A well-structured interview should help you determine three things:
1. Can this candidate do the job? (knowledge, teaching skills, classroom
management)
2. Will this candidate fit our school culture? (values, teamwork, professionalism)
3. Will this candidate grow and stay with our school? (mindset, resilience,
commitment to learning)
Below is a complete interview guide that many private and international schools use,
adapted for an elementary teacher and a high school math teacher.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Job Description
Position Title
Elementary School Teacher
Position Summary
The Elementary School Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and
academically challenging classroom where students develop foundational skills in
reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning. The
teacher plans and delivers instruction aligned with the school's curriculum while
fostering character, creativity, and critical thinking.
Primary Responsibilities
Instruction
Plan daily lessons aligned with curriculum standards.
Differentiate instruction for various learning needs.
Assess student progress regularly.
Maintain accurate grade records.
Use technology effectively during instruction.
Integrate hands-on learning experiences.
Foster critical thinking and creativity.
Classroom Management
Create a positive learning environment.
Establish classroom expectations.
Manage student behavior respectfully.
Build positive relationships with students.
Encourage student responsibility.
Communication
Communicate regularly with parents.
Participate in parent conferences.
Collaborate with colleagues.
Work closely with administration.
Support school events.
Professional Responsibilities
Attend professional development.
Maintain confidentiality.
Follow school policies.
Participate in faculty meetings.
Continue professional growth.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Education
Teaching certification (preferred or required depending on country)
Experience teaching elementary grades
Excellent English communication skills (if applicable)
Strong technology skills
Ability to work collaboratively
Core Competencies
Teaching & Learning
✔ Lesson Planning
✔ Student Engagement
✔ Differentiated Instruction
✔ Assessment
✔ Curriculum Knowledge
Classroom Management
✔ Positive Discipline
✔ Organization
✔ Consistency
✔ Emotional Intelligence
Professional Skills
✔ Communication
✔ Teamwork
✔ Adaptability
✔ Time Management
✔ Professionalism
HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER
Job Description
Position Summary
The High School Mathematics Teacher provides rigorous instruction in Algebra,
Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, or other mathematics courses while helping
students develop problem-solving, analytical thinking, and real-world application of
mathematical concepts.
Responsibilities
Instruction
Teach mathematics using engaging methods.
Develop lesson plans.
Prepare assessments.
Analyze student data.
Differentiate instruction.
Use technology effectively.
Prepare students for standardized testing.
Student Support
Provide tutoring when needed.
Monitor student progress.
Communicate with parents.
Encourage mathematical reasoning.
Build confidence in struggling learners.
Professional Responsibilities
Collaborate with department members.
Attend meetings.
Maintain accurate records.
Participate in curriculum development.
Continue professional learning.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics or Education
Teaching certification
Experience teaching high school mathematics
Strong communication skills
Technology proficiency
Core Competencies
Mathematics Knowledge
✔ Strong content knowledge
✔ Ability to explain complex concepts
✔ Data analysis
✔ Assessment
Instruction
✔ Student-centered learning
✔ Differentiation
✔ Critical thinking
✔ Technology integration
Professional
✔ Teamwork
✔ Leadership
✔ Organization
✔ Communication
INTERVIEW STRUCTURE
A 60-minute interview works well.
Section Time
Welcome 5 min
Experience 10 min
Teaching Skills 15 min
Classroom
10 min
Management
School Culture 10 min
Candidate Questions 5 min
Closing 5 min
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
PART 1: Opening (Ice Breaker)
Tell me about yourself and what inspired you to become a teacher.
Look for:
Passion
Purpose
Communication skills
Why are you interested in working at our school?
Look for:
Research about the school
Genuine interest
Long-term commitment
PART 2: Teaching Experience
Tell me about your teaching experience.
Follow-up:
Which grade levels?
What curriculum?
Biggest accomplishments?
how your experience matches the job?
__________________________________________________________________________-
Why are you looking for a new job?
_____________________________________________________________________
"I'm looking for an opportunity with more growth, where I can continue developing my
skills and take on new challenges."
What are your strengths?
__________________________________________________________________________________
Choose strengths relevant to the position.
Example:
"I'm dependable, organized, and communicate well with both customers and coworkers."
What's a weakness?
______________________________________________________________________
Mention a real area for improvement and explain what you're doing about it.
