School interviews are a two-way street.

Most teachers walk into school interviews thinking it’s a one-way evaluation. That the school has all the power, and their job is to prove themselves worthy of it.

But here’s what’s often missed: an interview isn’t just the school choosing you,  it’s also "YOU" choosing the school.

A good interview tells you a lot.

You feel like your time matters. The role is explained with clarity and care. The questions make you think not just about what you know, but who you are as a teacher.

It feels like a conversation, not a checklist. Like they’re not just hiring, but genuinely looking for the right fit.

When that happens, pay attention. Because how a school shows up in the interview often reflects how they show up for their teachers.

A well-known school name can be impressive. But that alone doesn’t tell you what it’s like to work there. What really matters is what happens behind the scenes, the kind of leadership in place, the clarity of your role, the way support is offered when things get hard.

It’s okay to ask questions that go beyond the surface:

What does onboarding look like?

How is feedback shared?

What kind of support systems are in place?

You’re not just choosing a job. You’re choosing a work environment you’ll live in every day.

And you deserve to know what that environment feels like. None of this makes you seem arrogant. It makes you informed. It tells the school you’re not just looking for a job, you’re looking for a professional space where you can do your best work.

If something feels off, even if you can’t quite explain why, pay attention to that. Not every opportunity is the right one. You’re allowed to walk away. That’s not being difficult. That’s being thoughtful and deliberate.

Here’s what changes everything: When you treat the interview like a test, you shrink. When you treat it like a conversation between equals, you show up stronger. You ask sharper questions. You listen more closely. And you’re far more likely to find a school that truly values what you bring.

So yes, absolutely, prepare your answers. But don’t forget to prepare your questions. You’re not just hoping to be chosen. You’re choosing, too.

That’s what professionals do.