17 High School English Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various high school english teacher interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common High School English Teacher Interview Questions
- What made you want to become an English teacher?
- What are your favorite novels?
- What are your favorite poems?
- How do you approach teaching grammar?
- What are your strategies for teaching writing?
- How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
- What are your thoughts on the current state of the English language?
- How do you integrate technology into your classroom?
- What are your thoughts on standardized testing?
- How do you create a positive and supportive learning environment in your classroom?
- What challenges do you think high school students face when it comes to English?
- How do you motivate students to engage with the material?
- What advice do you have for students who are struggling with English?
- What outside resources do you use to supplement your teaching?
- How do you keep up with changes in the English language and curriculum standards?
- How do you deal with difficult behavior in your classroom?
- What do you think is the most important thing for students to take away from your class?
What made you want to become an English teacher?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the teacher's motivations for becoming an English teacher. It is important to know the teacher's motivations because it can affect their performance in the classroom. For example, if the teacher is motivated by a love of literature, they may be more likely to create engaging lesson plans and foster a love of reading in their students. However, if the teacher is motivated by a desire to help students improve their grades, they may be more likely to focus on test preparation and drill-and-practice activities. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to know the teacher's motivations so that they can determine if they are likely to be a good fit for the position.
Example: “I have always loved reading and writing, and English was always my best subject in school. I also really enjoyed working with kids, so becoming an English teacher seemed like the perfect fit for me. I love being able to help students improve their reading and writing skills, and watching them grow as writers and thinkers.”
What are your favorite novels?
There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask a high school English teacher about their favorite novels. First, it can give the interviewer some insight into the types of books the teacher is interested in and might be teaching to their students. It can also help the interviewer gauge the teacher's level of knowledge and expertise when it comes to literature. Additionally, asking about favorite novels can help the interviewer get to know the teacher on a personal level, which can be important in determining whether or not the teacher is a good fit for the position.
Example: “My favorite novels are To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I love these novels because they are all coming-of-age stories that deal with important issues in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. They are also well-written and have great characters that are easy to relate to.”
What are your favorite poems?
An interviewer might ask a high school English teacher what their favorite poems are to get a sense of what kind of literature the teacher is interested in and what they might teach in their classes. This question can also give the interviewer insight into the teacher's personal taste and how they approach literary works.
Example: “I have many favorite poems, but some of my favorites are "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot, "The Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman, and "Ode to a Nightingale" by John Keats. I love these poems because they are all so different in both form and content, but each is incredibly beautiful and moving in its own way.”
How do you approach teaching grammar?
An interviewer might ask "How do you approach teaching grammar?" to a high school English teacher to get a sense of the teacher's philosophy on grammar instruction. It is important to know how a teacher approaches grammar instruction because it can impact student learning. If a teacher uses a traditional approach to teaching grammar, they may focus on rules and memorization. However, if a teacher uses a more constructivist approach, they may focus on helping students understand how grammar works and how it can be used to create meaning.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to approach teaching grammar will vary depending on the individual students and the specific curriculum. However, some general tips on how to approach teaching grammar effectively include:
- stressing the importance of proper grammar and why it matters in real life
- using a variety of methods to teach grammar, such as direct instruction, hands-on activities, and interactive games
- making sure that students have plenty of opportunities to practice using proper grammar
- providing feedback on students' progress and offering encouragement along the way”
What are your strategies for teaching writing?
An interviewer might ask this question to gain insight into the High School English Teacher's methods for teaching writing. It is important to know the strategies that a teacher uses to instruct their students, as this can impact the quality of education that the students receive. By understanding the strategies that a High School English Teacher uses to teach writing, the interviewer can get a better sense of how the teacher would approach writing instruction in the classroom. Additionally, this question can help to identify any areas where the High School English Teacher might need improvement in their teaching methods.
Example: “Assuming you want a comprehensive answer:
1. Start with the basics. Make sure your students understand the building blocks of writing, such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Without these basics in place, it will be difficult for students to move on to more complex writing tasks.
2. Help students find their voice. Encourage them to explore different genres and styles of writing, and find the one that suits them best. It’s important for students to feel comfortable and confident in their writing, so they can express themselves clearly and effectively.
3. Model good writing yourself. As the old saying goes, “practice what you preach” – so make sure you’re modeling excellent writing for your students to emulate. This could involve sharing your own writing with them, or simply demonstrating strong writing skills during lessons and activities.
