Q: “I’m finishing my education degree, and I’m interviewing for my first teaching position. How do I prepare for my interviews and how will I know when it is a good fit? I don’t want to make a bad choice in my first job. Please help!”
— Signed, Future lifelong educator
A: Congratulations! This is a thrilling moment full of potential, and preparing for your first teaching interview is a significant step in shaping your career. It’s completely natural to feel excited yet apprehensive about this process. It’s important to go into the process with the right mindset. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. That mindset gives you the flexibility to ask the questions you need to in order to ensure a good fit.
I distinctly remember going in for my first interview (I wasn’t done with my program yet, but I was a career changer), and I was certain that I could get the job. It was a high-needs school, and I came in after the school year had started. I should have recognized that the need to hire a new teacher by the middle of September was a red flag, but I was eager to get the job, so I went for it anyway. Although I was only at my first school for three years, this school was foundational to the educator I became. It was because of the challenges I faced, not despite them, that I was set on my path.
Preparing for your interview
Understand the school’s mission and values: Before attending an interview, make sure to research the school or district. Review its mission statement, values, and any recent news. Check their website, social media channels, and community reviews. Having a solid understanding of their educational philosophy will not only help you tailor your responses but also show the interviewers that you are genuinely interested in becoming part of their community. Don’t underestimate the importance of this. When I was interviewing candidates, we always asked what brought them to our district — why was this a place they wanted to work? The more they could speak about specific programs and experiences the district offered, the more likely we were to put them through to the next round.
Reflect on your teaching philosophy: Your teaching philosophy acts as your professional anchor. Spend some time reflecting on what you believe about teaching and learning. Consider questions like:
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- What role do you think a teacher should play in a student’s life?
- How do you engage students with diverse backgrounds?
- What strategies will you use to foster a positive learning environment?
- How do you deal with setbacks?
- What is your communication style?
Being able to articulate your philosophy during the interview demonstrates self-awareness and preparedness. Prepare a couple of anecdotes that illustrate how your philosophy has guided your learning experiences or teaching practice during your training.
Prepare for common interview questions: It’s beneficial to anticipate and practice common interview questions. Here are a few to consider:
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- What is your approach to classroom management?
- How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners?
- Can you provide an example of a lesson you’ve taught and what made it successful?
- What is your greatest weakness and how have you worked to improve it?
- What is a mistake you have made and what did you learn from it?
- Give one situation that you could have handled better and what you would do differently?
Practice answering these questions aloud, either alone or with a friend or mentor. Being comfortable with your responses allows you to speak more fluidly and confidently during the interview. And be ready to problem solve. Good interviews, whether one-on-one or with a committee, are likely to require you to think in the moment. Be ready to share your thoughts about how you would solve the problem while being honest and authentic with your answers.
Develop questions for the interviewers: Interviews are a two-way street. While they assess whether you would be a good fit for their school, you also should assess whether the school is a good fit for you. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers, such as:
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- What does a typical day look like for teachers here?
- How are teachers supported in their professional learning and career pathways?
- What initiatives are currently in place to foster inclusivity in the classroom?
- In what ways will I be able to get involved outside the classroom?
These questions not only show your interest but also will provide you with crucial insights into the school’s culture and support systems. You may want to ask if you can reach out to teachers in the district to hear from them about their experiences. Probably the most intensive interview I went on was when I was switching between my second and third schools. My second school was a bad fit and I only remained there for two years. When I went to my interview at the third school, they expected me to be there all day. I had an interview one-on-one with the principal where I came prepared with my portfolio. Then I gave a demo lesson and had a debrief with the students after. I had an opportunity to attend a meeting with the teachers and participate in their preparations for their end-of-year state exams. During that time, I asked candid questions about the school — strengths and weaknesses. By the end of the day, the principal offered me a position. I was at that school for nine years.
Evaluating the fit
School culture and environment: The chemistry between your values and the school’s culture is pivotal. During the interview, pay attention to the vibe of the faculty and administration. Are they passionate about their students? Is there a sense of collaboration among staff? Consider the physical environment as well—do students appear engaged, and do the facilities seem conducive to learning? Aside from just noticing these things, ask about them. Ask about how folks cope with change. Don’t be afraid to show your willingness to be an active participant in their culture.
Professional learning opportunities: As a new educator, you’ll want to grow professionally. Ask about mentorship programs, resources for ongoing education, and opportunities for collaboration among teachers. A supportive environment that prioritizes continuous learning is a hallmark of a good fit. If you have goals, make them known and then ask about the specific needs you have to meet those goals. When I was in the school I spoke about earlier, I actively sought out new learning opportunities and usually, my principal gave me permission to do them.
Aligning with your professional goals: Consider how the position would contribute to your career aspirations. Does it offer a pathway to further leadership roles or specializations? Think about the age groups you are passionate about teaching or specific subjects you hope to explore. A position that aligns with your long-term goals will help you thrive rather than just survive your early teaching years. It’s important to ask about growth potential. What committees could you join, and what other opportunities to learn on the job exist?
Work-life balance: Teaching can be demanding, especially as you begin your career. Ask about expectations regarding after-school responsibilities, grading, and other work-life balance issues. A school that respects educators’ time and provides flexibility can significantly influence your job satisfaction. This is super important. Creating balance takes time. As a new teacher, you will be very busy and potentially emotionally and physically drained. It is easy to get swept up in the work. This was something I was never good at. I had poor personal boundaries and so I worked late into the night providing feedback and responding to my students. When my son got older, I wanted to be able to participate in his school events, which was challenging since it meant I’d have to take time off. Try to find a school that values your life outside of school.
Trust your instincts: As you prepare for your interviews and evaluate potential positions, trust your instincts. It’s normal to feel some level of uncertainty, but listening to your gut can guide you. If you leave an interview feeling energized and aligned with the school’s mission, it’s likely a good sign.
Entering the world of education is a rewarding journey filled with opportunities to inspire and influence future generations. Preparation is key to ensuring that you approach your first teaching position with confidence and clarity. Take the time to reflect on what you want from your first job and be proactive in your search. Additionally, remember that your first job isn’t a life sentence. If it turns out not to be a bad fit, you are allowed to move on. Give yourself permission to take as much as you can from any opportunity but also know when it is the right time to leave for your career. Remember, your goal is not only to find the right job but also to cultivate a setting where you can flourish as a lifelong educator.
Wishing you all the best on this exciting new chapter!
Have a question that you’d like Career Confidential to answer? Email ssackstein@educatorsrising.org or fill out this short form. All names and schools will remain confidential. No identifying information will be included in the published questions and answers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Starr Sackstein
Starr Sackstein is the Massachusetts state coordinator for PDK’s Educators Rising program, COO of Mastery Portfolio, an education consultant, instructional coach, and author. She was a high school English and journalism teacher and school district curriculum leader. She is the author of more than 15 educational books, including Hacking Assessment (Times 10, 2015), Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom (Routledge, 2024), and Actionable Assessment (Routledge, 2026).
Visit their website at: https://www.mssackstein.com/
