25 Math Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
1. What do you feel is the most effective way to communicate with parents?
How to Answer
The answer to this question varies depending on your communication experience and style. Usually, good parent-teacher communication is oriented at open discussion and problem-solving if the parent or teacher has concerns about their child.
Answer Example
"I prefer to have open and honest communication. I often ask parents first about how they feel their child's progress is, and then provide my perspective. Giving them a chance to share brings down their defenses and creates a more open channel of communication."
User-Submitted Answer
"1. Keeping Grades Updated
2. Sending out an email that has my syllabus and ways to contact me
3. Through Google Classroom or a comparable site, sending out my weekly plans
4. Contacting parents for personal conversations."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
These are all fantastic ways to communicate with parents clearly and also consistently. Great approach!
2. How do you get students engaged in the problem solving process?
How to Answer
There are many ways to get students to become engaged in the math solving process. Good ways to motivate students include a reward system to keep track of progress, or group work by teaming up different leveled students together.
Answer Example
"I think the best way I've used to get students to be more engaged is to put them in groups and set up a problem solving competition over a semester. I think a little positive competition is necessary and a good motivator. Throughout the semester the group will work together to do worksheets, projects, reports, and peer assessments together. This helps students feel like they're part of a group and not left to solve problems on theri own."
3. What is your homework philosophy?
How to Answer
Good answers here will focus on consistency and self-reflection, to some extent. Show the interviewer that you're not a lenient teacher and expect students to be responsible.
Answer Example
"My homework philosophy is: do it to the best of your ability. If there's a problem you can't solve, work halfway through it, show your work, and mark it so you can bring your questions to class. If there are answers in the book and they're asked to check, I do expect them to check and go through their work again so we can use class time efficiently and so students can keep track of their own progress."
User-Submitted Answer
"Homework is never meant to be a punishment. If we are working hard in class, they should not have a lot of homework.
Coaching soccer is like homework."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Many people would agree with you on this statement! :) When it comes to 'coaching soccer is like homework,' can you expand a bit further?
4. Which math subject is your favorite to teach and why?
How to Answer
Show off your expertise a little here! Be modest but reveal your strengths.
Answer Example
"I think multiplication is probably my favorite because i can use a variety of tools like marbles, blocks, or other interactive math games for students to practice with. I also like it because it's practical and sometimes I'll set up real-life scenarios for students to use what they've learned and it's all of fun for me and them."
User-Submitted Answer
"I really like teaching algebra because you are constantly solving for missing variables in life."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Nice, straightforward response, and you back your reasoning very well.
5. What skills and technologies are you most interested in improving upon or learning?
How to Answer
Keep up with new technology and talk to your fellow teacher friends. There are a variety tools and techniques via Khan Academy and iTunes U.
Here are some educational apps:
- Math Bingo
- Monkey Math School Sunshine
- Mathemagics
- Math Drills Lite
- Math Fact Master
Answer Example
"I think I'd eventually like to use iPads in the classroom. I want to make more of my lessons paper-free and more interactive. I find that most of my students can actually process the information better when it's on the tablet rather than on paper just by presenting it differently."
User-Submitted Answer
"Learning whatever board technology you use. Like if it's a smartboard, taking a class or time on my own to master how to use it. My mom actually taught smartboard classes for 10 years, so I know there is help out there for learning any classroom technology."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Fantastic approach! Your answer shows strong interest in immersing yourself into this schools' offerings. Also, it seems you are resourceful when it comes to self-taught learning options.
6. Tell me about a lesson that didn't go well and why. How might you improve that lesson?
How to Answer
Again, there's no right answer here. It's important to self-reflect and be honest about what you could improve upon.
Answer Example
"When I first started teaching, I had a lot of trouble with discipline, and once my class was so noisy that I yelled at my whole class and had to leave the classroom temporarily. I don't think I knew how to gain the students' respect yet because I wasn't experienced enough. Later on in my teaching I learned not to lose my temper and that it's a good idea to take a break or do something else if the atmosphere of the class isn't great."
7. Tell me about a lesson that went well and why.
How to Answer
A successful lesson doesn't necessarily have to achieve any math goal. Sometimes a good lesson can go well because the students are happy or feel accomplished. There's no right answer for this question.
Answer Example
"I think sometimes as teachers, we work too hard to finish the lesson or make sure students understand a concept. There's often the pressure to teach to the test or stick to a curriculum. One of the best lessons I had was when I was having a really tough lesson and halfway through I decided to take a break and we played a game instead. I was still able to keep up with the schedule for the week but taking that break was really necessary for both me and my students."
8. How would you make math class great for a lower-level student who feels bummed about their math ability?
How to Answer
Lower-level students typically lack confidence, so most of the work here is on encouragement rather than teaching a specific math skill.
