17 History Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

As a history teacher, you have the opportunity to share the story of human progress with your students. From the ancient Egyptians to the American Revolution, history is packed with fascinating stories and lessons that can help your students understand the world around them.

If you’re looking for a history teaching job, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some common interview questions. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some sample questions and answers that will help you shine in your interview.

Are you familiar with the history curriculum for this area?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience teaching in the area. If you are interviewing for a position outside of your local area, they may also want to know how familiar you are with their state’s curriculum. When preparing for an interview like this, it can be helpful to research what students learn about in that district or state. You can use this information to answer questions about the school and its community.

Example: “I am very familiar with the history curriculum here. I taught at another high school in this district for five years before moving to Florida. During my time there, I helped develop our social studies curriculum. We added more lessons on American history and created new units on the Civil War era.”

What are some of the most important skills for a history teacher to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and qualifications to be successful in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for a history teacher, such as critical thinking, communication and organization.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important skills for a history teacher is an ability to communicate effectively with students. History teachers need to be able to explain concepts clearly so that all students understand them. Another skill I think is essential is being organized. A history teacher needs to be able to keep track of many different assignments and projects throughout the year. Finally, I think it’s important for a history teacher to have strong critical thinking skills. This helps us evaluate historical events and make informed decisions about how we teach our lessons.”

How do you create an engaging classroom environment for your students?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you plan lessons. To answer, think of a specific example from your experience as a history teacher that shows how you create an engaging classroom environment for students.

Example: “I find that the best way to engage my students is by making sure they understand the material I’m teaching them. For instance, in one class, we were learning about the American Revolution. I noticed some students weren’t grasping the concept of taxation without representation, so I created a game where students had to write down what they thought was unfair about paying taxes. This activity helped students remember the concept better because it made the lesson more relatable.”

What is your teaching philosophy?

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you plan to implement it in their school. When answering, think of a few key principles that guide your classroom management and instruction.

Example: “My philosophy is that every student can succeed if they’re given the right tools. I believe that students need to be challenged but also supported by their teachers. In my last position, I had a student who was struggling with history. We met after class for extra help, and he ended up getting an A on his final exam. He told me that our meeting helped him understand the material better, and I know that’s what makes my job so rewarding.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to create your own lesson plan.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your creativity and problem-solving skills. They want to know that you can create a lesson plan on your own, but they also want to see how you do it. In your answer, try to explain the steps you take when creating a new lesson plan.

Example: “When I first started teaching, my principal asked me to teach an extra history class for students who were struggling in the subject. At first, I was nervous because I had never taught that many students before. However, I decided to use the same curriculum as the other classes, but I modified it so that it would be easier for the students who needed help. I used different examples and provided more visuals to make sure everyone understood the material.”

If one of your students was disruptive, how would you handle the situation?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your classroom management skills. They want to see that you can keep students focused and on task while also maintaining a positive learning environment. In your answer, try to explain how you would handle the situation in a calm and professional manner.

Example: “If one of my students was disruptive, I would first try to get their attention by calling them by name or asking them a question. If they didn’t respond, I would politely tell them to stop talking and redirect them back to the lesson at hand. If they continued to be disruptive after that, I would take them out into the hallway for a brief time-out. This is usually enough to help students remember their responsibilities.”

What would you do if you felt like you weren’t adequately prepared to teach a lesson?

Interviewers want to know that you are confident in your teaching abilities and can handle any challenges that may arise. If a situation like this has happened before, explain what steps you took to ensure you were prepared for the lesson.

Example: “I once had a substitute teacher who was covering an American history unit I hadn’t yet taught. She didn’t have all of the materials we needed, so she asked me if I could send her some links or resources to help her teach the class. I sent her several websites with information on the time period and even made flashcards for vocabulary words my students would need to learn. When I returned to school after winter break, my students had learned more about the topic than they would have otherwise because of the extra preparation I did.”

How well do you handle criticism?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to accept feedback and use it to improve your teaching methods. When answering, consider how you’ve handled criticism in the past and what steps you took to implement changes or improvements.

Example: “I understand that receiving constructive criticism is an important part of my job as a teacher. I try to take all feedback seriously and use it to make positive changes to my lessons and classroom management techniques. In the past, when I’ve received criticism from colleagues or parents, I’ve always taken time to discuss their concerns with them and explain why I made certain decisions. This helps me learn more about different perspectives and find ways to incorporate new ideas into my curriculum.”

Do you have any experience working with students with special needs?

