Suggested
Interview Q&As
Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
Suggested Career
Interview Q&As
Interview Q&As
Continue practicing by visiting these similar question sets
Elementary Teacher
High School Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
Librarian
Math Teacher
Social Studies Teacher
Related Career
Interview Q&As
Interview Q&As
People who visit Middle School Teacher, also visit the following
Account Collector
Accounting
Accounting Clerk
Administrative Services Manager
Administrator Assistant
Athletic Director
Elementary Teacher
High School Teacher
Human Resource Specialist
Nursing
Payroll Specialist
Retail
Social Studies Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Teacher
15 Middle School Teacher Answer Examples
1.
What is the last book you read? When did you read it?
Be honest. It sounds a lot more interesting and compelling to hear someone explain an unexpected response, like a children's book or how to crochet a dog sweater, because you have room for a creative - and memorable - story. Don't feel like you need to respond with something likely found on the school's reading list if it isn't true or of interest to you. They want some insight into your interests and how you might be able to show your students that reading practice at home is valuable regardless of the content.
Clara's Answer
"Honestly, the most recent book I read was Llama Llama Red Pajama. My sister recently had a baby, so I went to her house just last Tuesday to read to my new nephew. I was pleasantly surprised at how great of a book it was and how much I was able to learn from it. I can't wait to discover more great children's books to read to him!"
2.
How do you feel about supporting various roles at school?
School teachers are often needed to support in additional roles around the building, such as lunch/recess supervisor, pick-up and drop-off monitor, and after school safety point. Some schools might need teachers to support in more capacities than others. Your interviewers are likely looking for a collaborative individual who might be open and interested in supporting the school beyond the classroom alone.
Clara's Answer
"I welcome the opportunity to engage with my students in capacities outside of the classroom. When I have the chance to get more involved in other areas, I feel better integrated into the school community and have a greater sense of camaraderie with my co-workers as well."
3.
Have you taught classrooms with bilingual students? If so, how have you supported them in their learning?
Some schools offer additional assistance for bilingual students beyond the classroom teachers, but not all. When working with bilingual students, teachers must be mindful of the fluency levels of their students and adjust their instructional volume, tone, and pace to allow all of the students to follow. Beyond the classroom, bilingual families might need support with communication that is sent home, school meetings, or even helping their kids with their homework. The interviewer is interested in whether or not you are aware of these nuances and will provide the students and families the considerations and support that they might need.
Clara's Answer
"I have had the opportunity to teach a few classrooms with bilingual students. I've learned from my experience so far that I need to be mindful of how I support the students in the classroom as well as the families at home. As far as the day-to-day learning of my students, I will periodically check in one-on-one with my bilingual students and ask how they feel about the pace and what they need from me to better support them. For example, one of my students mentioned that the pace of instruction was a little fast, and it was hard to keep up. I admitted that I sometimes speak quickly when I get excited, so I made sure to slow myself down following that conversation. When it comes to families, teachers often send homework home without questioning a parent's ability to help their child, and that's simply not always the case. I try to maintain open communication with all parents, accept feedback, and offer supports where I can, even if I might need to explore translation and interpretation services to ensure appropriate communication."
4.
How do you make learning fun?
Every teacher has a different way of engaging students and making content more enjoyable to digest. The interviewers want to know that you balance content with creativity when it comes to delivering a concept to your students. Consider how you make learning fun and engaging in structured - and unstructured - ways.
Clara's Answer
"Learning can be stressful and really impact a student's confidence. I like to integrate humor, lightheartedness, and some active engagement in my lessons and teaching style to make learning disarming and memorable. Sometimes, I'll act out what I'm teaching with grand gestures and emphatic speech. I often include silly examples that are relevant to youth today. When it's review time, I'll turn it into an educational game prior to each quiz and exam. In general, I've found that youth are responsive to fun and friendly competition; so, if I see that my lesson is falling flat, then I'll pause what I'm doing and have the students get up to play a quick game to get them moving and more engaged with the content."
