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18 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 history teacher interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common History Teacher Interview Questions

What made you want to become a history teacher?

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a history teacher. Maybe they had a great history teacher growing up who inspired them. Maybe they love learning about history and want to share that passion with others. Maybe they want to help students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to analyze and interpret evidence.

It's important for the interviewer to understand the candidate's motivation for becoming a history teacher. This will help them gauge whether the candidate is likely to be successful in the role and whether they will be a good fit for the school.

Example: “I have always been interested in history, and after completing my undergraduate degree in history, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching. I believe that history is an important subject to study, as it helps us to understand the present day and make better decisions for the future. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge of history with others, and I believe that teaching is the best way to do this.”

What are your favorite aspects of history?

An interviewer might ask "What are your favorite aspects of history?" to a/an History Teacher in order to better understand the teacher's motivations for teaching history and what the teacher finds most enjoyable or engaging about the subject. This can be important in understanding how the teacher approaches the subject and whether they are likely to be able to effectively communicate their passion for history to students.

Example: “I love the study of history because it allows us to understand the present and the future by understanding the past. I also enjoy the challenge of piecing together the puzzle of the past through primary and secondary sources. Additionally, I find it fascinating to learn about different cultures and how they have interacted with each other over time.”

What are your favorite historical periods?

Some interviewers ask this question to get a sense of what the interviewee is passionate about. It can also give the interviewer a sense of the interviewee's knowledge base and areas of expertise.

Example: “I absolutely love the medieval period! I love learning about all of the different kings and queens, and the various wars that were fought during that time. I also find the architecture and art of that period to be incredibly fascinating. Additionally, I enjoy studying the Renaissance and the Reformation, as they were both such pivotal moments in history.”

What are your favorite history books?

An interviewer might ask a history teacher what their favorite history books are in order to get a sense of what kind of history the teacher is interested in and what kind of teaching style they might have. It is important to know this because it can give clues as to how the teacher will approach the material and what kinds of things they might emphasize in their lessons. Additionally, it can help the interviewer determine if the teacher is knowledgeable about a wide range of historical topics or if they specialize in a particular area.

Example: “My favorite history books are The Histories by Herodotus, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon, and A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn. I love these books because they provide such rich and detailed accounts of the past. They really bring history to life and help me understand the complex events that have shaped our world.”

What are your favorite history movies?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a history teacher about their favorite history movies. One reason is to get a sense of the types of history that the teacher is interested in. Another reason is to gauge the teacher's level of knowledge about historical events and figures. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to determine whether the teacher is able to communicate effectively about history to a non-expert audience.

Example: “My favorite history movies are those that tell a story that is both accurate and engaging. For me, accuracy is important because it ensures that the events portrayed in the film are true to life. This is especially important in historical films because it helps viewers understand what really happened during a particular time period. Engaging stories, on the other hand, are important because they keep viewers interested and invested in the film. A good story will make viewers care about the characters and their struggles, even if they are not directly related to them.”

What are your favorite history websites?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a history teacher about their favorite history websites. First, the interviewer may be interested in what resources the teacher uses to stay up-to-date on historical events and trends. Second, the interviewer may be interested in what resources the teacher uses to supplement their classroom teaching. Finally, the interviewer may be interested in what resources the teacher uses to help their students with their historical research. By understanding the resources that the teacher uses, the interviewer can get a better sense of the teacher's knowledge and expertise.

Example: “Some of my favorite history websites are the Library of Congress website, the National Archives website, and the Smithsonian website. I also really enjoy looking at state and local historical societies' websites. Each of these websites has a wealth of information that is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about American history.”

What are your favorite history podcasts?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask a history teacher about their favorite history podcasts. One reason could be to get a sense of the types of history the teacher is interested in. Another reason could be to gauge the teacher's level of interest in keeping up with current events in the field of history. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in knowing how the teacher uses technology in the classroom and whether they are familiar with popular history podcasts.

Example: “I absolutely love history podcasts! My favorites are "The History Chicks," "The Stuff You Missed in History Class," and "Hardcore History." I also really enjoy "The Memory Palace" and "99% Invisible."”

What are your favorite history articles?

There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge the depth of the applicant's knowledge on history, or they could be trying to get a sense of what kind of teaching methods the applicant is interested in. Additionally, this question could be used to start a conversation about the applicant's teaching philosophies. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to get a sense of the applicant's qualifications and interests.

Example: “I absolutely love reading history articles! Some of my favorites include "The Battle of Gettysburg" by David McCullough, "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe, and "The Great Depression" by John Steinbeck. I also enjoy reading about more light-hearted topics, such as fashion history or the history of food.”

What are your favorite history documentaries?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a history teacher. First, they may be trying to gauge the teacher's knowledge of history outside of the classroom. Second, they may be trying to get a sense of the teacher's interests and passions when it comes to the subject. Lastly, they may be trying to determine if the teacher is able to make connections between the past and the present. By understanding the teacher's favorite history documentaries, the interviewer can get a better sense of the teacher's understanding of history and their ability to communicate that knowledge to others.

Example: “I absolutely love history documentaries! I find them so fascinating and they really bring history to life. Some of my favorites include The Civil War, The American Revolution, and World War II. I also really enjoy watching documentaries about ancient civilizations, such as the Roman Empire and the Egyptian pyramids.”

