17 STEM Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is a critical focus for the United States’ economic future. The country’s leading companies, from Google to Lockheed Martin, are constantly looking for talented STEM professionals. And one of the best ways to become one of those talented professionals is to become a STEM teacher.

If you’re looking to become a STEM teacher, you’ll need to ace your interview. In this guide, you’ll find questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview. You’ll learn how to answer questions about your teaching experience, your knowledge of STEM subjects, and your ability to engage students in learning.

Are you certified to teach in the state where you’re applying?

The interviewer will likely ask this question to make sure you’re qualified for the position. If you are not certified, explain why and what steps you plan on taking to get your certification.

Example: “I am currently certified in my home state of California. I have been teaching science at my current school for five years now, so I am eligible to renew my certificate for another five years. However, I do plan on getting my master’s degree in education with a focus on STEM education. This would allow me to teach anywhere in the country without having to go through the certification process again.”

What are some of your favorite subjects to teach?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your teaching style and how you interact with students. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention subjects that are similar to those taught in the school or ones that you enjoy learning about yourself.

Example: “I really enjoy teaching math because I find it so interesting myself. I also love science because there is always something new to learn and discover. In my previous position, I was able to teach both math and science, which made for an exciting day at school every day. I think STEM education is important because it helps students develop skills they will use throughout their lives.”

How do you create an engaging learning 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 teacher that shows how you create an engaging learning environment for students.

Example: “I believe the best way to engage my students is by making sure they understand the material I’m teaching them. For instance, when I taught high school physics, I noticed some students were struggling with the concepts of velocity and acceleration. So, I created a lesson where we used cars on a track to demonstrate these two concepts. The activity was so successful that it became part of our curriculum.”

What is your teaching philosophy?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your teaching style and how you plan lessons. Your answer should include a few key points about what you believe makes for effective learning in STEM subjects.

Example: “I think it’s important that students feel comfortable asking questions, so I always make sure to provide plenty of time during class for them to ask me anything they don’t understand. I also encourage my students to collaborate with each other on projects because I find this helps them learn from one another and develop their communication skills. Finally, I try to keep my lessons interesting by using real-world examples and analogies when possible.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to create a lesson plan on short notice.

When an interviewer asks you to provide an example of a time when you had to create a lesson plan on short notice, they are trying to understand how flexible you are as a teacher. This is because STEM teachers often have to adjust their lessons plans based on the needs of their students and what’s happening in the classroom at that moment.

Example: “I once had to teach a lesson about coding without any materials or resources. I was able to use my knowledge of computer science and programming to help my students learn the basics of coding by using everyday objects like buttons and straws. The students were so engaged with the activity that they didn’t even realize they weren’t using computers.”

If a student is struggling with a concept, how do you determine if they need more time to practice or if they need additional instruction?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you support students who are struggling with a concept. Use examples from past experiences where you helped students overcome challenges in the classroom.

Example: “I always start by asking my students what they’re having trouble understanding, and I try to give them as much time as possible to practice the skill on their own before providing additional instruction. If a student is still struggling after several days of practicing, then I know that they need more help. In these situations, I pull the student aside for individualized attention or provide extra assistance during class.”

What would you do if a parent complained that their child was bored during a lesson?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can communicate with parents and resolve issues in a positive way. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you are willing to listen to all sides of an issue and find a compromise or solution.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood what the parent was saying. Then, I would explain my teaching methods and why I use them. If I could, I would offer to meet with the student’s parents to give them a demonstration of one of my lessons so they could see it for themselves. This usually helps put their minds at ease and shows them that I am invested in making sure their child is learning.”

How well do you handle criticism from administrators or other teachers?

As a STEM teacher, you may need to collaborate with other teachers or administrators. An interviewer might ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how well you can handle constructive criticism. In your answer, try to show that you are open to feedback and willing to make improvements when necessary.

Example: “I am always happy to receive feedback from my colleagues and administrators. I understand that they want what’s best for the students and our school, so I take their advice seriously. If I disagree with something, I try to respectfully explain why I think it would be beneficial to implement a different strategy. I find that by being receptive to others’ ideas, we can often come up with better solutions.”

Do you have any methods for keeping students engaged during long lectures?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have strategies for keeping students focused and interested in STEM subjects. They want to know that you can keep your students engaged, which is important for learning. In your answer, share a few techniques you use to keep students on task and attentive during lectures.

