K-12 Interviewing Tips

Frequently Asked Interviewing Questions

Over 2,000 first-year teachers were asked to identify the topics asked most often by hiring officials during an interview. Here is what K-12 certified teachers shared in the National Teacher Interview Survey:

  • Strengths
  • Classroom Management
  • Student Teaching experiences
  • Weaknesses
  • What If
  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Future plans
  • Teaching Style
  • Motivational Theories
  • Employment History
  • College Courses
  • Lesson Design
  • Salary
  • Curriculum Knowledge
  • Coaching Interests
  • Youth-Related Activities
  • College Activities
  • Community Activities
  • Higher Thinking Skills and Strategies
  • GPA

Questions You Can Ask During An Interview

  • How are extracurricular assignments established for teachers interested and qualified in after-school activities?
  • What percentage of students participate in extracurricular activities?  What influences their participation?
  • How are faculty inservice training managed throughout the school year?  Is training at the district or buiding level?  How often is inservice training offered?
  • What reading series do you use and how long has it been in use?
  • In the past few years, what has been the average faculty turnover rate and what has influenced this number?
  • How is the budget established for supplies which need to be purchased during the school year?
  • How does the teacher-parent organization interact with the administration?
  • What percentage of your graduates continue their education?  What are the plans of the graduates who are not continuing their education?
  • What are the opportunities for team teaching or team planning?
  • How are the materials in your library or learning center managed and who is responsible for providing the instruction for use of the resource materials?