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Introductory questions at teaching interviews

 Have you enjoyed your visit to the school?
 Why have you applied for this post?
Questions about yourself
 Tell us about yourself and what inspires you.
 What personal interests do you have that could be of value to the school?
 What unique qualities can you bring to the school?
 How do you know when you have had a good day?
 How do you handle stress?
Explain your choice of school or local authority
 What makes a successful school?
 How would you support the ethos of this school?
 How could you integrate the community into your teaching?
Handling professional issues in the classroom
 What are your particular strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
 Describe the worst or best lesson you have given. What would you do differently? Say why it was
successful or unsuccessful.
 How do you judge the achievement of pupils in your subject?
 If we visited your classroom in October, what could we expect to see?
 What is the role of target setting?
 How would you ensure that you respond effectively to the differing needs and abilities of pupils?
 How would you foster equal opportunities in the classroom/school?
 How would you accommodate children who have English as an additional language?
 How would you raise a child's self-esteem and aspirations?
 How far do children in your classroom direct their own learning?
 What are your views on the value of homework?
 Which is more important, teaching or learning, and why?
Behaviour management
 What are your views about discipline?
 How much noise and moving around the classroom would you permit?
 How would you cope with a child constantly interrupting the lesson?
 How would you deal with bullying?
 What would you do if your strategies for behaviour management were not succeeding?
Primary interviews
 How would you evaluate the effectiveness of the literacy strategy?
 What is the place of topic work in school and what is your experience of it?
 Which reading/mathematics schemes have you used?
 What are your views on the balance between creativity and basic skills?
 How might you use ICT in your teaching?
 How would you ensure the continued improvement of numeracy standards in your class?
 How would you structure literacy lessons to ensure equal access for all pupils?
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Secondary interviews
 Why do we teach (your subject) in schools?
 How would you motivate year 9 pupils who have lost interest in the subject?
 What would you say to a student considering taking your subject at A-level?
 What are your views on cross-curricular teaching?
 What are your views on streaming/sets/mixed-ability teaching?
 How would you address the underachievement of boys/girls in your subject area?
 Have you had any experience of vocational education?
 What bearing do you think future developments (in your subject) will have on your teaching?
 How would you teach (an area relevant to your subject) to a year 8 mixed-ability group?
Pastoral care
 What is the role of a form tutor and what relevant experience have you had?
 How would you seek to promote the moral, social and cultural development of the pupils?
 To which aspects of personal and social education could you make a contribution?
 How would you get to know your tutor group/class?
Your approach to working with parents and other adults
 What is your experience with parents in school? How could this be developed?
 How would you deal with a hostile or aggressive parent?
 How would you seek to work cooperatively with your colleagues?
 What support would you expect from staff as a newly qualified teacher (NQT)?
 How would you seek to work with adults other than teachers in your classroom?
 Give an example of when you have worked effectively within a team?
Your career development
 How will you develop yourself as a professional teacher?
 Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answering questions: interview performance tips
 Panels are interested in how you answer as well as what you say.
 Answers should be sufficiently detailed to show how you stand out from other applicants and should include
examples wherever possible.
 Taking time to think before giving a well-constructed answer is fine.
 Remember to ask for clarification if the question is unclear.
 When you are offered a job, most schools will expect a prompt response. Some may even ask at the
interview if you will accept the post if it is offered.

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

This is probably the most often asked teacher question which means whoever is interviewing you has probably
heard just about every story in the book… Giving a standard “because I love helping people learn” isn’t going
to cut it here.
You want to give an answer that is heartfelt and genuine and really illustrates why you chose this field. Take
time before your interview to really reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Was there someone in your
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past who inspired you and you want to pay that forward and inspire others? Draw from specific examples.
Make your response thoughtful, genuine, and honest.