5.
What is the difference between a good teacher and an outstanding teacher?
When preparing for this question, consider teachers you've had throughout your life. Which teachers stand out as having been amazing? Which ones do you sometimes forget about, because they were good but not 'outstanding?' Outline a few of the qualities and practices of those teachers and identify commonalities.
Clara's Answer
"When I think about good teachers I've had, I recall each of them focusing on instruction and making sure we were ready for quizzes and tests. They did things by the book and made sure we were on the right path. While I certainly learned from them, nothing else really stands out about my experience in the classroom. When I think back on outstanding teachers I've had, I have no trouble picking them out. They all went beyond basic instruction - they were intentional about timing and activities to keep us engaged and excited about learning. They took time to get to know each of the students and set individual goals which made us feel seen and important. An outstanding teacher is continues to care long after a student leaves their classroom. In fact, when I visit a few of my outstanding teachers 15 years later, they still remember me and show interest in my growth."
6.
Would you say that you are a tough teacher?
When faced with this question, you'll want to define what 'tough' means before elaborating. 'Tough' can have varying meanings and connotations for different people, so make sure that the interviewers are on the same page as you are. The interviewers are interested in discovering what 'tough' means to you and to what degree you deem tough to be useful.
Clara's Answer
"Well, first I'd like to define what I believe 'tough' to be in the context of teaching. When I think of a 'tough' teacher, I think of one that sets clear boundaries and doesn't bend them. I think of a teacher that might be fun and lighthearted but doesn't allow that to interfere with instruction and learning. I would say that I am tough-adjacent. I believe in boundaries and setting high standards for my students to rise to, and I also believe in the need for contextual adaptation and flexibility. For example, if my students have been working really hard and just completed a lengthy standardized test, then I would encourage them to take a 'brain break' to re-charge prior to jumping back into the material."
7.
How would you describe your teaching style?
The interviewer is interested in understanding not only how you teach, but how you might handle group dynamics in a classroom setting. Use this opportunity to share what teaching methods are most natural for you and how you adapt your approach in a dynamic environment.
Clara's Answer
"My teaching style follows the 'Warm/Strict' methodology in that I maintain a consistent balance of kind, empathetic approachability with firm and predictable boundaries. I believe that young learners thrive best in an environment that meets them where they're at while stillguaranteeing reliable structure and routine."
8.
What was the most difficult child you have ever dealt with?
The interviewer is looking for certain behaviors that could easily be found in any middle school classroom, and they want to get a gauge on how you view the behavior and manage the situation. Begin by providing an objective overview of the child, then share a specific example of a difficult situation as well as how you handled it. They will be looking for your desire and ability to navigate challenges and provide positive solutions for the school and the students.
Pro tip: do share the context of how you know and interact with the child, but do not share the child's name. Go a step further by drawing a distinction between the behavior and the child - the behavior is what is difficult.
Pro tip: do share the context of how you know and interact with the child, but do not share the child's name. Go a step further by drawing a distinction between the behavior and the child - the behavior is what is difficult.
Clara's Answer
"First, I'd like to make a distinction between the child and the behavior. I've dealt with a lot of difficult behavior out of many children, and I remind myself that difficult behavior in children can often result from something else. So, I try not to blur the lines between the child and the behavior, though I know sometimes that can be challenging! That said, one of my very first 6th-graders routinely exhibited difficult and disruptive behavior in the classroom. Nearly every day, he would try something that would taunt and distract other students in the class. One day, he pulled matches out of his bag and began trying to light them, then threw his full bookbag at the closest student who tried to stop him. Talk about a difficult situation! After any one of these incidents, he would prepare himself to go to the office or to detention, knowing that one of those options was inevitably his fate. Many people would likely write this student off as a 'lost cause,' and many of them did. When I saw how he prepared himself to go to the office, I knew there was more to it. I offered to go to the office with him if he felt more comfortable having me there, whether to simply be present or to help mediate. He was surprised to be offered help and support given the circumstances, and he took it. I realized that he had no choice but to internalize much of what other teachers and students had thought of him, and he was performing to the expectation. Since then, I've had an entirely different perspective on 'difficult children' and behavior."
