Substitute teacher interview questions

• As a candidate, your interviewer will be interested communication skills, classroom management techniques, and the progress you've made with students in the past.

• As an interviewer, look for candidates who have a passion for teaching, understand children, and have the leadership skills required to maintain a classroom.

20 Substitute Teacher Interview Questions & Answers

1. Why do you want to be a substitute teacher? This question is to be expected. Having a love for education and children is going to be crucial. Beyond that, you can answer any way you want. You most likely won’t have the same answer as we did, but it gives you an idea of how someone would answer.

   Example answer:

   I have always loved working with children. I began college several years ago intending to become a grade school teacher, but then had children of my own. At this point, my children are grown and I’d like to slowly work on getting a teaching degree while working in a school.

2. What is your teaching background? You would think this question is an obvious one that everyone will be asked, but that might not be the case, depending on the school district you want to work in. Some school districts don’t require that subs have prior teaching experience.

   Example answer:

   I have taught sixth grade Sunday School at our local church for about ten years. I have completed about two years of college with an intended major in early childhood education. I plan on returning to school and completing my degree.

3. What is your method for maintaining order in a classroom? More experienced teachers will have an easier time answering this question, but even people who haven’t taught before should have an idea of how they’re going to keep the kids in line.

   This is a big part of the job and it can be the most important. It’s a good idea to research this if it’s brand new to you. If you’re experienced, this can be an area where you shine.

   Example answer:

   Catching the vibe and the mood early is essential. If the children are starting to get squirrely, I like to change the approach and distract them. If we’re reading, we stop and begin engaging. If we’re engaging and talking and it’s a little too much, then I like to calm them down.

4. How would you handle bullying in the classroom? Bullying is nothing new, but the way schools handle it can be. It’s a good idea to try to familiarize yourself with all of the school’s policies. If you have experience, you can share what you’ve learned, and it shows what you’re familiar with and has experience in this area.

   Example answer:

   I have looked into your school policy and see that there’s a no-tolerance policy. This means, if I cannot head off an incident before it happens, then when I am made aware of it I will send the instigator or both parties, if I cannot tell who instigated, to the office.

5. Can you explain the different learning styles and give me an idea of how to work with them? There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. But they’ve been further broken down and you’ll find a lot of studies and references that list many more than three.

   As long as you know and understand these three, you should be fine as a substitute.

   Example answer:

   There are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. Often children will respond to one method more than the others. This is why it’s important to keep all three in the classroom, so each child has a chance to grasp the meaning.

   Visual means showing them the lesson so they can see it in action. Auditory means explaining the lesson so they can hear it and process it that way. Kinesthetic is learning through doing or hands-on experience.

   Since this isn’t always possible with each lesson, taking notes can take the place of physically doing a lesson. But I believe in working in a kinesthetic lesson whenever possible.

6. What are your classroom management techniques and beliefs? While it is important to stick to a teacher's lesson plans, it's also vital for a substitute to have an understanding of classroom management on their own. Explain, in a respectful way, what your classroom management beliefs and techniques are.

   Example answer:

   When I arrive in the classroom, I first I establish myself as a safe and welcoming person. I understand that the students may not see me as an authority figure at first, so I quickly establish that I understand the lesson plan, and am committed to carrying it out.

   I believe one of the best and most effective ways of discouraging bad behavior is to drive engagement in the classroom. I do this by asking questions, keeping students interested in lessons, and finding ways to entertain while still being educational.

7. What does your current availability look like? Employers need to know whether your schedule meets their needs for the substitute teaching position. Don’t be surprised when you’re asked about your current availability during an interview. Provide an honest and comprehensive explanation for what days and times you’ll usually be available.

   Example answer:

   “My current availability for tutoring is weekdays between 9 AM-6 PM. I’m able to work a full-time schedule during these times.”

8. What topics do you have experience in and detail that experience? Seasoned teachers or people who have subbed before may have a lot of experience while new prospects don’t quite have that yet, but that’s okay. This isn’t a judgment question, it helps them determine where you’d fit and how best to use you.

   Example answer:

   I have taught Sunday school for several years. While I understand this is not a religious education program, I feel my experience helps me relate to younger people and explain topics in a way they can understand.

