Landing an interview for a teaching position is exciting—and nerve-wracking. You’ve worked hard to earn your credentials, and now it’s time to prove you’re the right fit for the classroom. The key to acing your interview? Preparation, authenticity, and passion. Read on for five of our top teacher interview tips.

Teacher Interview Tips

1. Do Your Homework
Before the interview, research the school or district. Learn about their mission, student population, programs, and recent initiatives. Showing that you’ve taken the time to understand their community signals that you’re serious about making a difference there. If you’ve lived in the community for a long time, be sure to mention this and various ways that you’re involved.

2. Know Your Why
Be ready to share why you want to teach. Your personal story, your passion for education, and your commitment to helping students grow—these are what set you apart. Schools aren’t just hiring a résumé; they’re hiring a role model.

3. Be Ready for Real-World Questions
Expect questions about classroom management, lesson planning, and differentiation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Be honest—if you haven’t faced a situation yet, explain how you would approach it. If you haven’t already done so, put together a portfolio highlighting your credentials, lesson plans etc.

4. Show You’re a Lifelong Learner
Administrators want teachers who adapt, reflect, and grow. Talk about how you handle feedback, continue learning, and collaborate with peers. Did you earn your certification later in life? Explain what called you to continue your education in that way.

5. Ask Great Questions
Interviews go both ways. Ask thoughtful questions about the school culture, mentoring for new teachers, or expectations for your first year. It shows initiative and genuine interest.

With over 85% of public school districts reporting staffing shortages in recent years, schools are eager to hire qualified, committed educators. And since the majority of hiring happens between March and June, now is the perfect time to shine.

Still Need Certification?

Choosing to teach is choosing to contribute to something larger than oneself. It’s about shaping strong minds and strong communities. For those considering the teaching profession: know that it’s not just a career—it’s a purpose-filled path, a job with real meaning. Learn how you can become a teacher, quickly and affordably, today.

Additional Teacher Interview Resources

Previous American Board Blog posts covering hiring season and teacher interview tips are available here, here, and here. Additionally, you can find more tips here and here.

Let your enthusiasm lead the way—you’ve got this!