Interviewing for a teaching position is more than just answering questions. A lot more. Of all the teacher interviews that I have been a part of it’s the candidates that ask questions that usually get the job or are invited back for a second interview.
Why? Let me explain why you, the job candidate, needs to ask questions too.
Candidates that ask the interviewer or panel questions appear more eager, more willing to come in and start working.
Candidates that just get up and leave when the interview is over don’t appear as interested in the teaching position.
When you have time during the interview then ask some questions, below is a list of some of the best questions I have heard from teaching candidates.
You need to be ready to ask them the right questions so that you can determine if the school is right for you, assess the person interviewing you, and to demonstrate professionalism and insight.
Print out the 19 questions below so that you feel comfortable asking and bring them with you to the interview so you don’t forget them.
If you don’t have any time to ask your questions during the interview then you will probably have to wait until the end of it.
Most interviews end with the interviewers asking if you have any questions.
This is your chance to make a good impression. These are the questions to ask.
- Why is the postion available?
- What qualities, skills, and talents are you looking for in a candidate that were not detailed in the job posting?
- What are the greatest strengths of [SCHOOL NAME]?
- What are some of your top priorities and goals for you next year?
- What opportunities exist for me to be more involved in activities at [SCHOOL NAME]?
- What technologies are available for staff?
- What technologies are available for students?
- What professional development opportunities are available for teachers?
- How is teaching assessed throughout the year?
- What mentorship and support opportunities exist for new and veteran teachers?
- What curriculum materials currently exist for this position and what opportunities are there for additional curriculum development and design?
- How is technology integrated into the current curriculum? What are your plans for integrating technology?
- What opportunities exist for curriculum design and development, or modification of current curriculum to reflect individual teaching styles?
- What classrooms and resources are available for the classes that I’d be teaching?
- When and how can I expect to hear from you regarding my candidacy?
- What professional development opportunities will be available? How often are teachers observed and how often do they receive feedback
- Is there a school-wide behavior plan you’re expected to follow?
- What is the best part about school culture?
- what are three of the biggest challenges facing the person who will take this position
Why Should You Ask Questions?
Of all the interviews I have been a part of while I was a team leader the candidates that asked questions stood out more than those that did not.
It shows that they have an interest in the school, community, and the position.
If you ask the right questions, answer questions well, and are dressed professionally then you have a good chance of being asked to come back for another interview.
If you are worried about what to wear to the interview then read this article I wrote where I explain what is professional for men and women.
Question You Shouldn’t Ask
Don’t ask questions that you could/should know the answer to by doing a little research.
Don’t ask questions that you can easily find the answer to by checking out the school or district website.
For example, don’t ask if there are sports or extracurricular activities at the school when you can usually easily find that answer on their website.
Take the time to pick a few questions that you really want the answer to. Make sure their sound like meaningful, sincere questions.
If you do these things during your interview you will icrease your chances of standing out and getting a call back for another interview.