4. Give plenty of opportunities to practice. Writing is a skill that needs to be practiced regularly in order to improve. Provide regular opportunities for your students to write, both in and out of class. This could include daily journaling, weekly assignments, or even just impromptu free-writing exercises during class time.
5. Offer constructive feedback. When”
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
One reason an interviewer might ask this question is to gauge the teacher's ability to adapt their instruction to meet the needs of all students. Another reason might be to determine how the teacher uses formative and summative assessments to guide their instruction. It is important for teachers to be able to differentiate their instruction and provide support to struggling readers. By doing so, they can ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn and grow.
Example: “There are a number of strategies that can be used to help students who are struggling with reading comprehension. Some of these include:
- Providing explicit instruction in reading comprehension strategies
- Modeling how to use these strategies while reading aloud
- Giving students opportunities to practice using these strategies with age-appropriate texts
- Assessing students' understanding of the text regularly and providing feedback
- Adjusting the level and type of texts that students are reading based on their needs”
What are your thoughts on the current state of the English language?
An interviewer might ask "What are your thoughts on the current state of the English language?" to a high school English teacher in order to get their opinion on the subject. It is important to ask this question because it can give the interviewer insight into the teacher's views on education and the English language.
Example: “The English language is constantly evolving, and it is fascinating to see how it changes over time. I think the current state of the English language is strong and vibrant. There are many different dialects and varieties, which makes it an interesting and dynamic language. It is also a very versatile language, which can be used for a variety of purposes.”
How do you integrate technology into your classroom?
An interviewer might ask "How do you integrate technology into your classroom?" to a high school English teacher to get a sense of how the teacher uses technology to supplement instruction and help students engage with the material. It is important for teachers to be able to integrate technology into the classroom because it can help students who are struggling with the material and it can also help students who are visual or auditory learners. Additionally, technology can help engage students in the material and make the learning process more fun and interactive.
Example: “I integrate technology into my classroom by using a variety of tools to engage my students in the material. I use online resources, such as Quizlet and Khan Academy, to create interactive games and activities for my students. I also use Google Classroom to post assignments and announcements. In addition, I use a document camera to display text and images on the overhead projector, and I often use PowerPoint presentations to supplement my lectures.”
What are your thoughts on standardized testing?
One reason an interviewer might ask a high school English teacher about their thoughts on standardized testing is to get a sense of their teaching philosophy. For example, if the teacher believes that standardized tests are an effective measure of student learning, the interviewer might want to know how the teacher incorporates test prep into their classroom. On the other hand, if the teacher believes that standardized tests are not an effective measure of student learning, the interviewer might want to know how the teacher assesses student progress. It is important for the interviewer to understand the candidate's thoughts on standardized testing because it will give them insight into the candidate's teaching style and philosophy.
Example: “I believe that standardized testing is an important tool for measuring student achievement and growth. However, I also believe that there are some limitations to standardized testing. For example, standardized tests often do not take into account the individual needs of each student, and they can sometimes be biased against certain groups of students.”
How do you create a positive and supportive learning environment in your classroom?
In order to create a positive and supportive learning environment in any classroom, it is important for the teacher to be able to establish a good rapport with their students. This can be done by being approachable and accessible to them, as well as making an effort to get to know them on a personal level. Additionally, it is important to create an atmosphere in the classroom that is conducive to learning, where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions. Finally, it is also important to provide adequate support to students, both in terms of academic help and emotional support.
Example: “There are many ways to create a positive and supportive learning environment in your classroom. Some things you can do include:
-Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere as soon as students enter the classroom. This can be done with a smile, friendly greeting, or small talk.
-Get to know your students and their interests. This will help you connect with them on a personal level and make them feel comfortable in your class.
-Encourage students to participate in class activities and discussions. Make sure everyone feels like their voice is heard and valued.
-Be patient and understanding with your students. They are all different and will learn at different rates.
-Give positive feedback often to let students know when they are doing well.”
What challenges do you think high school students face when it comes to English?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the interviewee's understanding of the challenges that high school students face when it comes to English. It is important for the interviewer to know this because it will help them determine whether or not the interviewee is qualified to teach high school English.
Example: “There are a number of challenges that high school students face when it comes to English. One of the biggest challenges is simply mastering the basics of grammar and punctuation. This can be a challenge for students who have not had a lot of exposure to the English language or who have difficulty with language in general. Another challenge is being able to read and understand complex texts. This can be difficult for students who are not used to reading lengthy or dense texts. Additionally, writing can be a challenge for high school students, as they may not have a lot of experience crafting essays or research papers. Finally, speaking and listening can also be difficult for high school students, as they may be shy or nervous about participating in class discussions.”
