Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Secondary Grade Teacher – 2025

Preparing for a secondary grade teacher job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your teaching experience, classroom management skills, and understanding of education principles. Whether you’re applying for a role in a public or private school setting, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your previous teaching experience?
  As a secondary grade teacher, I have over 5 years of experience teaching students in grades 6-8. Throughout my career, I have worked in both public and private schools, which has given me a balanced understanding of different classroom environments. I have also taught a variety of subjects, including English, social studies, and math.
• 2. How do you handle difficult students or behavior issues?
  My approach to handling difficult students is to first understand the root of their behavior. I believe in open communication and will often have one-on-one conversations with the student to better understand their perspective. I also utilize positive reinforcement and clearly communicate expectations to the entire class to create a positive and productive learning environment.
• 3. What strategies do you use to engage and motivate students?
  I believe in making learning fun and interactive for students. I often incorporate games, hands-on activities, and technology into my lessons to keep students engaged. I also take the time to get to know my students and their interests, so I can tailor my lessons to their individual needs.
• 4. How do you differentiate instruction for students with varying learning abilities?
  Every student is unique and requires different forms of instruction. I like to use a variety of teaching methods, such as visual aids, group work, and project-based learning, to meet the needs of all my students. I also regularly assess their progress and provide extra support or challenges as needed.
• 5. How do you handle conflicts with colleagues or parents?
  I believe in maintaining open and respectful communication with all stakeholders in a child's education. If conflicts do arise, I first try to address them directly and find a mutually beneficial solution. If needed, I am also willing to involve a mediator or third party to help resolve the issue.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you walk us through a successful lesson you taught?
  One lesson that I am particularly proud of is when I incorporated a mock trial activity to teach my students about the American judicial system. I divided the class into two groups and had them prepare and present arguments for a historical case. Not only did the students have fun, but they also gained a deeper understanding of the topic and developed their critical thinking and public speaking skills.
• 7. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult student or parent situation.
  In my previous role, I had a student who was often disruptive in class and refused to participate in class discussions. I reached out to the student's parents and we were able to come up with a plan to address their behavior. I also worked with the student one-on-one to understand the root of their behavior and provide extra support. In the end, the student showed significant improvement and even became more engaged in class.
• 8. Share an experience where you collaborated with colleagues to improve the overall school environment.
  In my current school, we implemented a program to encourage more physical activity among students. I worked with my colleagues to create a weekly fitness challenge and incorporate more movement breaks into our lessons. It was a collaborative effort that not only improved the overall health and well-being of our students but also fostered a stronger sense of teamwork among teachers.
• 9. Tell us about a time when you had to use creative problem-solving skills in the classroom.
  In one of my previous teaching positions, I had a student with a visual impairment who was struggling to keep up with the class. I worked with the student's parents and the school's special education team to come up with modified materials and resources to help the student learn and succeed. The student made significant progress and was able to fully participate in class with their peers.
• 10. Can you give an example of how you have incorporated technology into your teaching methods?
  Recently, I incorporated a digital storytelling project into my language arts curriculum. Students used technology to create multimedia presentations to showcase their understanding of different literary elements and themes. It not only allowed students to use their creativity but also helped to enhance their technology skills.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a student who is struggling with a concept and is becoming increasingly frustrated?
  I would first have a one-on-one conversation with the student to understand why they are struggling and what is causing their frustration. Then, I would try to break down the concept into smaller, more manageable parts and provide different strategies for the student to try. I would also offer additional resources or support outside of class if needed.
• 12. If a student consistently disrupts the class, what steps would you take?
  First, I would address the behavior directly with the student and try to understand the root of their disruptive behavior. Then, I would work with the student to come up with a plan to improve their behavior and hold them accountable for their actions. If the behavior continues, I would involve the school's disciplinary team or administration as necessary.
• 13. Imagine a parent who is concerned about their child's progress in your class. How would you address their concerns?
  I would first listen to the parent's concerns and discuss their child's progress and any areas of improvement. I would share examples of the student's work and assessments to provide a clearer understanding of their performance. I would also offer suggestions for how the parent can support their child's learning at home and collaborate on a plan for their child's success.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a parent disagrees with your teaching methods or curriculum?
  If a parent disagrees with my teaching methods or curriculum, I would first try to understand their perspective and reasoning. Then, I would explain the educational and research-based reasoning behind my methods and how they align with the school's curriculum. If needed, I would also work with the parent to provide additional resources or support to help them better understand my approach.
• 15. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt your lesson plan to accommodate students with diverse learning needs?
  In one of my previous roles, I had a student with ADHD who struggled to stay focused during long lectures. I adapted my lesson plan by incorporating more hands-on activities, movement breaks, and visual aids to keep the student engaged and on task. This not only benefited the student with ADHD but also improved the overall classroom dynamics.

Technical Questions

• 16. What teaching methods or strategies have you found to be most effective in your experience?
  In my experience, a combination of direct instruction, cooperative learning, and independent practice has been most effective. This allows for a balanced approach that caters to different learning styles and promotes active participation and retention of material.
• 17. How do you incorporate technology into your lessons?
  I often incorporate technology by using online resources, creating interactive presentations, and assigning digital projects to enhance student learning and engagement. I also ensure that all technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner.
• 18. Can you give an example of how you have adapted your teaching for students with special needs?
  In one of my previous teaching roles, I had a student with dyslexia who struggled with reading and writing. I adapted my lessons by providing audiobooks and modified writing prompts for the student. I also worked with the school's special education team and parents to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the student.
• 19. How do you stay current with the latest educational techniques and strategies?
  I attend professional development workshops, conferences, and webinars to learn about the latest educational techniques and strategies. I also actively seek out new resources and collaborate with other teachers to share ideas and best practices.
• 20. How do you handle grading and providing feedback to students?
  I believe in providing timely and constructive feedback to students to help them improve. I use a variety of assessment methods, such as quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations, and provide individualized feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement. I also make myself available for one-on-one conferences with students to discuss their progress and areas for growth.