16 High School History 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 history teacher interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common High School History Teacher Interview Questions
- What made you want to become a high school history teacher?
- What are your favorite aspects of teaching high school history?
- What do you think are the most important things for students to learn in high school history?
- How do you make your classes interesting and engaging for students?
- What are some of the challenges you face as a high school history teacher?
- How do you help students who are struggling in your classes?
- What do you think is the most important thing for students to take away from your classes?
- How do you prepare your students for standardized tests?
- What are your thoughts on teaching controversial topics in history?
- How do you deal with students who refuse to participate in class discussions?
- What are your thoughts on using technology in the classroom?
- Do you have any advice for new high school history teachers?
- What are some of your favorite resources for teaching high school history?
- How do you differentiate instruction in your classes?
- What are some of your favorite activities to use in your classes?
- Do you have any advice for new high school teachers in general?
What made you want to become a high school history teacher?
This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the motives of the applicant. It also allows the interviewer to see if the applicant is truly passionate about teaching high school history, or if they are simply looking for any teaching job.
Example: “I have always been passionate about history and have loved learning about different cultures and civilizations. I believe that history is an important subject to study as it can provide us with valuable lessons about the past and help us to better understand the present. I also think that it is a fascinating subject to teach and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with students.”
What are your favorite aspects of teaching high school history?
The interviewer is likely trying to gauge the teacher's level of enthusiasm for the subject matter. It is important to know whether or not the teacher is passionate about teaching high school history because that can play a big role in how engaging and effective the teacher is in the classroom.
Example: “I love teaching high school history because it allows me to share my passion for the subject with my students. I enjoy watching them engage with the material and seeing their excitement when they make connections between the past and the present. Additionally, I appreciate the opportunity to help students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to research and write about historical topics.”
What do you think are the most important things for students to learn in high school history?
One reason an interviewer might ask this question to a high school history teacher is to get a sense of the teacher's priorities in terms of what content and skills they think are most important for students to learn in high school history. This can give the interviewer some insight into the teacher's instructional approach and whether it is aligned with the school's curriculum and goals. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer gauge the teacher's knowledge of the content and skills that are typically taught in high school history courses.
Example: “There are many important things for students to learn in high school history, but some of the most important would include:
-An understanding of major historical events and their causes and effects
-An appreciation for how the past has shaped the present and how current events may shape the future
-The ability to think critically about historical sources and interpretations
-The skills to communicate effectively about history, both in writing and verbally
-An awareness of different cultures and perspectives, and an understanding of how people have interacted throughout history
-An understanding of change over time, including economic, social, and political changes”
How do you make your classes interesting and engaging for students?
Asking how a teacher makes their classes interesting and engaging is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the teacher's ability to hold students' attention and keep them engaged in the material. Additionally, it can give insight into the teacher's methods for making the material relevant and relatable to students. Ultimately, this question can help the interviewer determine if the teacher is a good fit for the position.
Example: “I make my classes interesting and engaging for students by using a variety of methods. I might use group work, discussions, simulations, or other active learning strategies. I also try to make my lectures engaging by using multimedia, real-world examples, and humor. I also try to create a supportive and positive classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating.”
What are some of the challenges you face as a high school history teacher?
Some potential challenges that a high school history teacher might face could include:
- students who are disengaged or uninterested in the material
- having to cover a lot of content in a limited amount of time
- dealing with disruptive students
- managing different learning styles in the classroom
It is important for the interviewer to ask this question in order to get a better understanding of the potential challenges that the teacher might face in their role. This can help to identify any areas that the teacher might need support with, or any areas that could be improved.
Example: “One of the biggest challenges I face as a high school history teacher is getting students engaged in the material. It can be difficult to compete with the many distractions that are available to them outside of class, so I have to work hard to make my lessons interesting and relevant. Another challenge is dealing with different learning styles and abilities in my classroom. I need to be able to adapt my teaching methods to meet the needs of all my students. Finally, I also have to stay up-to-date on new developments in my field and find ways to incorporate them into my lessons.”
