Teacher interview questions in the Netherlands, for non-native English speakers
Short answer
An international school may look for experience with an international curriculum and students from many countries. Below are 6 questions you may hear in the Netherlands, with what each one checks and a simple answer shape you can say in B1 English.
What a teacher recruiter in the Netherlands may look for
The points on this page are things a recruiter may look for. No page can tell you what one interviewer will decide, and preparing does not promise a result. It shows you what to practise next.
- An international school may look for experience with an international curriculum and students from many countries.
- A recruiter may listen for how you encourage students to think for themselves and speak up.
How interviews often run in the Netherlands
These published notes describe general preparation. They do not confirm one employer's process. Check your invitation, and ask the recruiter if anything is unclear.
- A personality or competency assessment, or a take-home assignment with a deadline, is common. Guides report that interviewers ask directly about gaps or inconsistencies in a CV, so have plain answers ready. (Source: iamexpat.nl, dutchreview.com)
Question 1: Which curriculum have you taught, and how would you adapt to ours?
What it checks: Can you teach our programme well?
In simple words: "Which curriculum have you taught?"
A B1 answer shape for the Netherlands. Say these in order, in short sentences:
- Curricula you know
- Assessment experience
- How you learn a new one
- An example
- They may follow up with: "Have you taught inquiry-based learning?" or "What training would you need?"
Question 2: How do you get students to share their own opinions in class?
What it checks: Do you build independent, confident learners?
In simple words: "How do you help students share their opinions?"
A B1 answer shape for the Netherlands. Say these in order, in short sentences:
- Open questions
- Safe classroom
- Pair and group talk
- Respecting different views
- They may follow up with: "What if a student never speaks?" or "What if a discussion becomes heated?"
Question 3: How do you support students with special educational needs?
What it checks: How well you know the work itself. It is about SEN, inclusion and differentiation.
A B1 answer shape. Say these in order, in short sentences:
- Your direct answer in one sentence.
- One example from your own work about SEN, inclusion and differentiation.
- How you check that your work is right.
- Tip: Use specific terms like 'IEP' (Individual Education Plan) and 'reasonable adjustments'.
Question 4: Describe a creative lesson or activity that engaged your students.
What it checks: A real example from your past work, and what you did in it. It is about creativity, engagement and lesson planning.
A B1 answer shape. Say these in order, in short sentences:
- One sentence: where you worked and what the situation was.
- What you did about creativity, engagement and lesson planning — say "I", not "we".
- What happened in the end.
- What you learned, or what you would do again.
Question 5: How do you use data to track student progress?
What it checks: How well you know the work itself. It is about data, assessment and tracking.
A B1 answer shape. Say these in order, in short sentences:
- Your direct answer in one sentence.
- One example from your own work about data, assessment and tracking.
- How you check that your work is right.
Question 6: How do you manage your workload and avoid burnout?
What it checks: A real example from your past work, and what you did in it. It is about workload, well being and time management.
A B1 answer shape. Say these in order, in short sentences:
- One sentence: where you worked and what the situation was.
- What you did about workload, well being and time management — say "I", not "we".
- What happened in the end.
- What you learned, or what you would do again.
Sentence starters for a teacher interview
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
In the Netherlands, interviewers often like a real example more than big words. Say what you did and the result, then stop. The evidence you give is the same; only the way you say it changes.
- 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.
How to prepare for a teacher interview in the Netherlands
- Be ready to say your Dutch level, even for an English-language school.
- Be ready to say whether your teaching qualification is recognised or in process.
- Be ready to say your Dutch level honestly, even when the job is in English.
Questions people ask
What may a recruiter look for in a teacher interview in the Netherlands?
An international school may look for experience with an international curriculum and students from many countries. A recruiter may listen for how you encourage students to think for themselves and speak up.
How should I prepare for a teacher interview in the Netherlands?
Be ready to say your Dutch level, even for an English-language school. Be ready to say whether your teaching qualification is recognised or in process. Be ready to say your Dutch level honestly, even when the job is in English.
More interview help
- Teacher interview guide for the Netherlands
- Teaching assistant interview guide for the Netherlands
- Teacher interview questions in other countries
- All interview questions in the Netherlands
- Other jobs in the Netherlands: Care worker · Nurse · Hospitality · Retail assistant · Warehouse worker · Office administrator · Software engineer · Accountant · Sales
Practise for a teacher interview in the Netherlands
Get your free English Interview Readiness Score. Answer real teacher questions out loud or in writing, with the Netherlands already chosen, and see what a recruiter may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.