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: Tell me about your previous work experience.
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the applicant has handled previous work situations. It also gives you an idea of the applicant's work ethic and ability to work with others.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a teaching assistant for the past two years. I have also worked as a cashier for three years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to handle pressure
    • - Ability to handle conflict

  • Question: Are you interested in becoming a CPR certified?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate has an interest in furthering their education. It is also a way to see if the applicant is willing to take on additional responsibilities.

    Sample Answer: Yes, I am interested in becoming a certified CPR instructor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of willingness to take on additional responsibilities
    • - Evidence of interest in furthering education

  • Question: What is your philosophy on learning?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's educational beliefs. It also shows how well the applicant can articulate his or her thoughts.

    Sample Answer: I believe that learning is a lifelong process. I also believe that students learn best when they are interested in the material.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to articulate a philosophy
    • - Ability to think critically about education

  • Question: What is the best example of a time when you were helped by a coworker?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant is able to recognize the value of teamwork. It will also show how the applicant reacts to being helped by a coworker. This question will give you an idea of the applicant's ability to work with others and their interpersonal skills.

    Sample Answer: My coworker helped me learn a new software program that I was unfamiliar with.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to recognize the value of teamwork
    • - Ability to communicate effectively

  • Question: What would you do if a child got hurt while on the playground?
  • Question Overview: This question will give you insight into the interviewee's ability to handle a crisis situation. It also shows how they will handle a situation that is beyond their control.

    Sample Answer: I would call the office and alert the principal. Then, I would help the child and make sure he or she was okay.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think quickly and act appropriately
    • - Ability to remain calm in a crisis
    • - Ability to use critical thinking skills

  • Question: How would you communicate to a scholar that they are misbehaving?
  • Question Overview: Assistant teachers must be able to communicate effectively with students. This question will give you insight into the candidate's communication style and interpersonal skills. It will also show how the applicant deals with a difficult situation.

    Sample Answer: I would tell the student that they are misbehaving and why. I would also tell them what they need to do to correct their behavior.

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

  • Question: How would you handle a situation where a child is doing something wrong?
  • Question Overview: As an assistant teacher, the candidate will be responsible for disciplining children. This question will give you an idea of the candidate's disciplinary style. It will also reveal how the applicant handles conflict and how they communicate with children.

    Sample Answer: I would talk to the child in a calm voice and ask them to stop. If they continued, I would ask them to go to the principal's office.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to use and demonstrate effective communication skills
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Ability to follow school policies

  • Question: Have you ever had issues with a former employee or customer?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate handles conflict. It also shows how they deal with difficult situations.

    Sample Answer: I have had issues with former employees and customers, but I have always tried to resolve them in a professional manner.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Ability to communicate with others
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: How do you think children learn best?
  • Question Overview: This question will give you insight into the applicant's educational philosophy. It also shows whether the candidate is aware of the latest research on how children learn best.

    Sample Answer: I believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of understanding of current research on learning
    • - Evidence of an educational philosophy that matches your school's
    • - Ability to articulate an educational philosophy

  • Question: What are your long term plans?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see if the candidate has a plan for their future. It also gives you insight into the applicant's career goals and how they are going to achieve them.

    Sample Answer: I would like to become a classroom teacher. I plan to get my master's degree in education and then teach for several years before applying to graduate school.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of career goals
    • - Evidence of a plan to achieve those goals
    • - Evidence of understanding the importance of education