9.
What does a model classroom look like to you?
More and more schools and teachers are beginning to re-think how they structure their classrooms to better align with youth development stages and maximize learning potential. That said, not all schools are on board with the changing environment. Do your research on the school to help frame your answer, or feel free to engage with the question more by asking about their own environment.
Clara's Answer
"I appreciate the benefits of structure with the freedom of choice. I like to set up my classrooms so that we may have a central place to come together and learn with mixed desk options to accommodate a variety of learning styles. For example, I might have a couple of taller tables along the side for more active or fidgety students to stand and complete their work, while other students might work best seated. I also like to ensure learning, even for a wandering eye, so I will post colorful and educational visuals all around the room to secretly engage a disengaged student. I'd love to learn more about how you've found your students to respond to different classroom structures within this school specifically."
10.
How do you manage students with different reading abilities?
Every classroom is bound to have students with a variety of skill levels and challenges, particularly in reading. The interviewer is looking for ways you ensure that all levels are supported at the same time, which can be tricky! Don't be afraid to point out the difficulty in this as long as you express the importance of 'meeting students where they're at' and creating unique goals based on the needs of the student. This can be applied to any number of school subjects.
Pro tip: reference the 'Confidence/Competence' loop when answering this question. Note that supporting a student's confidence in a particular subject can carry just as great an impact as growing their competence.
Pro tip: reference the 'Confidence/Competence' loop when answering this question. Note that supporting a student's confidence in a particular subject can carry just as great an impact as growing their competence.
Clara's Answer
"My primary goal is to ensure that all of my students are set up to succeed, and sometimes the road to success looks different from one person to another. In order to balance the confidence and competence required for a student to thrive, I work with them to create custom goals and achievable benchmarks. I offer multiple ways for my students to learn, observe, and practice their skills, from storytelling to peer-to-peer reading to independent reading time. Each student and I will check back in with one another at each benchmark to re-evaluate progress and goals."
11.
How would you react if a parent complained about your class?
It can be very difficult to please everyone at the same time, and middle school teachers and staff know this as well as anyone. This question prepares you for a very possible future circumstance and provides the interviewer insight as to how you view parent input and feedback. Note that 'complained' carries a negative connotation, so you'll want your answer to spin it in a positive and productive way.
Clara's Answer
"I would ask the parent to share key examples related to their complaint in order to best understand the context for the comments, then I would listen fully and paraphrase my understanding so they know I am paying full attention to their concerns. I would thank them for their feedback, share any relevant parameters that I must follow within my position, and offer to dive deeper into their concerns and brainstorm ways in which we can work together to put their child's learning first."
12.
How do you engage parents in their child's learning?
One of the dilemma's schools and teachers often face is getting parents more hands-on in their child's learning and keeping them hands-on. The interviewers are looking for a candidate that recognizes the value of parent involvement and has innovative ways of drawing parents in.
Clara's Answer
"I have found that a lack of tools or awareness often impede parents from engaging in their child's learning. I start my school year with one-on-one parent/teacher meetings to inform them of what's to come, offer some tools and tips on how to approach homework, and offer alternative ways to engage their child in learning. I want all of my parents to start out on a more even playing field with at least a few tools to get them started, and I'll continue to check-in periodically to see how the tools are working and whether or not they need new or modified techniques. I'll also reinforce parent involvement in my communication with students by advising them to ask their parents for help. I might even suggest that they reverse the roles and 'teach' their parents what they're learning in class or read to them at the end of the day."
13.
When do you typically find a need to connect with fellow teachers?
