Top Lead Teacher Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Lead Teacher interview by going through these most asked Lead Teacher interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How would you handle a situation with an upset customer?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle stressful situations. Focus on how they would handle the situation, their communication skills and how they would resolve the issue.

    Sample Answer: I would first ask the customer to step outside of the store to discuss the issue. I would then ask them to explain their problem and listen carefully. I would then try to resolve the issue by offering a refund or exchange.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent communication skills
    • - Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation
    • - Problem-solving skills

  • Question: How long have you been working with children?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you an idea of how long they have been working with children and how much experience they have.

    Sample Answer: I have been working with children for the past four years. I have worked with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. I have worked in a variety of different schools including private, public and charter schools.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Length of experience working with children
    • - Number of different age groups they have worked with
    • - Number of different types of schools they have worked in

  • Question: How do you communicate with your coteacher?
  • Question Overview: Lead teachers must work with their coteachers to ensure that the classroom runs smoothly. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how well they work with others and how they handle any disagreements that may arise.

    Sample Answer: I always communicate with my coteacher before the day begins. We discuss what we plan on doing that day and how we can help each other. I also make sure to check in with my coteacher throughout the day to ensure that we are both on the same page.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent interpersonal skills
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Problem-solving skills

  • Question: What would you do if you are changing a diaper and see another child standing on the table?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle a situation that is out of the ordinary. What do they do to ensure that the child is safe? How do they handle the situation?

    Sample Answer: I would immediately remove the child from the table and explain why it is not safe to stand on tables. I would then ask the child why they did it and what they learned from the experience.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in an emergency
    • - Ability to think quickly
    • - Ability to remain unbiased

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked in an interview. The applicant's answer will tell you how honest they are and how well they can identify their strengths and weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to remain calm in any situation. I am always able to remain patient with students and parents. My biggest weakness is my lack of experience with technology. I am always trying to learn new programs to help me better teach my students.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses
    • - Ability to identify their own strengths and weaknesses

  • Question: What would you do if a child in your classroom bumped his head while playing?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle situations that require them to act quickly and calmly. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with minor injuries and know how to handle the situation in a way that does not cause the child or other students to panic.

    Sample Answer: I would first make sure that the child was okay and then I would call for help if needed. I would also make sure that the other children were okay and not frightened by the incident.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation
    • - Experience working with children who have minor injuries
    • - Ability to handle a situation without causing panic

  • Question: Why do you want to work in this position?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will help you determine if they are truly interested in the job. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about the position and the school.

    Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work with children and I am very interested in this position. I am very excited about the opportunity to work at a school that has a strong reputation for excellence.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the position
    • - Interest in the school
    • - Desire to work with children

  • Question: What would you do if a child bit another child?
  • Question Overview: Children are often very impulsive and can act out in a variety of ways. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle a situation where a child is acting out and how they handle the situation in general.

    Sample Answer: I would first ask the child why they bit another student. I would then ask the student who was bitten if they were okay and if they wanted to press charges. I would then call the parents of both students and let them know what happened.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm and collected
    • - Ability to determine the cause of the issue
    • - Ability to resolve the issue quickly

  • Question: How do you feel about disciplining children?
  • Question Overview: Lead teachers have to discipline children on a regular basis. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle discipline and if they are comfortable with it.

    Sample Answer: I always try to discipline my students in a calm manner. I believe that this is the best way to ensure that the student does not become upset and that the situation is resolved quickly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm when disciplining students
    • - Comfort level with disciplining students
    • - Experience disciplining students

  • Question: What would you do when a child is not listening?
  • Question Overview: Children will occasionally not listen to their teachers. The ideal candidate will have a plan for how they handle this situation and will remain calm while handling the situation.

    Sample Answer: I always try to remain calm when a student is not listening. I will ask the student to repeat what I said and if they do not, I will ask them to leave the room.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Plan for dealing with uncooperative children
    • - Ability to remain unbiased

  • Question: How do you stay organized?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how well they can organize their time and how well they can manage their classroom.

    Sample Answer: I always make a list of the things I need to do for the day and prioritize them. I also have a calendar that I use to keep track of important dates and events.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Excellent organizational skills
    • - Ability to stay on task
    • - Awareness of the importance of organization

  • Question: What is your favorite memory in ECE?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you a glimpse into their personality and what they find most memorable.

    Sample Answer: My favorite memory was when I was working with a group of children who were all learning English. I had to teach them how to count in Spanish and English. It was a fun experience because they were all so eager to learn.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive attitude
    • - Ability to work with a diverse group of people
    • - Sense of humor

  • Question: How would you handle a child who is out of control in your classroom?
  • Question Overview: A teacher's ability to handle a child who is out of control is essential to the classroom's success. The applicant's answer to this question will give you a better idea of how they handle stressful situations and how well they can remain calm in a tense situation.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to calm the child down by asking them to sit down and take a break. If that did not work, I would ask the child to leave the classroom for a few minutes. If the child still did not calm down, I would call their parents and have them come in for a meeting.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Interpersonal skills

  • Question: What is your educational background?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you a better understanding of their level of education and the types of classes they have taken.

    Sample Answer: I graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. I have also taken several classes on child development and special education.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of education
    • - Degree earned
    • - College attended

  • Question: If you and another staff have problems how would you solve it?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well the applicant works with others. The ideal candidate will be able to resolve any issues with their co-workers and remain professional at all times.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to resolve the issue with the other staff member. If that did not work, I would ask my supervisor for help.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to remain professional in a stressful situation
    • - Ability to compromise

  • Question: How would you help students that are struggling?
  • Question Overview: Teachers have to help students that are struggling in class. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you how they handle the situation and what methods they use to help the student.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to determine why the student is struggling. I would then create a plan that would allow them to catch up with the rest of the class. I would also speak with their parents and explain the plan to them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of different learning styles
    • - Ability to create a plan for struggling students
    • - Ability to explain the plan to the student's parents

  • Question: What are your hobbies?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you insight into their personality. It is important to know that hobbies do not have to be related to teaching.

    Sample Answer: I enjoy reading books and watching movies. I also enjoy volunteering at my church and helping out with the children's program.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Hobbies that show a positive personality
    • - Hobbies that show a desire to learn new things
    • - Hobbies that show a desire to help others

  • Question: What is your opinion on the common core?
  • Question Overview: The common core is a set of standards that all states must follow. The applicant's answer to this question will tell you if they are familiar with the common core and how they feel about it.

    Sample Answer: I am familiar with the common core and I believe that it is a great way to ensure that all students are learning the same material. I think it is important for students to learn the same material in order to ensure that they are prepared for college and their future careers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the common core
    • - Opinion on the common core

  • Question: Why are you interested in children?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you a sense of their passion for working with children. What types of activities do they enjoy doing with children?

    Sample Answer: I have always loved working with children. I enjoy playing games and reading to them. I also like to help them learn how to read and write.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for working with children
    • - Experience working with children
    • - Interest in the latest education practices

  • Question: What's a Christlike attribute you learned about the most on your mission?
  • Question Overview: Missionaries are taught many Christlike attributes while serving their missions. The applicant's answer to this question will allow you to gauge their knowledge of the attributes and how they apply them in their daily lives.

    Sample Answer: I learned about Christlike attributes from my mission president. I was able to apply these attributes when I had to help a struggling member of the church.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of Christlike attributes
    • - Ability to apply Christlike attributes in their daily lives