the situation. This creates a teaching bond that cannot be broken."
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17.
What are learning areas that you can model as a leader?
How to Answer
Learning areas are a part of what moves a good teacher to a great one. When a teacher is able to model how they learn, others will take note in the process. This is what an interviewer wants. They want teachers who are modeling at all times.
Shane's Answer
"Learning areas that I have modeled to other teachers include interactions with students, as well as having them observe my lessons, so I can get feedback from them. Then, I have the opportunity to get into their classrooms, as well. This is the kind of community that I love to be a part of."
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18.
How do you communicate the vision of the school?
How to Answer
Not every school does a good job of communicating vision. Regardless, teachers need to be an advocate for their school, building it up and giving praise, even on the most difficult of weeks. Be clear on how you will share this information with the masses.
Shane's Answer
"When I am a part of a school community, I go to bat for everyone involved in the institution. So, whether there is a clear vision or not for a school, I want to speak positively about the campus to others. For example, I had an acquaintance who had heard some untrue things about the past school I was at. I gave clarity to the situation and the conversation ended with the individual changing their view of the school."
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19.
What are the best ways to build leadership in a school?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for ideas here to help build leadership on campus. Share things that have worked well in the past for you. This way, the interviewer will be able to tell if you have leadership pedigree or not.
Shane's Answer
"A few years back, I was at a school that had a mentoring program for new teachers. There were more seasoned teachers interacting with new ones, whether it be a formal or informal meeting. As the years go by, new teachers become mentors themself. I thought this was such a great concept."
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20.
What are your expertise areas?
How to Answer
Each teacher has an area in their craft that they feel most comfortable teaching, based upon experience, knowledge, etc. Share what sets you a part from other teachers in your area, and how you can bring that to the table to educate students the best way possible.
Shane's Answer
"As an English teacher, I am a big fan of Modernism writing. To me, it has always been a fresh, real way of communicating the world around us. I think this is relatable to students who are trying to trudge out a path for themselves. In turn, this literature is easier to digest and more appealing, which makes English interesting at the end of the day."
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21.
What value do you bring to a leadership team at a school?
How to Answer
The interviewer is hoping to grasp how well you work in a team. Think through what you bring to any school and why that makes the environment better than before. No need to be humble here. Be honest about your talents and skills. The interviewer did ask after all.
Shane's Answer
"I am a servant at heart. So, if there are things that need to be done on a team, I am there to help. Just give me vision and I will run with whatever noble cause needs completing. At my last teaching job, I worked closely with the administration when they had tasks that needed completing to help tutor students. It was a fun way to connect with students that really needed the assistance."
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22.
How do you engage families in the teaching process?
How to Answer
Being a leader means stepping up to the plate to interact with parents. This might not be the most enjoyable part of teaching, but you do have to work with parents to help students' succeed. Share with the interviewer a time when you went above and beyond to work with parents of a student.
Shane's Answer
"A couple of years ago, I had to work with a student's parents and step parents. There was a lot of communication I had to do to talk with all four individuals, but as time went on, we were all on the same page to help the student become successful in the class. I achieved this by having face-to-face conversations, Zoom meetings, and sending e-mails."
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23.
In what ways do you support teachers at school?
How to Answer
Teaching is not an individualized profession. That is why the interviewer would ask a question such as this. Make sure to discuss how you interact positively and kindly in all situations. Even in the most challenging work environments, the interviewer wants to make sure you are a team-player.
Shane's Answer
"Supporting other teachers is what makes my job worthwhile. Last year, I met with a new teacher weekly to help her with any questions or concerns she was having. We even got coffee every once in a while, which created more fun during the process."
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24.
Where are you going in life and how do you bring people along for the ride?
How to Answer
An interviewer wants to see what you life goals are for a few reasons. First, they want to make sure that you will be around for a few years. Next, they want to help you achieve your goals while at the school. Cast some vision for them to help them get to know your dreams and aspirations.
Shane's Answer
"I want to be at this school because I blieve it will help me achive some of my furutre goals. First, I have always wnated to work in this school because of its high academic achievement and purpose. Additionally, the programming in this district to work to becoming an adminstrator is something I want to be a part of."
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25.
How do you bring teachers into your curriculum?
How to Answer
Having cross-curricular connections with other teachers is a big deal in any school community. Talk to the interviewer about how you work together to show students the value of all educational paths. This way, you can prove that you are a team player.
Shane's Answer
"Before I step into a school year, I spend time with colleagues, who teach different subjects from myself. This way, I can create relationships and plan lessons that feed off of each other's lessons. For example, I worked with the art teacher to pair a lesson I had on art history. I really enjoyed collaborating in this way."
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26.
How do you give students opportunities to be a leader?
How to Answer
Think about how you build leadership into all your lessons. Describe to the interviewer how you give students' opportunities in this area. This way, you can give students' chances to grow in life.
Shane's Answer
"In my math class, every Friday, I give a student the opportunity to teach what we have been learning in class. I give them extra credit, but it also gives a student the chance to be a leader."
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27.
Describe a time you improved your leadership skills.
How to Answer
As an educator, you should always look to improve yourself. When it comes to leadership, think through what your goals are. Then, communicate to the interviewer how you will work towards this appropriately. Short-term goals should be well-placed in this answer.
Shane's Answer
"I have always struggled in leadership. That is why I worked with the administration last year to improve this skill. I was able to help the school out, while working on my craft. From this experience, I have continued to make goals to achieve from this process."
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28.
What is not an attribute of leadership that some people think is?
How to Answer
Leadership can look a lot of different ways. That is true. But, there are some attributes of a leader that have been misconstrued over the years. Speak to one that is not leadership and why this is the case.
Shane's Answer
"For whatever reason, some people think that yelling is an attribute of a leader. This could not be further from the truth. People believe this is the case because people listen. But, in my opinion, this is a tactic to forcefully have people come to their aid. I would never use this technique. Instead, I would listen and gain perspective, even if I did not agree."
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29.
Who has been the best leader in the world's history?
How to Answer
There are a lot of choices here. But, an interviewer wants to see who has inspired you through history. Think of a specific example and what attributes made them a great leader.
Shane's Answer
"For me, Abraham Lincoln has been the best leader of all-time. He stopped slavery, even though he knew there would be backlash. Ultimately, he had vision for the future, even though he lost his life at the end of the day. Leaders do things that not everyone is fond of."
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30.
How do you want to improve your leadership skills here at this school?
How to Answer
With this question, an interviewer may have some holes to fill in terms of classes, extra-curriculars, etc. Speak to what you would be willing to do in a school to help fill positions. An interviewer is always looking for someone to cover spaces that will fix a problem.
Shane's Answer
"As an educator, I understand the value of working with an administration to solve problems. So, that is what I have tried to do during my teaching career. Last year, I teamed up with another teacher to be on a commitee to help solve tardiness at the school. We came up with policies and rewards to keep students accountable and motivated."