Top Special Education Teacher Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

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  • Question: What experience do you have in this domain?
  • Question Overview: You want to hire a special education teacher who has a wide range of experience in the field. They should be able to help students with a variety of disabilities and should have experience working with children in a classroom setting.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working with children who have autism, Down syndrome, ADHD and other mental conditions. I have worked with students who have been diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses. I have experience working with children who are at risk for emotional or behavioral problems.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities
    • - Ability to work with children in a classroom setting
    • - Experience working with children who have severe disabilities

  • Question: How do you handle discipline?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to handle discipline in a classroom setting. They should be able to keep the students' attention and help them understand the importance of following the rules.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working with students who have behavioral issues. I am able to keep the students' attention and help them understand the importance of following the rules. I also work closely with parents and school administrators to develop a plan for each student.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to maintain order in the classroom
    • - Experience with students who have behavioral issues
    • - Ability to work with parents and school administrators to develop a plan for each student

  • Question: What are your weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to identify their weaknesses and work to improve them. If you're hiring a special education teacher for a position at your school, you want to know that they are aware of their shortcomings and are working to improve them.

    Sample Answer: I would say that my biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist. I want everything to be perfect for my students and myself, but I have learned that it is impossible to achieve perfection.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Ability to accept criticism
    • - Desire to improve

  • Question: What is your salary expectation?
  • Question Overview: As a special education teacher, you should be able to negotiate a fair salary. The applicant should be able to justify their salary request based on their experience and the cost of living in your area.

    Sample Answer: I am seeking a salary of $50,000 per year. I have been teaching for five years and have experience teaching students with a variety of disabilities. I am familiar with the cost of living in your area and believe that my experience and education make me worth this salary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience in the field and the cost of living in your area
    • - Familiarity with the average salaries of other teachers in your area
    • - Ability to negotiate a fair salary

  • Question: What is the IEP process?
  • Question Overview: The IEP process is a legal document that outlines the special education services that a student will receive. It is a legal document that must be signed by the student's parents and the school's administrators. The applicant should be able to explain the process clearly and provide examples of how they have helped students achieve their goals.

    Sample Answer: The IEP process is a legal document that outlines the special education services that a student will receive. It is a legal document that must be signed by the student's parents and the school's administrators. The applicant should be able to explain the process clearly and provide examples of how they have helped students achieve their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the legal process
    • - Ability to create a plan for each student
    • - Ability to communicate with parents and other school staff

  • Question: How do you take data?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to collect data from a variety of sources. The applicant should be able to explain how they collect data and how they use it to help their students.

    Sample Answer: I take data from my students' workbooks and tests, as well as from their parents. I also take data from my colleagues and the school's counselors. I use this information to plan lessons and to determine what each child needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to collect data from multiple sources
    • - Ability to interpret data
    • - Ability to use data to help students

  • Question: What is your experience with UDL?
  • Question Overview: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching method that helps children with disabilities learn in a way that is most effective for them. It is important that your applicant has experience with this method and can explain how it works.

    Sample Answer: I have experience with UDL and have found it to be very effective. I work closely with my students to create lesson plans that are tailored to their specific needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the UDL method
    • - Ability to teach students with varying needs
    • - Experience working with children who have disabilities

  • Question: How do you engage kids who have checked out of a lesson?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to identify the reasons why a student is not engaged in the lesson and be able to take steps to help them become interested. The applicant should be able to explain how they would handle the situation and what steps they would take to engage the student.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to identify why the student is disengaged. If it is due to a disability, then I would try to find a way to make the lesson more interesting. If it is due to boredom, then I would try to find a way to make the lesson more engaging.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think quickly on one's feet
    • - Experience working with students who are disengaged
    • - Understanding of the student's needs

  • Question: What is your experience in teaching?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher's experience is crucial to their success in the classroom. You want to know that the applicant has the skills and knowledge to teach your students effectively and that they have the ability to manage a classroom.

    Sample Answer: I have been teaching for over ten years. I have worked with students who have a wide range of conditions and disabilities, including autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder. I have experience teaching all grade levels and am comfortable working with students who have severe disabilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience teaching students with a variety of conditions
    • - Ability to work with students who have severe disabilities
    • - Experience with managing a classroom

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to explain why they want to work with your school. If you're looking for a candidate who can work with your students' parents, then you want to know that they are willing to do so.

