Teacher interview questions by country (non-native English)
Short answer
The same teacher job is often interviewed differently in each country. Choose the country you are applying in to see what a recruiter there may look for, and practise those questions in simple English.
Choose your country
Each page shows what a teacher recruiter in that country may look for, and questions with a simple answer shape.
- Teacher interview questions in the UK — A panel may listen closely for safeguarding: what you would do if a child told you something worrying.
- Teacher interview questions in the US — A principal may look for classroom management and how you use data to track student progress.
- Teacher interview questions in Canada — A principal may look for inclusive teaching for diverse classrooms and newcomer students.
- Teacher interview questions in Australia — A principal may look for how you engage students and manage a class calmly.
- Teacher interview questions in Ireland — A principal may look for child protection awareness and a warm, structured classroom.
- Teacher interview questions in Germany — An international or bilingual school may look for experience with an international curriculum.
- Teacher interview questions in the UAE — A school may look for experience with British, American or IB curricula and with students from many countries.
- Teacher interview questions in India — A principal may ask for a demo lesson and listen for clear explanations and control of the class.
- Teacher interview questions in the Philippines — A school may ask for a demo teaching session and look for strong classroom management.
- Teacher interview questions in Nigeria — A principal may look for how you teach large classes and prepare students for exams.
- Teacher interview questions in the Netherlands — An international school may look for experience with an international curriculum and students from many countries.
- Teacher interview questions in New Zealand — A principal may listen for how you support Māori and Pacific learners and include their culture in learning.
- Teacher interview questions in Saudi Arabia — A school may look for respect for local culture and values in lessons and materials.
- Teacher interview questions in Qatar — An international school may look for clear use of student data to plan teaching.
- Teacher interview questions in Singapore — A school or centre may look for clear, structured teaching and strong exam preparation.
Sentence starters you can use in any country
Fill in the gaps with your own work. Simple English is fine.
Managing behaviour in a class
A student was … during the lesson. I stayed calm and … (used their name / moved closer / gave a choice). I followed the school's behaviour policy by … After that, the student … I also told … / spoke to the family about …
Helping a student who was struggling
The student found … difficult. I noticed because … I helped by … (smaller steps / pictures / extra time). Their work improved: …
Common mistakes for non-native speakers
- Instead of "I control the class": say: "I set clear routines, and I praise good behaviour first". A panel may listen for a positive approach to behaviour.
- Instead of a long description of the school system in your country: Name the age group, the class size and the subject in local words. Local words help the panel picture your experience.
- Instead of "All my students were good": say: "One student was behind in reading. I gave short daily practice and met the parents". One real example shows how you teach.
- Instead of a theory answer: say: "In one lesson I planned…, what happened was…, so next time I changed…". A real lesson is often easier to follow than a theory.
More interview help
Practise teacher interview questions
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