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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: Tell me a time you created a meaningful moment with your family?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the applicant interacts with family members. It also gives you an idea of how the applicant defines a meaningful moment. This will give you insight into the applicant's values and priorities.

    Sample Answer: My family and I went on a camping trip to the mountains. We hiked up a trail to a beautiful waterfall. It was a great way to spend time together.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of family values
    • - Ability to create a positive experience
    • - Ability to prioritize

  • Question: How would you teach children?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the applicant plans to teach children. It also gives you insight into the applicant's teaching philosophy.

    Sample Answer: I would use a variety of methods to teach children. I would also make sure that I was always prepared for class.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of a positive teaching philosophy
    • - Understanding of the role of an assistant teacher
    • - Ability to use critical thinking skills

  • Question: What are your shortcomings?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant handles criticism. It also allows you to see how the applicant presents him or herself. This question is also designed to see if the applicant can be honest about his or her shortcomings.

    Sample Answer: I am not always punctual.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle criticism
    • - Honesty
    • - Self-awareness

  • Question: Have you ever had a conflict with your classmates?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the applicant deals with conflict. It also reveals the applicant's ability to work with others.

    Sample Answer: I have had a conflict with my classmates in the past. However, I was able to resolve it by talking with them and coming up with a solution that worked for both of us.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to use interpersonal skills
    • - Ability to resolve conflicts

  • Question: How do you handle feedback?
  • Question Overview: As an assistant teacher, the candidate will have to receive feedback from the classroom teacher and other staff members. This question will give you insight into how the applicant handles feedback. It will also show you how they respond to criticism.

    Sample Answer: I always try to learn from my mistakes and use the feedback to improve my performance.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to accept criticism
    • - Ability to handle constructive criticism
    • - Ability to handle negative feedback

  • 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 handle a crying child?
  • Question Overview: As an assistant teacher, you will be responsible for helping children who are upset. This question will give you insight into the candidate's ability to handle a difficult situation with a child. It will also show how the applicant deals with a child in distress.

    Sample Answer: I would try and find out what was wrong and then help the child feel better.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle a difficult situation
    • - Ability to communicate with the child
    • - Ability to help the child

  • Question: How would you handle a customer who is angry?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant handles conflict. It is a common interview question for customer service jobs. The applicant should focus on the importance of remaining calm and respectful when dealing with an angry customer.

    Sample Answer: I would remain calm and respectful. I would listen to what the customer has to say and try to understand their point of view.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Ability to remain respectful

  • 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