Top Assistant Teacher Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Assistant Teacher interview by going through these most asked Assistant Teacher interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What are the qualities you look for in a supervisor?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the candidate views his or her supervisor. It also reveals the applicant's interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others.

    Sample Answer: I look for someone who is fair and honest. I also want someone who is willing to help me learn and grow as a teacher.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of positive interpersonal skills
    • - Understanding of the role of a supervisor
    • - Ability to work well with others

  • Question: What are your credentials?
  • Question Overview: This question is a straightforward way to learn about the applicant's qualifications. It also allows you to see if the candidate has a clear understanding of the requirements for the position.

    Sample Answer: I have a bachelor's degree in education and a teaching certification in elementary education.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of understanding of credentials
    • - Evidence of understanding of requirements for the position

  • Question: What kind of experience do you have with kids?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's experience with children. It also allows you to see how the candidate views their own experience. A good answer will include a variety of experiences, such as babysitting, tutoring, or coaching.

    Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience working with children. I've been a camp counselor for the past three summers, and I also tutor kids in math and reading.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of experience working with children
    • - Positive view of working with children
    • - Ability to articulate experiences

  • Question: What would you do if you saw a kid biting another kid?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate would handle a difficult situation. It is also designed to see how the candidate would handle a situation that is not covered in the job description. An assistant teacher will be faced with many situations that are not covered in the job description. This question will give you an idea of how the candidate would handle those situations.

    Sample Answer: I would stop the behavior by separating the children and then talk to them about what they were doing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle a difficult situation
    • - Ability to think critically
    • - Ability to use interpersonal skills

  • Question: What is the ABA problem?
  • Question Overview: The ABA problem is a problem in behavior analysis that involves the use of reinforcement to increase the probability of a behavior. This question tests the applicant's knowledge of behavior analysis.

    Sample Answer: The ABA problem is when a behavior is reinforced but the behavior does not increase in probability.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of behavior analysis
    • - Critical thinking skills
    • - Ability to explain a complex concept

  • Question: How would you urge/reward children to use the toilet while potty training?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant deals with children who are reluctant to use the toilet. It also reveals the candidate's ability to think critically about a situation and come up with a solution.

    Sample Answer: I would make it a game. I would give them a sticker for every time they use the toilet.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think critically
    • - Ability to use interpersonal skills
    • - Ability to think outside of the box

  • Question: What is your experience working with kids?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant has experience working with children. It will also provide insight into the applicant's interpersonal skills and ability to work with others.

    Sample Answer: I have worked with children for the past five years. I have been a camp counselor and a swim instructor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of interpersonal skills
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Experience working with children

  • Question: What is your early childhood education?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine if the applicant has the appropriate education to be an assistant teacher.

    Sample Answer: I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in elementary education.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of appropriate education for the position

  • Question: How would you handle a child who exhibited unruly behavior?
  • Question Overview: An assistant teacher must be able to handle a variety of situations. This question will give you an idea of how the candidate deals with a difficult child. It will also show you how they handle conflict resolution and their ability to think critically.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to calm the child down and then ask them to explain what was wrong.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to utilize critical thinking skills
    • - Ability to utilize conflict resolution skills
    • - Ability to handle difficult situations

  • Question: How would you handle an angry parent?
  • Question Overview: As an assistant teacher, you will be the first person to deal with a parent who is upset. This question will give you insight into the applicant's ability to remain calm and professional in a difficult situation. It will also reveal the candidate's communication skills and ability to resolve conflict.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to the parent's concerns and then explain the situation in a calm manner. I would also ask if there was anything I could do to help.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm and professional
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Ability to resolve conflict

  • Question: How does your past work experience relate to the skills required for this position?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the applicant's past work experience relates to the position. It also gives you an idea of how the applicant thinks and analyzes situations.

    Sample Answer: My past work experience has given me the opportunity to learn how to work with a variety of people. I have also learned how to work independently and as a team member.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of critical thinking skills
    • - Ability to analyze situations
    • - Ability to communicate effectively

  • Question: How would you interact with children?
  • Question Overview: This question will give you insight into the applicant's personality and teaching style. It will also give you an idea of the applicant's ability to work with children.

    Sample Answer: I would interact with them by asking them questions about their day and what they learned in class.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with children
    • - Ability to use interpersonal skills
    • - Ability to use communication skills

  • Question: What age group do you prefer to work with?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's personality and interests. It also allows you to see if the candidate is a good fit for your school.

    Sample Answer: I prefer to work with children in the elementary school grades.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of a good fit for the school
    • - Evidence of personality and interests

  • Question: What would you do with a student who has behavioral issues?
  • Question Overview: Assistant teachers must be able to handle behavioral issues in the classroom. This question will give you insight into the candidate's ability to handle a difficult student situation. It will also show whether the candidate is capable of handling a difficult student situation without the aid of the classroom teacher or principal.

    Sample Answer: I would utilize a variety of strategies to help the student calm down and focus on the lesson.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Ability to utilize interpersonal skills
    • - Ability to utilize conflict resolution skills

  • Question: How would you handle an upset parent complaining about your job performance?
  • Question Overview: As an assistant teacher, the candidate will have to deal with parents on a regular basis. This question allows you to see how the applicant handles conflict with parents. It also gives you insight into their interpersonal and communication skills.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to the parent's concerns and then explain my side of the story. I would try to be respectful and professional.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Ability to utilize interpersonal skills
    • - Use and understanding of communication skill

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see if the applicant has researched the school and has a genuine interest in the school. It also allows you to see if the applicant has a good understanding of the school's mission and goals.

    Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work in a private school. I have heard wonderful things about your school, and I think it would be a great fit for me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of research into the school
    • - Evidence of understanding of the school's mission and goals
    • - Evidence of personal interest in the school

  • Question: What do you mean by classroom management?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how well the applicant understands the concept of classroom management. It also allows you to see how well they can explain the concept in their own words.

    Sample Answer: Classroom management is the process of keeping students focused on the lesson and preventing disruptions.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of classroom management
    • - Ability to articulate a definition
    • - Understanding of the importance of classroom management

  • Question: How would you change a diaper?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate handles a situation that is outside of the normal classroom setting. It is also designed to see how the candidate thinks on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would change the diaper by first removing the child's clothing and then placing a clean diaper underneath them. I would then secure the diaper with the tape.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Ability to use critical thinking skills
    • - Ability to handle a situation outside of the classroom

  • Question: What do you like about education?
  • Question Overview: This question will give you insight into the applicant's passion for teaching. It will also help you see if the applicant has a positive attitude about the profession.

    Sample Answer: I love working with children and helping them learn. I also enjoy being able to make a difference in their lives.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for education
    • - Positive attitude about teaching
    • - Ability to articulate a positive view of education

  • Question: How do you think the feedback will improve your instruction?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you an opportunity to see how the candidate thinks about his or her own teaching. It will also give you insight into the applicant's ability to take constructive criticism and use it to improve his or her instruction.

    Sample Answer: I think the feedback will help me improve my instruction by helping me see what I'm doing well and what I need to work on.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to take constructive criticism
    • - Ability to use feedback to improve instruction
    • - Understanding of the importance of feedback