Example answer: When I was in third grade I struggled a lot with reading. I could never keep up with lessons
and I was always terrified of being called on to practice my reading out loud. I started to doubt my own
intelligence and was convinced that the bottom line was I was stupid. It ended up affecting my grades and I
started to fall behind. Rather than give up on me, my teacher Miss Emily sat me down one day at lunch and
really talked to me about what was going on. I told her how hard it was for me to read and we discovered
together that I wasn’t stupid, but was having vision problems. She moved me to a desk that was closer to the
front, made sure I was able to see, and met with my parents to discuss options. Because of her my parents
took me to a doctor and my astigmatism was diagnosed. Because of Miss Emily I began to love learning again.
I want to be that teacher…the one who takes the time to really discover why students are struggling and give
another little girl like me an opportunity to learn to love learning again.
2. Why do you want to teach at this school?
This question is another common teaching interview question and a perfect example of why preparing and
practicing your answers before you get to the interview is critical! Use this opportunity to provide specific
reasons why you’re interested in the school by drawing on the information you gathered during your research.
Whoever is interviewing you is genuinely interested in knowing if you’re actually interested in the position or if
you’re just sending out resumes and showing up for whoever calls you no matter where they are. Having
specific answers tailored to your audience shows enthusiasm, initiative and dedication, all qualities that are
valuable!
Example Answer: I’ve spent a lot of time researching schools within this district and I’m very impressed with
what you offer here. Between an award winning teaching staff and a district that is very involved, your school
has a teacher-to-student ratio that I think really allows for personalized education. Smaller classroom sizes, like
the ones you maintain here, make it possible for me to give each child the one-on-one attention they deserve.
On top of that, your after-school science program is exciting to me and I would hope, should I get hired here,
that I might be able to become involved in that as well.
3. What can you bring to our school that makes you unique?
This question is pretty straight forward, and the perfect opportunity for you to really let your unique qualities
shine. Talk about activities you’ve participated in or passions you have that can easily translate into teachable
moments and classroom activities that fall outside the usual curriculum that is currently being enacted. Don’t
criticize what they’re doing, but explain how what you’re bringing will augment and compliment what they’ve
already got in place.
Example answer: I love science and exploring the natural world beyond the borders of the classroom. For that
reason, I started an after-school explorer’s club at my last school. We would go on nature hikes, visit museums
and invite local scientists and biologists to come speak to us about what they’re working on and their research.
The response was overwhelming and I have students who still come up to me years later and tell me how
much they loved our club and how it helped inspire them to pursue careers in the sciences. I would be very
interested in continuing the legacy of the explorer’s club here.
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4. What frustrates you the most in a classroom?
This question allows your interviewers to get to know what it takes to ruffle your feathers and how you’ll behave
when faced with that situation. Find a situation that is fairly common for all teachers and then explain how
you’ve dealt with that frustration. Remember, you want to focus on positive aspects of your teaching style, so if
you’re still frustrated with a situation and haven’t figured out how to work around it yet, maybe don’t use that
one as your example.
Example Answer: I have to admit, I get frustrated by the kids who think they’re too cool for school and who
float through their day doing as little as possible and the teachers who play into that attitude. Rather than turn
that frustration into anger or simply ignore them and wait for a slacker to drift through a year in my class, I turn
that frustration into a challenge for both the student and myself. Most of the time those kids are too cool
because of challenges they’re facing outside of school and their attitude is a way for them to protect
themselves. Sometimes all they need is to know someone else believes in them. By giving them a little extra
attention and encouragement, I’ve seen some of the ‘coolest kids’ turn into students who are focused, driven
and ready to turn themselves around.
5. What is your teaching philosophy?
Everyone will have a unique answer to this question as everyone’s experiences with education, experience,
and own personal history will determine how they’ve shaped their own philosophy. What drives you to teach?
What is your approach to teaching and what guides you and how you run your classroom? Take time before
you get into the interview to really focus on what your philosophy is and how you apply it every day.
Example Answer: I believe that the best learning opportunities are the ones that the students come up with
themselves. For that reason I spend every lunch hour on the playground with my students and make myself
available for them to ask me “playground-pop-quiz” questions. These questions have ranged from everything
from how is the ice cream we had at lunch made to exploring the lifecycle of the mosquitos we found in a piece
of playground equipment. I love challenging the students to try to stump me and as a result, they go out of their
way to explore the environment around them, making learning fun and exciting.

Do You Have Any Questions For Me?