How do you help students who are struggling in your classes?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in how the teacher helps students who are struggling. This is important because it shows that the interviewer cares about the students and wants to know how the teacher will help them succeed. Second, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the teacher's methods for helping students. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is interested in how the teacher teaches and wants to know more about the teacher's methods. Finally, this question shows that the interviewer is interested in the teacher's overall philosophy on teaching and learning. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is interested in the teacher's values and beliefs about education.
Example: “There are a number of ways that I help students who are struggling in my classes. First and foremost, I am always available to meet with students during office hours to help them one-on-one with anything they are struggling with. Additionally, I post detailed lecture notes and PowerPoints online for students to reference if they need extra help outside of class. Finally, I am always willing to work with students to create alternative assignments or assessments that better fit their needs and help them demonstrate their knowledge in a way that is more comfortable for them.”
What do you think is the most important thing for students to take away from your classes?
An interviewer would ask this question to a high school history teacher to get an idea of what the teacher believes is the most important thing for students to learn from their classes. This is important because it can give insight into the teacher's priorities and what they think is most important for students to know. It can also help the interviewer understand how the teacher approaches their subject matter and whether they focus on facts or interpretation.
Example: “I think the most important thing for students to take away from my classes is a strong understanding of historical events and how they have shaped the world today. I also want my students to be able to think critically about history, and to see both sides of every issue.”
How do you prepare your students for standardized tests?
Standardized tests are an important part of the high school experience, and teachers need to be able to prepare their students for them. The interviewer is asking how the teacher prepares their students for standardized tests so that they can gauge how well the teacher knows the material and how well they can teach it. It is important for teachers to be able to prepare their students for standardized tests because it allows the students to show what they have learned in a consistent manner.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to prepare students for standardized tests will vary depending on the specific test and the students' individual needs. However, some general tips for preparing students for standardized tests include:
- Providing plenty of practice opportunities: Students should have ample opportunity to practice taking the type of test they will be taking, so that they are familiar with the format and the types of questions they will be asked.
- Teaching test-taking strategies: There are a number of strategies that can help students do their best on standardized tests, such as reading questions carefully, eliminating incorrect answers, and using process of elimination. Teaching these strategies to your students can help them feel more confident and prepared when they take the test.
- Helping students relax: It is important for students to stay calm and relaxed during the test, as stress can negatively impact performance. There are a number of relaxation techniques that can be helpful, such as deep breathing and positive visualization.”
What are your thoughts on teaching controversial topics in history?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a high school history teacher. First, it can give the interviewer some insight into the teacher's personal views on controversial topics. Second, it can help the interviewer gauge the teacher's ability to handle delicate topics in the classroom. Third, it can help the interviewer determine whether or not the teacher is open to discussing controversial topics with students.
The question is important because it can help the interviewer get a better sense of the teacher's views on controversial topics. It can also help the interviewer determine if the teacher is open to discussing these topics with students.
Example: “There is no easy answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the specific controversial topic being taught, the students in the class, the school's policies, etc. However, in general, I believe that it is important for students to learn about controversial topics in history, as they can provide valuable lessons about the past and help students to develop critical thinking skills.
Of course, there are some challenges that come with teaching controversial topics. For example, it is important to make sure that all students feel safe and respected when discussing these topics. Additionally, it is important to be aware of your own biases and to present both sides of the issue fairly.
Overall, I think that teaching controversial topics can be a valuable experience for both teachers and students. It is important to be thoughtful and careful when doing so, but I believe that the benefits outweigh the challenges.”
How do you deal with students who refuse to participate in class discussions?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the prospective teacher's ability to manage a classroom and maintain student engagement. It is important for high school history teachers to be able to effectively lead class discussions and keep students on track. If a teacher is unable to do this, it can lead to a chaotic and unproductive classroom environment.
