20 Questions

Questions to Ask After a Teacher Interview

Strategic questions to ask after a teacher interview that demonstrate your continued interest, gather important information, and help you make an informed decision about the teaching opportunity.

1

What is the next step in the hiring process, and when can I expect to hear back about the position?

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Why this works

Shows your continued interest while helping you manage expectations and plan your next steps in the job search process.

2

What is the school's approach to professional development and continuing education for teachers?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your commitment to growth while helping you understand how the school supports teacher learning and career advancement.

3

How does the school support new teachers during their first year, and what mentorship opportunities are available?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about your success while helping you understand the support systems in place for new teachers.

4

What is the school's philosophy on student discipline and classroom management, and how do teachers handle challenging situations?

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Why this works

Understanding the school's approach to discipline helps you assess if their philosophy aligns with your teaching style and values.

5

What technology and resources are available to teachers, and what training is provided for new systems?

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Why this works

Understanding the technological environment helps you prepare for the role and shows you're thinking about the practical aspects of teaching.

6

How does the school handle parent communication and involvement, and what role do teachers play in building these relationships?

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Why this works

Shows you understand the importance of parent-teacher relationships while helping you understand the school's approach to family engagement.

7

What opportunities are there for teachers to collaborate and share best practices with colleagues?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in teamwork while helping you understand the collaborative culture and professional learning opportunities.

8

How does the school support teachers' work-life balance, and what policies are in place to prevent burnout?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about sustainability while helping you understand the school's commitment to teacher well-being and work-life balance.

9

What is the school's approach to curriculum development and how much input do teachers have in shaping the curriculum?

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Why this works

Understanding curriculum autonomy helps you assess if the school values teacher input and provides opportunities for professional growth.

10

How does the school handle student assessment and grading, and what support is provided for teachers in this area?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about assessment practices while helping you understand the school's approach to student evaluation and teacher support.

11

What opportunities are there for teachers to participate in school committees or leadership roles?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in leadership while helping you understand opportunities for professional growth and school involvement.

12

How does the school support teachers in working with students who have special needs or learning differences?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about inclusive education while helping you understand the school's approach to supporting diverse learners.

13

What is the school's approach to professional development and how are teachers encouraged to stay current with best practices?

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Why this works

Understanding professional development opportunities helps you assess the school's commitment to teacher growth and learning.

14

How does the school handle teacher feedback and evaluation, and what support is provided for improvement?

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Why this works

Shows you want to grow and improve while helping you understand the school's approach to teacher development and support.

15

What opportunities are there for teachers to pursue advanced degrees or certifications while working at the school?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning while helping you understand the school's support for educational advancement.

16

How does the school support teachers in managing classroom diversity and creating inclusive learning environments?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about equity and inclusion while helping you understand the school's approach to supporting diverse student populations.

17

What is the school's approach to student behavior and how do teachers work together to maintain a positive school culture?

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Why this works

Understanding the school's culture helps you assess if the environment aligns with your teaching philosophy and values.

18

How does the school handle teacher workload and what support is provided for managing multiple responsibilities?

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Why this works

Shows you're thinking about practical aspects of teaching while helping you understand the school's approach to teacher workload and support.

19

What opportunities are there for teachers to engage in research or innovative teaching practices?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in innovation while helping you understand the school's support for creative and research-based teaching approaches.

20

How can I best prepare for this role if I'm selected, and what resources would you recommend for getting started?

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Why this works

Shows your commitment to success while helping you understand how to prepare effectively for the role and hit the ground running.

Maximizing Your Teaching Interview Success

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

Best Practices for Teaching Interviews

Show Genuine Interest in Student Success

Demonstrate your passion for teaching and student learning. Ask questions that show you're thinking about how to help students succeed.

Emphasize Your Commitment to Professional Growth

Teaching is a constantly evolving profession. Show that you're committed to continuing education and staying current with best practices.

Ask About Support Systems

Teaching can be challenging, especially for new teachers. Show interest in understanding the support systems and resources available.

Question Sequences

The Support System Sequence

1
How does the school support new teachers?
2
What mentorship opportunities are available?
3
What professional development is provided?
4
How do you handle teacher feedback and evaluation?

The Student Success Sequence

1
What is the school's philosophy on student discipline?
2
How do you support students with special needs?
3
What is your approach to classroom diversity?
4
How do you maintain a positive school culture?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Salary

While compensation is important, focus on the role, learning opportunities, and work environment. Salary discussions come later in the process.

Don't Ask About Problems Without Context

Avoid questions that sound like you're looking for problems. Frame questions positively and focus on understanding the role and environment.

Don't Neglect to Ask About Support Systems

Teaching can be challenging. Make sure you understand what support is available for new teachers and during difficult situations.

Conversation Templates

The Student-Focused Inquirer

1
Step 1: Start with: 'I'm passionate about student success. What is the school's approach to...'
2
Step 2: Ask: 'How do you support students with special needs?'
3
Step 3: Follow with: 'What opportunities are there for inclusive education?'

The Growth-Oriented Candidate

1
Step 1: Begin with: 'I'm committed to professional growth. What opportunities exist here?'
2
Step 2: Ask: 'How does the school support teacher development?'
3
Step 3: Request: 'What mentorship opportunities are available?'

Further Reading

"The First Days of School" by Harry Wong
"Teach Like a Champion" by Doug Lemov
National Education Association (NEA) resources for new teachers

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