Preparing for a teaching interview requires more than understanding your own experience and qualifications—it’s about knowing how to communicate them effectively.
This guide covers common questions you may face in your next teaching interview, along with tips on what to include in your answers.
By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make a strong impression and stand out to any interviewer.
Each question provides an opportunity to demonstrate your passion, skills, and understanding of the education sector. Here’s how to approach some of the most common questions in a way that resonates with school leaders and hiring managers.
Begin by sharing what originally inspired you to pursue teaching, whether it was a particular teacher in your own life, an experience working with children, or a personal drive to contribute positively to society. Describe how your motivations align with your commitment to education in the long-term.
This is also a good time to mention any personal values that align with the school’s mission, such as nurturing a love for learning, promoting inclusivity, or supporting each child’s unique journey.
Summarise your experience, starting with the most relevant roles or settings. Be specific about the types of schools you’ve worked in (e.g., primary, secondary, or SEN), year groups, and subjects you’ve taught.
Highlight diverse experiences that show your adaptability, such as working with mixed-ability classes or implementing varied curriculum standards. Mention any placements, voluntary roles, or specialist training to show a well-rounded background.
This provides a clear view of your familiarity with school environments and prepares you to discuss specific skills in more detail.
Research the school’s values, culture, curriculum, and any recent initiatives. Highlight specific aspects of the school that resonate with you, such as a commitment to inclusivity, strong community engagement, or innovative teaching methods.
Share how these align with your own teaching philosophy and how you believe you can contribute to these goals. This shows the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in their school environment, not just any teaching job.
Describe a specific classroom challenge you encountered—this could range from managing difficult behaviour to supporting a struggling student.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response: explain the situation briefly, the task you needed to achieve, the actions you took, and the result or outcome.
Focus on strategies that reflect resilience, patience, and a solution-focused mindset, showing how you adapt to challenges while keeping students’ needs at the forefront.
Explain your approach to building engagement, which might involve using real-world connections, integrating multimedia resources, or incorporating interactive activities. Discuss how you assess students’ interests and needs to tailor lessons accordingly.
You might also mention any successes in turning around students who initially seemed disengaged, showing your creativity and persistence in reaching each student.
Reflect on personal qualities that directly impact teaching, such as patience, adaptability, or enthusiasm. Give examples of how these qualities positively affect your students and contribute to a productive learning environment.
For example, if you’re particularly organised, you could mention how this helps you manage time effectively, ensuring lessons run smoothly. Or, if empathy is a strength, describe how this helps you connect with students and support their individual needs.
Schools seek teachers who understand the value of soft skills as well as technical abilities.
Describe your understanding of differentiation and how you implement it practically. Highlight strategies you use to address varied learning needs, such as grouping students strategically, providing varied tasks, or using formative assessments to adapt your lessons.
Show that you’re comfortable personalising learning and committed to supporting every student’s progress, as these are critical expectations in UK schools.
Most interviews will have a question about safeguarding. These questions can take several forms including:
In your response, address your knowledge of safeguarding guidelines and your vigilance in identifying and responding to potential concerns. Show your understanding of procedures for reporting issues and collaborating with other staff, especially the school’s safeguarding lead.
You could also mention any specific training or certifications you have in safeguarding, demonstrating your proactive approach to keeping students safe and prioritising their well-being.
Outline the ways you keep informed about the latest in education, such as attending professional development workshops, engaging with professional organisations, or reading relevant publications.
Describe any specific topics you’re particularly interested in, such as digital learning tools or new curriculum standards, and how you apply these insights in your teaching. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement.
Explain your approach to establishing a positive and respectful classroom environment, which could include setting clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, and promoting a sense of mutual respect.
Describe specific techniques or routines you rely on to maintain order and focus. Schools look for teachers who can balance structure with an engaging learning atmosphere, so emphasise your ability to create a supportive yet disciplined environment.
Preparation is key to communicating your ideas effectively. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare and stand out during your next teacher interview.
For competency-based questions, such as handling challenges or managing student engagement, the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) provides a clear structure for your answers. This method ensures your response is concise, yet detailed enough to showcase your problem-solving approach. Here’s how to use the STAR method in an interview.
Understanding the specific values and mission of the school you’re interviewing with is essential. Look into their Ofsted report, website, and social media channels to get a sense of the school’s culture. Referencing this knowledge during your responses can help you connect your skills and values directly to the school’s needs, showing that you’re an ideal fit.
Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re genuinely interested in the school and the role. Consider asking:
Safeguarding is a key factor in UK schools, so be sure to communicate your understanding and commitment to student welfare. Familiarise yourself with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, and mention any relevant training you’ve completed.
Education is constantly evolving, and schools look for teachers who can adapt to new challenges. Emphasise your ability to reflect on your teaching practice and adapt as needed. Whether you’ve implemented feedback from a colleague or adjusted your lesson plans to support student needs, these examples show that you’re committed to growth.
Assessing students’ progress is a key part of teaching. Be prepared to discuss how you use both formative and summative assessments to measure learning and how you adjust instruction based on assessment outcomes. Demonstrating a strong understanding of assessment methods shows your ability to track and support student progress effectively.
Interviews are your opportunity to demonstrate not only your teaching skills but also your alignment with the school’s culture and values.
By preparing thoughtful responses, researching the school, and showing a genuine passion for teaching, you can make a memorable impression on any interviewer or hiring panel.
With these tips and a bit of preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to present yourself as a dedicated and highly competent teacher.
Are you looking to take the next step in your teaching career? Get in touch with our team to find out about our opportunities.
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