Questions to Ask at the End of a School Interview
Strategic questions to ask at the end of a school interview that demonstrate your interest in the position, understanding of the role, and commitment to student success.
1What are the biggest challenges facing this school right now, and how do you see this role addressing them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing this school right now, and how do you see this role addressing them?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking strategically about the school's needs and demonstrates your understanding of how the role fits into solving problems and supporting student success.
2What does success look like in this position, and how will my performance be evaluated?
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What does success look like in this position, and how will my performance be evaluated?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in understanding expectations and shows you're thinking about how to succeed in the role and contribute to the school's goals.
3What professional development opportunities are available for teachers in this district?
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What professional development opportunities are available for teachers in this district?
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Why this works
Shows you're committed to continuous learning and growth, which is crucial for effective teaching, and demonstrates your long-term thinking about the role.
4How does this school support student success, and what role do teachers play in these initiatives?
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How does this school support student success, and what role do teachers play in these initiatives?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of student success and shows you're thinking about how to contribute to these efforts.
5What is the school's approach to parent and community engagement, and how do teachers contribute to these relationships?
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What is the school's approach to parent and community engagement, and how do teachers contribute to these relationships?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of community relationships in education and demonstrates your awareness of the broader responsibilities beyond just classroom teaching.
6How does this school handle diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what role do teachers play in these efforts?
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How does this school handle diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what role do teachers play in these efforts?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your awareness of current educational priorities and shows you're thinking about creating an inclusive environment for all students.
7What technology initiatives is the school implementing, and how do teachers support these efforts?
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What technology initiatives is the school implementing, and how do teachers support these efforts?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the future of education and demonstrates your understanding of how technology can enhance learning and teaching.
8What is the school's approach to student assessment, and how do teachers ensure fair and effective evaluation practices?
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What is the school's approach to student assessment, and how do teachers ensure fair and effective evaluation practices?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of assessment in education and shows you're thinking about how to evaluate student learning effectively.
9How does this school handle student discipline, and what role do teachers play in maintaining a positive school culture?
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How does this school handle student discipline, and what role do teachers play in maintaining a positive school culture?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of classroom management and school culture while demonstrating your interest in creating a positive learning environment.
10What opportunities are available for teachers to collaborate with colleagues and share best practices?
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What opportunities are available for teachers to collaborate with colleagues and share best practices?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of collaboration in education and shows you're thinking about how to work effectively with other teachers.
11What is the school's approach to supporting students with special needs, and how do teachers ensure all students receive appropriate support?
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What is the school's approach to supporting students with special needs, and how do teachers ensure all students receive appropriate support?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of inclusive education and demonstrates your awareness of the need to support all students, regardless of their abilities.
12How does this school handle crisis situations, and what role do teachers play in emergency preparedness?
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How does this school handle crisis situations, and what role do teachers play in emergency preparedness?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the serious responsibilities of school staff and shows you're thinking about student and staff safety.
13What is the school's approach to curriculum development, and how do teachers contribute to instructional planning?
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What is the school's approach to curriculum development, and how do teachers contribute to instructional planning?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the academic side of teaching and demonstrates your awareness of the importance of curriculum and instruction in student success.
14How does this school support teachers' well-being and prevent burnout?
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How does this school support teachers' well-being and prevent burnout?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the challenges of teaching and shows you're thinking about how to maintain your well-being while supporting students.
15What opportunities are available for teachers to take on leadership roles or additional responsibilities?
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What opportunities are available for teachers to take on leadership roles or additional responsibilities?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in growth and leadership opportunities while demonstrating your ambition and drive to make a meaningful impact in the school.
16How does this school measure success, and what metrics are most important for teachers?
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How does this school measure success, and what metrics are most important for teachers?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of measurement in education and shows you're thinking about how to contribute to the school's success.
17What is the school's approach to professional learning communities, and how do teachers participate in collaborative learning?
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What is the school's approach to professional learning communities, and how do teachers participate in collaborative learning?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of professional development and demonstrates your awareness of the value of collaborative learning in education.
18How does this school handle communication with stakeholders, and what role do teachers play in maintaining transparency?
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How does this school handle communication with stakeholders, and what role do teachers play in maintaining transparency?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of communication in education and shows you're thinking about how to maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.
19What opportunities are available for teachers to gain experience in different grade levels or subject areas?
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What opportunities are available for teachers to gain experience in different grade levels or subject areas?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in exploring different aspects of teaching and demonstrates your flexibility and willingness to grow in your role.
20What advice do you have for new teachers joining this school, and how can I best prepare for success in this role?
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What advice do you have for new teachers joining this school, and how can I best prepare for success in this role?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in learning from their experience and shows you're thinking about how to set yourself up for success in the position.
Best Practices for School Interview Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the School and District
Before the interview, research the school's mission, values, recent achievements, and challenges. This will help you ask informed questions and show you're genuinely interested in the position.
Demonstrate Understanding of Education
Use your questions to show you understand the complexities of education and that you're thinking about how to support student success and contribute to the school's mission.
Show Commitment to Student Success
Your questions should demonstrate your commitment to student success and your understanding of the importance of creating a positive learning environment for all students.
Question Sequences
The Strategic Thinker Sequence
The Student-Centered Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Salary or Benefits First
Focus on the role, the school, and your potential contributions before asking about compensation. This shows you're genuinely interested in the position and the school's mission.
Don't Ask Questions You Could Answer with Research
Avoid asking basic questions about the school that you could easily find on their website or through other research. This shows you haven't prepared adequately for the interview.
Don't Focus Only on Your Own Needs
While it's important to understand the role and opportunities, make sure your questions also demonstrate your interest in contributing to the school's success and supporting students.