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: 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: 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: 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: This question is a bit of a curveball. While it may seem like an odd question, it's important to know if the candidate is able to handle the physical needs of the children. A teacher assistant may be called on to change a child's diaper, so it's important that they are comfortable with this task.
Sample Answer: I have changed many diapers over the years. I always make sure to wash my hands before and after changing a diaper. I also make sure that I am in a clean and sanitary environment before I begin.
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: 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: 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: 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 is designed to see how the candidate would handle a hypothetical situation. It's important that they are able to think on their feet and have a plan of action in case something were to happen.
Sample Answer: If a student were to get hurt, I would immediately call for an ambulance and get the student help. I would also notify the teacher and other students in the class.
Question Overview: Teacher assistants are in a position of authority over the students. They will be in charge of disciplining students and keeping them in line. It's important that the teacher assistant is able to handle situations that may arise.
Sample Answer: I have never had to deal with a student physically assaulting me. However, I have dealt with students who have been verbally abusive. I always remain calm and assertive when speaking with students. I don't make empty threats, and I always follow through with the appropriate disciplinary measure if it is needed.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate has the ability to work well with others. It's important that the teacher assistant is able to work with the teacher and other staff members. They should be able to work well with students, too.
Sample Answer: I had a hard time working with a teacher who was very strict and didn't like to be questioned. I was always respectful and professional, but she was very short-tempered and would yell at me for no reason. I tried to work with her for a while, but it was just too difficult. I decided to find a different position at another school.
Question Overview: This question is important because you want to make sure that the teacher assistant is available when you need them. If they are only available during the day, you may need to hire someone else.
Sample Answer: I am available during the day and after school. I am also available on weekends if you need me to come in.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is truly interested in working for your school. They should be able to speak about their interest in the school and the position. An inexperienced teacher assistant may not be able to answer this question as thoroughly as a seasoned teacher assistant. It's important to ask this question, so you know where their interests lie.
Sample Answer: I have been a teacher assistant for several years, and I have always enjoyed working with children. I have always wanted to work at a school with a strong academic program that encourages students to reach their full potential. Your school has an excellent reputation, and I would be honored to work here.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how the candidate thinks. They should be able to come up with a few ideas on how they can improve the company. This will show you if they are a team player and if they are able to think outside of the box.
Sample Answer: I believe that I can help keep your company in high standards by being a hard worker. I am always willing to go above and beyond for my job. I am also very good at multitasking. I can help you with whatever you need done.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is a good family person. They should be able to tell you about a time when they created a meaningful moment with their family. This will show you that they are willing to put their family first and have a positive outlook on life.
Sample Answer: I was able to create a meaningful moment with my family when I was able to take my mother out to dinner for her birthday. It was the first time in a long time that we were able to go out together, and it was a great experience.
Question Overview: The classroom can be a very stressful environment. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to stress, such as behavioral issues, lack of supplies and other problems that arise. A teacher assistant needs to be able to handle stressful situations with a cool head and be able to communicate effectively.
Sample Answer: I have been in stressful situations before, and I know how to handle them. I always try to remain calm and think rationally about the situation. I try to communicate with the teacher or other students involved in the situation so that we can work together to resolve it.
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 a bit tricky. You want to make sure you hire the best candidate, but you also don't want to pay them more than you can afford. It's important to have a good idea of what the market is paying for a teacher assistant before you ask this question.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary of $45,000 per year.