 Can you tell me a little about the culture here at the school?
 What is a typical day like?
 Are there any qualities you’re looking for in a teacher that were not listed in the job description?
 Is there a teacher mentoring program here?
 Are there opportunities for furthering my education available here?
 What is the average classroom size?
 How are the classrooms equipped? Is this a wired school?
 What goals and expectations do you have for your teachers?
 Are there any challenges the school/district is facing that I should be aware of?
 Is there an active PTA here?
 How is the relationship between the parents and the school?
 Is the school a part of the community?
 How does this school handle student discipline?
 How does it handle bullying?
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1) Tell me a little bit about yourself
Oh, yes, this is the question that is most likely to be asked first. I call it a two minute commercial about yourself.
This is a great opportunity to sell yourself to the school district representatives. Keep in mind, if it is the first
question asked, it will set the stage for the interview, so it needs to be extremely strong. Don’t be too modest.
This will provide an overview, an introduction, to you. You might start by stating, “As you can see from my
resume….” and then mention your degrees and certifications and give a quick run down of your relevant
experience. The last 1 ½ minutes should be used to communicate your strengths and skills and what you can
do to enhance education in their district. In other words, they are asking “Why should we hire you?” Practice
this carefully. You need a few sentences that answer that question at the end of your response. Also, at the
end, you may want to mention why you would enjoy working for the school district in the position for which they
are hiring.
2) Let’s pretend it’s almost the first day of school and you are a first grade teacher. How would you prepare
your classroom?
This question tests how well you will manage the classroom. The philosophy is that the more organized you
are, the more well-run your classroom will be. Don’t give the panel just a few words… they may be using a
checklist to see how many items you mention. Plus, as a teacher, you should be very excited about this
question and be able to speak for a while, but limit the response to two minutes.
Your response must provide them with an idea of how nurturing and inviting your classroom will be to students.
Come up with some creative decorating ideas, making sure they are student-centered. You could also
mention a huge welcome sign, the daily schedule, age-appropriate posters, name tags for students, labeled
desks (how will they be arranged?) and lockers, a list of class rules/consequences/rewards, and other labeled
areas (e.g., the classroom library, manipulative storage, computer area), etc. Or, mention that you might invite
parents and students to visit the classroom the day before school starts, with the administrator’s permission. If
you have a portfolio with have pictures of other first days of school, this is a great chance to share them with
the panel.
Next, make it clear that you will have organized the textbooks, your lesson plan book, your grade book and
other materials well before school begins. Mention several activities you might include during the first day of
school, including an ice-breaker, a trip to the restrooms, and a fun art project.
The real key to this question is to show your enthusiasm, passion, excellent organizational skills, and how you
will create a warm and captivating environment in which students will feel safe, where learning will be
maximized, so that children will look forward to coming to school each day.
3) As a grade one teacher, how would you motivate parents to become involved in the classroom and in their
child’s education?
What is critical to communicate in your response to this question is your understanding of the importance of
parental involvement and how you always encourage participation to strengthen student-teacher-parent
relationships. (Grandparents can also be encouraged to participate.) Talk about some of the things that
parents can volunteer to do in the classroom, such as: reading with students, preparing project
materials, creating bulletin boards, sorting materials, setting up learning centers, hanging up students’ work,
etc.
Parental involvement means much more than just attending parent-teacher interviews. You must set goals to
keep the parents abreast of what is going on in the classroom. You can communicate that information and ask
for volunteers through weekly or bi-weekly newsletters. You might inform parents when you are starting a new
unit or specific projects and make sure they clearly understand the homework assignments each week. Make
sure that parents are invited to any momentous or appropriate events.
You should contact or speak to parents not just when a child is having difficulty, but also when they are doing
well. Tell the hiring panel that you will call parents and send notes home complimenting students on good
behavior. Also mention that you try to recruit bilingual parents to help with communication as necessary.
Let the hiring committee know that you coach parents on how they can help their child succeed
academically. You may have read some resource book(s) to gain ideas that you could implement. If so, let
the panel know. Holding a parent appreciation lunch or tea to acknowledge those who have helped in the
classroom is a great idea. Consider attending some of the PTA meetings. If your portfolio contains any past
newsletters or parental communication letters, make sure you show these to the panel.
4) Are you a flexible teacher? If so, explain how.
Yes I am a flexible teacher. I can deal very effectively with people and students from all backgrounds and
socio-economic groups. In teaching, I am completely aware that students have different learning rates and
styles. Some are fast learners and some are slow learners, some learn best in auditory manner, others through
actions or visual media. Still others have specific learning disabilities. I am flexible in the sense that I address
these differences and make it a point to respond to their different needs. In my teaching, I make use of different
learning strategies so that my instruction will be interesting and motivating to students. I use lecture,
discussion, hands-on activities, cooperative learning, projects, manipulatives, role playing, debates, reports,
technology, and others. (Choose the ones appropriate to the subject and/or grade for which you are applying.)
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5) What did you find to be the most difficult aspect of student (intern) teaching?
For me, the most difficult part of student teaching is the limited contact hours with students within one class
period (or day). When I teach, I have so much information that I would like to impart to my students that time
flies by too fast. I always go to my classes full of energy and armed with lessons which I believe will stimulate
curiosity and spark understanding and new insights in my students. There is so much information that I need to
present for them to have a comprehensive understanding of a concept. My challenge is to make sure that I
structure my lessons so effectively that learning takes place in one class period (or day). So I plan ahead to
maximize every minute of my class period (or day).
6) What ways do you assess and evaluate students?
In assessing students, I make use of different methods. I use formal and informal assessment procedures to
promote social, academic, and physical development. The usual assessment that I use is written quizzes (case
studies, discussions) and examinations. Throughout the semester, I also grade and assess students on their
class participation such as recitations, reports, group activities, and seat work. I also assess and grade
