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Interviews for teaching assistant positions are often tricky.
Not only do you need to convey your knowledge for a particular subject, but also show that you have the type of personality that can make a positive impact on students.
The best way to prepare is to familiarize yourself with the most common types of questions and the answers that others have given with success.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some of the most common teaching assistant interview questions and the best ways to answer them. You’ll also learn a powerful interview method that you can incorporate into most of your answers.
Key Takeaways:
Teacher assistant candidate should highlight their communication and active listening skills and well as proactive scenario based interview questions to help them be prepared for the interview.
Interviewers should have an understanding of the needs and requirements of the role to help you create interview questions to help you find your ideal candidate.
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Tell me about yourself. This question is often asked at the start of the interview. Your answer should highlight your relevant experiences, skills and your enthusiasm for the position.
Example Answer:
During my eight years as a teaching assistant, I have had the privilege of working closely with diverse groups of students. This experience has helped me develop strong communication skills and interpersonal skills. These skills have allowed me to connect with students and understand their individual needs to provide them with the support to help them thrive academically.
What makes a great lesson? Although teaching assistants typically aren't responsible for lesson planning, it’s important to demonstrate that you recognize the elements of a good lesson.
Comment on some of the major aspects of any lesson, such as the material, activities, and classroom management. Another good strategy is to cite your past experiences and what types of lessons you’ve contributed to were successful and the reasons why.
Example Answer:
Great lessons depend on a variety of factors. The most important, in my experience, is how prepared the teacher is when it comes to knowing the material.
Preparation allows the teacher to effectively respond to the curiosities of students, resulting in engaging and educational experiences.
One of my favorite lessons that I assisted with was when we were covering animal species. The teacher and I prepared many fun facts that allowed us to pique the interest of the class and keep them engaged throughout the entire lesson.
How would you respond to a disruptive student? You need to demonstrate that you’re able to work together with teachers to diffuse disruptive situations.
Show that you have multiple methods in your toolbox to respond to such scenarios.
Example Answer:
How teaching assistants should react to classroom disruptions depends on the situation.
In most cases, I would follow the disciplinary strategy that has already been set by the teacher. This could range from having a one-on-one discussion with the student in question, to separating them from other students that are participating in the disruption.
If the student continues to be disruptive, the teacher and I would devise a method that fits that particular student. For example, we could try to provide a positive incentive for good behavior by rewarding them when they aren’t being disruptive.
Why do you want to be a teaching assistant? You’ll be asked this question in nearly every job interview.
The best way to answer this question is to first briefly express your desire to work with children and help them towards a bright future.
Next, provide a more personalized answer that sets you apart from other candidates. For example, reflect on a moment in your life that sparked a passion and interest for teaching. Perhaps you had a teacher that you still remember after many decades, or were positively influenced by some other role model.
Example Answer:
I want to be a teaching assistant because I have a deep passion for education and have a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students. I believe education is the foundation for a brighter future.
I am genuinely inspired by the role of a teaching assistant in creating a positive and inclusive environment. I believe that every student deserves equal opportunities and access to education, regardless to their background or abilities.
Why do you think you would be a good teaching assistant? The interviewer wants to hear you describe qualities you possess that are critical for teaching assistants to have, as well as back them up using your experiences.
When preparing for this answer, first identify a few of your major positive teaching qualities.
A few examples include:
Approachability
Hardworking
Good with children
Creative
Empathetic
Next, think of moments when you’ve embodied these traits and structure your answer using the STAR method. Although your experiences should ideally relate directly to teaching, it’s not necessary.
For general behavioral questions, interviewers will accept answers that cite experiences from other fields, as long as they demonstrate the same key abilities.
For example, the teamwork skills used by someone working at a restaurant are transferable to other positions that require cooperation.
Example Answer:
I think I would be a good teaching assistant because I have a genuine passion for education and a strong desire to support students on their learning journey. I possess strong organizational and time management skills that allow me to assist in managing classroom activities, maintaining records, and supporting teachers in administrative tasks.
Why do you want to work at our school? Even if you’re a competent teaching assistant, schools don’t want to hire staff who don’t plan to stay around.
Effective answers to this question are often composed of two parts:
Align your values. State a few values that the school holds that really resonate with you.
For example, the school might specialize in science and math subjects, which are topics that you also believe are important for students to master.
Research little snippets of information. Bring up little snippets of information that show that you’re very familiar with the school.
