Ace Your Substitute Teacher Interview: Key Questions and Expert Answers

Are you gearing up for a substitute teacher interview and feeling a bit nervous about what to expect? In this article, we'll guide you through the most commonly asked substitute teacher interview questions and provide you with excellent answers to help you land the job. Let's delve into the essential points that will ensure your success at a substitute teacher interview.


Substitute Teacher Interview



1. Dress Professionally and Know Your School


First impressions matter, so adopt a formal and professional dress code. Equally important, study the school you're applying to. Understand the school's context: whether it's disadvantaged or affluent, its academic history, and any recent inspection reports. This preparation will showcase your genuine interest and commitment.


2. Emphasize Following Established Policies


Schools require substitute teachers who can seamlessly integrate into their existing systems. Make it clear during the interview that you are committed to following the school's established policies and procedures. Assure them that you're here to maintain their standards.


3. Exhibit Passion for Education and Working with Students


Express your enthusiasm for education and your love for working with young people. Schools appreciate substitute teachers who are genuinely dedicated to their students' growth.


Now, let's tackle some of the most commonly asked substitute teacher interview questions and provide you with strong answers.


4. How Would You Deal with a Disruptive Student?


- "I have high expectations of student behavior. I establish clear expectations of behavior and effective routines to manage students."

- "Consistency between regular and substitute teachers is crucial. I'll uphold the same expectations, ensuring students behave consistently."

- "I use the least invasive intervention first, such as a hand signal or a subtle correction. Positive correction is essential, focusing on what behavior is expected."


5. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses as a Substitute Teacher?


- Strengths: Highlight your reliability, experience, curriculum knowledge, strong behavior management, ability to build positive relationships, passion, and organization skills.

- Weaknesses: Be honest about an area you're working to improve, like gaining more experience in a specific field, overplanning, or needing to ask for help when necessary.


6. How Do You Handle Safeguarding Concerns?


- "Student safety is my top priority. I have a legal and moral duty of care to keep them safe."

- "I will follow the school's behavior systems and policies to address safeguarding issues."

- "I'm aware of the designated staff member responsible for safeguarding, but I also understand that safeguarding is a shared responsibility among all staff."


7. What Do You Do If No Work Is Set for a Class?


- "I always arrive early to check for missing work. If there's an absence of work, I collaborate with department heads and subject teachers to access work."

- "I have 'back pocket strategies' to engage students while work is retrieved, like self-quizzing or guided review."


8. Tell Me About Yourself


- Share your years of experience, qualifications, and teaching specialties.

- Highlight your qualities and skills, such as reliability, behavior management, and passion for teaching.

- Express your motivation, focusing on why you love working with young people and why you're interested in this specific school or district.


9. Questions to Ask the Interviewers


- "What are your school improvement priorities, and how can I contribute as a substitute teacher?"

- "Can you tell me more about your cover procedures and policies for providing continuity to students?"

- "What professional development and training opportunities are available to substitute teachers at this school or district?"


10. Show Appreciation


Conclude the interview by thanking the interviewers for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position.


By following these guidelines and preparing your responses to these key questions, you'll be well on your way to acing your substitute teacher interview and increasing your chances of landing the job. Good luck!

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