Top Substitute Teacher Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)

Landing a job as a substitute teacher involves more than just possessing the right credentials and a passion for teaching—it also requires acing the interview. For many, this can be the most daunting part of the job search process.

Knowing what questions might be asked and tips on how to answer them can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression and securing a position. This blog will guide you through common interview questions for substitute teachers and offer some tips on how to answer them effectively.

Common Interview Questions for Substitute Teachers

Why do you want to work as a substitute teacher?

• Purpose of the Question: Employers ask this to understand your motivation and commitment to substituting.

How do you handle classroom management?

• Purpose of the Question: To gauge your ability to maintain order and ensure a conducive learning environment.

• How to Answer: Describe specific strategies you use, such as setting clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, and adapting to different classroom settings. Provide examples from past experiences if possible.

Can you describe a challenging situation in a classroom and how you handled it?

• Purpose of the Question: Interviewers want to assess your problem-solving skills and resilience.

• How to Answer: Choose a real scenario that showcases your problem-solving abilities and diplomatic skills. Explain the situation briefly, detail your action steps, and highlight the positive outcome or learning experience.

What is your approach to following a lesson plan left by the teacher?

• Purpose of the Question: To see how well you can adhere to another teacher’s guidelines and curriculum.

How do you engage students who seem uninterested in the material?

• Purpose of the Question: This question tests your ability to motivate and engage students.

What subjects are you comfortable teaching?

• Purpose of the Question: Schools need to know your versatility and subject matter strengths.

• How to Answer: Be honest about your preferences and expertise, but also express your willingness to tackle subjects outside your comfort zone with proper preparation.

How do you ensure you are approachable as a substitute?

• Purpose of the Question: Schools look for substitutes who can quickly establish rapport with students.

Do You Have to Interview to Be a Substitute Teacher?

Yes, in most districts, substitute teachers do go through an interview process, even if it’s more streamlined than a full-time teaching role. The format and depth of the interview can vary depending on the school district or staffing agency.

Some interviews are conducted in-person, others via Zoom, and some may be built into a larger onboarding session. Regardless of format, administrators use the interview to determine:

• Your ability to manage a classroom independently

• How well you follow directions and adapt to different settings

• Whether you’re reliable, punctual, and clear with communication

• Your comfort level working with different grade levels or student needs

Even if the interview seems brief, it’s a key checkpoint to evaluate your professionalism and classroom readiness. Treat it like a real job interview, because it is.

Scenario-Based Substitute Teaching Interview Questions

Many districts include scenario-based questions in substitute teacher interviews to see how you respond under pressure or uncertainty. These questions test your judgment, classroom instincts, and ability to stay calm when things don’t go as planned.

Here are some example questions you might encounter, and what interviewers might want to hear:

1. What would you do if there’s no lesson plan when you arrive?

Ideal answer: You stay calm, notify the office if needed, and use your own backup materials (e.g., read-aloud, quick writing prompts, simple math review). This shows initiative and classroom control.

2. How would you respond to a student who refuses to participate or becomes disruptive?

Ideal answer: You try a calm redirection, offer choices, or use proximity and tone to de-escalate. Mention that you’d document the behavior and inform the lead teacher or admin afterward.

3. A student tells you they feel unsafe or mentions bullying—what do you do?

Ideal answer: You take it seriously, listen quietly, and report the concern immediately to the appropriate school personnel. Never promise confidentiality or investigate yourself.

4. What would you do during a fire drill or lockdown?

Ideal answer: You follow posted protocols, ensure all students are accounted for, and keep calm. You can add that you review safety info posted in the classroom when you first arrive.

5. How do you keep students engaged during transitions or extra time at the end of class?

Ideal answer: You keep a list of filler activities like educational games, “Would You Rather” questions, or silent reading. Flexibility and engagement are key.

These scenarios are designed to reflect real classroom unpredictability. Having calm, confident answers ready will make you stand out—and reassure schools that they can trust you with any assignment.

Preparing for a substitute teacher interview by anticipating these questions can help you respond confidently and increase your chances of success. Remember, the goal is not just to answer questions but to demonstrate your enthusiasm for teaching, your adaptability, and your commitment to student development.

With thoughtful preparation, you can turn your substitute teaching interview into a promising opportunity to showcase your skills and passion for education. Good luck! :)

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