Questions to Ask Preschool Teacher References

When you’re hiring a preschool teacher, you’ll want to ask them these questions.

Call the supervisor of the most current past teaching position (do not contact current employment as it may hinder their current job).

During the call: build rapport, explain that you’re the Director of <Your Name Preschool> and recently interviewed one of their past teachers, and ask if you can ask a few questions about the candidate’s job with them.

Ask the reference these questions:

• When did (candidate) work for you?

• What was (candidate)’s title and role?

• If you had another opening in your business, would (candidate) be eligible for rehire?

• What was (candidate’s) reason for leaving?

• What strengths did (candidate) exhibit?

• Was (candidate) punctual?

• Were there any issues with tardiness or absenteeism?

• Did (candidate) get along well with coworkers?  With director?  With families?

• Is there anything else I should take into consideration before I hire (candidate)?

If the reference gave a glowing review, move forward with hiring.

If the reference didn’t give a glowing review, continue contacting past supervisors. If most supervisors give unfavorable review, do not hire.

If all gave a glowing review except one, then consider if you want to move forward.  (Unfavorable review might have just been a fluke bad experience for reasons you don’t know.)  Move forward with hiring as long as everyone loves the teacher and can’t possibly think of a reason why the candidate shouldn’t be hired.

I hope these questions to ask preschool teacher references were helpful!