It can be easy for teachers to become siloed in their classrooms, and more schools and districts are looking to collaborative solutions that will encourage more connections between teachers. The interviewers are interested in learning how open you are to connecting with other teachers and what motivates those connections. Consider framing how you want and enjoy connecting with fellow teachers, then address when you 'need' to connect.
Clara's Answer
"I believe that I have something to learn from all of my fellow teachers, so I enjoy regularly connecting with them to share best practices, discuss how our students are doing in different settings around the school, and learn new ways to jazz up my approach to a subject. I've found that when teachers have a greater sense of communication and collaboration, the emotional and physical load of our work feels lighter. That said, I definitely begin to feel more of a 'need' to connect with fellow teachers when I have had a particularly challenging day, like after a difficult parent-teacher conference or a behavioral situation in the classroom. I think it's important to remember in those moments that I have a very understanding support system just a classroom."
14.
How do you cater to different learning styles in your classroom?
Students absorb information in a number of ways, so your interviewers are looking for whether or not you accommodate for varying learning styles in your classroom environment, lesson plans, and instruction. There are many 'learning styles' - some of the most well-known include: visual, aural, verbal, and kinesthetic.
Pro tip: make your response personal by touching on your own learning style and how it might vary by environment.
Pro tip: make your response personal by touching on your own learning style and how it might vary by environment.
Clara's Answer
"I find that my own learning style changes based on my environment and what I might be learning. I can tell when I have to work harder to absorb information if an incompatible teaching style is employed, and that's just for me. When I think of the number of students in my classroom, I remember how many different learning styles are likely in the room. I try to introduce a blend of techniques in my teaching when covering each concept. I might not be able to reach all of them in one day, so I'll integrate it into the next day. For example, I might deliver standard verbal instruction paired with some visuals, allow students to complete some sort of physical activity with manipulatives, encourage independent reading, and review with a song or video that covers the content."
15.
How do you develop self-esteem within students?
At the middle school age, youth are navigating a lot of change - new schools, new teachers, new social pressures, and so much more. Middle school teachers have to be cognizant of what their students are going through and provide them with tools and support to navigate the change. Confidence and self-esteem play a huge role in their development and ability to learn in and out of the classroom. The interviewers want to make sure that you have this in mind as you approach your students and planning, particularly as social-emotional learning becomes further integrated into the current learning curriculum. Consider how you might help to build confidence and self-esteem in students that are transferable to other areas of their lives.
Clara's Answer
"Confidence and self-esteem don't often come easily - especially at this age. As a result, I find it valuable to integrate confidence boosts in multiple parts of the day. Even something as simple as acknowledging a student and telling them that I'm glad to see them can offer a needed boost to their self-esteem, so I greet every student that comes into my classroom each morning with a high-five, fist bump, or wave. I make sure to repeatedly give praise and recognition when it is earned, no matter how small; for example, if I have a student that has difficulty speaking out in class, then I will thank them for sharing each time they speak out - even if the answer might be wrong. I'll also tailor growth areas for each student and have them track their own progress; so, when we review what they've tracked, they can visualize progress from their very own data."
View All 30 Middle School Teacher Questions and Answers
Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Q&As,
plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
More Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
Suggested Career
Interview Q&As
Interview Q&As
Continue practicing by visiting these similar question sets
Elementary Teacher
High School Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
Librarian
Math Teacher
Social Studies Teacher
Account Collector
Accounting
Accounting Clerk
Administrative Services Manager
Administrator Assistant
Athletic Director
Elementary Teacher
High School Teacher
Human Resource Specialist
Nursing
Payroll Specialist
Retail
Social Studies Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Teacher
Disclaimer
Our interview questions and answers are created by experienced recruiters and interviewers. These questions and answers do not represent any organization, school, or company on our site. Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site. We do not claim our questions will be asked in any interview you may have. Our goal is to create interview questions and answers that will best prepare you for your interview, and that means we do not want you to memorize our answers. You must create your own answers, and be prepared for any interview question in any interview.