Example:
"Earlier in my career, I found it difficult to delegate tasks because I wanted everything
done perfectly. I've learned to trust my teammates more and communicate expectations
clearly."
Why do you want to work here?
Why are you leaving your current job?
_____________________________________________________________________
Describe one lesson you are especially proud of.
Look for:
Student engagement
Clear planning
Reflection
How do you know your students are learning?
Look for:
Assessment
Data
Observation
Student work
PART 3: Classroom Management
Describe your classroom management philosophy.
Look for:
Respect
Relationships
Consistency
Tell me about a challenging student.
What happened?
What did you do?
What was the result?
Look for:
Patience
Problem-solving
Reflection
How do you prevent behavior problems?
Excellent candidates discuss:
Procedures
Routines
Positive reinforcement
Relationships
PART 4: Differentiated Instruction
Students learn differently.
Tell me how you modify instruction.
Look for:
Flexible grouping
Scaffolding
Accommodations
How do you support struggling students?
How do you challenge advanced learners?
PART 5: Parent Communication
Tell me about a difficult conversation with a parent.
Look for:
Professionalism
Empathy
Communication
How often do you communicate with parents?
PART 6: Teamwork
Describe a successful collaboration with another teacher.
How do you handle disagreements with colleagues?
PART 7: Growth Mindset
Tell me about a mistake you made as a teacher.
What did you learn?
Excellent candidates answer honestly.
What professional goal are you currently working on?
PART 8: Technology
How do you integrate technology into your classroom?
What educational technology tools have you used?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR ELEMENTARY
How do you teach reading to students with different ability levels?
How do you balance academics with social-emotional learning?
Describe your morning classroom routine.
How do you motivate reluctant learners?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL MATH
Many students believe they are "bad at math."
How do you change that mindset?
Explain how you would teach solving systems of equations to students who are
struggling.
How do you make mathematics relevant?
How do you prepare students for standardized testing without "teaching to the test"?
SCENARIO QUESTIONS
A parent says:
"My child deserves an A."
How would you respond?
Half your class failed an exam.
What would you do?
You discover a student copied another student's work.
How do you handle it?
A student refuses to participate.
What would you do?
A colleague frequently arrives late for team meetings, affecting planning. How would you
handle the situation?
VALUES & CULTURE QUESTIONS
What does an excellent teacher look like?
What do students remember most about a great teacher?
How do you build trust with students?
What school culture helps teachers succeed?
Describe your ideal principal.
CLOSING QUESTIONS
Why should we hire you?
What strengths will you bring to our school?
What questions do you have for us?
RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
Blames students or parents for every challenge.
Cannot describe how students learn or how they assess learning.
Gives vague or generic answers with no specific examples.
Shows little enthusiasm for teaching or professional growth.
Avoids accountability when discussing past mistakes.
Speaks negatively about previous employers or colleagues.
Struggles to communicate clearly or professionally.
INTERVIEW EVALUATION RUBRIC (1–5 Scale)
Rating (1– Evidenc
Competency
5) e
Communication Skills
Content Knowledge
Lesson Planning
Classroom Management
Student Engagement
Differentiated Instruction
Assessment Practices
Technology Integration
Collaboration & Teamwork
Rating (1– Evidenc
Competency
5) e
Parent Communication
Professionalism
Growth Mindset
Cultural Fit
Overall Recommendation
Best Practices for a Positive Candidate Experience
Start by welcoming the candidate, introducing everyone in the room, and
explaining the interview agenda.
Ask behavioral questions that begin with "Tell me about a time when..." to
encourage candidates to provide concrete examples rather than hypothetical
answers.
Use follow-up questions such as "What was your role?", "What actions did you
take?", and "What was the outcome?" to better understand their impact.
Keep the conversation balanced—allow candidates time to think and ask clarifying
questions.
Give candidates an opportunity to ask questions about the school, curriculum,
expectations, and professional development.
End by explaining the hiring timeline and thanking them for their interest.
As a School Superintendent, your interview questions should help you assess not only
a teacher's instructional abilities but also their professionalism, collaboration, character,
and commitment to student success. Below is a comprehensive interview guide
organized by topic.