Example: “There are a few different ways that I deal with students who refuse to participate in class discussions. First, I try to engage them in one-on-one conversation to see if there is a reason why they are not participating. If they still refuse to participate, I may give them a warning or put them in time-out. Finally, if they continue to refuse to participate, I will send them to the principal's office.”
What are your thoughts on using technology in the classroom?
An interviewer might ask a high school history teacher about their thoughts on using technology in the classroom in order to gauge the teacher's views on how technology can support learning in history. It is important to understand the teacher's views on technology because it can help to inform decisions about how and when to integrate technology into lessons and units. Additionally, the teacher's views on technology can also help to shape professional development opportunities for other history teachers.
Example: “I believe that technology can be a great asset in the classroom if used correctly. Technology can help students learn in a more interactive and engaging way, and it can also help teachers to better assess student understanding. However, it is important to use technology wisely and not to rely on it too heavily – after all, students still need to learn how to read and write, and do math without the aid of a computer!”
Do you have any advice for new high school history teachers?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a high school history teacher. First, the interviewer may be interested in the teacher's methods for teaching high school history. Second, the interviewer may be interested in the teacher's advice for new high school history teachers. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is interested in the teacher's professional opinion and is willing to listen to the teacher's advice.
Example: “There are a few pieces of advice that I would give to new high school history teachers. First, it is important to be passionate about the subject that you are teaching. History can be a dry subject for some students, and it is important to be able to engage them and make the material interesting. Secondly, it is important to be organized in your teaching. Have a clear plan for each lesson, and make sure that you are covering all of the essential material. Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative in your teaching. There are many different ways to teach history, so find what works best for you and your students.”
What are some of your favorite resources for teaching high school history?
Some possible reasons an interviewer might ask about a high school history teacher's favorite resources for teaching high school history are to get a sense of what kind of teacher the person is, what methods they use to teach, and what kinds of materials they are familiar with. This question can also give the interviewer insight into the person's philosophy of teaching and their approach to history education. It is important for the interviewer to know this information because it can help them determine whether or not the person is a good fit for the position.
Example: “Some of my favorite resources for teaching high school history include textbooks, primary source documents, and online resources. I also enjoy using simulations and games to help students learn about historical events.”
How do you differentiate instruction in your classes?
The interviewer is asking how the teacher differentiates instruction in order to gauge the teacher's level of experience and expertise. It is important to differentiate instruction in order to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom.
Example: “I differentiate instruction in my classes by using a variety of strategies to meet the needs of all my students. I use differentiating instruction, which is a process of adapting the content, teaching methods, and assessment to meet the needs of each individual student. This allows me to cater to the different learning styles and abilities in my classroom. I also use technology to differentiate instruction. I use educational software and apps that allow students to work at their own pace and level. I also use online resources and games to engage all my students in learning.”
What are some of your favorite activities to use in your classes?
An interviewer might ask a high school history teacher what some of their favorite activities to use in their classes because it is important to know what methods the teacher uses to engage their students in learning. It is also important to know if the teacher is using active learning strategies that have been shown to be effective in promoting student learning.
Example: “I love using activities that help my students engage with the material on a personal level. For example, I often have them write letters to historical figures or create time capsules as if they were living in a specific time period. These activities really help bring the past to life for my students and help them understand what it was like to live in different times.”
Do you have any advice for new high school teachers in general?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to get a sense of the interviewee's teaching philosophy and methods. It is important to know the advice that a high school history teacher would give to new teachers in order to gauge how well they would be able to train and support new hires.
Example: “There are a few pieces of advice that I would give to new high school teachers. First, it is important to build relationships with your students. Get to know them and their interests, and let them get to know you. Secondly, be patient. Teaching can be challenging, and it takes time to find what works best for you and your students. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to teachers, and there is no shame in admitting that you need assistance.”