Getting ready to interview for a new teaching job? You’re probably excited but also nervous. The best way to overcome those nerves is to prepare in advance. Take a look at this list of the most common teacher interview questions and answers. Practice your responses, and you’ll feel much more confident when you walk through that door.
Check out the questions and tips for answering below. Also, fill out the form on this page to get a free list of questions you can print out to help you get ready for your next boss.
Remember, though, that interviews are a two-way street. Impressing your interviewers is important, of course. But so is finding out if this school is a place where you’ll truly thrive. That’s why, along with the most common teacher interview questions and answers, we’ve also included five questions you might want to ask if you get the chance. Make your interview time count for everyone involved!.
Interviewing for an elementary teaching position can be intimidating. When you’re applying to teach second grade specifically, you want to make sure you’re fully prepared to answer any questions about your experience and approach with this particular age group
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common interview questions you’re likely to encounter when applying for a 2nd grade teaching job We’ll also provide tips and sample answers to help you highlight your skills, experience, and teaching philosophy in the best light.
Why 2nd Grade?
One of the first questions you’ll probably be asked is some version of “Why do you want to teach 2nd grade?” Or “What interests you about teaching this particular age group?”
As a 2nd grade teacher, you’ll work with 7 and 8 year olds, typically. Students at this age are becoming more independent while still needing guidance and nurturing. When answering why you’re interested in 2nd grade, highlight some of the key traits of this age group and why they appeal to you:
- They’re curious and imaginative, which makes lessons interesting
- Their reading and writing skills are growing rapidly
- They’re learning to work collaboratively
- It’s a pivotal year for developing organization and time management
- You love witnessing their “ah-ha” moments as concepts click
Focus on the positives of this age group that get you excited to teach them! Share anecdotes of success you’ve had with this age level in the past if possible.
Sample Answer
“I’m really drawn to teach 2nd grade because it’s such a crucial year for developing key literacy skills. Students are grasping phonics and making huge strides in their reading fluency from where they were in 1st grade. I love witnessing those ‘lightbulb moments’ when they finally grasp concepts like digraphs that seemed so confusing just weeks before. It’s also an important age for keeping kids engaged through hands-on activities, experiments, and imaginative lessons. I thrive on coming up with creative ways to keep 7 and 8 year olds excited about learning.”
Classroom Management
Since 2nd graders still need guidance to stay on task and meet behavior expectations, you’ll likely get asked questions about your approach to classroom management. Be ready to talk specifically about:
- Developing classroom rules and procedures
- Encouraging positive behavior vs. punishing negative behavior
- Your system for tracking or rewarding good behavior
- Handling challenging behaviors and disruptions
Have a few anecdotes ready that demonstrate how you’ve successfully implemented behavior systems like color-coded behavior charts, sticker rewards, or special privileges to motivate 2nd grade students.
Sample Answer
“In my 2nd grade classroom, I involve students in setting 3-5 classroom rules at the very beginning of the year so they have ownership. Each morning we review the rules and expectations for behavior together. I use a color-coded behavior chart where students move their clothespin up and down based on their conduct. Green means they’re having a great day, yellow is a warning, and red results in a lunch detention. I make sure to call out students who are consistently staying on green and praise their great behavior.”
Differentiating Instruction
Since reading levels can vary greatly in 2nd grade, you’ll want to demonstrate how you differentiate instruction and accommodate students who are above or below grade level. Share specific examples like:
- Group reading activities with varying levels of complexity
- One-on-one interventions for struggling readers
- Enrichment projects or reading opportunities for advanced readers
- Allowing students to demonstrate comprehension through different modalities (writing, discussion, arts, etc)
Explain how you get to know students’ individual abilities early on and continually assess their skills to modify lessons accordingly.
Sample Answer
“In my reading instruction, I level students very early in the year through running records. I’ll then design differentiated small group reading activities tailored to each group’s abilities. For students reading well below grade level, I incorporate programs like LLI for daily one-on-one intervention to help fill in gaps and get them caught up. For my advanced readers, I provide enriching projects like book reports, reading buddy roles, and recommended book lists at their level to keep them challenged.”
Parent Communication
Parent relationships are crucial in elementary grades, so be ready to share your approaches for regular communication about student progress and issues that may arise. Possible questions include:
- How frequently do you communicate with parents and in what ways?
- How do you involve parents in their child’s learning/class activities?
- Have you ever had disagreement with a parent? How did you handle it?
Have anecdotes about successful partnerships ready, highlighting communication modes like class newsletters, phone calls and emails home, parent-teacher conferences, and apps like ClassDojo.
