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Tips for Answering Teacher Interview Questions

Tips for Answering Teacher Interview Questions

Teacher interviews can be extremely stressful and very overwhelming. To ensure you will perform with excellence at your next interview, you need to know how to best answer teacher interview questions.

Strategies to Help Improve Your Performance at Your Next Interview

1. Provide Positive Success Story Examples

The more optimistic an experience or outcome sounds, the better. Always keep this tip in mind when answering questions in a behavioral interview. Spin everything into a positive one.

If you cannot find a positive outcome using the STAR format, you may wish to choose another example altogether. The STAR format stands for the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are speaking about in the interview. Answering behavioral-based interview questions using this format will help you to excel in the meeting.

Anytime you have learned something or developed a new instructional technique or disciplinary method – this is a positive. The fewer negative stories you interject, the better you sound like a candidate.

2. Think Before Answering

The worst response a job seeker can do in an interview is to blurt out the first thought that comes to mind without thinking about it. Take the time that you need to formulate a positive and fitting response. If you feel that you are taking too long to answer your question, use stall tactics. These may include asking for a follow-up question or clarification. If you do not know the answer, ask if you can return to it later in the interview, particularly if it is a behavioral interview.

3. Be Able to Address Tough Questions

Regardless of your past work experience, there will likely be one tough question. I.e., why have you been out of the workforce for the past three years? Why did you leave your last position? What are your salary expectations? The best way to manage these questions is to plan, put a positive spin on your answers, and be as truthful as possible without revealing too much (for example, you left for X reason).

4. Express Your Passion for Teaching and Helping Students

Always keep in mind why you got into this profession in the first place. Convey your true desire to help students reach their full potential and blossom into successful, contributing members of society. Explain how you wish to assist the whole classroom community of students but also each student. Let the interviewer know that you are willing to provide after-school tutoring, conference with parents, locate additional resources, and go the extra mile to help any child in need.

5. Don’t Act Vague or Uncertain When Answering Questions

There will always be a reason you are asked specific questions – there is a purpose.

The school principal is looking for your honest answer and will tell if you are lying or uncertain about what you say. Be specific and confident in your answers. Be true to yourself, and do not lie. If a question comes up that you would rather not discuss, politely tell the interviewer just that. He or she may ask for a reason, and it is up to you whether or not you wish to say anymore.