Hiring a teacher is one of the most important decisions a school can make. A great teacher does more than deliver lessons; they shape how children learn, grow, and feel about school. Yet many interview panels rely only on resumes or a few generic questions. This blog gives school leaders a simple, structured way to identify teachers who can truly inspire learning.
At the end of this article, you’ll also find a link to download our free Teacher Interview Rubric Sheet as a handy PDF.
Step-by-Step Approach
Instead of treating teacher interviews as a formality, you can make them consistent and fair. Start by selecting the level of teaching you are hiring for — Pre-Primary, Primary, Middle, or Higher Secondary. Use the focus areas to guide what you listen for, ask the sample questions, and score responses using the rubric. At the end, compare scores across candidates to make confident, objective hiring decisions.
Interview Focus by Teacher Level
Pre-Primary Teachers
Key qualities: Patience, child psychology, storytelling, creativity, and classroom care.
Sample questions:
How do you make learning fun for a four-year-old?
Can you share an example of how you calmed a child’s emotional outburst?
What to look for: Clear, child-centred methods, real examples of empathy and calming techniques.
Primary Teachers
Key qualities: Concept clarity, interactive teaching, parent communication, and inclusivity.
Sample questions:
How do you explain a difficult concept like fractions to young learners?
How do you involve parents in supporting classroom learning?
What to look for: Practical explanations with examples, and strategies to build parent engagement.
Middle School Teachers
Key qualities: Subject expertise, adolescent engagement, digital tools, and problem-solving.
Sample questions:
How do you keep teenagers motivated in class?
How do you use technology to simplify a tough science or history topic?
What to look for: Relatable examples, interactive classes, and effective integration of digital aids.
Higher Secondary Teachers
Key qualities: In-depth knowledge, career guidance, exam preparation, and research orientation.
Sample questions:
How do you prepare students for board exams without creating stress?
How do you mentor learners for college or career choices?
What to look for: Balanced exam preparation, empathetic career guidance with resources.
Ready to Hire Smart?
Want an easy-to-use scoring sheet to go with this guide? [Download our free Teacher Interview Rubric Sheet] to start making fairer, faster hiring decisions.