9. Do you have remote learning experience? This is a newer interview question and it’s okay not to have experience. If you’ve done a lot of remote meetings and know how to work an app like Zoom with screen sharing and hosting, then you should point this out. These are the skills they want to make sure you have.

   Example answer:

   I do – but as a student. I am currently taking a couple of refresher courses at the technical college. One is a basic accounting class and the other is on diversity in modern society.

10. Tell me about a time you’ve dealt with a child who is being unruly or out of control. Luckily, things have changed, and people now understand that bad behavior doesn’t mean there’s a bad child, just that something is wrong. If you know and implement the HALT method this might go far with the interviewer.

    HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Many times, bad behavior in children stems from one of these feelings, but they don’t know how to express it, so they act out. Knowing this and how to manage it can make working with children easier and make you a better substitute teacher.

    Example answer:

    As a mother of four, this is something I, unfortunately, deal with on a pretty regular basis. The key is staying calm and trying to figure out what is actually bothering the child.

    Typically, it is something that they don’t have the words to express, or they don’t recognize themselves. This is easier with my own children than with my Sunday School classes, but discovering the underlying issue seems to always do the trick.

11. Tell me about your approach to a teacher’s curriculum and tasks? This is an interesting interview question and it seems more difficult than it is. Don’t let this one throw you. The most important thing is familiarizing yourself with the teacher’s plans and the topic.

    You’ll be expected to follow the curriculum in most situations, but you can always ask for help. No one expects you to slide in and create a completely seamless transition.

    Example answer:

    When I’m teaching, I read or reread the lesson I’m going to teach. Then I break it down into learning moments and try to come up with an interesting and relatable way to explain the lesson.

    Because religion is “old,” I try to think of a modern story, or I ask them if they can turn the story into a modern one. When substitute teaching, I’m sure I would follow a teacher’s lesson plan as closely as possible if that’s an option.

12. How do you communicate effectively with children? This requires some introspection as well as preparation.

    A few things that can help guide your answer include knowing the subject material, speaking authoritatively, using eye contact, being honest, gauging the interest level of the children, and adapting your presentation to keep them interested.

    Beyond that, look at how you communicate and try to express your unique style.

    Example answer:

    I try to be approachable, yet authoritative. I’m not there to be their friend but I want to be trusted. Eye contact, a strong and confident voice, and a friendly smile go a long way toward building rapport.

13. What are you hoping to get out of this position? This question can be asked of anyone applying for any position, but it is a good one for substitute teachers. It’s also going to be a question that you should enjoy answering. Have fun with it and maybe you’ll find the ideal situation for everyone.

    Example answer:

    The thing that most excites me about this position is having the opportunity to be in a classroom and teaching children regularly. But I also believe it will be a great experience that will help me earn my degree and have a classroom of my own one day.

14. Share an accomplishment that you’re proud of. This is often a warming-up question. They want to put you at ease and get you talking about things that excite you. Of course, your answer will tell them a lot about you and what you value. Answer this honestly because it’s your enthusiasm that will matter most.

    Example answer:

    I’m going to sound like a typical mom here, but I’m most proud of my children. They’re all incredible human beings and I couldn’t be more proud of who they are and who they’re going to be.

15. Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses in the classroom. The good old strengths and weaknesses question is still a big part of interview questions, but you can expect to have it focused on the job you’re applying for.

    You might also see it phrased in different ways. It’s good planning to have an idea of how you’re going to answer this one.

    By the way, see how our imaginary job candidate used a “positive sandwich” and tucked her negative in the middle. You can do the same thing. Be honest about something you’re not good at but surround it with strengths and you’ll appear to be a better candidate.

    Example answer:

    My strengths when it comes to teaching are that I love interacting with children and have always been able to relate to them. I think a weakness for me is caring too much and sometimes I can’t help them, which breaks my heart.

    I feel another of my strengths is I’m always willing to learn. I expect this next phase of my life to be all about learning and I’m very excited about it.

16. Tell me about yourself. An interesting open-ended question that gets asked a lot. There are quite a few questions that interviewers legally cannot ask. But the trick is that you can offer the information, they simply can’t ask. This question sort of opens the door for some of those answers.

