Teaching interviews check subject knowledge, classroom control and how you help different learners. Many schools also ask for a sample lesson.
Teaching interview questions and tips
How do you manage a noisy classroom?
Describe clear rules, routines, engaging activities and fair, consistent responses.
How would you help a student who is falling behind?
Find the cause, give extra support, use varied methods, involve parents and track progress.
How do you plan a lesson?
Objectives, activities, resources, assessment and review. Give a short example.
How do you use technology in teaching?
Name real tools and say how they improve learning.
Why do you want to teach?
Share a personal reason, such as a teacher who inspired you or your enjoyment of helping others learn. Show patience and commitment.
How do you plan a lesson?
Describe objectives, introduction, main activity, practice and assessment, and how you adjust for different ability levels.
How do you assess whether students have understood?
Use questions, short quizzes, observation and marking of exercises, then adjust your next lesson based on the results.
How would you deal with a student who is always late or disruptive?
Talk to the student privately to find the cause, set clear expectations, involve parents or the school where needed and keep the student engaged.
How do you use technology or teaching aids in class?
Mention simple, practical aids such as charts, models, slides or phones where allowed, and say how they help learning.
How would you communicate with parents?
Explain that you would keep regular, polite contact, share both progress and concerns early and listen to their views.
General questions to expect as well
Tell me about yourself.
About one minute: who you are now, one or two relevant strengths or achievements, and why you want this job. Do not read out your CV.
Why should we hire you?
Match your skills and experience to the job requirements in two or three clear points.
What salary do you expect?
Research typical pay for the role first. Give a reasonable range, and say you are open to discuss based on the full package.
See all ten in our common interview questions.
Use the STAR method for behaviour questions
When a question starts with “Tell me about a time…”, answer in four short parts:
- Situation. Set the scene in one or two sentences.
- Task. Say what you had to achieve.
- Action. Explain what you did yourself. Use “I” more than “we”.
- Result. Say what happened, with a number if you can, and what you learned.
Before the interview
- Read the job advert again and prepare one example for each requirement.
- Bring copies of your CV, certificates and ID. The job application checklist lists what to carry.
- Practise out loud with the interview practice timer.
- Plan your journey, arrive early and switch off your phone.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common teaching interview questions?
Typical questions include: “How do you manage a noisy classroom?” “How would you help a student who is falling behind?” “How do you plan a lesson?” Each question above comes with a tip.
How do I prepare for a teaching interview?
Read the job advert, prepare an example for each requirement, practise your answers out loud and research the employer. Teaching interviews check subject knowledge, classroom control and how you help different learners. Many schools also ask for a sample lesson.
More interview questions
Free tools you may need
Interview Practice
Common interview questions by role, with answer tips and a countdown timer to practise out loud.
Aptitude Test Practice
Timed numerical, number series, verbal and logical questions like graduate recruitment tests, with scoring and review.
CV Builder
Build a clean CV in minutes. Nigerian, international and simple templates. Download as PDF or Word.
Typing Speed Test
Test your words per minute and accuracy. Useful for clerical, bank and government job tests.