Example: “I find that the best way to keep students engaged during long lectures is by using visual aids. I always bring plenty of visuals with me when I teach so that I can show my students what I’m talking about. Another method I use is asking questions throughout the lecture. This helps me gauge whether or not my students understand what I’m teaching them.”

When planning a lesson, how do you determine the appropriate level of difficulty for your students?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your teaching style and how you plan lessons. Use examples from past experiences in which you planned a lesson that was challenging for students but still achievable, or one that was easy enough for students to complete independently.

Example: “I always start by assessing my students’ current knowledge of the subject matter before I begin planning a new lesson. This helps me determine what information they already know and what they need more practice with. Then, I consider the objectives of the lesson and decide on an appropriate level of difficulty based on those goals. For example, if I’m teaching about the different types of cells, I might choose a lesson that focuses on prokaryotic cells since most students are familiar with eukaryotic cells.”

We want to encourage our students to pursue STEM careers. How would you incorporate this into your lessons?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan your lessons and what methods you use to encourage students. Showcase your ability to inspire students with STEM careers by explaining how you would incorporate this into your curriculum.

Example: “I believe that it’s important for students to learn about STEM careers at a young age so they know what options are available to them when they graduate. I would start by introducing my students to different STEM careers, including those in science, technology, engineering and math. Then, I would have students research these careers and create presentations on their favorite career paths.”

Describe your process for grading and reviewing student work.

Grading and reviewing student work is an important part of the job for a STEM teacher. Interviewers want to know how you grade and review assignments, as well as your process for communicating with parents about their child’s progress in your classroom.

Example: “I use a grading rubric that I developed myself based on state standards. I find this method to be most effective because it allows me to assess students’ work quickly and consistently. When grading, I look at each assignment holistically rather than focusing on individual components. This helps me determine whether or not a student has mastered the material before moving on to more complex concepts.

When communicating with parents, I send weekly reports detailing what their child did in class that week. I also include links to any online resources they can use to reinforce the material we covered.”

What makes you stand out from other STEM teachers?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your unique qualities and how they can benefit their school. When answering, think of a specific skill or quality that you have that makes you stand out from other STEM teachers. You can also mention any awards or certifications you may have earned in the field.

Example: “I believe my ability to connect with students is what makes me stand out from other STEM teachers. I always make sure to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas. This helps them develop confidence in themselves and their abilities as STEM learners. Another thing that makes me stand out is my certification in coding languages like Python and JavaScript. These skills help me teach students how to code using real-world applications.”

Which teaching methods do you prefer and why?

This question can help interviewers understand your teaching style and how you plan lessons. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few methods that you enjoy using in the classroom and why they’re effective for students.

Example: “I find that hands-on learning is one of the most engaging ways for students to learn new concepts. I also like to incorporate group work into my STEM classes because it allows students to collaborate with each other and develop their communication skills. Another method I use often is project-based learning, which helps students apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations.”

What do you think is the most important thing that STEM teachers can do to help their students succeed?

This question can help interviewers understand your philosophy on teaching STEM subjects. It also helps them determine how you might approach the job and what skills you have that could benefit their school. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill or strategy that helped you develop your students’ abilities in STEM subjects.

Example: “I think one of the most important things that STEM teachers can do is make sure they are always providing new challenges for their students. If students aren’t challenged enough, they may lose interest in learning about the subject matter. However, if they’re given too many challenging tasks, they may become overwhelmed and give up before trying to succeed. I try to find a balance between these two extremes so my students can continue to learn and grow.”

How often do you update your teaching materials to reflect changes in best practices or technology?

The interviewer may want to know how you keep up with the latest developments in your field. Show that you are committed to professional development and eager to learn new methods of teaching STEM subjects.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching style, so I regularly attend workshops and conferences on education technology and best practices. In fact, I have attended a conference every year since I graduated from college, and I also subscribe to several online newsletters about the latest trends in STEM education. I find this information helps me stay current on the most effective ways to teach students.”

There is a new STEM-related event or opportunity that would be perfect for your students. How would you convince administrators to allow your class to attend?

This question is a great way to show your passion for STEM and how you can use it in the classroom. When answering this question, try to think of an event or opportunity that would be beneficial for students and explain why you feel it’s important they attend.

Example: “I have heard about a new science museum opening up downtown. I think it would be a great experience for my class to visit because we could learn more about different exhibits and interact with them. This would also give us a chance to practice our communication skills as well as our math and reading comprehension.”