This could be the school's unique history, their special teaching style, or anything else unique about them.
Example Answer:
I want to work here because I am impressed by the strong emphasis you place on providing a holistic and inclusive education. Your commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment aligns and resonates with my own values as an educator.
Tell us about a time you worked effectively with children. Your answer needs to convey three important things:
The students learned something. Your primary role is to assist in educating children.
Bring up some teaching methods you used that helped their educational development.
The students enjoyed their time. Even if you’re able to improve your students’ grades and knowledge, the school won’t hire you if you can’t create a positive, engaging environment.
You were comfortable working with them. It’s also extremely important to demonstrate your confidence and aptitude.
One of the most important skills for educators to have is flexibility. Students, especially children, vary widely in what teaching methods they respond receptively to.
It takes confidence to be able to constantly adapt and develop new teaching methods.
Example Answer:
When I worked at an afterschool program, there was one instance where I was able to positively impact a child's learning and personal growth. This student was struggling with reading comprehension and often felt discouraged and lacked confidence in his abilities.
After recognizing his challenges, I took the initiative to develop a personalized approach to support his learning. I created interactive reading activities which included games and exercises that focused on his specific areas of difficulty.
What teaching methods do you prefer? This common prompt is a little bit of a trick question. Especially when you’re working with children, teaching assistants need to take an individualized approach with students. It’s great to mention some particular methods you’ve used successfully.
However, the bulk of your answer should focus on demonstrating that you understand that each student is different and respond differently to different teaching strategies.
Example Answer:
I believe in employing a diverse range of teaching methods to address the unique needs and learning styles of students. The one method that I have found to be most effective is interactive and hands on learning. By incorporating activities, experiences, and group work into the day, students are more likely to participate in their own learning process.
This method helps encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration among students. This method also creates a dynamic and engaging classroom environment for students.
How do you feel about working with special needs students? Again, it’s very important to demonstrate your willingness to take an individualized approach to teaching.
Convey the fact that you’re extremely patient with all students, and seek to understand their individual needs in order to find a way to work with them in a way that fits them.
Example Answer:
I am enthusiastic about working with special needs students and I find it a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I firmly believe in inclusive education and ensuring that every student, no matter what their abilities are, has equal access to a quality education.
Are there any subjects you don’t like to teach? It’s perfectly fine to be honest and mention subjects that you don’t enjoy teaching.
However, you should also emphasize that you understand the importance of students receiving the entire curriculum. Also express your dedication to teaching every lesson to the best of your ability, no matter what subject it is.
Example Answer:
I strongly believe in providing support and assistance across a wide range of subjects, there are times when I am less confident or have limited experience in some subjects. They make it less fun to teach, however I am always eager to learn and grow professionally and I am committed to supporting students in any subject they require assistance in.
What are your weaknesses as a teaching assistant? It’s fine to answer this question honestly.
If you try the strategy of just answering with one of your strengths, the interviewer will be able to see right through it.
As long as your weaknesses aren’t critical ones, just bring them up briefly and then focus on your dedication to improving on them.
That’s really what the question is designed to assess anyways — your self-awareness and dedication to constantly improve.
This is especially the case if you’re applying for an internship. The interviewer will suspect dishonesty if you can’t acknowledge any of your weaknesses.
Example Answer:
I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and provide the best support for my students. One area that I am working on improving is my time management skills. I sometimes find myself taking on multiple tasks simultaneously, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential delays.
The ways that I am working on improving those is using productivity tools like calendars and to-do lists. This helps me prioritize tasks and allocate sufficient time for each.
Why should we hire you over other candidates? The best way to approach this question is to provide a personalized answer.
It’s important to demonstrate your direct teaching abilities throughout the interview, but with this question, you need to find a way to leave a lasting impression in the interviewer’s mind.
A good strategy is to talk about your values and passion for teaching. If you’ve ever had a teacher or teaching assistant leave a positive experience in your life, definitely bring it up. Describe what they did that was memorable, and how they inspired you to positively influence other students in the same way.
Example Answer:
I believe my passion for education and working with students is unwavering. I have a genuine enthusiasm for supporting students growth, fostering their love for learning, and helping them achieve their full potential.
I also have experiences in educational settings that have provided me with a solid foundation and a diverse skill set. Some of my experiences include working as a tutor volunteering in classrooms, and participating in educational programs.