students based on their completion of assignments and timeliness in submission. I also use
authentic/alternative assessments, in which the student shows they can perform a task, such as making a
speech or writing a story. I like to use written, oral, and day-to-day assessments.
7) What will you do to modify your teaching to meet the needs of a gifted student?
A gifted student in the midst of the regular students can be a challenge in terms of addressing his or her
particular needs and capabilities. What I will do is to modify his work assignments in expectation or length to fit
his abilities. His tasks will require a higher level of understanding compared to the regular students. During
class discussions, I can direct questions to him or her that require higher-level thinking skills. I also would
encourage the gifted student to take a leadership role in group work so that his classmates can emulate and be
inspired by him.
8) What would your master teacher or cooperating teacher say about you?
My master teacher would say that I am incredibly energetic in teaching because I love what I do! She would
say that I am the type of person who also goes the extra mile to help my students learn and comprehend their
lessons regardless of their abilities. She would say that I also try to teach values that are important in life,
including the value of discipline.
9) What are some of the trends, issues, and methodologies in education that relate to your specific curriculum
area or grade level?
Here are some trends, issues, and methodologies that relate to most subjects and grade levels. You might say:
It seems that increasingly students have more information and knowledge than ever before due to access to
the internet. A teacher has to be aware of what the internet is, how it can be used in positive ways, and how to
protect students from negative influences on the internet.
It can be a powerful learning tool for students. In addition, technology in general has changed education
greatly. Using computers, videos, and other kinds of technology makes lessons more interesting and more fun.
It also makes it easier to teach students with varying needs. A computer with internet access can open the
world up to the classroom.
An issue that is important is teaching to state standards. School time is limited and we must make the best use
of it that we can, so I try to relate every lesson and activity to a grade level standard. That keeps me focused
on the overarching goal of improving education and helping children do better academically.
One of the most important methodologies in my opinion is teaching through multiple intelligences. Children
learn in so many different ways. I try to reach everyone by teaching through the senses, using visual, auditory,
and sense of touch to impart information. When possible, I try to include the senses of taste and smell, too!
10) Do you know what is going on in education today? Do you have a passion for the profession? In other
words, do you stay current?
Here is a possible answer for this question. I love education. I think that it is imperative to be a lifelong learner
when one is a teacher. I plan to continue my education by (fill in this blank with your own plans). Technology
continues to evolve into a strategic part of education. Tablet PCs and hand held devices are the newest
gadgets on the market for students to use; the internet is an incredible resource. Technology provides
interactive, individualized learning experiences, increasing student engagement and efficiency – in safer and
more secure schools. Multiculturalism and securing equal opportunities for all are important themes in
education. And, of course, teaching to state standards to upgrade student academic progress is very
important.
11) What is your classroom management plan?
My general classroom management plan is to make my classroom feel like a home to every student. I want
them to feel valued, intelligent, safe, and comfortable. I want them to respect me, the teacher, and each other
and to show that respect by treating everyone with kindness and caring. The class environment must be
conducive to learning so I welcome everyone’s opinions and encourage and respect student differences. I try
to understand the expectations of my students and make them aware of my expectations. I always make it a
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point to clearly communicate my expectations at the beginning of the school year. In this way, I ensure that the
students and I are moving toward the same goal – learning for all. I establish firm, but fair and consistent
discipline. I try to maintain a regular schedule each day. If the classroom is well-managed and teaching is
effective, the participants in this learning environment will learn, grow, and become responsible citizens.
12) What do you do to accommodate a student with an IEP?
An Individualized Education Plan will be successful if proper coordination and collaboration are emphasized
by the teacher, parents, psychologist, and other school staff. I accommodate a student with an IEP by
planning a series of in-depth discussions with the parents to learn about the student’s diagnosis and needs and
later to inform the parents of his progress. This allows me to design an education program that addresses his
specific needs and puts into place special accommodations. I also will document my own observations and
evaluations of the student’s academic work and behavior. As I gain knowledge and information about the
student with the IEP, it will be easier for me to decide on the lessons and teaching and learning styles I should
use to accommodate his needs and maximize his learning. There are many types of accommodations,
depending on the student’s diagnosis, for example, instructing a student through the use of manipulatives,
providing a seat near the front of the room, reinforcing positive behavior every few minutes, providing extra
time for assignments, and giving tests orally instead of in writing.
13) Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I observed your class?
What I most enjoy in teaching is hearing my students explain, in their own words, what they learned in a
particular lesson and watching them enjoy participating in a lesson. When you observe my class, you will see
that I get my students engaged in our discussions and activities. You will see that my students actively
participate in each lesson. I make sure that all of them have a chance to speak, express their thoughts, and
share them with the class. I enjoy how their faces brighten every time I recognize their efforts to learn by
saying, “Very good,” “That’s a great idea,” “Good job,” and other encouraging phrases. At the end of the
lesson, you will hear the students explain what they learned. Most of all, you’ll know that I enjoy teaching
because the children in my class look happy.
14) How do you differentiate your teaching? Please provide a couple of examples.
My teaching is unique in the sense that while teaching approach is holistic, it is also inclusive and
individualized. It is holistic because I not only share knowledge with my students, but I also elicit knowledge
from them. For instance, when I was teaching mathematics, I didn’t simply teach formulas and methods of
solving mathematical problems. I also explained to my students the value of understanding numbers and the
great things we can use math for, such as the ability to think logically. I include all students in my lessons. For
those who have difficulty, I use cooperative learning, peer tutors, and re-teaching techniques. I attend to the
individual needs of the students by modifying assignments. For example, when I had a group of gifted children
in my class, I regularly gave them special assignments to work on that would stimulate higher level thinking
skills and had them present their work to the class.
15) What can you contribute to our school community/teaching team?