    Sample Answer: I am very interested in working with your school's students because I have experience working with children who have similar conditions. I am also very familiar with your curriculum and teaching style and believe that I can help your students achieve their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A desire to work with your school's students
    • - Familiarity with the school's curriculum and teaching style
    • - Experience working with students who have similar conditions

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to convince someone to do something they did not want to do.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant handles difficult situations. The applicant should be able to explain how they handled a situation and what the outcome was.

    Sample Answer: I had a student who was very disruptive in class. He would not listen to me or his classmates and would often disrupt the class. I had to meet with his parents and explain how disruptive he was in class and how it affected the other students. I also had to explain how his behavior was affecting his grades.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to persuade others
    • - Confidence in one's self
    • - Ability to handle stressful situations

  • Question: Why should we hire you?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to explain why they are the best candidate for the position. They should be able to relate their experience and skills to the position and explain how they will benefit the school.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working with special education students and have been a part of their education for many years. I am a dedicated professional who is committed to helping each student succeed and achieve their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with special education students
    • - Ability to work with a team
    • - Dedication to the job

  • Question: What is your work experience?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to provide examples of their work experience and how they have helped students. You want to see that they are able to work with a variety of students and that they have the skills to help them.

    Sample Answer: I have worked in a variety of settings, including public schools and private schools. I have helped students with a wide range of disabilities, including autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of helping students achieve their goals
    • - Ability to work with a variety of students
    • - Examples of helping students overcome challenges

  • Question: How do you get along with parents of students that need supports at home?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to communicate effectively with parents and guardians of their students. They should be able to explain the student's condition and the best ways to help them succeed.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working with parents and guardians of my students. I have always been able to explain their child's condition and the best ways to help them succeed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with parents
    • - Ability to handle difficult situations
    • - Knowledge of the student's condition

  • Question: How will you differentiate for all students?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to explain how they will use their skills to help each student achieve their goals. You want to see that the applicant is able to think outside the box and can plan creative lessons for their students.

    Sample Answer: I will use a variety of teaching techniques to help students achieve their goals. I will also make sure that each student has a chance to participate in class and learn at their own pace.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to create lesson plans that are engaging and fun
    • - Experience working with students who have a variety of learning styles
    • - Ability to adapt to the needs of each student

  • Question: Tell me about a time when things did not go as planned and how you handled it?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher is a critical member of the school staff and should be able to handle any situation that arises. You want to know how they handle themselves in a crisis and how they plan to handle similar situations in the future.

    Sample Answer: I had a student who was severely depressed and had been cutting herself. She was very withdrawn and refused to participate in class. I worked with her parents and the school counselor to create a plan for her to attend school and participate in class activities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think quickly and make a plan
    • - Confidence in one's abilities
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: How would you teach a subject?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to teach a subject in a way that students with varying disabilities can understand. They should be able to use creative techniques to help students learn the material.

    Sample Answer: I would teach the subject by first explaining it to the class and then allowing the students to work on it individually. I would then walk around the classroom and help each student understand the material.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to use different teaching methods
    • - Examples of successfully teaching students with varying disabilities
    • - Experience teaching students with severe mental conditions

  • Question: Q: How would you create a respectful environment in the classroom?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to create a positive environment for their students. They should be able to help the children feel comfortable in the classroom and have a positive outlook on their education.

    Sample Answer: I would create a safe environment by being available to my students and ensuring that they are comfortable with me. I would also make sure that my classroom was organized and that I had all of the necessary materials for each lesson plan.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to create a safe environment for students
    • - Experience working with children who have severe mental conditions
    • - Understanding of the importance of respect in the classroom

  • Question: Tell me about yourself and your educational background.
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should have a strong educational background and be able to explain their experiences in detail. You want to know that they have the skills to help your students succeed and that they are passionate about their work.

    Sample Answer: I have a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of California, Los Angeles. I have experience working with children who have a variety of mental conditions and disabilities. I am passionate about my work and enjoy helping children overcome their challenges.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A bachelor's degree in special education
    • - Experience working with children with special needs
    • - Ability to work with a team of educators

  • Question: How do you differentiate between instruction and data?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to differentiate between instruction and data. Instruction is the process of teaching a student new information, while data is the information that is collected about the student's progress.

    Sample Answer: Instruction is the process of teaching a student new information. Data is the information that is collected about the student's progress. I use data to create lesson plans that are both fun and educational for my students.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to understand the difference between instruction and data
    • - Ability to plan lessons that are both fun and educational
    • - Experience with students who have a variety of learning styles