How do you manage and maintain classroom discipline and behavior? As a teaching assistant, there may come a time when you have to maintain classroom discipline. Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of effective classroom management strategies. You should also highlight your ability to create a positive and supportive learning environment.
Example Answer:
I approach classroom management with a proactive and positive mindset, focusing on establishing clear expectations, building relationships with students, and implementing effective strategies. I make sure to start by setting clear and consistent expectations for behavior. I will work closely with the teacher to understand and align with their classroom rules and expectations.
Building strong relationships with students is another key aspect of managing classroom behavior. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and understood.
What strategies do you use to engage and motivate students in the learning process? Engaging and motivating students is an essential part of being a teaching assistant. Your answer should highlight your commitment to creating an enriching and stimulating environment where students are able to thrive.
Example Answer:
An effective strategy I employ is incorporating a hands-on and providing interactive activities into the lesson. By providing students with the opportunity to actively engage with the materials, I stimulate their interest and make learning more meaningful and relatable.
How do you promote inclusivity and create an environment that values diversity in the classroom? Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of the importance of inclusivity, respect for diversity, and your commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
Example Answer:
To promote inclusivity and diversity in the classroom, I try to establish a welcoming and safe environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing their experiences, and voicing their opinions.
Another way is, I always recognize and celebrate the differences among students. I embrace all of the unique backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives that students bring to the classroom. I try to incorporate diverse literature and inclusive teaching materials that reflect a range of experiences and identities.
Can you explain your experience in supporting students with diverse learning needs?
Tell me how you have effectively collaborated with teachers and other support staff in an educational setting.
How do you differentiate instruction to meet the varying needs of students?
Describe your approach to providing individualized support to students with special needs.
How do you handle confidentiality and safeguarding concerns when working with students?
Share your experience in utilizing assistive technologies or adaptive resources to support student learning.
Describe a time when you successfully resolved a conflict or challenging situation between students.
How do you assess and monitor student progress and communicate their performance to teachers and parents?
Share your experience in facilitating small group activities and promoting collaborative learning among students.
Share an example of how you have supported students in developing their study skills and time management.
As a Candidate:
Highlight your communication skills. Communication skills are important when it comes to being a teacher assistant. You need to be able to properly communicate instructions with students and be able to communicate properly no matter the situation. Highlight these skills and provide examples from your experience where you practiced effective communication.
Prepare for scenario-based questions. The interviewer will asked scenario based and behavioral interview questions to get an understanding how you would handle specific situations. Be sure you come up with examples from your experiences and understanding of effective teaching practices.
Research the school. You will want to be familiar with the school's mission, values, and educational approach. You should also have an understanding of the grade levels and subjects that you would be assistant with. This information will help you answer specific questions relating to the school.
As an Interviewer:
Create interview questions. Create teacher assistant behavioral interview questions to help get an understanding of how the candidate will react and handle specific situations. You should also create common interview questions to get to know them better as a candidate as well as specific school related questions.
Understand the role. You should have an understanding of the requirements and needs of the role. This will help you determine which candidate would be perfect for the position.
Practice active listening during the interview. As the candidate is answering your questions, you should practice active listening to get an understanding of who they are as a candidate. You should also take notes to help you later on when it comes time to evaluate the candidates.
When answering an interview question, the content of your answer is almost as important as how clearly and concisely you can communicate it.
As you can’t prepare an answer for every question that you’ll ever encounter, it’s a good idea to practice strategies that are applicable no matter what type of question you’re asked.
Among these strategies, the STAR method is perhaps the most useful, especially when you’re given a behavioral question that requires you to detail a past experience.
The STAR method stands for:
Situation. Set the context for when and where this experience took place. For example, a past job or school project.
Task. Explain the challenge that you had to overcome. This could be a deadline you had to meet or a dispute you had to resolve.
Action. This is where you demonstrate how you took initiative and tackled the challenge head-on.
Make sure to hit on all the points that your interviewer likely wants to hear.
For example, mention aspects such as the skill you used, your positive attitude, or your collaboration with other team members.
Result. Wrap up your answer by explaining the positive result of your actions. Make sure to draw a direct link between your actions and the success of the task.
If there’s a figure you can use to demonstrate your success, mention it here.
For example:
“The marketing campaign was a great success, reaching 80% of our intended audience.”
Depending on the type of question, it may also be fine to mention a failed result. Just make sure to highlight what you learned from the experience and your constant determination.