Best Questions to Ask at the End of Your Interview

In this blog post, we are breaking down one of the most overlooked moments in a teacher interview: the end. Specifically, what to do when the principal looks at you and says, "Do you have any questions for us?"

For many candidates, this question is a curveball. You have spent so much energy preparing for all the hard questions that this one catches you off guard. But how you handle it can leave a lasting impression — for better or worse.

Here is the good news: you do not need to wing it. With a little preparation, this moment can actually work in your favor.

Do Not Say "Nope, I'm Good"

The biggest mistake candidates make is brushing off this question entirely. Saying "No, I think I'm all set" signals a lack of curiosity and engagement. It is a missed opportunity to show the principal that you are genuinely interested in the role and the school.

That said, you also do not want to fire off a list of five or six questions. Principals are busy. They are often interviewing multiple candidates in a single day and have a school to run. One thoughtful, well-chosen question is all you need.

Questions for Veteran Teachers

If you have been in the classroom before and feel comfortable with educational language and concepts, these questions will position you well.

"What does a highly effective classroom teacher look like to you?"

This is one of the strongest questions you can ask. It tells the principal you are focused on being excellent at your job, not just landing a paycheck. It also invites the principal to share their vision for instruction, which is something most administrators genuinely enjoy talking about.

Listen carefully to the answer. The principal is essentially telling you what they will be looking for when they walk into your classroom. If they mention high engagement, strong routines, or data-driven instruction, those are your cues for how to shine during observations.

"What are the main goals or initiatives for the school this coming year?"

Principals pour a lot of energy into school-wide goals and new initiatives, and it is notoriously difficult to get full teacher buy-in. By asking about these priorities upfront, you are signaling that you are not the teacher who will roll their eyes at the next staff meeting. You are someone who wants to be part of the mission from day one.

You might frame it this way: "I want to make sure my instruction is aligned to what the school is working toward. What are the main goals for next year?" It is a simple question that carries a lot of weight.

Questions for Brand New Teachers

If this is your first time in the classroom, you may not yet have the vocabulary or context that more experienced candidates do. That is completely fine. These questions lean into that honesty in a way that actually works in your favor.

"Do you have any advice for me as a brand new teacher?"

There is nothing principals love more than a candidate who shows humility and a willingness to learn. Asking for advice signals that you are coachable, open-minded, and not coming in with an inflated sense of what you know.

Most principals will light up at this question. Many have spent years in the classroom themselves and have plenty of wisdom to share. Asking for it puts you in their good graces before you have even started.

"What barriers should I prepare for as a new teacher?"

This question pairs well with the one above. It shows self-awareness and a proactive mindset. Rather than waiting to be surprised by challenges, you are already thinking ahead.

Principals will most likely bring up classroom management or workload balance — two of the most common struggles for first-year teachers. Their answer gives you a preview of what to focus on, and your willingness to ask shows that you take those challenges seriously.

The Golden Rule: Pick One

It bears repeating: choose one question before you walk into the interview room. Decide ahead of time which question fits your experience level and the tone of the conversation, and stick with it.

If the principal does not ask whether you have questions at all, you are off the hook. But if they do, be ready. A single, thoughtful question asked with genuine curiosity will do far more for you than a long list ever could.

The goal is simple: show the principal that you are interested in doing the job well, that you respect their leadership, and that you are ready to be part of their school community. One good question can accomplish all of that.

If you want to walk into your teacher interview feeling fully prepared — not just for this question, but for every question a principal might ask — I have a Teacher Interview Online Course that will help you. It includes every question I have ever asked or heard asked in a teacher interview, along with detailed video walkthroughs and downloadable materials you can study at your own pace.

🎬 Watch the full video for more support 🎬