Answer Example
"I spend a lot of time rewarding small successes. My students who aren't great at math usually feel like they're far from their target scores, but what they don't realize is that Rome wasn't built in a day. Every extra problem they get right is worth celebrating. I try to encourage them that way so they keep trying. I'll also emphasize the importance of accuracy over speed because some students are missing problems because they're rushing rather than because they don't understand the material."
9. Share with me what you think a good piece of mathematics is - something you really like.
How to Answer
This is a completely open-response question. It could be as simple as a multiplication trick or as complicated as a calculus formula. Share something your students have benefited from.
Answer Example
"When I was teaching middle school math, we had a lesson on adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers and my students had difficulty remembering which result was positive and negative. So I came up with a cute mnemonic for my students to memorize: positive means love and negative means hate. So if we love to love, then it's positive. If we love to hate, then it's negative. If we hate to love, it's still negative, but we if we hate to hate, then it's positive. I've been using that for years!"
User-Submitted Answer
"Creative thinking. And you are probably thinking, "Creative Thinking in Math, but there's typically just one right answer." This is true, but there are multiple ways to get there"”for example, 13 x 25. One student may do the standard multiplication algorithm. Another student may say, "25 cents is a quarter. Well, I know 12 quarters is 3 dollars. One more quarter would give me 3.25. I moved the decimal place and got 3."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It's important to teach kids to think this way to come to the right conclusion in a variety of (creative) ways. Good approach!
10. Tell me about someone who has influenced your own education and educational career.
How to Answer
Talk about a supportive teacher, sibling or parent who encouraged you during your academic career.
Answer Example
"My college Statistics professor gave me a lot of encouragement during my junior year of college. Our class was struggling and he spent a lot of time coming up with different scenarios and research projects to for us to gain bonus points. I could tell he really wanted us to succeed even though the class was the hardest one I'd taken."
11. What are your plans for continuing your professional growth?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know how you will continue to advance your career. If you have plans to go back to school, you can discuss those, and if not, talk about an area of math teaching that you're interested in exploring.
Answer Example
"I'd like to teach across the board to students of different levels. Most of my experience has been with middle schoolers and I'd really like to teach elementary school math to gain more experience."
User-Submitted Answer
"Down the road, I plan to get my master's in education. I also plan to work closely with experienced team members to better my teaching knowledge and skills."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Your plans for growth are very clear - no doubt you will go very far in your teaching career...now, and in the future.
12. What rules do you have for your classroom?
How to Answer
Try to come up with a set of rules that facilitates a fun but respectful and responsible learning environment.
Answer Example
"My classroom rules are: show up to class, do the homework, check your work, and follow the techniques taught in class. I tell my students it's okay to do things their way if they've already learned the concept before, but try the method I provide because it may be faster and more accurate, and maybe they'd learn a method they didn't know about before."
13. What are your most effective teaching strategies?
How to Answer
Talk about your strong suit in teaching. Answers can range from your continuity to your strict discipline, your relaxed nature, or your creative ideas. This question reveals a lot about your personality.
Answer Example
"I find that a consistent format works well for my students. Middle schoolers tend to be rowdy and unfocused, so they need a lot of structure throughout the class. I go through a set lesson plan with homework review, teach a concept, have them practice with an interactive activity, assign homework, and end the day with games to bring their spirits up. This way, they know what to anticipate and have something to look forward to while also knowing what's expected of them."
14. What is your greatest strength? How can you use it to benefit our students?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know how you can contribute to the students as a whole.
Good qualities for teachers include:
- patience: persistently explaining to students of different levels
- creativity: thinking of different ways to approach one problem
- hardworking: spending time preparing detailed lessons
- constant follow-up with students' progress
- flexible: able to adapt when class doesn't go as planned
Answer Example
"I think my greatest strength is creativity. Some of my students really struggle with abstract math concepts and I incorporate figures, role-play, drawing, building with shapes, or animations to help them understand concepts."
User-Submitted Answer
"My greatest strength is building relationships. I have learned from coaching and student teaching that students learn best when establishing a meaningful relationship with them. Because of my patience, caring personality, and my love for modern music, shows, sports, and video games, I can naturally carry on conversations and connect with students. This connection benefits student learning because they will feel engaged and comfortable, so they will participate and be excited to share ideas."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
You bring such a personal approach - there is no doubt your students would respond well to you. It's great that you mention your strength while offering up tangible examples of this strength in action.
15. What do you have that would enhance our teaching staff?
How to Answer
Think about your unique personality traits. For this question, it helps to have a knowledge of the existing teaching staff so you know what you have that contributes or enhances it.
Answer Example
"I think my lively personality would most contribute to the teaching staff. Everyone seems really friendly and to have a real passion teaching the students. I think I'd be able to add more creative ideas into the mix and I'd get along really well with them."
