Teacher Interview Checklist: Tips to Nail Your Interview

In this blog post, we're breaking down a simple teacher interview checklist that will help you walk into your next interview with confidence. Whether you're interviewing for a classroom position or a leadership role, these three steps will help you stand out to any principal.

Research the school before you walk in

Principals love their schools the way parents love their children, so before your interview, dig into what makes the school unique. Maybe it's a center for the arts, a standout reading program, or a strong athletics tradition. Find something specific and be ready to bring it up naturally in conversation.

You'll also want to understand the school's current goals, which are often listed on the school or district website, or published through your state department of education. If the school is working toward a reading initiative or a specific academic goal, mention it. Saying something like "I saw your reading scores improved significantly last year" shows the principal you've done your homework and genuinely care about their school.

Be ready to talk about reading in the content area

Every principal wants teachers who act as ambassadors for reading, no matter what subject they teach. If you're interviewing for a middle or high school position in social studies or science, you might not think reading is central to your role, but it absolutely is.

Come prepared with a few concrete ways you'll support reading and writing in your content area. That might mean using specific reading strategies with textbooks, collaborating with the school's reading coach, or building in regular writing opportunities. Scientists and historians read and write constantly, and principals want to know you'll bring that mindset into your classroom.

If you're still working toward certification, check out our Teaching Reading Exam resouces, which covers reading strategies across content areas in depth. You can also browse our full library of teacher certification resources to find the right prep for your subject area.

Ask the right question at the end of the interview

When the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for us?", don't let it catch you off guard. Instead, ask: "What does a highly effective educator look like to you?"

This question does double duty. It gives you insight into what your principal values most, whether that's classroom management, standards-based instruction, or student engagement, and it hands you a roadmap for how to succeed once you're hired. Every principal will answer this a little differently, so listen closely and use their answer to guide your first year on the job.

For more on what administrators look for during evaluations, the U.S. Department of Education and your state's department of education are excellent resources for understanding official teacher evaluation frameworks, alongside standards published by organizations like ETS.

Put your checklist into practice

Before your next interview, take time to research the school, prepare your content-area reading strategies, and have your closing question ready. These three steps show principals you're prepared, thoughtful, and invested in their school's success.

Need more support before interview day? Our Teacher Interview Online Course gives you the tips, sample answers, and strategies you need to walk in with confidence.

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