Top 25 English Teacher Interview Questions & Answers 2024

If you are looking for an English teaching job, be it a primary or secondary teacher, you should familiarize yourself with some commonly asked questions. An English teacher mainly ensures the students learn correct grammar, pronunciation, reading, comprehension, etc.

This role requires one to have relevant skills and education suitable for the job. This article makes it easy for you to pass your interview as it lists commonly asked questions and an answer for each question.

8 Tips to Prepare for a English Teacher Interview

Here are eight key items that an English teacher should prepare for an English teacher interview, including focus areas, details, and tips:

English Teacher Interview Preparation

Focus Area	Details	Tips
Teaching Philosophy	Clearly articulate your teaching philosophy.	Relate your philosophy to practical examples from your teaching experience. Show alignment with school values.
Classroom Management	Demonstrate effective classroom management skills.	Provide specific examples of challenging situations managed. Emphasize a proactive approach to maintaining a positive atmosphere.
Lesson Planning	Showcase lesson planning skills.	Bring sample lesson plans. Highlight adaptation based on student progress and feedback.
Assessment and Feedback	Discuss approach to assessment and providing feedback.	Mention experience with formative assessments, peer evaluations, and using feedback to inform teaching strategies.
Technology Integration	Highlight ability to integrate technology into teaching.	Show familiarity with relevant educational technology and its impact on learning.
Cultural Competency	Emphasize cultural competency and sensitivity.	Show experiences working with diverse student populations and adapting teaching to address cultural differences.
Professional Development	Highlight commitment to ongoing professional development.	Demonstrate willingness to learn and stay updated on current trends and best practices.
Collaboration and Communication	Emphasize ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents, and students.	Highlight instances where collaboration positively impacted student outcomes.

Remember to tailor your responses to the specific context of the school and its values. Good luck with your interview!

Top 25 English Teacher Interview Questions & Answers

Here are the top 25 English Teacher interview questions, along with a sample answer for each question.

1. Why are You Interested in This Role?

The interview wants to know why you chose to be an English teacher

Tip #1: Give a unique and exciting reason

Tip #2: Explain why you enjoy teaching

Sample Answer

I got to grade 4 when I could neither read nor write correctly. I was among the slow learners in the class, which reduced my self-esteem. However, nearly the end of the term, we got a new English teacher who was friendly and understanding. She considered every student, and at the end of the year, I could read and write fluently with no errors. It encouraged me, and after finishing my studies, I pursued a degree in Education (English). My aim was and has always been to help all the students to appreciate and love English.

2. What are The Roles of an English Teacher?

This question tests how conversant you are with the duties of an English teacher

Tip #1: Briefly highlight the roles of an English teacher

Tip #2: Be straight to the point

Sample Answer

An English teacher prepares the course timetable concerning the school curriculum. Ensures all the students learn English vocabulary, essentials of grammar, writing, spelling, and reading. He/she additionally liaise with parents to ensure the students perform excellently. After that, he/she examines the students, grades their scores, and prepares the end-of-term reports on their performance.

3. What Are the Qualities That an English Teacher Should Possess to Be Effective?

The interviewer wants to know the skills that an English teacher needs to poses

Tip #1: Showcase all the unique and excellent skills an English teacher needs

Tip #2: Show that you are familiar with and have the skills

Sample Answer

An excellent English teacher needs to be superior in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The students always emulate how their teacher pronounces words, so your impact is significant. The teacher should be able to assess the student’s performance, know their strengths and weaknesses, and improve their studies. He/she should additionally be confident and develop English materials that are interesting and motivates the students.

4. What Major Challenge Did You Face During Your Last Role? How Did You Handle It?

The interviewer needs to know the difficulties you faced in your previous role

Tip #1: Mention all the relevant challenges you encountered

Tip #2: Show the compelling ways you tried to solve the problem

Sample Answer

There were limited resources in the previous school where I worked, and the students were so many in one classroom. The vast number of students made it difficult for me to teach. They would constantly make noise and disturb me while I was leading. It frustrated me, I decided to talk to the administration, and they finally split the class into two. That made it easier for me as I could teach effectively with no disturbance and noise.

5. Describe Your Daily Routine as an English Teacher

The interviewer wants to know the activities which make up your day as a teacher

Tip #1: Highlight all the activities you engage in to make your day successful

Tip #2: Only mention relevant and significant activities

Sample Answer

I start my day by ensuring my classes are clean. Then teach all my lessons and give tests at the end of it, which I mark, after that come and correct the students on the areas they failed. I also engage the students in the in-class activities before the day ends to ensure the lesson is interesting. I after that check on my emails and messages and answer all the queries from parents

6. Describe Briefly About Your Teaching Experience

The interviewer wants to know your teaching background

Tip #1: Highlight your experience as a teacher

Tip #2: Be confident

Sample Answer

I have over six years of experience as an English teacher. I started my teaching career in school X immediately after college, where I taught for two years after that, and moved to school Y, where I am currently working, i.e., I find it fun learning English, and I enjoy every bit of it. Besides, I also tuition the students during holidays. I use all the methods to lead to ensure the lesson is in testing and grasp the concept.

