1. Are there any materials you have used that you find are especially effective for slow learners or bright students?
Candidates might share their favorite lessons when asked this type of question. The interviewer could gain insight into the candidate’s educational philosophy, indications of a positive and enthusiastic attitude toward the teaching profession, and the understanding of educational standards.
2. Describe yourself with three adjectives and explain why they were chosen.
This question would prompt the candidate to share what they believe to be their strongest traits. The candidate would most likely share information that relates to their education, work experiences, and extracurricular activities which would give the interviewer a clearer picture of the candidate as a whole.
3. What do you feel is the most effective way to communicate with parents? Describe how you have used this/these technique(s).
This type of question gleans information about the candidate’s communication and conflict resolution skills. It also allows the interviewer to see if the candidate places value on the development of a positive relationship with parents, and gives insight into the type of information that might be shared with parents.
4. Describe your teaching style and how you accommodate the different learning styles of the students in your classes.
Responses to this question would display evidence of knowledge of the use of developmentally appropriate teaching methods and the ability to differentiate instruction. Responses also allow the candidate to share information about their best teaching practices and strategies that they use to respond to the needs of diverse learners.
5. How would you rank these in importance and why? Planning, discipline, methods, evaluation.
This question reveals information about the candidate’s classroom management, pedagogy, organization, and assessment skills. The interviewer could then determine if the candidate would be a good fit with the current culture of the school.
6. What experience have you had with team-teaching? What is your opinion of it?
The interviewer could expect that the attitudes expressed in answering this question, along with non-verbal communication, to give the interviewer a clearer picture of how the candidate would work in a collaborative setting. Here I would expect the interviewee to share past experiences of team teaching. The interviewer could also gain information about how the candidate feels about sharing teaching duties with another teacher. Specific information could indicate the candidate’s preference for a particular collaborative teaching model.