Houston ISD Teacher Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 68 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Houston ISD.
Houston ISD
Substitute Teacher
Entry Average Positive experience Decline offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation
After submitting my application, I got called in for an interview at a middle school. I met with a group of teachers, and then the principal and curriculum director. It was good to meet people who had been there a while. They also talked about some of the challenges of the job.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you describe your past experience as a teacher and any difficulties you encountered?
Houston ISD
Teacher
Mid Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
It was a pretty tough interview process, as I was interviewing at a high-performing school. They wanted to make sure I would uphold their high standards. There were a lot of questions and I felt grilled. I did get the job, but I wasn't sure how it would go after the interview.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Are novel studies part of your classroom practice?
Houston ISD
Teacher
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Panel Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation
I was interviewed for a teaching position at an NES school. They asked me questions about multilingual learners and English language development. I have 12 years of experience in Title 1 schools, teaching bilingual fifth grade reading, and have been very successful. I also have a Master’s in bilingual education. The last question was, ‘What do you know about the black and brown student struggle here?’ I responded, ‘a lot, because I have always taught in title 1 schools, and I can personally relate growing up in Houston, etc.’ They looked at me with scrutinizing eyes and it seemed like they wouldn’t even consider me based on my appearance. I am light-skinned with blue eyes, but I am Mexican. Even though I mentioned I grew up bilingual, I don’t think they believed me. There were about 5 or 6 people interviewing me. They never contacted me afterward, and I suspect they discriminate based on appearance. How could they possibly know my background and the schools I attended? How could they know my family is an immigrant family and that I can relate to many of our students? It felt completely unfair. My record and ratings are exemplary. I guess you need to look a certain way; just as there are light and dark-skinned African Americans, there are light and dark-skinned Hispanics. My friends who interviewed for NES schools at this job fair, and who have darker skin, hair, and eyes, were offered positions in NES schools. I wasn’t, and I am certain my resume and experience were superior to many others. They never called me back.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you tell us what you know about the struggles faced by black and brown students?
Houston ISD Teacher Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Houston ISD interview reports.
“Could you describe a 90-minute Language Arts lesson plan?”
Read reports →“How would you ensure the success of all students in a class with diverse learning levels?”
Read reports →“For reading teachers, what would your Balance Literacy approach look like in your classroom if an administrator were to observe it?”
Read reports →“How would you respond if a student told you they didn't like you?”
Read reports →“What would be visible if I were to enter your classroom?”
Read report →“What is a negative thing that others might say about you?”
Read report →“How would you handle a student acting out in class?”
Read report →“What would I see if I were to walk into your classroom?”
Read report →“What subjects have you taught and for how many years?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 68 Houston ISD interview reports.