Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Secondary Teacher Roles – 2025

Preparing for a secondary teacher job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your teaching experience, classroom management skills, and passion for working with adolescents. These questions cover all key areas of the job, from content knowledge to classroom leadership.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a secondary teacher.
  Answer: I have been teaching at the secondary level for 5 years and have experience teaching middle and high school students. My main focus has been in English and literature, but I have also taught other subjects such as social studies and creative writing. I have a strong track record of working with diverse student populations and creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
• 2. How do you handle difficult or disruptive students in your class?
  Answer: I believe in setting clear expectations and consequences from the beginning of the school year. When a student is behaving in a disruptive or difficult manner, I address the behavior privately and reinforce the class rules. If the behavior continues, I involve the student’s parents and work with them to find a solution. I also believe in using positive reinforcement and praise for good behavior.
• 3. What do you consider to be the biggest challenge facing secondary education today?
  Answer: I believe one of the biggest challenges facing secondary education today is meeting the individual needs of each student. With larger class sizes and diverse student populations, it can be difficult to cater to the learning styles and abilities of every student. I believe in creating a differentiated curriculum and utilizing technology to meet the varying needs of my students.
• 4. How do you stay current with education trends and best practices?
  Answer: I am a member of professional organizations such as the National Education Association and attend conferences and workshops to stay updated on education trends and best practices. I also follow education blogs and participate in online discussions with other educators to share ideas and strategies.
• 5. How do you handle conflicts with parents or colleagues?
  Answer: I believe in having open and respectful communication with parents and colleagues. If a conflict arises, I address it directly and try to find a resolution that benefits everyone involved. I also believe in seeking input from colleagues and collaborating to find solutions.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your teaching style to meet the needs of a student.
  Answer: In my first year of teaching, I had a student with a learning disability who was struggling to keep up with the rest of the class. I worked closely with the student’s special education teacher and adapted my lessons and assignments to cater to their individual needs. This resulted in great progress and growth for the student, both academically and socially.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult parent-teacher conference?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had a parent who had strong objections to the curriculum and wanted their child to be exempt from certain assignments. I listened to their concerns and explained the importance of following the curriculum set by the school district. I also offered alternative options for their child to complete the assignments. By the end of the conference, we were able to come to a mutual understanding and the student completed the assignments successfully.
• 8. Tell us about a lesson you designed that you were particularly proud of.
  Answer: In my literature class, I wanted to make Shakespeare more relatable and engaging for my students. I designed a lesson where students had to act out scenes from one of his plays and create modern adaptations. The students were enthusiastic and showed great creativity in their adaptations. They also gained a better understanding and appreciation for Shakespeare’s work.
• 9. How do you handle a student who is consistently underperforming?
  Answer: When I have a student who is struggling, I first try to identify the underlying reason for their underperformance. This could be due to a personal issue, a learning disability, or a lack of understanding of the material. I then work closely with the student, providing extra resources and support, and involving their parents to create a plan for improvement.
• 10. Tell us about a time when you had to manage a classroom conflict among students.
  Answer: In my current position, I had two students who were constantly clashing and causing disruptions in class. I had a private conversation with each student to address their behavior and the impact it was having on the class. I then created a group project where the two students had to work together, which resulted in them developing a better understanding of each other and ultimately resolving their conflict.

Situational Questions

• 11. If a student came to you with a personal issue, how would you handle it?
  Answer: I would listen to the student and provide a safe and supportive environment for them to share their feelings. I would also refer them to the appropriate resources, such as the school counselor, and follow up with them to ensure they are receiving the necessary support.
• 12. How would you handle a situation where a student does not complete their homework on a regular basis?
  Answer: I would first try to understand the reason for the student’s lack of completion. If it is due to a lack of understanding, I would provide additional support and resources to help them complete the assignments. If it is due to lack of effort, I would involve their parents and work with them to find a solution.
• 13. If a student is consistently disrupting the class, how would you handle the situation?
  Answer: I would have a private conversation with the student and address their behavior. I would also involve their parents and work with them to find a solution. If the behavior continues, I would involve the school’s discipline process and document the incidents.
• 14. How would you handle a student who is struggling to keep up with the rest of the class?
  Answer: I would first assess the student’s understanding of the material and provide additional support and resources, such as one-on-one instruction or extra practice. I would also involve their parents and work with them to create a plan for improvement.
• 15. If you receive a student’s test with a questionable grade, how would you handle it?
  Answer: I would review the test and the student’s work to determine if there were any mistakes in the grading process. If there are still concerns, I would have a private conversation with the student and review the test with them to address any discrepancies.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you explain the learning theory you utilize in your teaching?
  Answer: I believe in utilizing a combination of teaching methods, such as direct instruction, collaborative learning, and hands-on activities. My teaching philosophy is based on constructivist theory, where students play an active role in their own learning.
• 17. How do you incorporate technology into your lessons?
  Answer: I believe in utilizing technology to enhance and supplement my lessons. In my literature class, for example, I use online quizzes and discussion forums to engage students and assess their understanding. I also incorporate online research and multimedia projects to give students a variety of learning experiences.
• 18. What is your approach to teaching students with different learning styles?
  Answer: I believe in differentiating instruction to cater to the individual learning needs of my students. I incorporate visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology for kinesthetic learners, while also providing opportunities for auditory learners to participate in discussions and lectures.
• 19. What experience do you have with special education students?
  Answer: In my previous role, I co-taught a special education inclusion class. I have also worked closely with special education teachers to create accommodations and modifications for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• 20. How do you assess student progress and understanding?
  Answer: I believe in using a variety of assessments, such as quizzes, projects, and presentations, to assess student progress and understanding. I also give students self-assessment opportunities to reflect on their learning and set goals for improvement.