Got a school interview on your calendar?

If you’re preparing for your first teaching job interview and you’re nervous, you’re not alone. Most new teachers walk in hoping the theories and policies they learned in college will be enough, only to realize that schools ask sharp, practical questions that catch them completely off guard.

Here’s what to expect in a real school interview, and how to actually prepare for it. No jargon. Just clear, useful steps.

1. Know the Real Format of a School Interview

A school interview isn’t just “Tell me about yourself” and “Why should we hire you?” Many new teachers think of interviews as a one-way evaluation. They’re not. And they’re not informal chats either. It usually includes:

• A formal panel interview with the Principal or Academic Head

• A demo lesson: online or in-person

• Practical questions like, “What would you do if a student cried in class?”

• Situational judgment and follow-ups

• A quiet observation of your communication, tone, and overall presence

You’re not just being assessed on your answers. You’re being assessed as a professional.

Tip: Ask what the full process looks like when you’re called. It shows you’re serious and prepared.

2. Prepare for the Questions You Will Be Asked

There are some questions that come up in almost every interview, but what catches most candidates off-guard are the practical, school-specific questions.

Here’s a quick preview of the kind of questions schools ask:

• How would you handle a child who constantly distracts the class?

• What would you do if a parent challenges your teaching method?

• What’s your approach to handling assessments and reporting?

• What would your first week in the classroom look like?

  
  

These aren’t trick questions. They’re real-life scenarios. You don’t need perfect answers, you need grounded, thought-through responses.

Note: If you’re wondering how to structure your answers well… that’s something we go deep into during mock sessions.

3. Practice Saying Things Out Loud (Not Just in Your Head)

Reading answers in your head gives you a false sense of confidence.

When you actually speak them aloud, especially under pressure, you realize where you pause, ramble, or repeat yourself.

Speak to someone. Record yourself. Or better, get into a mock interview.

That’s the only way to feel how it really goes.

4. Be Ready for the “So, Do You Have Any Questions for Us?” Moment

This part is underrated and often rushed through.

Remember: interviews are two-sided. You’re not just there to be chosen. You’re also choosing them. If you’re selected, you’ll be spending years at this school. You should know what kind of space you’re entering.

Here are some good questions to ask:

• What does an ideal teacher look like at your school?

• How do you support new teachers in their first few months?

• What’s the school’s long-term vision for the department?

• What professional development do you offer?

  
  

These show that you’re not just job-hunting, you’re thinking long-term.

5. How to Actually Build Interview Confidence

Confidence isn’t about being loud or extroverted. It’s built by:

• Knowing what to expect

• Practicing your responses

• Getting honest, constructive feedback

• Being okay with making mistakes and learning from them

• Showing up as you, not a version of what you think they want

  
  

Most now teachers prepare in isolation. That’s where they go wrong.

What You Can Do Next

If you want to actually feel prepared not just hopeful, you need more than tips. You need practice.

At PassOn.Ed. we guide you through the real stuff:

• Realistic mock interviews (1-on-1 or in small groups)

• Practice questions with live feedback

• A step-by-step guide to framing strong answers

• Support from someone who’s been in real school interview panels

You don’t need to guess. You just need to prepare the right way.