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 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: 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 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 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 would you do if a parent was upset with their son/ daughter's performance in your class?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to handle any situation that arises in the classroom. You want to know that your applicant is able to remain calm and think clearly when faced with a challenging situation.

    Sample Answer: I would meet with the parent and discuss their concerns. I would also meet with the student and find out what they need to improve their performance. I would then create a plan for helping the student meet their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm and think clearly in a crisis
    • - Ability to work with parents and students
    • - Ability to create a positive learning environment

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to make a tough decision.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the applicant's ability to make a difficult decision and stick with it. The applicant should be able to explain the situation and how they arrived at their decision.

    Sample Answer: I had a student who was failing my class. I had to decide whether to give him extra time on tests or to fail him. I decided to give him extra time on tests and he passed the class.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to make a tough decision
    • - Ability to stick with the decision
    • - Ability to explain the decision

  • Question: How would you deal with a parent that demanded their child be placed in a more restrictive setting?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to handle any situation that arises in the classroom. If a parent is upset with the teacher's decision, then they should be able to explain their reasoning and help the parent understand their position.

    Sample Answer: I would try to understand the parent's concerns and address them in a calm manner. I would explain my reasoning for placing the child in a less restrictive setting and work with the parent to find a solution that works for everyone.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Experience working with parents
    • - Ability to explain complex situations to parents

  • Question: How would you handle this situation?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher is responsible for handling many situations in the classroom. They should be able to handle a crisis and help the student through it. They should also be able to handle a student who is having a bad day and needs some extra attention.

    Sample Answer: If I were to encounter this situation, I would first speak with the student and determine what was causing them to act out. I would then speak with their parents and determine what was causing the child to act out. If the child was having a bad day, I would work with them one-on-one and help them get back on track with their schoolwork.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in a crisis
    • - Knowledge of how to handle a student who is having a bad day
    • - Ability to remain calm in a crisis

  • Question: How do you teach ELL students?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to explain how they teach English language learners. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to teach students who have a limited grasp of the English language.

    Sample Answer: I have experience teaching ELL students and have learned that it is important to create lesson plans that are appropriate for their level of understanding. I also work closely with parents to ensure that they understand the lessons and can help their children at home.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience teaching students with limited English proficiency
    • - Ability to create lesson plans that are appropriate for the student's level of understanding
    • - Ability to communicate with parents

  • Question: Do you think all students can succeed at high levels?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to explain how they help students achieve their goals and how they can help students who are struggling.

    Sample Answer: I believe that all students can succeed at high levels. I am committed to helping each student reach their goals and will work hard to ensure that each child is successful.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience helping students with a variety of conditions
    • - Ability to create a plan for each student
    • - Experience working with students who have a wide range of academic abilities

  • 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: What changes would you have made in the code?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to identify the problem and offer a solution. They should be able to identify the problem and offer a solution. If you're asking this question, then you want to see how the applicant thinks on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would have changed the code to include more specific examples of what constitutes a disability. I would have also included a section that addresses the rights of students with disabilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify problems and offer solutions
    • - Ability to think critically and solve problems
    • - Creativity

  • Question: How would you help a student who does not read in language arts?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to help a student who does not read in language arts. They should be able to identify the problem and work with the student to find a solution.

    Sample Answer: I would first determine what the problem is and if it is a learning disability or a mental condition. I would then work with the student and their parents to develop a plan for helping the student learn how to read.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the different types of disabilities
    • - Ability to work with students and their parents
    • - Experience with students who do not read in language arts

  • Question: Why do you want to work in Philadelphia?
  • Question Overview: Philadelphia is a large city with a variety of neighborhoods and schools. If you're looking for a special education teacher who can help your school achieve its goals, then you want to hire someone who is passionate about the city and its residents.

    Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work in Philadelphia. I love the city's history and the people who live here. I want to help children achieve their goals and give them a chance to succeed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A desire to help the city's residents
    • - A love for the city and its history
    • - A desire to help the city's children