7. What Kind of Strategies and Mindset Is Required for This Role?

The interviewer intends to know the strategies you put in place to ensure the success of the students

Tip #1: Highlight the effective measures you require as a teacher

Tip #2: Mention relevant strategies

Sample Answer

An English teacher needs effective vocabulary-building methods, peer editing, and reasoning and ensures cooperative learning. English is a broad subject with numerous areas. The teacher should first ensure the students build on their vocabulary daily, pronunciation and grammar. He/she should also engage the students in the class activities and ensure all the students actively participate. The teacher also needs to be patient with slow learners and ensure they move at the right pace with the rest of them.

8. What Is the Biggest Challenge That You Foresee in This Job?

the interviewer wants to know the vast challenges that you see in the teaching career

Tip #1: Mention the challenges you anticipate in this job

Tip #2: Highlight the ways you will use to solve this challenge

Sample Answer

The challenge that I anticipate is a lack of cooperation from students, teachers, or parents. It is usually a significant challenge in most institutions, which I always find ways to resolve. At times, they tend to be reluctant to help with their children’s education at leave all that task to teachers. However, I will ensure I resolve the issue and frequently conduct meeting with parents and students and mention the areas they need to help their kids provide their education.

9. How Do You Stay Motivated at Work?

The interviewer intends to know what motivates you to keep working.

Tip #1: Mention all your sources of motivation

Tip #2: Ensure the source of motivation is unique and interesting

Sample Answer

My biggest motivation is the success of my students. The moment I notice an improvement in their scores, I get motivated to put in more effort and ensure every student performs well. I also target to ensure all my students succeed and become better people in society. I observe what other teachers are doing to grow and emulate to ensure I give out the best.

10. Describe a Time You Failed in This Role and The Lessons You Learned

The interviewer intends to know the area in which you didn’t perform accordingly as a teacher

Tip #1: Give a scenario in which you were not effective in your role

Tip #2: Be honest and eloquent

Sample Answer

As I was starting my role as a teacher, I was a poor time manager, nervous that I couldn’t speak fluently in front of people, and I had a difficult time handling a class. This gave me sleepless nights. I spent time researching ways to combat this. I read and learned a lot and started implementing it. Within one month, I was so confident and courageous that I could effectively handle a class with no fear and speak eloquently in front of students and teachers.

11. How Would You Prepare Your Classroom for The First Day at School?

The interviewer is testing your preparedness

Tip #1: Create an excellent first impression

Tip #2: Show proficiency in preparing a classroom

Sample Answer

I always ensure my classroom is welcoming and in good condition to promote learning. I draft the class rules and stick them on the wall for every student to read and know what they need to do. I also post posters and other visual aids that make learning more engaging and fun. They ensure the students familiarize themselves with English vocabulary and concepts, making their minds ready to learn.

12. How Do You Evaluate Your Students?

the interviewer wants to know how you measure the performance of your students

Tip #1: Specify the method you use to measure performance

Tip #2: Show how effective your strategy is

Sample Answer

I majorly measure the students’ performance using both informal and formal methods. Among these are tests and random quizzes. I additionally grade in-class exercises such as desk work, reports, group activities, and poems. These methods help me to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of each student.

Angel, a student in my class, would perform wonderfully in-class activities but terribly on tests. I closely monitored Angel, and it came to my attention that she couldn’t see the typed questions in a trial. I intervened, and Angel’s papers were made special. The typist ensured the font of her question paper was large enough, and amazingly she became the best student in the class.

13. How Can You Meet the Needs of a Student with Disability?

The interviewer intends to know how you can effectively cater to the educational needs of a disabled student

Tip # 1: Mention the methods of teaching you use to ensure the students understand

Tip #2: Show your proficiency in dealing with students who have special needs

Sample Answer

Before I pursued a degree in teaching, I had accomplished a diploma in special needs. Thus I have all the skills to handle students with special needs. I always ensure the class is organized and free from distractions, incorporate music and voice inflection to ensure the lesson is enjoyable, and understand the concept. I additionally break down the instructions of activity into smaller chunks that every student can manage and understand

14. How Will You Engage the Students in Class?

The interviewer wants to understand your teaching method, which actively engages the learners.

Tip #1: Highlight unique incentive policies

Tip #2: Share the ways to build a relationship with students

Sample Answer

I have studied the children throughout my teaching career and realized they actively participate in class when involved. Therefore, I conduct several group discussions to discuss a specific concept after allowing them to share what they have learned in the debate. I also ask open-ended questions to express their answers and advocate for inquiry and discovery freely. This ensures the kids think critically about an idea and, in the end, learn a thing or two.

15. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

The interviewer intends to know what you are good at and what fails you

Tip #1: Focus more on the strength

Tip #2: Highlight one strength and also turn it into a weakness

Sample Answer

One of my most significant strengths is my love for kids. I enjoy being in one environment with the students and learning about their minds. My main focus is on the success of my students. Hence, I spend so much time with them and end up overworking. I think it isn’t appropriate, especially for my health, but I aim to look for ways to ensure I work moderately and not overwork.

16. What Steps Will You Follow to Manage the Behavior in Classroom?

This question aims to test your management skills

Tip #1: Mention all the strategies you use to ensure excellent behavior

Tip #2: Ensure the techniques are practical and significant

Sample Answer

To manage my students’ behavior, I always raise topics concerning polite language, the importance of eye contact, respecting other students, and treating each student equally. During the lesson, I elaborate on the importance of these topics and train them to practice. Together with the students, I set rules and guidelines on classroom behavior and stuck them on the wall. I ensure every student adheres to the authorities. Thus, the classroom remains organized.

17. How Do You Manage Pressure at Your Work Station?

The interviewer is majorly testing your skills to manage stress

Tip #1: Mention all the measures you implement to manage pressure

Tip #2: Show that you can effectively manage stress

Sample Answer

In case of pressure, I always embrace the pressure and look for ways to solve it, i.e., talk over with other teachers and get ideas on handling the situation. I also appreciate the stress and see it as a learning tool to avoid recurring it. I always go the extra mile and ensure I solve the problem.

18. What Is the Meaning of Success to You as an English Teacher?

the interviewer wants to know how you perceive success

Tip #1: Define success

Tip #2: Be eloquent and straight to the point

Sample Answer

I view success as an achievement for my students. The moment my students perform exemplary both in school and in life. I always impact educational concepts and teach them the life attributes essential for one to survive. When I see them implementing the teachings I have taught them, I count it as a success.

19. Briefly Highlight Your English Lesson Plan

The interviewer wants to know how your lesson plan looks like

Tip #1: Give an overview of your lesson plan

Tip #2: Ensure the lesson plan is compelling and interesting

Sample Answer

Before coming up with a lesson plan, I always conduct research and get to know what to include in the lesson plan. Therefore, my lesson plan comprises lesson activities, lesson materials, lesson objectives, goals, and feedback. The lesson plan helps me to identify the areas I have left out and work on them effectively

20. Why Did You Leave Your Previous Job?

The interviewer wants to know why you left your previous workstation

Tip #1: Give relevant reasons and only mention the positive reason

Tip #2: Be confident and straight to the point

Sample Answer

My previous working station was so good, and I learned a lot from the school. However, I decided to explore and wanted to learn even more from your school and use my skills and knowledge to ensure this institution’s success. I am always determined to learn, and I saw this as an opportunity to gain more skills in my career.

21. What Is Your Approach To Teaching Students With Different Learning Styles?

Sample Answer

My approach to teaching students with different learning styles is to use a variety of teaching methods and techniques that cater to different learning styles. For example, I might use visual aids for visual learners, hands-on activities for kinesthetic learners, and auditory cues for auditory learners. I also try to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel comfortable and valued.

22. How Do You Incorporate Technology Into Your Teaching?

Sample Answer

I incorporate technology into my teaching in a variety of ways. For example, I might use educational apps, online resources, or multimedia presentations to supplement my lessons. I also encourage students to use technology to enhance their learning, such as by conducting research online or creating digital projects.

23. What Is Your Experience With Teaching Students From Diverse Backgrounds?

Sample Answer

I have extensive experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds, including students from different cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I believe that diversity is a strength and that all students can benefit from learning in a multicultural environment. To support students from diverse backgrounds, I try to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment and use culturally responsive teaching strategies.

24. How Do You Assess Student Progress And Adjust Your Teaching Accordingly?

Sample Answer

I assess student progress using a variety of methods, such as quizzes, tests, essays, and projects. I also use formative assessments, such as class discussions and exit tickets, to gauge student understanding on an ongoing basis. Based on the results of these assessments, I adjust my teaching to meet the needs of individual students and the class as a whole. For example, if I notice that many students are struggling with a particular concept, I might spend more time reviewing that concept or provide additional resources to help students master it.

25. What Is Your Experience With Teaching Students Who Are Not Native English Speakers?

Sample Answer

I have experience teaching students who are not native English speakers, and I understand the unique challenges that these students face. To support these students, I use a variety of strategies, such as providing additional language support, using visual aids, and simplifying my language when necessary. I also try to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel comfortable and valued.

Conclusion

Going for an interview without a clue about the questions you are likely to encounter is the worst thing you can do. It will show how unprepared you are and that you aren’t serious. Avoid that by studying these questions. Also, ensure to wear decently to maximize your chances of getting hired.