What is your favorite thing about teaching history?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite thing about teaching history?" to a/an History Teacher in order to get a sense of their passion for the subject. It is important to know if the teacher is passionate about history because that can be contagious and make the students more interested in the material. Additionally, a teacher who is passionate about history is likely to be more engaging and create a more dynamic learning environment.

Example: “There are many things that I enjoy about teaching history, but one of the things that I enjoy the most is being able to share my passion for history with my students. I love seeing the looks on their faces when they realize that they are learning about something that is truly interesting and important. It is also gratifying to see them apply what they have learned in class to their own lives and to the world around them.”

What is your favorite thing about learning history?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a history teacher. First, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the teacher's level of enthusiasm for the subject. It is important to gauge a teacher's level of enthusiasm because it can be contagious and can help students become more interested in the material. Second, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the teacher's perspective on history. This is important because it can help the interviewer understand how the teacher approaches the material and whether they emphasize certain aspects of history over others.

Example: “There are many things that I enjoy about learning history, but one of the things that I find most fascinating is the way that it can help us to understand the present. By studying history, we can see how past events have shaped the world that we live in today. We can also learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and avoid repeating them in the future. Additionally, history is full of stories of ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things, and these stories can inspire us to reach our own potential.”

What do you think is the most important thing that students should learn from history?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a history teacher. First, the interviewer wants to know what the history teacher thinks is important for students to learn from history. This can give the interviewer some insight into the teacher's priorities and how they approach teaching history. Second, the question can help the interviewer gauge the teacher's knowledge of history and their ability to communicate its importance to students. Finally, the question can help the interviewer understand the teacher's philosophy on education and how they think history should be taught in schools.

Example: “There are many important things that students can learn from history, but one of the most important is the importance of critical thinking. History is full of examples of people making bad decisions based on flawed information or simply not thinking things through properly. If students can learn to think critically about the past, they will be better equipped to make good decisions in the present and future.”

What do you think is the most interesting thing about history?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a history teacher. First, it can give the interviewer some insight into the teacher's personal interests and how they might relate to their teaching. Second, it can help the interviewer gauge the teacher's knowledge of history and their ability to communicate that knowledge to others. Finally, it can help the interviewer determine whether the teacher is passionate about history and teaching it to others. All of these factors are important in determining whether the history teacher is a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are many interesting things about history, but one of the most fascinating things is how it can help us understand the present. By studying history, we can see patterns and trends that can give us clues about what might happen in the future. Additionally, history can provide valuable lessons about how to handle different situations and challenges.”

What do you think is the most challenging thing about teaching history?

An interviewer might ask "What do you think is the most challenging thing about teaching history?" to a History Teacher in order to better understand the teacher's views on the subject matter. It is important to know the teacher's opinion on the challenges of teaching history because it can give insight into how the teacher plans to overcome those challenges in the classroom.

Example: “There are many challenges that come with teaching history. One of the biggest challenges is helping students to understand and appreciate history while also teaching them to think critically about the past. Another challenge is finding ways to make history relevant to students' lives. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep up with the constantly changing field of history and to ensure that students are learning accurate information.”

What do you think is the most rewarding thing about teaching history?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to know if you have a passion for teaching history. Second, they want to know if you find the work rewarding. Finally, they want to know if you think there is anything unique or special about teaching history.

The most important reason for asking this question is to gauge your level of enthusiasm for the subject matter. If you are not passionate about teaching history, it will be difficult to engage your students and get them excited about learning. Additionally, if you do not find the work rewarding, you may be less likely to stick with it long-term. It is important for the interviewer to know if you have a genuine interest in teaching history so that they can gauge your potential as a teacher.

Example: “There are many rewarding things about teaching history, but one of the most gratifying is seeing students develop a genuine interest in the subject. When students are engaged and enthusiastic about learning, it makes the entire experience more enjoyable for both them and the teacher. Additionally, it is very satisfying to see students gain a greater understanding of the past and how it has shaped the world we live in today.”

What do you think is the most important thing that students should take away from their experience in your classroom?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the teacher's priorities and what they think is most important for students to learn in their class. This question can be difficult to answer if the teacher has not given it much thought previously, but it can give great insight into their teaching style and methods.

Example: “I think the most important thing for students to take away from my classroom is a sense of understanding and appreciation for history. I want them to see how the past has shaped the present, and how the present will shape the future. I also want them to develop critical thinking skills that they can use to analyze historical events and make informed decisions about the world around them.”

What do you think is the most important thing that students should know about you as their teacher?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a history teacher. First, it allows the interviewer to get to know the teacher and their teaching style. Second, it gives the interviewer a chance to see how the teacher views their subject matter. Finally, it allows the interviewer to gauge the teacher's commitment to their students' education.

Example: “I think the most important thing that students should know about me as their teacher is that I am always available to help them. I am also very patient and will never give up on a student.”

What do you think is the most important thing that students should know about history?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a history teacher. First, the interviewer could be gauging the teacher's understanding of the subject matter. Second, the interviewer could be trying to understand the teacher's philosophy on education and whether or not they believe that history is an important part of a student's education. Third, the interviewer could be looking for specific examples of what the teacher believes are the most important things for students to know about history.

The most important thing that students should know about history is that it can provide them with a better understanding of the present. History can help students to understand why things are the way they are and how they got to be that way. It can also provide students with a greater appreciation for the world around them and the people who have come before them.

Example: “There are many important things that students should know about history, but if I had to choose one, I would say it is the importance of learning from past mistakes. History is full of examples of what not to do, and by studying it, we can avoid making the same mistakes in the future.”

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