Special education teachers often work with students who have learning disabilities or other challenges that affect their ability to learn. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working with special needs students and can adapt your teaching style to meet the unique needs of each student in your classroom. If you don’t have experience working with special needs students, explain what steps you would take to gain that experience if hired for the position.

Example: “I’ve never worked directly with a student with special needs, but I am familiar with some common learning disabilities and how they may affect a student’s performance in the classroom. In my previous positions, I’ve always been willing to help any student who needed extra support. For example, I once had a student who was struggling with fractions. I offered to tutor her one-on-one after school so she could get caught up on her math skills.”

When is the best time to start teaching history?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching philosophy. They want to know how you plan lessons and when you introduce new concepts to students. In your answer, explain what factors influence the best time to start a history curriculum. You can also mention any specific historical events that are important for students to understand at certain ages.

Example: “I think it’s important to teach history as early as possible because it helps students develop an understanding of their place in the world. I usually begin my classes with elementary school students by introducing them to ancient civilizations. This gives them a foundation for learning about other cultures and traditions. As they get older, I continue to build on these ideas by exploring different eras and events.”

We want our students to be well-rounded. How would you encourage students to participate in activities outside of the classroom that relate to history?

Interviewers want to know that you’re passionate about history and how it relates to the world around us. They also want to make sure that you understand the importance of encouraging students to participate in activities outside of school that relate to their studies.

Example: “I believe that learning history is a lifelong process, so I encourage my students to continue studying history after they leave high school. For example, when we study ancient civilizations, I tell them about museums where they can see artifacts from those times. When we talk about World War II, I suggest books they can read or movies they can watch to learn more about that time period.”

Describe your process for grading assignments and giving feedback to students.

Interviewers want to know how you grade assignments and provide feedback to students. They also want to see if your grading process is similar to the school’s current system. When answering this question, describe your grading process in detail and explain why you use that method.

Example: “I give my students a rubric for each assignment they complete. I include all of the criteria on the rubric so students can understand what I expect from them when submitting their work. I then assign points based on whether or not they meet the requirements. If they don’t meet the requirements, I provide specific feedback about what they need to improve. This helps students learn how to do better next time.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want to know what makes you stand out from other candidates and why they should choose you over them. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your most relevant skills and experience. You can also share a story or two that shows how you would be an effective history teacher.

Example: “I am the best candidate for this position because I have extensive knowledge of American history. Throughout my life, I’ve read many books on this subject and learned as much as I could about it. I also have several years of teaching experience under my belt, so I feel confident in my ability to teach students at this level. My passion for history is contagious, which means I will inspire my students to learn more about this subject.”

Which historical figures do you most admire?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your values and how you apply them to your teaching. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a historical figure that you have studied in depth or one who has inspired you through their life’s work.

Example: “I admire Eleanor Roosevelt for her commitment to social justice and equality. She was an advocate for human rights long before it was popular to do so, and she used her voice to speak out against injustice. I also respect Mahatma Gandhi because of his dedication to nonviolence as a means of achieving political change. He is a great example of someone who practiced what he preached.”

What do you think is the most important thing for students to learn about history?

This question can help interviewers understand your philosophy of teaching. It’s important to show that you value history and want students to learn about it, but it’s also important to be able to explain what you think is most important for them to know.

Example: “I believe the most important thing for students to learn about history is how to interpret primary sources. Students should learn how to read between the lines when looking at historical documents and records so they can make their own conclusions about what happened in the past. This skill will help them as they continue learning throughout their lives.”

How often do you plan to update your lesson plans?

This question can help interviewers understand how you plan to keep your lessons fresh and engaging for students. You can answer this question by explaining the steps you take to create new lesson plans, including researching topics that interest you or collaborating with other teachers to develop ideas.

Example: “I try to update my lesson plans every month so I can incorporate current events into my curriculum. For example, when a major event happens in the world, I’ll research it thoroughly and find ways to integrate it into my class. This helps me ensure that my students are learning about current events while also learning important historical facts.”

There is a new movie coming out about a historical event. How would you recommend that students get excited about learning about it in class?

This question is a great way to show your creativity and how you can make learning fun for students. You should explain the steps you would take to get students excited about learning about the historical event, such as watching trailers or reading articles online.

Example: “I think it’s important to find ways to relate history to current events. I would start by asking my students if they have heard of the movie coming out. If not, I would tell them what it’s about and give them some background information on the historical event. Then, I would ask them if they had any questions about the movie or the historical event. This helps me gauge their interest in the topic and gives me an idea of what they already know.”