I am the type of teacher who shares with my peers the classroom experiences that I have had, whether good
or bad. I do this because I believe that this the best way for me and other teachers to improve our teaching. In
this way, I get to share with them the best of my skills and, in return, they share with me the best of their skills.
I also find that this is a very good way to learn how to handle situations that are difficult or unusual. The feeling
of not being alone, but being part of a team of teachers, is what I can bring to the school. This will help build
morale and a great working environment.

Why do you want to be a teacher?

You need to give evidence that teaching is your first choice, not a plan B. Tell them about your motivation and
aim to show your passion for teaching. Provide good examples from your time in school and the specific
teaching elements that you find satisfying. Avoid broad responses such as 'I have always wanted to be a
teacher'.

Why do you want to work in our school?

Often one of the first questions in most teaching interviews, preparation is vital to successfully answer this
question. Think about why you would be a good fit to work or study in the school. Tell your interviewers why
you're interested in their school, and what you know about their ethos, values, demographics, educational
goals and objectives, initiatives, or extracurricular activities.
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How will you manage challenges at work?

Interviewers will want to hear that you're aware of the challenges in your PGCE, teacher training or NQT year
and have the stamina and dedication to cope. Perhaps describe a demanding situation, giving details of how
you successfully managed the varying demands. This could be your experience of studying and working at the
same time - experience of preparing lessons and managing a teaching caseload would be especially relevant.
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What experience do you have in schools?
Look beforehand at the experience they are asking for and emphasise where you have it. Your interview is
where you can give more evidence to support your CV and application. Use evidence from your teaching
practice, work in school or observing in a school before your interview. Describe the school and reflect on your
learning as well as what interested or surprised you. You can also talk about experience in other settings and
with different age ranges than those you're applying to teach in such as nurseries, youth clubs or playschemes.

What are the core skills and qualities that pupils look for in teachers?
Match the skills you have with those you know the school are looking for, as outlined in the job description or
person specification. Key skills looked for in teaching interviews include:
 passion for teaching/the subject
 good communication and organisation
 critical thinking
 patience
 sense of humour
 ability to communicate new ideas and concepts
 liking young people.
Draw attention to your assets, however obvious some of the points on this list might seem, by giving great
examples of when you have successfully demonstrated them.

