Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for High School Biology Teacher Roles – 2025

Interviewing for a high school biology teacher position? Use this guide to brush up on your interview skills and stand out from other candidates. These questions cover a range of topics, from behavioral and situational inquiries to technical knowledge and cultural fit. Be sure to provide clear, concise, and practical answers that reflect current best practices in the field of education.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your teaching experience in biology?
  A: I have been teaching high school biology for 5 years, and prior to that, I worked as a TA in a university biology lab. I have experience teaching a wide range of topics, from cell biology to ecology, and have also organized and led several field trips to enhance students' learning experiences.
• 2. How do you approach creating lesson plans for biology?
  A: When creating lesson plans, I start with the learning objectives and then build in interactive activities, experiments, and assessments to help students achieve those objectives. I also incorporate real-world examples and current research to make concepts more relatable and engaging for students.
• 3. How do you ensure students of all learning styles and abilities are included in your lessons?
  A: I believe in using a variety of teaching methods, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and group work, to cater to different learning styles. I also provide accommodations and modifications for students with special needs or learning disabilities, and I make myself available for extra support during and after class.
• 4. How do you stay current with developments in the field of biology?
  A: I make it a point to attend conferences, workshops, and webinars related to biology education. I also regularly read scientific journals and articles to stay informed about new research and developments in the field.
• 5. How do you handle challenging or disruptive students in your classroom?
  A: I believe in addressing issues privately and calmly with the student to understand the underlying reason for their behavior. I also involve school counselors and administrators when necessary, and I try to provide a positive and inclusive learning environment to prevent disruptive behavior.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you give an example of a difficult situation you faced in your classroom and how you handled it?
  A: In a previous class, I had two students who constantly argued and disrupted the learning environment. I spoke to both students individually and then brought them together to find a solution. We agreed on a code of conduct, and I also took extra steps to make the class more engaging and interactive, which improved their behavior.
• 7. Describe a time when you had to adapt your lesson plan to accommodate a student's learning style or needs.
  A: I had a student with dyslexia who had difficulty with written assignments. I worked with the student's school counselor and created an alternative assessment that allowed the student to demonstrate their knowledge through a visual presentation. The student's grades and confidence improved as a result.
• 8. How have you motivated students who are struggling in your class?
  A: I make sure to give personalized attention and feedback to struggling students, and I also offer additional resources and support such as tutoring sessions or study groups. I also try to find topics that students are interested in and relate them to biology, which can increase their engagement and motivation.
• 9. Can you tell us about a successful lesson you taught and how it impacted your students?
  A: In my last class, I created a lesson on genetics that included a hands-on activity where students created a family tree to understand dominant and recessive traits. The students were excited and engaged throughout the lesson, and the following week, they were able to correctly identify genetic patterns in a test, which showed me that they had truly understood the concept.
• 10. How do you handle conflicts with parents or colleagues?
  A: I always try to approach conflicts calmly and professionally and find common ground to resolve the issue. I believe in open communication and discussing concerns in a respectful manner. For any concerns that cannot be resolved, I involve the school counselor or administration for guidance.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a student is not performing well on assessments?
  A: First, I would review the student's performance and try to identify any underlying issues. Then, I would work with the student to create a study plan and provide additional support and resources. If necessary, I would also involve the student's parents and recommend extra help, such as tutoring or study groups.
• 12. How would you address a situation where a student is consistently disruptive?
  A: I would speak to the student privately and explore the reasons behind their behavior. I would also involve the school counselor and parents if necessary. I would also try to create an inclusive and engaging classroom environment that prevents disruptive behavior in the first place.
• 13. What would you do if you noticed a student struggling with a difficult home situation?
  A: I would approach the student and show them support and understanding. I would also inform the school counselor and involve the student in any additional social and emotional support available at the school. I would also be available for extra help or to listen if the student needs to talk.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a student is being bullied in your class?
  A: I would speak to both the victim and the bully separately and get to the root of the issue. I would also involve school counselors and parents if necessary. I would also educate the class on bullying, its impact, and how to prevent it.
• 15. What would you do if a student with high potential is not performing up to their abilities in your class?
  A: I would review the student's performance and discuss goals and aspirations with them. I would also provide additional challenges and resources to help the student achieve their full potential. I believe in encouraging students and reminding them of their capabilities to motivate them to improve.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
  A: Mitosis is the division of a somatic cell into two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis is the division of a reproductive cell into four genetically different daughter cells.
• 17. What is the role of DNA in genetics?
  A: DNA contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. It carries the genetic information that determines an individual's traits and characteristics.
• 18. Can you explain the process of photosynthesis?
  A: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. The process includes two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions.
• 19. How does the respiratory system work?
  A: The respiratory system includes the nose, trachea, and lungs, and works by taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the body. When we inhale, oxygen enters the body and travels to the lungs, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide is then expelled when we exhale.
• 20. Can you explain how an ecosystem works?
  A: An ecosystem is a community of living and nonliving things that interact with each other and their environment. Energy and nutrients flow through the ecosystem, and all living things are interconnected in a complex web of relationships. Interactions between organisms can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral, and any changes in one part of the ecosystem can have an impact on the entire system.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 21. How do you promote diversity and inclusivity in your classroom?
  A: I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where all students feel accepted and valued. I promote diversity and inclusivity by incorporating diverse voices, perspectives, and examples in my lessons and by addressing any instances of discrimination immediately and respectfully.
• 22. Can you tell us about a time when you were part of a successful team or collaboration?
  A: During my teaching program, I worked with a team to devise a project-based learning platform that incorporated multiple subjects and allowed students to take charge of their own learning. The project was a success, and students showed significant improvement in their understanding and retention of the material.
• 23. How do you handle conflicts or differences of opinion with colleagues?
  A: I believe in respectful communication and trying to find common ground to resolve conflicts. I also consider multiple perspectives and listen to others' opinions before making a decision. I understand that differences of opinion can lead to new ideas and opportunities for growth and learning.
• 24. How do you keep your teaching strategies and methods up-to-date?
  A: I regularly attend professional development workshops and conferences, and I also collaborate with colleagues to learn new approaches and techniques. I also reflect on my own teaching and seek feedback from students and supervisors to continuously improve my methods.
• 25. Can you give an example of how you have contributed to your school's community outside of the classroom?
  A: In my previous school, I organized a weekly after-school biology club where students could explore topics of their interest and conduct experiments. This club was also open to students from other grades and allowed them to engage with biology in a fun and creative way.