    You don’t have to get personal and tell them your age, your, religious beliefs, your family, or your marital status. Or any of the other questions that are not legal for them to ask.

    That said, being active in groups that involve children, even if they’re your own, can play in your favor. Carefully consider what you’ll offer up and what you’d rather keep private.

    Example answer:

    As I mentioned, I intended to become a school teacher but I left college when my husband and I decided to have children. I’ve been very fortunate and have four incredible children. The oldest two are adults and the younger two don’t need me at home as much anymore.

    This is my opportunity to take my love of teaching beyond the Sunday school classroom and into public schools while also earning my teaching degree. I’m very excited about my future and this opportunity.

    Notice that our interviewee shared important parts of her life that directly relate to teaching and her skills with students but that would be illegal for the interviewer to ask her. It’s okay for her to share these facts and it might make her a better candidate.

17. How would you describe a successful lesson? This is a great question for gauging how much someone understands teaching and education. Explain how you view a successful lesson, and why you know it was a successful lesson.

    Example answer:

    I believe a successful lesson is where all of my students are excited, engaged, and listening. I do my best to plan thought-provoking lessons that are fun because I believe both of those things encourage learning, no matter the subject. My goal is to show children that learning isn’t a chore. It can be fun!

18. Where do you see yourself in five years? This is a typical question for anyone applying for a job, but the answer can be particularly important to interviewers who are hiring substitute teachers. They love getting a group of reliable subs they can count on long-term, but it depends on the school. You might find a school that’s looking for teachers for the future.

    Example answer:

    In five years, I hope to be completing school and beginning student teaching. I’m not sure if I can complete that in five years because I do want to work during this time too, so a more practical timeline is to have my teaching certificate at the end of seven years.

19. Why should we hire you? This question allows you to analyze your past performances in education, and use them as a jumping-off point for how to sell your skills to the interviewer. Think about what makes you uniquely qualified for the role, and discuss that.

    Example answer:

    "You should hire me because I have a solid track record of maintaining an orderly classroom and fostering a healthy learning environment. The many years of experience I have working with children between the ages of 5-10 has given me essential knowledge of behavior and development at those ages.

    Additionally, I have worked with adults and teenagers who've had many different challenges and disabilities. My training allows me to navigate the challenges that come with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, and many other developmental disorders.

    I’m also committed to staying up-to-date with the most modern and well-researched teaching practices, so I know the students I'm monitoring are always receiving the best-quality education I can offer."

20. Why do you want to work here? A good answer to this question will be specific to the company you're applying for. This is why it's important to research the company before the interview, so you can use that knowledge to explain why you want to work there.

    Example answer:

    "I want to work here because I know Harper Elementary School offers offers a positive learning environment and a dedicated faculty and staff. As someone who's passionate about teaching and helping students reach their full potential, I find the prospect of joining this team to be fitting and exciting. Even if I only spend a limited time with students, I know I have the knowledge, dedication, and passion to enrich their learning."

Additional Substitute Teacher Interview Questions for Employers

• What makes a substitute teacher great at their job?

• What kind of experience do you have working with computers?

• Which grade levels are you most effective at teaching?

• How will you effectively communicate with students who've never met you?

• What would you do to ensure students are staying engaged?

• How would you prepare reports for the permanent teacher?

• Tell me about the teaching experiences that have been the most important or relevant to you

• What do you know about working with disabled students?

• How would you approach a subject or course you're not very familiar with?

• What would you do if a student fell ill in the classroom?

Final Thoughts

No matter what your situation, substitute teaching can be the answer for you. You can work full-time or on a very part-time basis. It’s so flexible that it can fit with many different lifestyles and schedules.

The best thing you can do to boost your odds of landing a substitute teaching job is to learn what that district’s policies are. Once you know what they’re looking for and what’s expected of you, it’s easier to customize your cover letter and resume. It is also easier to fill in some gaps you may have in your education, credentialing, and training.

Of course, you also can boost your odds when you have experience with children and are a true fan of the education process. If this is lacking in your background, signing up to coach and help children in different extracurricular activities can help you get your foot in the door.

The main thing to remember when you get that job interview, be confident. They already see something they like in you, if they didn’t, you wouldn’t have made it this far. So, let your professionalism and belief in yourself shine.