MockQuestions

Preschool Teacher Mock Interview

25 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Preschool Teacher interview, here are 25 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

25 Preschool Teacher Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Discuss a time in which you had to confront a parent about their child's behavior or learning.

How to Answer

Confrontation is challenging. Parents can get defensive about their children or be in denial about their children's struggles. In the end, both you and the parent want what's best for the child. Think about a time when you were able to speak honestly but empathetically to a parent about their child.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Entry Level

"As I am new to my career as a preschool teacher, I have not yet needed to speak to a parent regarding child-related concerns. I realize this would be a touchy subject handled with great care and empathy. I look forward to learning from such skilled directors, here, and emulating their problem-solving skills when it comes to parent communication."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"One of my students would constantly disrupt class by distracting other students or refusing to participate in any activities. A few weeks after this behavior continued, I held a parent-teacher meeting and told the parent that while their child was bright and creative, I was concerned that she might be having some trouble focusing. We made a plan together, which included a lower sugar breakfast, more sleep, and a more disciplined schedule overall."

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Experienced

"In my nine years of experience as a preschool teacher, I have had many uncomfortable, but much needed, conversations with parents of students. I always start by genuinely complimenting their child. I then make a recommendation for improvement and growth and immediately provide resources to support this request at home. For instance, last week, the conversation went something like, 'I must say that I greatly appreciate Samantha's participation when it comes to dancing, painting, and other art-based activities. She is certainly a creative force in our classroom! I would like to discuss how we can better support her interest in reading and language arts. For that reason, I have created a list of educational apps you can download on your tablet, to pique her interest further. Also, here is a list of age-appropriate books that she may enjoy reading. Could we work together for the next month and regroup to discuss her progress?' This method of coaching works for me every time because it's collaborative, non-blaming, and non-invasive."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

2.   What is your current salary?

How to Answer

A potential employer will often base their offer on your current salary. You should be transparent about your most recent earnings and be prepared to back up any salary requests.

Written by Ryan Brown

Entry Level

"As I am a recent graduate, I would like to be offered a fair salary that reflects my recent education. I am most concerned with joining an organization that will help me to grow my teaching career. Compensation is not my primary driver."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I am currently earning a base salary of $38,000 plus health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."

Written by Ryan Brown

Experienced

"I am currently making $50,000 per year with the opportunity to earn a commission based on new enrollment referrals. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

3.   How many days were you absent from work last year?

How to Answer

A part of being a diligent teacher is to ensure that you are always on time and present when expected. It's great to be consistently early, to prep your classroom for the day, rather than just showing up right on the dot. Talk to the interviewer about your attendance.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Entry Level

"I did not miss a single day of class last year, and I plan to bring that same level of dedication and diligence to my career."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I had zero unexcused absences last year. In total, I took 12 vacation days out of my 15 allotted days. I was sick for just two days. Those days, I had a note from my doctor, and I found a substitute teacher within sufficient time."

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Experienced

"I think I missed ten days, counting vacation time. If I am ever sick, I am sure to provide a doctor's note and have a substitute teacher in place."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

4.   How often do you take work home with you?

How to Answer

The majority of teachers will work overtime hours or take work home with them on occasion. Talk to the interviewer about how frequently to take your work home.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Entry Level

"I am used to working all hours since I have just completed my university degree. Rest assured, I am more than willing to take any work home with me. I suspect this will be quite often as I begin my career, build my curriculum, and get to know my new students' needs."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I make sure to utilize my work hours very efficiently, so the only time that I take my work home is when there is an extremely stringent marking deadline or an issue in the classroom that needs attention. I would say that, overall, I take my work home maybe twice per month. It's all about being diligent with your time in school!"

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Experienced

"I take my work home with me whenever it is necessary. Some teaching positions I have held, I work from home nearly every day. Other roles, such as my current position, I work from home just a couple of times per month."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

5.   How do you like to encourage ideas in other teachers?

How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know how you have encouraged others to think creatively. Encouragement to others is a great skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to promote creative ideas in your fellow teachers.

Written by Ryan Brown

Entry Level

"Here are some ways that you can encourage ideas in others:

- Get to know them and what they like to work on
- Send an encouraging email letting them know you like their plan or ideas
- Publicly praise their efforts
- If they are doing a great job, offer them more related opportunities
- If you are a leader, then tell them that you like their ideas
- Say things like 'Well done' or 'Nice work' regularly
- Show that you believe in their quality of work before they even deliver it"

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I like to encourage other people to be creative in their thinking and present ideas to the school, no matter how off the wall they may seem. Some of our most successful teachers are ones who are confident in their ability to bring forward their unique ideas. Our school encourages participation through an open door policy and strong praise for those who show initiative."

