Question Overview: A teacher assistant is going to have to deal with a lot of different situations. From misbehaving students to children who are having a bad day, the teacher assistant is going to have to know how to handle the situation. This question will give you an idea of how they react in stressful situations.
Sample Answer: I would first try to understand why the child is acting out. If they are upset or frustrated, I would try to help them calm down and talk about their feelings. If they are acting out because they are bored or don't understand the material, I would try to explain the material in a way that they can understand.
Question Overview: A CPR certification is a requirement for most teaching assistant positions. It's important that the candidate is willing to take the time to become certified. It's also important that they are able to effectively teach CPR to students and faculty in case of an emergency.
Sample Answer: I am very interested in becoming a certified CPR instructor. I have taken a CPR course before, and I feel that it's important for all teachers and teacher assistants to be certified. I am willing to take the time to become certified so that I can help others in the event of an emergency.
Question Overview: This question will tell you if the candidate is a good communicator. They should be able to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise manner.
Sample Answer: I am very open with my family. I like to talk about my day and share my thoughts and feelings with them. I also like to hear about their day and what they are doing.
Question Overview: There are going to be times when a student is having a bad day, or they're just having a hard time adjusting to the classroom. A good teacher assistant will be able to handle these situations with ease.
Sample Answer: I would try to find out what was bothering the child and why they were acting out. I would try to get them to open up and talk about their feelings. Then I would try to help them work through their problems in a way that would benefit them.
Question Overview: Children can be cruel to each other. There are times when a child may feel insecure about themselves and their abilities. It's important that the teacher assistant is able to help the child feel comfortable in their environment and encourage them to participate in class.
Sample Answer: I would try to get to know the child better. I would ask them about their interests and hobbies. I would also try to get them involved in class by asking them questions or having them participate in group activities.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is a good fit for your school. It's important that the teacher assistant is able to handle their own child's behavior in a professional manner. They should be able to give you an example of how they would handle their child's behavior in a professional manner.
Sample Answer: I would first ask my child why they were misbehaving. I would then explain to them why their behavior was inappropriate and how it affected others. If they continued to misbehave, I would take away privileges and explain why their behavior was wrong.
Question Overview: A teacher assistant is responsible for a lot of different tasks. They need to be able to prioritize their time effectively and make sure that they are completing their work in a timely manner. This question will tell you if the candidate has the organizational skills needed to get their work done on time.
Sample Answer: I have a very organized schedule that I follow every day. I have a daily planner that I use to keep track of my tasks and appointments. I also have a weekly planner that I use to plan out my lessons and activities for the week. I am very self-disciplined and always make sure that my work is completed on time.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate has experience dealing with children who have behavioral issues. It's important to know how the candidate will react when a child is acting out.
Sample Answer: I would first try to determine what caused the child to act out. If it was due to a lack of understanding, I would try to explain the situation in a way that they could understand. If it was due to a lack of motivation, I would try to motivate them by explaining how their behavior is affecting their learning. If it was due to a lack of discipline, I would ask the teacher for advice on how to handle the situation.
Question Overview: Parents can be very demanding, especially if they have a child that is struggling in school. It's important that the teacher assistant is able to remain calm and professional when dealing with an angry parent.
Sample Answer: I have never had to deal with an angry parent, but I know that it's important to remain calm and professional. I would listen to what the parent has to say and try to understand where they are coming from. I would also try to explain the situation from my point of view and how I plan on resolving the problem.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate has the skills and experience to be successful in the role. The candidate should be able to explain how their previous work experience has prepared them for this position.
Sample Answer: I have been a teacher assistant for over 10 years. I have worked with children from all different backgrounds and ages. I have learned how to work with children of all ages and personalities. I have also learned how to work with teachers and administrators to ensure that the students are receiving the best education possible.
Question Overview: This question will tell you if the candidate is prepared to handle a situation that may arise. It's important to know how they would react in case a student is being disruptive or disrespectful.
Sample Answer: I would calmly ask the student to stop. If they continue, I would ask them to leave the classroom. If they refuse, I would call for the teacher.
Question Overview: This question is used to determine the candidate's self-awareness. They should be able to identify their own weaknesses and explain how they are working to improve them.
Sample Answer: I have been told that I am too hard on myself. I tend to be very critical of my work and my performance. I am working on being more positive and learning to accept constructive criticism.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is comfortable working with children of all ages. A teacher assistant who is uncomfortable working with younger or older children may not be a good fit for your school.
Sample Answer: I have worked with children of all ages, and I enjoy each age group for different reasons. I feel that the younger children are more fun and energetic, while the older children are more mature and responsible.
Question Overview: This question is a quick way to find out if the candidate has any experience working with children. If they do, you can ask them to elaborate on their experience. If they don't, you can ask them why they want to work as a teacher assistant and what they hope to gain from the position.
Sample Answer: I have worked with children for over 10 years. I have volunteered at my church's Sunday school and taught Sunday school classes. I have also worked as a teacher assistant for the past three years. I enjoy working with children and helping them learn new things.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the applicant is truly interested in the position. It's important to find out if they have researched the school and have a genuine interest in working there.
Sample Answer: I have been looking for a teaching assistant position for quite some time now. I have been researching schools in my area and have found your school to be one of the best. I am very interested in working for your school because of its reputation for excellence and its commitment to helping students succeed.
Question Overview: A teacher assistant is going to be in charge of the classroom when the teacher is not present. They need to be able to handle any situation that arises in the classroom. This question will tell you how they handle situations with students who are being disruptive.
Sample Answer: I would first try to find out what was going on with the student. If they are having a bad day, I would try to help them calm down and refocus on their work. If they are being disruptive because they are bored, I would try to find a way to make the lesson more interesting for them.
Question Overview: Every teacher assistant will have to deal with a difficult situation at some point in their career. It's important to know how they will react to a situation that may cause a lot of stress. The candidate should be able to explain how they would handle the situation and how they would react.
Sample Answer: I have been in many difficult situations during my tenure as a teacher assistant. I always remain calm and try to find a solution that will benefit everyone involved. I always communicate with the teacher and other students involved in the situation. I believe that communication is the key to solving any problem.
Question Overview: Every teacher assistant will have to deal with a difficult child at some point. A good candidate will be able to handle the situation without losing their cool. They should be able to explain how they handled the situation and what they did to resolve it.
Sample Answer: I was working with a student who was having trouble grasping the concept of fractions. He was getting frustrated and started to act out. I tried to explain the concept in different ways, but he continued to misbehave. I asked him if he would like to take a break and come back to it later. He agreed, and we came back to it later in the day. He was able to understand the concept after that.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the applicant is open to feedback and suggestions. A good teacher assistant will always be open to new ideas and suggestions.
Sample Answer: I think the feedback will help me improve my instruction by allowing me to see how I can better help the students. I want to be the best teacher assistant that I can be, so I'm always open to suggestions.