Question Overview: This is a general question that you can use to get a feel for the candidate's personality and how they will interact with your students. You can also use it to determine how well they can adapt to different situations and how well they can work with others.
Sample Answer: I am a very outgoing person who loves to be around people. I have been a substitute teacher for five years and have worked in several different schools. I am very adaptable and can work with a variety of students.
Question Overview: Substitute teachers can be called to fill in at the last minute. You will want a candidate who is able to read a plan quickly and understand the curriculum. Use this question to determine how well they can adapt to new situations and how well they can read and comprehend plans.
Sample Answer: I would look through the plan and see if there were any notes from the main teacher. If they left me a lesson plan, I would go through it and make sure I understood the curriculum. If not, I would ask the administrators at the school for help.
Question Overview: You will want to know how a potential substitute teacher would handle a disruptive student. You can use this question to determine how well they can think on their feet and how well they can handle a variety of situations.
Sample Answer: I always try to get the student to focus on the lesson at hand. If that doesn't work, I will ask them to step out of the classroom for a few minutes. If that doesn't work, I will ask them to leave the classroom for the rest of the day.
Question Overview: Public speaking can be a big part of the job of a substitute teacher. You will want someone who is at least confident in their ability to speak in front of a group. Use this question to determine how well the interviewee can present themselves and how well they can speak to a variety of people.
Sample Answer: I have been in front of groups since I was young. I have always been able to talk with confidence and clarity. I have never had any trouble speaking in front of others.
Question Overview: You will want to know what the potential substitute teacher's goals are for the position. You can use this question to determine if they are looking for a long-term job or just a short-term one.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a long-term position that will allow me to work with a variety of students and teachers. I want to be able to learn from the other educators and help students learn in my time here.
Question Overview: Engaging students in class can be a challenge for substitute teachers. You want to make sure that your potential hire is able to keep the students' attention and get them involved in the lesson. Use this question to determine the interviewee's ability to engage students and their ability to think on their feet.
Sample Answer: I always start by asking the students what they know about the subject. From there, I can gauge their level of understanding and adapt my lesson plan accordingly. I will also ask them what they want to learn about the subject and incorporate that into the lesson plan.
Question Overview: A substitute teacher will need to be able to communicate effectively with the school's administration and other staff members. You can use this question to determine how well the interviewee can communicate with others and how they handle problems.
Sample Answer: I would speak with the main teacher or the principal. If they are unavailable, I would ask another teacher or administrator for help. I would try to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Question Overview: You will want to ask a potential substitute teacher what they do with younger students. You can use this question to determine how well they know the age group and what they do to keep them engaged.
Sample Answer: I would probably start with a few songs and rhymes with the toddler. I would then move on to some basic games that are appropriate for their age. I would probably use some of the same activities with the preschoolers, but I would also try to incorporate some of their favorite books into the lesson plan.
Question Overview: Substitute teachers might be called to a school on short notice and have to fill in for a teacher who is out sick or on vacation. You want to make sure that the potential hire is able to handle these situations and will not panic if they arrive to an empty classroom.
Sample Answer: If I arrive to a classroom and there are no lesson plans, I will ask the students what they have been learning. I can read and understand a variety of subjects. I can then use this information to create a lesson plan for the day.
Question Overview: You will want to ask this question to get a sense of the interviewee's motivations. Are they looking for a temporary job or do they have a long-term interest in education? You will also want to get an idea of how much they know about your school and the community.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in education and want to help out in any way I can. I have been a substitute teacher for three years and have enjoyed it every time. I am looking for a long-term position, but I am willing to take any job that comes my way.
Question Overview: You will want to know what your potential hire does in their free time. This can be a good way to get an idea of their interests, hobbies and how they spend their time outside of work.
Sample Answer: I like to read in my spare time. I also like to go out with friends and family. I enjoy cooking and baking, as well.
Question Overview: The education level of your potential substitute teacher should be a major factor in your hiring decision. You will want a candidate who has at least a high school diploma, but ideally a college degree.
Sample Answer: I have a bachelor's degree in education. I learned the material through a combination of classroom instruction and independent study.
Question Overview: You will want to know the highest degree your potential substitute teacher has. This can give you a good idea of their experience and how well they can adapt to different situations.
Sample Answer: I have a master's degree in education from the University of Texas. I have been teaching for five years and have had experience with a variety of subjects and age groups.
Question Overview: You will want to know how far your potential substitute teachers are willing to travel to get to your school. You will also want to know if they have any issues with the distance.
Sample Answer: I am willing to travel up to 20 miles for this job. I have no issues with the distance.
Question Overview: You will want to know when your potential substitute teacher is available to fill in for your regular educator. You can use this question to determine if they are available when you need them and how flexible they are.
Sample Answer: I am available Monday through Friday from 7:30am until 3:30pm. I can also work on the weekends if you need me to.
Question Overview: You will want to know how long your potential substitute teacher plans on working with your school. You can use this question to determine if they are looking for a short-term or long-term position.
Sample Answer: I plan on working with Kelly for as long as I can. I am looking for a long-term position and am hoping to work here until I find one.
Question Overview: You will want to know how your potential substitute teacher feels about the limits of education. You can use this question to determine if they are a good fit for your school and students.
Sample Answer: I believe that anyone can learn if they are taught in a way that works for them. I have taught students with a variety of learning styles and have seen them succeed.
Question Overview: Substitute teachers need to be able to manage a variety of situations. You can use this question to determine the interviewee's ability to handle a classroom after recess.
Sample Answer: I always try to make sure that my students are ready to learn when we start class. I will ask them what they did at recess and if they had any trouble with their friends or teachers. I will also ask them if they have any questions about the lesson plan or what we have done so far.
Question Overview: A substitute teacher will encounter a variety of students with a variety of personalities. You will want to know how your potential hire will handle these situations. Use this question to determine their ability to work with a variety of personalities and their ability to keep the class under control.
Sample Answer: I always try to be as calm as possible when dealing with students who are acting out. I try to talk them through the situation and ask them what is wrong. If that doesn't work, I will try to get them to focus on the lesson at hand.
Question Overview: You will want to know the potential candidate's availability for work. You will also want to know if they are available for the entire school year or just a few months.
Sample Answer: I am available to work Monday through Friday. I am not available during the summer months.