Page 14 - Teacher Selection and Onboarding Guide

APPENDIX 1 – SAMPLE TEACHER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Opening Questions:
In building a set of interview questions for teaching positions, it is important to build a logical
flow to your interview. To begin the process, it is recommended to start with opening questions
that provide the candidate with distinguishing characteristics of the school and serve to identify
candidates’ motivation and interest to add value to the school. The following two questions are
examples of opening questions for a teacher interview.

1) School Demographics
We are a Title 1 school serving approximately 1,200 students. Our school reflects a diverse
population of 50% Latino, 20% African American, 10% Caucasian, 10% Asian American, 10%
Other, with 52% economically disadvantaged, 15% students with disabilities, and 22%
identified as gifted and talented. Describe your personal and professional experience which
has prepared you to add value to our school.

2) Motivation
In your professional experience, what motivated your best, most successful performance?
● Please provide an example of this motivation.
● What were the results?

SDPBC Teaching and Learning Framework Standards Questions:
Following the opening questions, it is important that all teachers be assessed by questions
focused on SDPBC Teaching and Learning Framework Standards to assess a candidate’s level of
ability and achievement in the five core areas.

The SDPBC Teaching and Learning Framework is designed to identify teachers who believe and
are committed to the idea that all children will learn and must have equal access to the
curriculum and opportunities for academic achievement. A sample set of teacher interview
questions addressing the five framework standards are provided below for your convenience.

1) Planning and Preparation
Describe a lesson plan you have developed that was successfully implemented.
● What standards did you aim to teach in that lesson?
● How did you assess student learning and the effectiveness of the lesson?
● How did you respond when a student did not learn the standard?

2) The Classroom Environment
How do you establish a culture for learning and positive behavior in your classroom?
● What expectations do you have for your students?
● How do you support their ability to meet those expectations?

Appendix Page 1