How do you motivate students to engage with the material?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the teacher's ability to engage students with the material. This is important because it is one of the key skills necessary for a successful teacher. If a teacher cannot engage students with the material, then the students will likely not learn as much as they could.
Example: “There are many ways to motivate students to engage with the material. Some teachers may use a more traditional approach, such as providing rewards for correct answers or penalizing students for incorrect answers. Others may take a more creative approach, such as incorporating games into the lesson or using real-world examples to illustrate the concepts being taught. Ultimately, it is up to the teacher to find what works best for their students and their particular class.”
What advice do you have for students who are struggling with English?
The interviewer is asking this question to gain insight into the High School English Teacher's teaching methods. It is important to know how the teacher would handle students who are struggling with English, as this can be a difficult subject for some students. The interviewer wants to see if the teacher has patience and is able to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students.
Example: “There are a few pieces of advice that I would give to students who are struggling with English. First, I would tell them to seek out help from their teachers or other adults who can assist them. I would also tell them to be persistent and never give up on themselves. Additionally, I would encourage them to read as much as possible, both for pleasure and to improve their skills. Finally, I would tell them to practice writing as often as they can, whether it is in a journal, on a blog, or even just in notes to themselves.”
What outside resources do you use to supplement your teaching?
An interviewer may ask this question to a high school English teacher to gain insight into the teacher's methods for supplementing the curriculum and engaging students. It is important to know how teachers supplement their teaching because it can give insight into their creativity, innovation, and ability to adapt to the needs of their students.
Example: “There are a number of outside resources that I use to supplement my teaching. I often use online resources, such as websites and videos, to supplement my instruction. I also frequently use print resources, such as books and articles, to supplement my teaching. Additionally, I often utilize resources provided by the school district or state, such as curriculum materials and standardized tests.”
How do you keep up with changes in the English language and curriculum standards?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the candidate's dedication to their profession. It is important for high school English teachers to keep up with changes in the English language and curriculum standards because it shows that they are willing to adapt their teaching methods to ensure that their students are receiving the best education possible.
Example: “There are a few different ways that I keep up with changes in the English language and curriculum standards. First, I make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest research in the field of linguistics. This helps me to understand how the English language is evolving and changing over time. Additionally, I regularly attend conferences and workshops related to English education. These events typically offer updates on new curriculum standards and teaching strategies. Finally, I stay in close communication with my colleagues, who are also usually aware of any changes taking place in our field.”
How do you deal with difficult behavior in your classroom?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the applicant's ability to manage difficult behavior in their classroom. This is important because it can be a major challenge for teachers to keep their students on track and prevent disruptive behavior from interfering with learning.
Example: “There are a few different ways that I deal with difficult behavior in my classroom. First, I try to establish clear rules and expectations from the beginning of the year. I let my students know that there will be consequences for breaking rules, and I follow through with those consequences when necessary. This helps to set a tone of respect and responsibility in the classroom.
Another way I deal with difficult behavior is by trying to build positive relationships with my students. I take time to get to know them and their interests, and I try to create an environment where they feel comfortable coming to me with problems or concerns. When students feel like they have a positive connection with their teacher, they are more likely to behave in a positive manner.
Finally, I am not afraid to address difficult behavior head-on. If a student is disruptive or disrespectful, I will talk to them privately about their behavior and explain why it is not acceptable. Sometimes this is enough to get the student back on track, but other times more serious consequences may be necessary. However, by addressing the behavior early on, I can usually prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.”
What do you think is the most important thing for students to take away from your class?
There could be a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a high school English teacher. One reason might be to gauge the teacher's priorities in terms of their students' learning. Is the teacher more concerned with teaching the mechanics of writing, or are they more concerned with helping students develop critical thinking skills? Another reason the interviewer might ask this question is to get a sense of the teacher's teaching philosophy. What do they believe is the most important outcome of education? Is it to provide students with knowledge, or is it to help them grow as individuals?
Regardless of the reason the interviewer asks this question, it is important for the teacher to be able to articulate what they believe is the most important thing for students to take away from their class. This will give the interviewer a better understanding of the teacher's priorities and how they approach their work.
Example: “I think the most important thing for students to take away from my class is a love of reading and writing. I want them to be able to express themselves clearly and confidently in both oral and written form. I also want them to be able to critically analyze what they read and view, and to think deeply about the issues that matter to them.”