Teacher Interview Questions for School Superintendent
A. Introduction and Background
1. Tell me about yourself and why you chose teaching as a career.
2. What interests you about teaching at our school?
3. What do you know about our school's mission and values?
4. Why are you leaving your current position?
5. Why should we choose you over other candidates?
B. Teaching Philosophy
6. Describe your teaching philosophy.
7. What does an effective classroom look like?
8. How do you know when your students are learning?
9. How do you motivate students who are disengaged?
10. What do you believe is the most important responsibility of a teacher?
C. Classroom Management
11. Describe your classroom management style.
12. How do you establish classroom expectations on the first day of school?
13. Tell me about a difficult discipline situation and how you handled it.
14. How do you prevent classroom disruptions?
15. How do you build positive relationships with students while maintaining
authority?
D. Instruction and Planning
16. Walk me through how you prepare a lesson.
17. How do you differentiate instruction for students with different learning
needs?
18. How do you integrate technology into your lessons?
19. Describe one lesson you're especially proud of.
20. How do you encourage critical thinking and problem-solving?
E. Student Achievement
21. How do you measure student progress?
22. How do you use assessment data to improve instruction?
23. Describe a time when a struggling student improved because of your
teaching.
24. How do you challenge gifted or advanced learners?
25. How do you ensure every student has an opportunity to succeed?
F. Collaboration
26. Describe your experience working on a teaching team.
27. How do you handle disagreements with colleagues?
28. How do you contribute to a positive school culture?
29. Tell me about a successful collaborative project.
30. How do you support new teachers or mentor colleagues?
G. Parents and Community
31. How do you communicate with parents?
32. Describe a difficult conversation you had with a parent.
33. How do you build trust with families?
34. How do you involve parents in their child's education?
35. What would you do if a parent strongly disagreed with your teaching?
H. Professional Growth
36. What professional development has had the greatest impact on your
teaching?
37. How do you stay current with educational research and best practices?
38. What professional goal are you currently working toward?
39. Tell me about feedback you received that changed your teaching.
40. How do you reflect on your own performance?
I. Character and Leadership
41. Describe a time you demonstrated leadership.
42. Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
43. How do you handle stress during busy times of the school year?
44. What personal qualities make you an effective teacher?
45. Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to unexpected changes.
J. Diversity and Inclusion
46. How do you create an inclusive classroom?
47. How do you support students from different cultural or socioeconomic
backgrounds?
48. How do you respond when a student feels excluded or bullied?
49. How do you ensure all students feel respected?
50. What does equity in education mean to you?
K. School Commitment
51. Why do you want to work in our district?
52. How would you contribute beyond the classroom?
53. What extracurricular activities or clubs would you be willing to sponsor?
54. Where do you see yourself in five years?
55. If hired, what would your priorities be during your first 90 days?
L. Scenario-Based Questions
56. A student consistently fails your class despite your interventions. What would
you do?
57. Two students are involved in a serious conflict during class. How would you
respond?
58. A parent becomes upset during a conference. How would you handle the
situation?
59. You discover a colleague is not following school policy. What would you do?
60. A lesson you planned is not engaging students. What adjustments would you
make during the lesson?
Closing Questions
61. What questions do you have for us?
62. Is there anything we haven't discussed that you'd like us to know?
63. What would your current principal say are your greatest strengths?
64. If selected, when would you be available to begin?
65. Why do you believe this is the right position for you?
Suggested Evaluation Rubric
Score each category on a scale of 1–5:
Score (1–
Competency
5)
Communication Skills
Score (1–
Competency
5)
Content Knowledge
Classroom Management
Lesson Planning
Student Engagement
Assessment Practices
Collaboration
Professionalism
Adaptability
Leadership Potential
Cultural Responsiveness
Overall
Recommendation
What to look for in strong candidates
Provides specific examples rather than general statements.
Demonstrates a genuine commitment to student learning and growth.
Reflects on successes and areas for improvement.
Communicates clearly and confidently.
Shows strong classroom management and instructional strategies.
Values collaboration with colleagues and families.
Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and adaptability.
Aligns with the school's mission, vision, and culture.
This set of questions is suitable for a 30–60 minute interview and helps evaluate
instructional skills, professionalism, collaboration, and long-term fit within your school.
The gospel teaches that the most important qualities in a future spouse are faith in Jesus
Christ, commitment to keeping covenants, kindness, honesty, charity, and spiritual
maturity. Rather than focusing only on appearance or financial success, members are
encouraged to look for someone who will help them grow closer to God and build an
eternal family. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that making covenants with God
should influence our most important life decisions. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God"
(Matthew 6:33) reminds us to put spiritual priorities first.
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