What qualities do you have which would make you an effective teacher?
Reflect on a teacher you liked at school, university, or have worked with in the classroom. Analyse what
qualities made them successful - these might include:
 enthusiasm
 pace
 resilience
 subject knowledge
 a range of teaching methods
 an ability to hold the attention of the class
 empathy
 encouraging children to think rather than being told.
Tell your interviewers about the qualities you have which they are looking for - this is not a time to be modest.
Talk positively about yourself, think carefully about the words you would use here, for example -assertive
rather than bossy, or calm rather than laid back. Talk about what you would bring to their school.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

In any teaching interview there is always a question around safeguarding, which may take the form of any of
the following:
 What is a teacher's responsibility in keeping children safe?
 Tell us how you dealt with a safeguarding issue in school.
 What would you do if a child disclosed xyz?
Prepare by reading a safeguarding policy, preferably for the school you're applying to or you are at. In general,
don't handle a safeguarding issue yourself but pass it on to the safeguarding officer in the school.
You're also likely to be asked a question about equal opportunities, such as:
 What does the term 'equal opportunities' mean to you?
 How would you approach teaching a class of mixed ability pupils?
 What is your motivation for working in special education?
With any of these, demonstrate that you understand the issues for yourself and outline the theory if you can
with a successful example from your own experience. Be honest - if you haven't been in that situation say so,
but talk about what you would do if you were.

How would you evaluate [the lesson you just taught] and what you would do differently next time?
This is a crucial question. Don't just describe the lesson, talk about what was successful as well as how it may
have gone better. Be prepared with some suggestions of what you would change with hindsight.
Acknowledge that you have just met the pupils and probably don’t know them very well. Before the lesson, ask
if you can have a seating plan or list of the pupils' names. Consider the progress of individuals in the lesson
and try to remember some of their names if you can, giving the panel some suggestions of what your follow up
would be.

If I walked into your classroom during an outstanding lesson, what would I see and hear?
Give a full list as they may have a checklist to see how much you mention. Demonstrate your passion for high-
quality teaching, but limit your response to two minutes. Your answer will help interviewers see how you would
deliver an outstanding lesson in their school. If you have a portfolio with you, show any examples of children's
learning and positive feedback you have received. You could take certificates, resources you have made,
examples of lessons, things which will help you remember what you have done which is outstanding.
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Tell us about a behaviour management strategy you have used to help engage an individual learner or

group.
You could talk about how you have successfully handled a disruptive pupil or student. Give an example of a
situation where a strategy you used has been effective in the classroom. Think about the behaviour
management strategies you have come across or heard about and talk about what you have seen to be
effective.

Give an example of when you have improved teaching and learning in the classroom and how you

knew you had been successful.

Think of evidence before the interview so you are prepared with clear examples of success. Consider taking a
few examples of your work, maybe feedback from others or data around student improvement. Don't be shy
when talking about where you have improved teaching and learning as this is something your interviewers
really want to know about.

Can you give an example of when a pupil refused to cooperate in class?

This is likely to entail some follow up questions:
 What did you do?
 What effect did your actions have on the situation?
 What would you differently next time?
Your interviewers want to get a sense of you as a teaching professional. This could be where you mention
good working relationships with parents and carers, school policies, working together as a staff team or your
behaviour management strategies. Be prepared with a good example of where you have made a difference
and any successful results.

Why should we appoint you?/What would we be missing out on by not appointing you?
A related question is 'what are you bringing to the role of a teacher?'
Don't be modest in putting across your strong points during the interview. You might start with, 'As you can see
from my application…' and then lead into a quick rundown of your qualifications and relevant experience. If you
haven't already, present your strengths and how you can utilise to enhance education in their school.

What are some of the current issues in education?

Be ready with a few specific examples of topics you have heard about recently. Consider how they impact
teaching and learning, always using examples from your experience where you can. You could refer to a
discussion in the staff room, or a news report, or something you have heard about in your training. Often this
may be something which is putting pressure on teachers at the moment. Keep up to date with at least one
issue which relates to your subject or age group.
You may then be asked a follow up question around your opinion on this topic. Discuss how this would impact
teaching and learning and if at all possible illustrate your point with examples from your recent experience. This
might lead to additional questions specific to your personal statement or application, designed to give selectors
a sense of you as an individual. Your answers should be authentic and genuine - interviewers will be able to
spot a textbook answer. Relax and be yourself.