Written by Ryan Brown

Experienced

"I encourage my fellow teachers, and teacher assistants, to tap into the best parts of themselves. It helps to ask probing questions to get them to generate ideas on their own. I have found that by painting a long-term vision for where I want the center to go, my team will often jump in with creative solutions to get us there."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

6.   How do you deal with stressful situations in the workplace?

How to Answer

Ah, the challenge of stress management! Your ability to manage stress will directly influence your ability to do your job successfully. Before answering this question, think of some ways you have learned to deal with stress at work. As a preschool teacher, you can't always take a break when you need it, so what will you do?

Written by Ryan Brown

Entry Level

"Some workplace stress management strategies are:

- Track your primary stress factors and make a plan for overcoming those
- Establish boundaries with distracting coworkers
- Breathing exercises, or meditation
- Be sure to recharge your emotional batteries throughout the day
- Express your stress to your manager/supervisor
- Ask for help"

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I've learned some helpful breathing techniques that I can do while I'm in the classroom. Sometimes my kids will do them with me! Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a situation, I can slow down my breathing and remain calm. Once I understood that it was okay for me to take a minute for myself, I learned to handle workplace stressors in a whole new way."

Written by Ryan Brown

Experienced

"I do well under pressure or stress, especially after ten years as a preschool teacher! I need to balance myself and my workload out, as much as possible, or it can become unsustainable. I know myself and my triggers pretty well, so when I feel like there's too much on my plate, I know how to center myself and just dig in and get through it, knowing I'll come out better on the other side. I am also unafraid to ask for assistance when needed."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

7.   What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

How to Answer

A good employer will go out of their way to get to know what motivates you, and what keeps you happy. Everyone will have the particular triggers that cause them to feel dissatisfaction on the job. Talk to the interviewer about any factors that may deflate or discourage you in the workplace.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Entry Level

"I have felt dissatisfied on the job when I feel underpaid and overworked. I don't mind working hard at all, but I don't like to feel as though I'm being taken advantage of."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I can feel dissatisfaction with the job when I am not feeling heard or when there is not mutual respect among the team members. I work best in more harmonious situations where there is little drama or gossip."

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Experienced

"I feel dissatisfied when I work hard but constantly hit roadblocks, such as policy changes in the teaching industry. Obstacles happen, but when you can't get anywhere because there are so many of them, it is frustrating. I overcome this by creating alternate scenarios and preparing new ways to get around red tape and policy."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

8.   What experience have you had with students from culturally diverse backgrounds?

How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know that you are accustomed to working with a broad range of people. Share your experiences with students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Diversity can include children of different ethnic, religious, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Entry Level

"While completing my program at a local childcare center, I taught children in a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. It was intriguing to see how children do not notice any differences. They just want to play with each other and make new friends."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I have worked with students from various backgrounds ever since I started teaching five years ago. One of the most memorable was when I worked with a child who was a recent immigrant from Sudan. Her English skills snowballed because I would spend an extra 30 minutes with her before school started. She was such an eager and fast learner, I will never forget that rewarding experience."

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Experienced

"I have worked with diverse groups of students, and teachers, most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable and happy in this type of environment because it offers a great learning opportunity for everyone."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

9.   Do you have your CDA (Child Development Associate) Certificate?

How to Answer

Your answer can be a simple yes or no; however, you need to come prepared for the interview with proof of certification. Be sure to include your setting, age-level endorsement, and specialization.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Entry Level

"I understand the importance of holding a CDA Certificate, which is why I have registered to take my certification exam later this week. Rest assured, my plan, before starting my career as a preschool teacher, includes full certification through the CDA Council."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I do have a valid CDA certification. I brought my certification documents for you to verify, and feel free to take a photocopy or scan for your records. You will notice that I hold certification in center-based programs for preschoolers, 3-5 years old, with a specialization in bilingual programs."

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Experienced

"I am certified! Since starting my career as a preschool teacher, I have never allowed my certification to lapse. I hold certification in Family Child Care Programs, ages birth to five years, with a specialization in bilingual programs. I have brought my certification documents with me today. Feel free to make a copy for your records."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

10.   Do you have valid First Aid and CPR Certification?

How to Answer

Your answer can be a simple yes or no; however, you should come prepared for the interview with proof of certification. If you require any upgrading, you are best to address this before the interviewer does.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Entry Level

"I understand the importance of current certifications in First Aid and CPR, which is why I have registered to take both certifications this coming month. Rest assured, my plan, before starting my career as a preschool teacher, includes full certification."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

Answer Example

"I do have valid First Aid and CPR certifications. I brought my certification documents for you to verify, and feel free to take a photocopy or scan for your records. You will notice that my First Aid is expiring at the end of June. I have already registered for a re-certification class."

Written by Ryan Brown on August 30th, 2020

Experienced

"I am certified! Since starting my career as a preschool teacher, I have never allowed my certifications to lapse. I have brought my certification documents with me today. Feel free to make a copy for your records."

Written by Rachelle Enns on August 30th, 2020

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