Teaching Interview - Questions You Can Ask the Interviewer

At the end of a teaching interview, it is common for the interviewer to say, "Do you have any questions for us?" Many candidates hesitantly reply with the usual, "Not really." But some the best candidates are the ones who have thought of something to ask or discuss with the interviewer. It gives you a chance to turn the tables by making the interviewer think about a good response to YOUR question.

So what should you ask? My advice is to choose a question that is both complimentary towards the school and open-ended. This will show the interviewer that you do like the school and give him or her a chance to brag a little.

A good format to follow is this: Start by making a complimentary statement directed towards the school district, the staff, the students, the administration or the parents. After making your complimentary statement, you can invite the interviewer to elaborate.

For example: "I know several parents in this district are very impressed with the quality of this school. In your opinion, what makes this school so highly regarded in the community?"

Notice how the question is phrased. First, you pay them a compliment. Then, you present an open-ended question that the interviewer has to answer.

Other examples of questions you might ask an interviewer:

• "This high school has one of the highest graduation rates in the state. What do you credit to this success?"
• "I know many parents and students in this district and they're always saying such positive things about the teachers and staff at this school. Can you tell me a little about the people I would be working with?"
• "This school is my first choice for a job because it stands out in so many ways: great student population, lots of after-school activities, and high scores on standardized tests. You obviously have a lot to be proud of. What are you most proud of at this school and why?"

Of course, the question you ask should be your own, and you should always make sure they're applicable to the school you're interviewing at. Good questions will vary depending on the position, the school, and the tone of the interview.

Expressing outright compliments to the interviewer may seem a bit cheesy, but it really does work. Having a thoughtful question prepared will show that you're a serious candidate who really does notice the successes of the school. And what principal would really dislike a candidate who says complimentary things about the school? :)

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