# Teacher interview questions in Kenya and how to answer them

> The questions TSC panels, private schools and colleges ask teachers, from lesson planning to discipline and the competency-based curriculum, with how to answer each.

Source: https://monicahr.com/guides/teacher-interview-questions-kenya/
Published by Monica (monicahr.com), written by The Monica team, updated 2026-11-05. Topic: Teachers, Kenya.

Teaching interviews in Kenya, whether before a TSC selection panel, a board of management or a private school, test the same things: that you know your subjects, can plan and manage a class, care about learners' welfare and understand your professional duties. These are the questions you are most likely to face.

## "Tell us about yourself"

Keep it to about a minute: your qualification and subjects, your TSC number, your teaching experience including teaching practice or internship, and why you want this post. For example: "I am a secondary teacher of mathematics and physics, TSC registered, with a year as a TSC intern in a junior school in Machakos. I want a post where I can also run the science club, which I started during my internship."

## "How do you prepare a lesson?"

Show that you plan deliberately. Mention the scheme of work, clear lesson objectives, an introduction that connects to what learners already know, activities that involve learners, checking understanding during the lesson, and a short assessment or summary at the end. Panels like to hear how you adjust the plan for learners who are struggling or ahead.

## "How do you handle indiscipline in class?"

Describe positive, legal approaches: clear class rules agreed early, consistent consequences, talking to the learner privately, involving the class teacher or guidance and counselling department, and contacting parents where needed. Make clear that you do not use corporal punishment, which is prohibited in Kenyan schools.

## "What do you understand by competency-based learning?"

Explain that the competency-based curriculum focuses on what learners can do, not just what they can recall, and that it values core competencies such as communication, critical thinking, creativity and digital literacy, with continuous assessment. Give one example of a learner-centred activity you have used.

## "How do you support a learner who is struggling?"

Talk about identifying the problem early through assessment, giving extra practice or a different explanation, pairing learners, involving parents, and referring learners with possible special needs for assessment. Panels want to see patience and a plan.

## "What would you do if you suspected a learner was being abused?"

This tests your duty of care. The right answer is that you would listen without judging, not promise secrecy, record what you observed, and report immediately to the head teacher or the designated person so the case is handled through the proper child protection channels.

## "What can you offer the school beyond the classroom?"

Name something specific: coaching a sport, running a club, music, drama, debate, or helping with ICT. Schools value teachers who contribute to co-curricular life.

## What should you bring to a teaching interview?

- Your national ID card and TSC registration certificate.
- Original academic and professional certificates, with copies.
- Your teaching practice or internship documents and any recommendation letters.
- A printed CV. If yours needs work, use the free [CV builder](https://monicahr.com/cv-builder/) or read our guide to [writing a teaching CV](https://monicahr.com/guides/teaching-cv-kenya/).