Sample Answer
“I make it a priority to regularly communicate with parents through weekly class newsletters highlighting what we’re working on and upcoming events. I also make personal phone calls home anytime major issues arise with a student’s behavior or academic performance. I’ve found issues are resolved much faster with direct communication early on. I love getting parents involved through volunteer opportunities in class and field trips. Even if there’s a language barrier, I utilize translation apps and make every effort to keep all parents in the loop.”
Enrichment Programs
Elementary schools often expect teachers to sponsor extracurricular activities. Think about what types of clubs, arts programs, or sports you’d be excited to spearhead. Possibilities include:
- After school science/nature club
- Theater, music, or dance club
- Art enrichment programs
- Girls/Boys on the Run
- Basketball, soccer, or other sports teams
If you have experience directing programs like these in the past, highlight your success in generating student interest and engagement.
Sample Answer
“In my previous school, I helped coach Girls on the Run for two years. It was incredibly rewarding seeing my students build lifelong healthy habits while having fun together. I also started an after school origami club which became very popular! I’d be thrilled to start similar enrichment programs here that tap into students’ interests and expose them to new activities outside the core subjects.”
Handling a Tough Class
Don’t be surprised if you’re asked what you would do if faced with a particularly challenging class that doesn’t respond well to your regular procedures and management style. Have a plan ready for how you would regroup and reset kids who aren’t meeting expectations. Strategies might include:
- Revisiting classroom rules and expectations
- Clear warnings/consequences for continued misconduct
- Enlisting admin or parent support
- One-on-one mentoring for frequent disruptors
- Incentive programs to motivate better behavior
Come across as a flexible teacher committed to finding solutions.
Sample Answer
“If I had a class that was particularly disruptive or unresponsive, I would first revisit our classroom expectations and rules, maybe even allowing students to help remake them. I’d communicate frequently with parents if negative behavior continues after warnings. I’m a big believer in the power of incentives, so I might start a marble jar reward system or fun Friday free time for classes that show consistent improvement. And I’d partner disruptive students with positive role models for one-on-one mentoring.”
Learning Through Play
Since hands-on learning is developmentally appropriate for 2nd graders, be prepared to give examples of how you incorporate play and interactive activities into instruction. Possibilities include:
- Math manipulatives like counting cubes
- Science experiments
- Building models and dioramas
- Acting out stories or historical events
- Musical rhythms to teach patterns
- Letter/word matching games
Highlight ways you make learning tactile and keep students engaged through activity-based lessons.
Sample Answer
“I love bringing in hands-on activities to reinforce 2nd grade concepts across subjects. For example, when teaching about sound waves in science, we built pan flutes using straws cut to different lengths. When learning about chronology in social studies, students worked in groups to build timeline dioramas showing important historical events. I’m always looking for ways to get students out of their seats and actively learning through play because that’s when they’re most excited about absorbing new information.”
Assessment Strategies
Be ready to explain how you assess 2nd graders’ skills ongoing, check for understanding, and monitor progress. Possibilities include:
- Formal written tests and quizzes
- Reading skills through running records
- Quick informal checks like thumbs up/down
- Projects, presentations, and performance tasks
- Oral Q&A sessions and class discussions
Show that you utilize a variety of techniques and can pinpoint any gaps or misconceptions.
Sample Answer
“To monitor reading progress, I use regular running records to see where students are struggling with fluency or comprehension. I also use quick informal checks like thumbs up/down to continually gauge understanding throughout each lesson. At the end of units, students complete projects showing what they’ve learned, like designing posters about the water cycle in science class. This allows me to assess their understanding of concepts in diverse ways, not just paper and pencil tests.”
Why You’re Excited to Teach 2nd Grade
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How will you engage reluctant learners?
In a time when we have to compete with TikTok, Snapchat, and other forms of instant entertainment, this question is valid and important. How are you going to keep the students interested? Give examples of reward systems, lessons, or ways you’ve built relationships with students to keep them on task. As an added bonus, a story about a former student (be sure to keep their identity secret) who became interested in your subject because of your influence would also look good here.
Teaching Philosophies and Strategies Interview Questions
This is one of the most common, as well as one of the trickiest, teacher interview questions. Don’t answer with a clichéd, generic response. In fact, your response is your teaching mission statement. It’s the answer to why you’re a teacher. It’s helpful if you write out your mission statement before the interview and practice reciting it. When you talk about your teaching philosophy, you can show why you’re passionate about what you do, what you want to achieve, and how you’re going to use it in this new job, in this new classroom, at this new school.
Say This in Your Teacher Interview | Kathleen Jasper
FAQ
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