Questions to Ask an English Teacher
Engaging questions to explore an English teacher's approach to literature, writing, and language education, helping you understand their teaching philosophy and methods.
1What is your philosophy on teaching literature and how do you approach it?
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What is your philosophy on teaching literature and how do you approach it?
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Why this works
Reveals their fundamental beliefs about literature education and how they plan to help students engage with texts meaningfully.
2How do you help students develop their writing skills and what is your approach?
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How do you help students develop their writing skills and what is your approach?
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Why this works
Shows their methodology for teaching writing and how they plan to support students in developing their communication skills.
3What is your approach to teaching grammar and language mechanics?
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What is your approach to teaching grammar and language mechanics?
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Why this works
Reveals their strategy for teaching the technical aspects of language and how they make grammar engaging and relevant.
4How do you handle different reading levels and abilities in your classroom?
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How do you handle different reading levels and abilities in your classroom?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to differentiate instruction and meet the diverse needs of students with varying reading abilities.
5What is your approach to teaching critical thinking and analysis?
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What is your approach to teaching critical thinking and analysis?
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Why this works
Reveals how they develop students' analytical skills and help them think critically about texts and ideas.
6How do you make literature relevant and engaging for students?
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How do you make literature relevant and engaging for students?
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Why this works
Shows their creativity and ability to connect classic and contemporary texts to students' lives and interests.
7What is your approach to teaching vocabulary and word study?
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What is your approach to teaching vocabulary and word study?
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Why this works
Reveals their strategy for expanding students' vocabulary and helping them understand word meanings and usage.
8How do you handle student writing and what is your feedback process?
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How do you handle student writing and what is your feedback process?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to providing constructive feedback and helping students improve their writing through revision.
9What is your approach to teaching research and information literacy?
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What is your approach to teaching research and information literacy?
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Why this works
Reveals how they help students develop research skills and evaluate sources, which are essential for academic success.
10How do you incorporate technology and digital tools into your English instruction?
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How do you incorporate technology and digital tools into your English instruction?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to integrate modern technology into language arts education and prepare students for digital communication.
11What is your approach to teaching poetry and creative writing?
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What is your approach to teaching poetry and creative writing?
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Why this works
Reveals their creativity and how they help students explore different forms of expression and artistic language use.
12How do you handle classroom discussions and encourage student participation?
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How do you handle classroom discussions and encourage student participation?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to facilitate meaningful discussions and create an environment where all students feel comfortable participating.
13What is your approach to teaching reading comprehension and strategies?
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What is your approach to teaching reading comprehension and strategies?
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Why this works
Reveals their methodology for helping students understand and analyze texts, which is fundamental to English education.
14How do you assess student learning and what methods do you use?
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How do you assess student learning and what methods do you use?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to evaluation and how they measure student progress in reading, writing, and language skills.
15What is your approach to teaching media literacy and digital communication?
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What is your approach to teaching media literacy and digital communication?
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Why this works
Reveals how they prepare students for modern communication and help them navigate digital media and information.
16How do you handle students who struggle with reading or writing?
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How do you handle students who struggle with reading or writing?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to support struggling learners and provide the extra help some students need to succeed.
17What is your approach to teaching public speaking and presentation skills?
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What is your approach to teaching public speaking and presentation skills?
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Why this works
Reveals how they help students develop oral communication skills and confidence in speaking situations.
18How do you incorporate diverse voices and perspectives in your curriculum?
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How do you incorporate diverse voices and perspectives in your curriculum?
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Why this works
Shows their commitment to inclusive education and how they expose students to diverse authors and viewpoints.
19What is your approach to teaching literary devices and figurative language?
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What is your approach to teaching literary devices and figurative language?
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Why this works
Reveals how they help students understand and appreciate the artistic elements of language and literature.
20How do you stay current with educational trends and continue developing your teaching skills?
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How do you stay current with educational trends and continue developing your teaching skills?
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Why this works
Shows their commitment to professional growth and how they stay engaged with evolving educational practices and research.
How to Interview English Teachers Effectively
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Focus on Their Teaching Philosophy
Ask about their fundamental beliefs about education and how they approach teaching literature, writing, and language skills.
Ask About Specific Teaching Methods
Don't just ask general questions. Ask about specific strategies they use for teaching writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking.
Consider Their Ability to Differentiate
English classes often have students with varying abilities. Ask about how they handle different learning needs and reading levels.
Question Sequences
The Teaching Philosophy Series
The Skills and Methods Series
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Literature
While literature is important, also ask about their approach to teaching writing, grammar, and other essential language skills.
Don't Ignore Differentiation
Ask about how they handle students with different abilities and learning needs, as this is crucial for effective English instruction.
Don't Overlook Technology Integration
Consider how they incorporate technology and digital tools into their teaching, as this is increasingly important for modern education.