Question Overview: You will want to ask this question to get a sense of the interviewee's motivations. Are they looking for a temporary job or do they have a long-term interest in education? You will also want to get an idea of how much they know about your school and the community.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in education and want to help out in any way I can. I have been a substitute teacher for three years and have enjoyed it every time. I am looking for a long-term position, but I am willing to take any job that comes my way.
Question Overview: Substitute teachers can be called to fill in at the last minute. You will want a candidate who is able to read a plan quickly and understand the curriculum. Use this question to determine how well they can adapt to new situations and how well they can read and comprehend plans.
Sample Answer: I would look through the plan and see if there were any notes from the main teacher. If they left me a lesson plan, I would go through it and make sure I understood the curriculum. If not, I would ask the administrators at the school for help.
Question Overview: This is a general question that you can use to get a feel for the candidate's personality and how they will interact with your students. You can also use it to determine how well they can adapt to different situations and how well they can work with others.
Sample Answer: I am a very outgoing person who loves to be around people. I have been a substitute teacher for five years and have worked in several different schools. I am very adaptable and can work with a variety of students.
Question Overview: Substitute teachers might be called to a school on short notice and have to fill in for a teacher who is out sick or on vacation. You want to make sure that the potential hire is able to handle these situations and will not panic if they arrive to an empty classroom.
Sample Answer: If I arrive to a classroom and there are no lesson plans, I will ask the students what they have been learning. I can read and understand a variety of subjects. I can then use this information to create a lesson plan for the day.
Question Overview: You will want to know how a potential substitute teacher would handle a disruptive student. You can use this question to determine how well they can think on their feet and how well they can handle a variety of situations.
Sample Answer: I always try to get the student to focus on the lesson at hand. If that doesn't work, I will ask them to step out of the classroom for a few minutes. If that doesn't work, I will ask them to leave the classroom for the rest of the day.
Question Overview: You will want to ask a potential substitute teacher what they do with younger students. You can use this question to determine how well they know the age group and what they do to keep them engaged.
Sample Answer: I would probably start with a few songs and rhymes with the toddler. I would then move on to some basic games that are appropriate for their age. I would probably use some of the same activities with the preschoolers, but I would also try to incorporate some of their favorite books into the lesson plan.
Question Overview: Public speaking can be a big part of the job of a substitute teacher. You will want someone who is at least confident in their ability to speak in front of a group. Use this question to determine how well the interviewee can present themselves and how well they can speak to a variety of people.
Sample Answer: I have been in front of groups since I was young. I have always been able to talk with confidence and clarity. I have never had any trouble speaking in front of others.
Question Overview: Engaging students in class can be a challenge for substitute teachers. You want to make sure that your potential hire is able to keep the students' attention and get them involved in the lesson. Use this question to determine the interviewee's ability to engage students and their ability to think on their feet.
Sample Answer: I always start by asking the students what they know about the subject. From there, I can gauge their level of understanding and adapt my lesson plan accordingly. I will also ask them what they want to learn about the subject and incorporate that into the lesson plan.
Question Overview: You will want to know what the potential substitute teacher's goals are for the position. You can use this question to determine if they are looking for a long-term job or just a short-term one.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a long-term position that will allow me to work with a variety of students and teachers. I want to be able to learn from the other educators and help students learn in my time here.
Question Overview: A substitute teacher will need to be able to communicate effectively with the school's administration and other staff members. You can use this question to determine how well the interviewee can communicate with others and how they handle problems.
Sample Answer: I would speak with the main teacher or the principal. If they are unavailable, I would ask another teacher or administrator for help. I would try to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Question Overview: Homework can be a contentious issue in the classroom. You will want to know how a potential substitute teacher will handle this situation. You can use this question to determine how well they can handle conflict and how well they can work with students.
Sample Answer: I would try to find out why the student is refusing to do their homework. I would try to find out if there is a problem with the homework itself or if they just don't understand it. I would try to help them understand the importance of homework and how it helps them learn.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask at the end of the interview to see if the candidate is genuinely interested in the position. You want to hire someone who is excited about your school and what it has to offer.
Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work with kids and I think this would be a great opportunity to do so. I have always loved working with children and I think this would be a great way to help them learn.
Question Overview: You will want to know what your potential hire's long-term goals are. This will give you a better idea of how they will fit into your school's culture and how long they might stay with you.
Sample Answer: I would like to become a teacher in the future. I am currently working on my degree in education and plan to finish by the end of next year. I hope to get a job as a teacher and continue my studies at the same time.
Question Overview: This question is designed to get a potential substitute teacher to think on their feet and come up with a solution to a problem. You will want to see how they react to a hypothetical situation and how they think through it.
Sample Answer: If I were called in on short notice, I would make sure I had the contact information for the main teacher and any other relevant parties. I would also try to get a copy of the lesson plan from the main teacher if possible. If I had time, I would review the lesson plan and try to get a feel for what the students are currently learning.
Question Overview: A substitute teacher will encounter a variety of students with a variety of personalities. You will want to know how your potential hire will handle these situations. Use this question to determine their ability to work with a variety of personalities and their ability to keep the class under control.
Sample Answer: I always try to be as calm as possible when dealing with students who are acting out. I try to talk them through the situation and ask them what is wrong. If that doesn't work, I will try to get them to focus on the lesson at hand.
Question Overview: You want to find out if the interviewee is passionate about teaching and can get excited about the subject matter. You can use this question to see how well they can communicate their enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Sample Answer: I love working with kids and seeing them learn new things. I am passionate about helping them understand the material and making sure they have a good time while they are learning.
Question Overview: You will want to know how your potential substitute teacher feels about the limits of education. You can use this question to determine if they are a good fit for your school and students.
Sample Answer: I believe that anyone can learn if they are taught in a way that works for them. I have taught students with a variety of learning styles and have seen them succeed.
Question Overview: You will want a substitute teacher who is able to keep the students safe and maintain a safe learning environment. Use this question to determine how well they understand the boundaries of physical contact with students.
Sample Answer: I would never touch a student unless it was absolutely necessary. I would only use physical contact if I was trying to keep them from hurting themselves or someone else. I would never use it as punishment or discipline.
Question Overview: A scoffold is a term used to describe the scaffolding of a lesson. It is a way for teachers to break down the curriculum into smaller, more manageable parts. You will want to know if your interviewee has any experience with this method or can explain it to you in detail.
Sample Answer: A scoffold is a way for teachers to break down the curriculum into smaller, more manageable parts. It is a way for teachers to break down the curriculum into smaller, more manageable parts. I have used this method in my own classroom and have seen it work well with students of all ages.
Question Overview: You will want a substitute teacher who can handle the students in your school. You will want to know how they would handle a student who has a history of behavioral issues or disciplinary problems. Use this question to determine the potential hire's ability to work with students and their understanding of classroom management.
Sample Answer: I would first try to get a better understanding of the student's behavior. I would then try to figure out what might be causing it and how I could help them improve. I would also try to get in touch with the main teacher and see if they had any suggestions for me.