How to Answer the Teacher Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself?

Tell Me About Yourself Teacher Interview Question & Sample Answer

This post forms part of our series on teacher recruitment. One of the questions you can almost guarantee being asked is a variation on “Tell me about yourself”. In 2023 and 2024 schools are facing significant challenges in recruitment. However they are unlikely to be willing to reduce the standard of the teachers they will recruit. Therefore it is still essential you do your best in the interview.

Similar Questions/Variations on “Tell me about yourself?”

• “I have your education and experience information in front of me, but tell me more about your academic journey and personal background related to teaching.”
• “Walk me through your academic history and experiences, as they relate to your passion for education.”
• “I’d love to hear more about your journey and how it has led you to pursue a career in education.”
• “Tell me a little bit more about your educational background and experiences, and how they have shaped your interest in working in a school setting.”

The questions mentioned above serve a specific purpose during the interview process. They are not meant to extract a detailed account of your personal life or mundane information like your saturday night Instead, these questions serve as an icebreaker to help the interviewer understand your background and career journey.

By responding thoughtfully, you provide the interviewer with an initial sense of who you are and your motivation for pursuing a career in education. This information helps the interviewer determine what areas to focus on during the rest of the interview.

These questions present a valuable opportunity to make a strong first impression and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. So, it is crucial to answer them honestly and confidently to make a lasting impression.

How To Answer to “Tell Me About Yourself” as a Teacher.

The past: My background includes [educational qualifications and relevant work experiences]. I started my career in [previous teaching roles], where I developed a strong foundation in [relevant skills and expertise]. My passion for teaching and making a difference in students’ lives led me to pursue a career in teaching.

The present: Currently, I am a [current role or position] at [current school or institution], where I have achieved [top accomplishments in your current role]. I have developed a reputation for [positive attributes, such as being reliable, dedicated, innovative, or inspiring], which I believe sets me apart from other candidates. I have learnt a lot about myself as a teacher including my “why” and how I can develop further.

The future: Looking ahead, I am keen to take on new challenges and continue my professional development. The reason I am interested in this teaching position is because [list specific reasons, such as the school’s reputation, the student body, or the opportunity to make a difference in a particular area]. I am confident that my background and experiences make me an ideal candidate for this role, and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the school’s mission and goals.

Sample Answer to “Tell us about yourself”

This is not an answer you should memorise but you can prepare some key points. When asked about this I always recommend practicing at least an opening line to get you into the flow of answering questions. One I have used that I got from a youtube video many years ago is “We have something in common…..”. Sounds a bit cheesy typed out but you get the idea.

Tell Me About Yourself Teacher Interview: Sample Answer

In response to the teacher interview question, “Tell me about yourself,” I would like to share a brief overview of my professional journey, highlighting my qualifications, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to this position and your school.

Starting with my educational background, I pursued a degree in [Your Field of Study], which laid the foundation for my career. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience working in various schools, such as [Job Titles]. These experiences have allowed me to develop key skills, including [Relevant Skills], which I believe make me a strong candidate for this position.

Currently, I am teaching in…., where I have been able to [Achievements or Responsibilities]. I am passionate about my work because [Reason for Passion], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my teaching skills and experience to [School Name].

In the future, I envision myself continuing to grow and develop within education. I believe that joining your school would provide the perfect environment for that growth. I am particularly drawn to [School Name] because of its [school’s Unique Features or Values], which align with my own professional goals and values.

Throughout my career, I have always maintained a positive attitude and focused on fostering strong relationships with my colleagues and stakeholders. I am confident that my combination of skills, experiences, and passion for education make me an ideal candidate.