20 Questions

Interesting Questions to Ask a Teacher

Engaging and thought-provoking questions to ask teachers about their profession, experiences, and insights to spark meaningful conversations about education.

1

What's the most unexpected thing you've learned from a student?

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Why this works

Reveals their openness to learning from students and shows how teaching is a two-way process of knowledge exchange.

2

If you could teach any subject that isn't your current one, what would it be and why?

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Why this works

Shows their interests beyond their current field and reveals what other subjects they find fascinating or important.

3

What's the funniest thing a student has ever said or done in your class?

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Why this works

Lightens the conversation and shows their ability to find humor in the classroom while maintaining professionalism.

4

If you could design the perfect classroom, what would it look like?

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Why this works

Reveals their ideal learning environment and shows their vision for what education could be with unlimited resources.

5

What's the most creative way you've ever explained a difficult concept?

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Why this works

Shows their teaching creativity and problem-solving skills in making complex topics accessible to students.

6

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?

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Why this works

Reveals their intellectual interests and shows how they think about learning from great minds throughout history.

7

What's the most rewarding moment you've had as a teacher?

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Why this works

Shows what they find most fulfilling about teaching and reveals their passion for student success.

8

If you could give one piece of advice to all parents, what would it be?

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Why this works

Reveals their insights about the parent-teacher relationship and what they think parents should know about education.

9

What's the most interesting project or assignment a student has ever created?

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Why this works

Shows their appreciation for student creativity and reveals what kind of work they find most impressive or inspiring.

10

If you could change one thing about the education system, what would it be?

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Why this works

Reveals their thoughts on educational reform and shows their vision for improving the system.

11

What's the most surprising thing about being a teacher that people don't know?

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Why this works

Provides insight into the hidden aspects of teaching and helps people understand the profession better.

12

If you could teach in any time period, when would it be and why?

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Why this works

Shows their historical interests and reveals how they think about education in different eras.

13

What's the most challenging student situation you've ever handled?

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Why this works

Reveals their problem-solving skills and shows how they handle difficult classroom situations.

14

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would people celebrate it?

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Why this works

Shows their creativity and reveals what values or concepts they think are worth celebrating.

15

What's the most interesting thing you've discovered about how students learn?

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Why this works

Reveals their insights about learning processes and shows their understanding of educational psychology.

16

If you could have any superpower to help with teaching, what would it be?

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Why this works

Shows their sense of humor and reveals what challenges they face in the classroom.

17

What's the most memorable field trip or educational experience you've organized?

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Why this works

Shows their commitment to hands-on learning and reveals what kind of experiences they think are most valuable.

18

If you could write a book about teaching, what would the title be?

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Why this works

Reveals their perspective on teaching and shows how they would summarize their experiences and insights.

19

What's the most interesting question a student has ever asked you?

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Why this works

Shows their appreciation for student curiosity and reveals what kind of questions they find most thought-provoking.

20

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about teaching, what would it be?

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Why this works

Reveals their growth and learning as a teacher and shows what they wish they had known earlier in their career.

Engaging with Educators

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Effective Teacher Conversations

Show Respect for Their Profession

Acknowledge the importance of their work and show genuine interest in their experiences and insights.

Ask About Their Journey

Focus on their experiences, challenges, and successes rather than just asking about their current work.

Listen for Insights

Pay attention to their perspectives on education, learning, and student development as they often have valuable insights.

Key Areas to Explore

Unexpected learning experiences
Creative teaching methods
Student interactions and stories
Educational philosophy and vision
Challenges and problem-solving
Rewarding moments and successes
Parent-teacher relationships
Educational system insights
Historical and cultural perspectives
Personal growth and reflection

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Focus Only on Challenges

Ask about positive experiences, successes, and rewarding moments, not just difficulties and problems.

Don't Assume You Know Teaching

Ask questions and listen to their explanations rather than assuming you understand the teaching profession.

Don't Ignore Their Creativity

Ask about their creative approaches, innovative methods, and unique solutions to teaching challenges.

Conversation Frameworks

The Experience Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: 'What's the most unexpected thing you've learned from a student?'
2
Step 2: Follow with: 'What's the most rewarding moment you've had as a teacher?'
3
Step 3: Deepen with: 'What's the most interesting question a student has ever asked you?'

The Vision Seeker

1
Step 1: Begin with: 'If you could design the perfect classroom, what would it look like?'
2
Step 2: Continue with: 'If you could change one thing about the education system, what would it be?'
3
Step 3: Explore with: 'If you could write a book about teaching, what would the title be?'

Further Reading

"The Courage to Teach" by Parker J. Palmer
"Teach Like a Champion" by Doug Lemov
"The First Days of School" by Harry K. Wong

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