30 Middle School Teacher Interview Questions

1.

Describe a time you navigated disruptive behavior in the classroom.

This question encompasses a few things: thinking on your feet, diffusing conflict, and facilitating a resolution. The interviewers are looking for the candidate's ability to be aware of these layers as well as what strategies they use to successfully support the students and resolve the situation. To answer this question, it can be helpful to share context prior to diving in to describe the behavior. Did students miss recess and have a lot of pent-up energy? Was there a fight at lunch? Set the scene, share the behavior, and then go into the steps of identifying, diffusing, and resolving.

Clara's Answer

"One of my favorite classes was my 6th-grade group right after lunch and recess. They were always mentally re-energized from the break, and they'd gotten a lot of the built-up physical energy out of their systems. One day, we were in the middle of a great lesson when one of the students began calling out and interrupting my instruction and any students that spoke up to answer questions. It was unusual for her to shout out, particularly so consistently. Her behavior became more and more attention-seeking, so I chose not to address her directly after asking twice that she raise her hand to share. Instead, I moved around the classroom as I spoke, asked students to continue what they were sharing, and finally pulled out my mini football. When the football came out, the students knew that they would have to raise their hand and have the ball in-hand to speak. They were inclined to follow the rules in order to have a chance to catch the ball, so this diffused the situation for the remainder of the class. When class was dismissed, I made sure to address the behavior with the student individually. As a result, I had an opportunity to connect with her and learn why she was expressing herself in that way, and we came up with a plan together to make her feel supported while respecting others in the classroom."

2.

Have you ever been a substitute teacher? Describe that experience.

Substitute teachers don't always know what to expect when they walk into a classroom, so they have to balance confidence, flexibility, and boundaries on the fly. It can be known to be a difficult position, and the interviewer is interested in your ability to navigate complicated classroom circumstances.

Pro tip: you might go a step further and add that you are very intentional about setting substitute teachers up for success with a well-outlined lesson plan. This will show that you are aware of how difficult subbing can be, and you plan ahead to ensure that every day in your classroom is valuable - even when you aren't there.

Clara's Answer

"I have stepped in for fellow teachers on several occasions to teach their classes, and each time I've been reminded of how challenging stepping into another classroom can be. From quickly catching myself to speed on the lesson for the day to attempting to remember names, I found that I had to be even more focused and 'on it' than I might need to be in my own classroom where things are more familiar. The experience has given me a great deal of respect for substitute teachers, and now I create thoroughly detailed lesson plans complete with alternate instructional options so my substitutes are as prepared as possible."

3.

Are you actively involved in any type of community service?

Elements of philanthropy and learning to 'give back' are showing up more and more in schools, so be prepared to have some variation of this question. If you aren't currently involved in any sort of community service, then think about how else you might be able to contribute to this answer. Are you donating to a charity because your schedule is a bit too tight to donate your time? Were you involved in a service day several months ago that inspired you? Are you not involved now, but you are actively seeking out opportunities in certain industries?

Clara's Answer

"I previously served as a volunteer ESL tutor for adults at the local community center, though recently I've been better able to donate my money than my time. I plan to re-invest my time at the community center when my schedule better aligns with their class schedule. Additionally, I recognize the value of instilling a community-oriented mindset in youth, so I would love to explore ways in which my students can get involved in a project or community engagement."

4.

Do you want students to like you? Why or why not?

This question might come as a shock, but the interviewer is interested in getting a sense of your boundaries and whether or not you might take a more peer-like approach to student relationships. Of course, many teachers want their students to like them to a degree, and you probably do, too! Just make sure to emphasize that your primary goal and purpose is for students to learn and grow in your classroom.

Clara's Answer

"As much as I would love for my students to like me, I want even more for them to learn and grow. That is why I'm here. I also recognize that middle schoolers are navigating a complex range of emotions from one day to the next, so I need to maintain predictable consistency and structure for them. If they like me as well, then that's an added bonus!"

5.

What does a model classroom look like to you?

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Middle School Teacher Interview Questions

Describe a time you navigated disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Middle School Teacher Interview Questions

Describe a time you navigated disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Have you ever been a substitute teacher? Describe that experience.

Are you actively involved in any type of community service?

Do you want students to like you? Why or why not?

What does a model classroom look like to you?

How would you react if a parent complained about your class?

How do you develop self-esteem within students?

What is the difference between a good teacher and an outstanding teacher?

What is the last book you read? When did you read it?

How do you make learning fun?

Have you taught classrooms with bilingual students? If so, how have you supported them in their learning?

How do you feel about supporting various roles at school?

When do you typically find a need to connect with fellow teachers?

What has been the most challenging thing about teaching for you so far?

How do you cater to different learning styles in your classroom?

Would you say that you are a tough teacher?

How do you engage parents in their child's learning?

How do you manage students with different reading abilities?

What was the most difficult child you have ever dealt with?

How would you describe your teaching style?

What book best describes you and why?

Why are you a good fit for this job and our school district?

What type of student were you in middle school?

Are you a flexible person?

What part of teaching do you look the most forward to?

Name three of your weaknesses.

Name three words that describe you.

What was the most useful college course you have taken?

Why did you choose to become a middle school teacher?

What makes you qualified for this teaching position?