Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent. But beyond shiny classrooms and neatly cut lawns, it is the teachers who will shape your child’s learning journey the most. Teachers are the heart of any school, and their approach can either nurture curiosity or stifle it. Before signing those admission forms, parents need to look past the brochures and have meaningful conversations with the people who will spend the most time with their children, the teachers.
A well-framed question can reveal far more than a school tour or glossy prospectus ever will. A UNICEF report from September 2024 revealed that 74% of children aged 7-14 in primary and junior secondary schools were not achieving minimum proficiency in literacy and numeracy. One key reason cited was ineffective teaching practices. This underscores why parents must take an active role in assessing who teaches their children and how.
These are ten key questions that parents should ask prospective teachers, not as a checklist to rush through, but as a way of opening a window into their teaching philosophy, classroom culture, and expectations.
1. What is your teaching philosophy?
This question helps you understand the teacher’s core beliefs about learning. Are they more traditional, focusing on memorisation and exams, or do they adopt a more modern approach, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity? The answer will give you a sense of how your child will be taught on a daily basis and whether it aligns with the type of learner your child is.
2. How do you handle different learning paces among students?
No two children learn at the same speed. A good teacher should have strategies to accommodate fast learners without neglecting those who need more time. Listen for methods like differentiated instruction, personalised tasks, or additional support sessions. This will tell you how inclusive and adaptable the classroom is.
3. What role does technology play in your teaching?
The modern classroom increasingly integrates technology to improve learning outcomes. Asking this question reveals whether the teacher is open to using digital tools for instruction, research, or assessments. It also helps you assess whether the school is preparing students for a tech-driven future or sticking to outdated methods.
4. How do you manage classroom discipline?
Discipline is a sensitive but vital part of a child’s school life. This question helps you understand the balance between maintaining order and fostering a positive, supportive learning environment. Look out for answers that focus on respect, communication, and positive reinforcement rather than fear or punishment.
5. How do you communicate with parents about a child’s progress?
Strong parent–teacher communication ensures your child’s needs are constantly being met. Ask how often you will receive updates, whether through termly meetings, progress reports, or regular check-ins. This shows how proactive the teacher is about involving parents in their child’s learning journey.
6. What methods do you use to keep students engaged?
Engagement is the heartbeat of effective learning. The best teachers have strategies to spark curiosity and sustain attention. Their response should go beyond “using textbooks” and include techniques like interactive discussions, storytelling, experiments, or real-life applications that make lessons memorable.
7. How do you support struggling students?
Every child struggles at some point, whether academically, emotionally, or socially. Ask how the teacher identifies struggling students and the steps taken to support them. This will tell you whether your child will be left behind or given the necessary guidance to improve.
8. How do you assess students’ understanding?
Assessment is not just about tests and exams. It’s about understanding whether a child truly grasps what is taught. A strong teacher will use a combination of formative assessments (quizzes, oral questions, classwork) and summative assessments (tests and projects) to measure progress effectively.
9. What values or life skills do you instil in your students?
Education is more than academics, it’s also about shaping a child’s character. This question will reveal the teacher’s commitment to instilling values like responsibility, empathy, teamwork, or resilience. These traits often stay with children longer than classroom lessons.
10. How do you handle feedback from parents?
A good teacher welcomes constructive feedback rather than resisting it. This question helps you gauge the openness and collaborative spirit of the teacher. The best learning environments are built when parents and teachers see each other as partners, not opponents.
Final Thoughts
Asking the right questions before enrolling your child in a school is not about being overly critical; it’s about being intentional. Teachers play a defining role in shaping children’s confidence, skills, and future opportunities. The answers you get will reveal much more than the school’s mission statement ever could, they will show you how committed the teachers are to helping your child thrive.
