Key Questions to Ask During a Teaching Interview

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If you’re on the hunt for your next (or first!) teaching job, don’t just prep answers – prep your questions, too. Asking the right questions during an interview helps you figure out if a school is truly the right fit for your values, goals, and everyday needs as an educator.

You want to work at a school that supports your growth, respects your time, and shares your vision for students. The best way to find out? Ask. Here are key topics to explore, along with specific questions that can help you get a clearer picture of what it’s really like to work there.

School Culture and Values

A strong, healthy school culture can make a huge difference in your day-to-day experience. You want to understand if it’s a place where you’ll thrive both professionally and personally.

Questions to ask:

• How does the school’s mission shape everyday decisions and classroom practices?
• What are the school’s core values, and how are they reflected in the way staff and students interact?
• In what ways are teachers involved in shaping school culture or participating in big-picture decisions?
• How does the school build a sense of community among staff, students, and families?
  
  

Collaboration and Staff Dynamics

The way adults work together impacts everything from morale to student success. Try to assess if the school fosters collaboration that leads to a more supportive and effective work environment.

Questions to ask:

• What opportunities exist for cross-department collaboration?
• How does the administration support positive relationships among staff?
• How are conflicts typically handled here?
• How does the school ensure everyone’s voice is heard in decision-making?
• Are there any formal or informal peer support or mentoring systems?
  
  

Professional Development and Growth

Your career growth matters for your long-term satisfaction and success. Ask about how the school helps you keep learning and evolving.

Questions to ask:

• What kind of mentorship is available for new or early-career teachers?
• How are mentors selected and supported?
• How often do mentors and mentees meet, and what does that support look like?
• What professional development opportunities does the school offer throughout the year?
• Are there stipends, tuition reimbursement, or conference funds available?
• Are there specific growth areas the school prioritizes, like SEL, tech integration, or DEI?
  
  

Classroom Resources and Student Support

The resources available to you – and your students – can make a significant difference in your ability to teach effectively and equitably. Find out if the school is set up to make it easier for you to do your best work and meet students where they are.

Questions to ask:

• What technology tools are available in classrooms? How often are they updated?
• What platforms or learning systems does the school use (e.g., Google Classroom, Nearpod)?
• Is there training or support for learning new tech tools?
• What’s the annual budget for classroom materials or tech?
• What supports are in place for students with IEPs, 504 plans, or other specialized needs?
• What specialists are on staff (e.g., school psychologists, speech therapists, behavior interventionists)?
• How much time is set aside for general ed teachers to collaborate with special ed staff?
  
  

Workload and Daily Logistics

No one thrives when they’re burned out. Make sure you understand the workload expectations and the school’s approach to making workloads sustainable.

Questions to ask:

• What’s the average class size?
• How much time is built into the schedule for planning and prep?
• What are the expectations around after-school commitments like meetings, clubs, or events?
• How frequently do meetings happen (staff, PLCs, IEPs, etc.)?
• Are extra responsibilities (like lunch duty or after-school tutoring) compensated?
  
  

Safety and Crisis Protocols

Knowing how a school handles emergencies and prioritizes safety is important for your peace of mind. You should feel confident that the school is knowledgeable and prepared when it comes to the safety of everyone inside.

Questions to ask:

• What emergency protocols are in place for things like lockdowns, fire drills, or medical incidents?
• How are teachers trained on these protocols?
• Is that training updated or repeated each year?
• How does the school collaborate with local emergency services?
• Are safety plans trauma-informed and age-appropriate for students?
  
  

Advocate for Yourself

Asking thoughtful questions during a teaching interview isn’t just about impressing your interviewer – it’s about making sure the school aligns with what matters to you. You’re not just looking for a job; you’re looking for the right fit.

Choose a few key questions that reflect your priorities, and listen closely to how your interviewer responds. Do their answers feel honest? Do they paint a clear picture? Do they match what’s important to you?

When you walk into an interview prepared with thoughtful questions, you’re not just applying – you’re advocating for your future as an educator. That confidence and clarity will help you find a role where you can truly thrive.

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