User-Submitted Answer
"I am positive, creative, flexible. I feel I am very easy to work with. I am always down to help where I can. I have an open mind and a positive outlook on most things. I have genuine respect for colleagues. I really try to think about "How can I contribute to making this a better environment for those around me."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a good start! In what ways will you apply these qualities, right away, to make an impact?
16. How would you challenge the slow learner and the advanced learner within the same class?
How to Answer
This question is about empathy and skill - how you are able to understand where low-level students are at and know how to encourage them to move forward, and at the same time, be able to provide higher-level students with the stimulus they need.
Answer Example
"I usually have one set of tasks for the entire class, and extra practice for higher-level students with a harder set of problems. I'll work more with lower-level students after class so as not to call them out in front of the whole class. I think it's important to teach to the middle."
17. What kind of students do you like to work with? What type of students could you teach most effectively?
How to Answer
Students come in all different shapes and sizes, learning styles and personalities. If you're more open-minded and creative, you might enjoy teaching the same type of student. if you're more serious and organized, you might target that kind of student more as well.
Answer Example
"I really enjoy teaching students who don't consider themselves to be good at math and frankly don't have a lot of confidence when it comes to math because you can see the change from disappointment to excitement and even being willing to take a lead on projects or at least not dreading every class."
User-Submitted Answer
"Open-Minded. But all different types of students. I am big on the growth mindset."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It's great that you are able to work with a wide range of students. I'm sure your creative approach will speak to a large variety.
18. What three words would your students use to describe you?
How to Answer
Here are some good qualities of math teachers that students might notice about you:
- strict
- creative
- flexible
- organized
- has a good temper
Answer Example
"I think my students would say I'm really organized. I keep all of their homework and projects in separate color-coded folders and tabs and encourage them to be organized in their portfolios as well so we can always keep track of our progress. We also do a lot of self-assessment in class so it's important for them to see how they improved. Some students might find it a hassle at first, but it really helps them to see where they started and areas they can still improve on."
User-Submitted Answer
"Passionate
Caring
Fun
Students can sense my passion through my energy and excitement. They can tell that I am happy to see them and make an effort with everything I do.
They can tell that I care about their academic development, and more importantly, their well-being. I ask them about their sports activities and hobbies, see how they are feeling about the class. I can't stress how important it is for students to feel comfortable with you.
Lastly, students have told me time and time again, that class is fun when I teach. I will joke with them, do fun activities, hold class discussions -- just anything to keep them engaged. Because I think that's the glue that helps the learning stick with them."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Your passion and enthusiasm are clear, and any student who has you as a teacher should be very lucky! This is a great, full response.
19. What do you like most about teaching math?
How to Answer
Think about the most rewarding moments of teaching math, something that makes you feel immensely accomplished. Feel free to add more to your personal story as the interviewer wants to know you more about you than what's written on your resume.
Answer Example
"I like teaching math because I love seeing the lightbulb moment when my students finally understand a problem they've worked so hard to solve. Math is really goal-oriented in that way because students are working to arrive at a right answer. There are multiple ways. Sometimes they they give up, are disappointed in themselves, or don't realize they've missed a step here and there. But the final moment when they're able to walk through it themselves and arrive at the right answer really makes me feel like theirs and my hard work is worth it."
User-Submitted Answer
"I have an opportunity to change the way students feel towards Math. Many students walk into Math class with negative feelings. Maybe they struggle with math, or maybe they find it boring. I can make it exciting and relevant. I can help students perform to the best of their abilities, so they leave my classroom with a new feeling towards math."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is wonderful! Your excitement, energy, and passion for math and student learning really shine through.
20. What was the most frustrating thing that happened to you as a teacher?
How to Answer
The answer to this question can range from your student teaching or personal tutoring experience to your formal teaching experience. Describe the event, how you were challenged, and explain how you overcame it.
Answer Example
"The most frustrating thing I experienced was a difficult parent who didn't understand why his child's math score didn't improve at the end of the term. It challenged how I perceived my own ability as a teacher. In the end, I brought out all his major tests, quizzes, and projects to show that the student had been putting in consistently mediocre effort in the class and was lying to his dad about the time he spent on his work. The parent was finally able to see that his child lacked follow-up, and hired a tutor to follow with his progress for the upcoming semester."
User-Submitted Answer
"Implementing a teaching style I did not believe in. While student teaching, I worked closely with a teacher that did everything by the book. The teacher taught directly and did not generate an engaging conversation. And I just had to sit there and watch students look around the room, glance at the clock, then back at the board with disinterest. I hate to see this because students weren't enjoying themselves or learning. So when I took over classes, I asked more questions -- engaged students. The teacher would give me feedback like, "Please ask fewer questions and just model during instruction. It will save so much time." And I felt like I had to implement her suggestions, so she didn't think I was disrespectful, but it was frustrating because I saw that it was not the best way for students to learn; I just had to go with it."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This would have been so incredibly frustrating! If you could revisit this situation, what would you have done differently?
