Prepare with confidence and ace your teaching interview.
As you prepare for a teaching interview, it’s essential to remember that this process is not just about answering questions, it's also about asking them. Showing that you are curious, thoughtful, and well-prepared can set you apart from other candidates.
Here our team at Gold Education Recruitment have compiled a guide to help you through some of the top questions to ask during your teaching interview, helping you to prepare with confidence and ace your interviews.
Why Ask Questions?
First, let’s discuss why it’s crucial to ask questions during your teaching interview:
Demonstrates interest and preparedness: Asking insightful questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and the school, and have taken the time to look into both in preparation for your interview.
Clarifies expectations: It helps you understand the school's expectations, culture and environment.
Builds rapport: Engaging in a two-way conversation can help establish a connection with the interviewers.
Questions to ask about the school.
1. What is the school's philosophy and approach to education?
Understanding the school’s educational philosophy will help you gauge if it aligns with your teaching style and values. It can also give you an insight into what the leadership and teams of the school prioritise.
2. Can you tell me about the school culture and community?
This question helps you understand the environment in which you'll be working. A supportive and collaborative culture can make a significant difference in your job satisfaction and effectiveness as a teacher.
3. How does the school support professional development?
Professional growth is crucial in teaching. Knowing how the school invests in its teachers through professional development can help you assess if it’s a place where you can grow and advance your career.
4. What are the biggest challenges the school is currently facing?
This question shows that you are interested in the broader context of the school. It also gives you a realistic picture of what to expect and how you can contribute to solving existing problems.
Questions to ask about the role.
1. What are the specific expectations for this position?
Clarifying the expectations will help you understand what success looks like in this role. It also allows you to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
2. Can you describe a typical day or week for someone in this position?
This question helps you visualise the daily responsibilities and workload, allowing you to assess if the role matches your career goals and work-life balance preferences.
3. How is performance evaluated for this role?
Understanding the evaluation process can help you prepare for what is expected in terms of performance and how you can meet and exceed those expectations.
4. What opportunities are there for collaboration with other teachers?
Collaboration can enhance your teaching practices and contribute to a more cohesive learning environment for students. This question shows you value teamwork and are eager to engage with your colleagues.
Questions to ask about students and curriculum.
1. How is the curriculum developed and updated?
This question can provide insights into the school’s approach to curriculum design and flexibility. It also allows you to understand how much input teachers have in shaping the curriculum within their school and the school’s focuses away from what has been prescribed by the Government.
2. What is the student-teacher ratio in the classroom?
A lower student-teacher ratio often means more individualised attention for students, which can impact your teaching methods and workload. It can also impact lesson planning and so is ideal to know before you take a role.
3. Can you tell me about the support systems in place for students with special needs or learning difficulties, or those with mental health concerns?
Knowing about the resources and support available for diverse learners, and those who may need additional support, will help you understand how inclusive the school is and how well you can cater to all students' needs. It also reflects the school’s commitment to these students and indicates the values of the school.
4. How does the school handle discipline and behavioural issues?
Understanding the school's approach to discipline will help you align your classroom management strategies with the school's policies and ensure a consistent environment for students.
Questions to ask about technology and resources.
From interactive whiteboards to educational apps, digital tools offer educators innovative ways to engage students and enhance learning experiences. In addition to the questions featured here, we have also published a blog on how to navigate technology in classrooms here.
1. What technology and resources are available to teachers and students?
Technology plays a vital role in modern education. Knowing what tools and resources are available can help you plan your lessons and integrate technology effectively.
2. How does the school support innovative teaching methods?
If you have a particular interest in innovative teaching practices, this question can help you gauge how open the school is to new ideas and approaches.
3. Are there opportunities for extracurricular involvement?
Being involved in extracurricular activities can enrich your teaching experience and help build stronger relationships with students. This question shows you are willing to go beyond the classroom.
What next?
Preparing thoughtful questions for your teaching interview can significantly impact how you are perceived by the interviewers. It demonstrates your interest and willingness to contribute to the school community, whilst allowing you to gain valuable insights into whether the school is the right fit for you.
At Gold Education Recruitment we are committed to helping you succeed in your teaching career. From preparing for interviews to finding you the right fit based on your wants and needs, our team take a bespoke approach to recruitment so that you can feel comfortable and happy in the new adventures that await you. You can contact our team today or view our latest vacancies on our website.
Looking for more tips on how to secure your dream teaching role? Read our blog here.
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