HR Templates | Sample Interview Questions
English Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
Use this list of English Teacher interview questions and answers to gain better insight into your candidates, and make better hiring decisions.
English Teacher overview
When interviewing for an English Teacher position, it's important to assess the candidate's ability to engage students, their creativity in lesson planning, and their passion for literature and language. Look for enthusiasm, adaptability, and a knack for making learning fun!
Sample Interview Questions
What's your favorite book to teach and why?
Purpose: To gauge their passion for literature and ability to make it engaging.
Sample answer
“I love teaching 'To Kill a Mockingbird' because it opens up so many important discussions about justice, empathy, and history.
How do you make grammar lessons fun?
Purpose: To see their creativity in making potentially dry subjects interesting.
Sample answer
“I use games like 'Grammar Jeopardy' and interactive activities to keep students engaged and learning.
Can you share a memorable moment from your teaching experience?
Purpose: To understand their impact and connection with students.
Sample answer
“One of my students wrote me a heartfelt letter about how my class inspired them to pursue a career in writing.
How do you handle a student who is struggling with reading?
Purpose: To assess their approach to individualized instruction and support.
Sample answer
“I provide one-on-one tutoring sessions and use engaging, level-appropriate materials to build their confidence and skills.
What's your strategy for keeping students engaged during a long lesson? ⏳
Purpose: To evaluate their classroom management and engagement techniques.
Sample answer
“I break up the lesson with interactive activities, group discussions, and multimedia resources to keep things dynamic.
How do you incorporate technology into your lessons?
Purpose: To see their ability to integrate modern tools into their teaching.
Sample answer
“I use educational apps, online resources, and interactive whiteboards to enhance learning and make lessons more interactive.
What's your approach to teaching writing skills? ️
Purpose: To understand their methods for developing students' writing abilities.
Sample answer
“I focus on the writing process, from brainstorming to drafting to revising, and provide lots of feedback and encouragement.
How do you foster a love of reading in your students? ️
Purpose: To see their passion for encouraging reading.
Sample answer
“I create a cozy reading corner, recommend books based on their interests, and hold regular book discussions.
Can you describe a successful lesson plan you've created?
Purpose: To evaluate their lesson planning skills and creativity.
Sample answer
“I designed a lesson around 'The Great Gatsby' where students created their own 'Roaring Twenties' newspapers, which was a hit!
How do you stay current with educational trends and best practices?
Purpose: To assess their commitment to professional development.
Sample answer
“I attend workshops, participate in online forums, and read educational journals to stay updated and bring fresh ideas to my classroom.
🚨 Red Flags
Look out for these red flags when interviewing candidates for this role:
- Lack of enthusiasm for literature and teaching.
- Inability to provide specific examples of past teaching experiences.
- Limited strategies for engaging students or managing the classroom.
- Resistance to using technology or modern teaching methods.
- Poor communication skills or difficulty articulating their teaching philosophy.