Questions to Ask for School Interview
Strategic questions that demonstrate your interest in the school, reveal important information about the role, and help you make an informed decision about the position.
1What do you enjoy most about working at this school?
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What do you enjoy most about working at this school?
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Why this works
Reveals the interviewer's personal connection to the school and highlights positive aspects of the work environment.
2What are the biggest challenges facing this school right now?
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What are the biggest challenges facing this school right now?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking strategically about the school's needs and demonstrates awareness of educational challenges.
3How would you describe the school culture and community?
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How would you describe the school culture and community?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the social dynamics and whether the environment aligns with your values and teaching style.
4What professional development opportunities are available for teachers?
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What professional development opportunities are available for teachers?
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Why this works
Shows your commitment to growth and reveals how the school invests in teacher development.
5How does the school support teachers with different learning styles and needs?
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How does the school support teachers with different learning styles and needs?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's approach to inclusive education and support systems for diverse learners.
6What technology resources and support are available for teachers?
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What technology resources and support are available for teachers?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about modern teaching tools and reveals the school's technological infrastructure.
7How does the school handle discipline and student behavior management?
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How does the school handle discipline and student behavior management?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's philosophy on student conduct and support systems for maintaining classroom order.
8What opportunities exist for collaboration with other teachers?
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What opportunities exist for collaboration with other teachers?
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Why this works
Shows you value teamwork and reveals how the school fosters professional relationships and shared learning.
9How does the school involve parents and the community in education?
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How does the school involve parents and the community in education?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's approach to family engagement and community partnerships.
10What are the school's goals for the next few years?
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What are the school's goals for the next few years?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking long-term and reveals the school's vision and strategic priorities.
11How does the school measure and evaluate teacher success?
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How does the school measure and evaluate teacher success?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's approach to teacher evaluation and what they value in educator performance.
12What support is available for new teachers during their first year?
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What support is available for new teachers during their first year?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the transition and reveals mentoring and support systems for new educators.
13How does the school handle curriculum development and teacher input?
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How does the school handle curriculum development and teacher input?
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Why this works
Reveals how much voice teachers have in curriculum decisions and the school's approach to educational planning.
14What extracurricular activities and programs does the school offer?
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What extracurricular activities and programs does the school offer?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in the whole student experience and reveals opportunities for teacher involvement beyond the classroom.
15How does the school address diversity and inclusion?
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How does the school address diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's commitment to equity and shows you value inclusive education practices.
16What are the typical class sizes and student-teacher ratios?
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What are the typical class sizes and student-teacher ratios?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the teaching environment and workload expectations.
17How does the school support teachers' work-life balance?
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How does the school support teachers' work-life balance?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about sustainability and reveals the school's approach to teacher well-being.
18What opportunities exist for teachers to take on leadership roles?
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What opportunities exist for teachers to take on leadership roles?
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Why this works
Reveals career advancement possibilities and shows you're interested in growth and contribution beyond teaching.
19How does the school handle special education and learning support services?
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How does the school handle special education and learning support services?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about all students and reveals the school's approach to inclusive education and support services.
20What would success look like for a teacher in this position after one year?
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What would success look like for a teacher in this position after one year?
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Why this works
Reveals specific expectations and helps you understand what the school values in teacher performance and growth.
Best Practices for School Interview Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest
Ask questions that demonstrate you've researched the school and are genuinely interested in understanding their specific context and needs.
Balance Professional and Personal
Mix questions about the professional environment with those about work-life balance and school culture to show you're thinking holistically about the role.
Listen for Red Flags
Pay attention to how they answer questions about challenges, support systems, and teacher satisfaction to identify potential issues.
Question Sequences
The Culture Discovery Sequence
The Support System Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Obvious Questions
Avoid questions you could easily find answers to on the school's website or in basic research. Show you've done your homework.
Avoid Negative Framing
Don't ask questions that assume problems or focus on what's wrong. Frame questions positively to show optimism and solution-focused thinking.
Don't Make It All About You
Balance questions about the role with those about the school's needs and challenges. Show you're thinking about how you can contribute.