How to Hire a Teacher
Hiring great teachers is the highest-leverage thing a school or educational organization can do. Research is clear: teacher quality is the single most important in-school factor in student outcomes. The best teachers combine deep subject knowledge with the interpersonal skills to build trust, motivate learners, and adapt their approach to diverse needs.
What to Look For
- Subject matter mastery appropriate to the grade and level
- Classroom management: ability to create a structured, positive learning environment
- Differentiation: genuine skill at adapting instruction for students at different levels
- Data use: ability to use assessment data to inform instruction
- Collaboration: strong partnership with colleagues, families, and administrators
- Growth mindset: continuously improves their own practice
The Hiring Process
- 1
Credential and background verification
State teaching certification, subject endorsements, and background check. Required before any in-person interaction with students.
- 2
Structured interview
Cover lesson planning philosophy, classroom management approach, and differentiation strategies. Use scenario questions.
- 3
Demo lesson
Ask candidates to teach a real or sample lesson to students or evaluators. This is the single best signal of teaching effectiveness.
- 4
Reference checks with former principals
Former supervisors can speak to reliability, professional growth, and interaction with students and families.
Interview Tips
- Ask 'Tell me about a student who was struggling and what you specifically did to help them'
- Ask how they build relationships with students who are resistant or disengaged
- Probe on assessment: 'How do you know if your instruction is actually working?'
- Ask about a lesson that didn't go well and what they changed
Red Flags
- Rigid, one-size-fits-all instruction with no differentiation
- Blames students, families, or 'the system' for poor outcomes without self-reflection
- No concrete examples of student growth or learning
- Poor communication in the interview — communication is the core of teaching
- Defensive when asked about classroom challenges
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