21. Other than tests, how do you assess student learning?
How to Answer
There are many forms of assessment for math besides testing. Here are some alternative assessment methods:
- Group projects: build a model, make a brochure, or solve a complex problem together
- Open response questions: make a diagram, chart, or graph
- Portfolios: artwork, journal writing, or outlines
- Self-assessment: asking students to provide feedback on how they did on a project or how they could improve
User-Submitted Answer
"I utilize multiple formative or informal assessments: homework checks, exit slips, and class discussions.
I try to assess student learning, so students are not afraid to make mistakes or express a need for help. These checks are not meant to make or break student grades but rather help students self-reflect and help me see where they are at, so we can work together to address any possible misconceptions and errors."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a good start! Rather than giving a list - try bringing this answer to life by explaining the ways that you leverage these tools to assess student learning.
22. Give an example of a situation in which you made math exciting for your students.
How to Answer
Math can be tough and boring at times. Think of a situation in which you exercised your creativity through a game, simulation, a time when you brought your students outdoors, or drew a picture, or played a video - anything to demonstrate that you can think outside the box.
Answer Example
"One of the most exciting classes I remember is when I put the class into groups and used dominoes to teach them multiplication. It was active and you could see the students' eyes sparkle when they got the right answer. Some were just happy sitting on the ground lining up the dominoes. It was much more effective than doing board work."
User-Submitted Answer
"NCFTL - National Classroom Free Throw League
I had convinced my 7th-grade students that I started this big classroom free-throw league. Had pictures and an official emblem on the board. I divided the students into 4 teams, then had each student shoot 2 free throws using a mini basketball and a wastebasket. Students recorded the class results as fractions, percentages, and decimals. To understand the relationship among those 3 terms, and to, of course, see which team had the best Classroom Free Throw shooters. The kids had a lot of fun while showing an understanding of the learning target.
Linear Equation (Y = mx + b) Example - Having students graph the equation using their bodies."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This does sound exciting! I may have enjoyed math growing up had we done activities like this :) Great example of your creative mind at work.
23. Why did you decide to become a math teacher?
How to Answer
Think about a math teacher who impacted you or a time when you felt accomplished learning math and wanted others to have same experience. If becoming a math intention wasn't your intent, say so honestly as well.
Answer Example
"I never really thought about becoming a teacher, but I've always enjoyed math. In high school I had a really creative Geometry teacher who actually made doing proofs fun. In college, my Statistics teacher taught game theory using a simulation. I tutored math in college and found that I was able to put my creative ideas into my teaching as well and it was only then that I developed an interest in teaching math."
24. What makes you unique as a math teacher?
How to Answer
This is the place to demonstrate several aspects of your personality that are different from traditional math teachers. It's also a good idea to incorporate some of your teaching philosophy into this response.
Answer Example
"I think the most unique part of my math teaching is that I try to find techniques to get students to the answer as quickly as possible. This helps them feel a sense of success. I'm not too big on long theories or going into all the why's and hows. I really want students to feel accomplished when they can solve a math problem quickly and correctly. That way, math can be fun and not just a chore."
User-Submitted Answer
"My high energy and engagement. Math can be a subject that students see as very dry and direct. Some students may even dislike math because of this perception. So I like to get students thinking, talking, smiling from the second they walk in the door. I do this with things like Timberlake Tuesday -- students walk into JT singing some jams. Throwback Thursday -- Students are hit with nostalgia as they discuss their favorite shows growing up. Then I get them thinking and sharing ideas with a challenge question. I am always looking for ways to help students enjoy learning. For example, one time, we shot free throws in class to see the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percentages."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It seems you will bring a highly personable approach and a desire to make strong and lasting connections with your students. The interviewer(s) should really appreciate your enthusiasm!
25. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve upon it?
How to Answer
Be honest, but give yourself an opportunity to turn the negative into a positive down the road. Show that you are willing to work on this teaching weakness, or indirectly show how one of your strengths can make up for that weakness.
Answer Example
"My biggest weakness is probably impatience. I tend to get frustrated with students sometimes when I'm explaining a concept or if they don't understand what they missed on a math problem. But over the years I've learned to get more creative and be persistent with helping them figure out the missing pieces. I realized that sometimes we're not able to meet our teaching goal for the day but it's possible they'll get a better picture of the concept next week after they've learned other parts of it."
User-Submitted Answer
"Some may perceive my lack of experience as a weakness."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This skill will certainly come over time, although it's great that you are addressing this already. What action could you take, independently, to grow this particular skill?