Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are passionate about the position and if they understand the role of a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I want to be a TA because I love working with kids. I believe that my experience as an after-school teacher will help me be a great TA because I know how to work with children and I know what it takes to keep them engaged in the classroom.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants handle a difficult situation. It is important for applicants to be able to handle a situation professionally and not let their emotions get in the way.
Sample Answer: If a child had a crush on me, I would try to keep my distance and make sure I was never alone with them. If I were to have a class with them, I would try to keep the focus on the class and not on me. If they were being rebellious, I would try to talk to them privately and explain the consequences of their actions.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have a good relationship with their professors.
Sample Answer: I have had the opportunity to work with XXX professor for the past two semesters. In both cases, I have found her to be very knowledgeable and helpful. She is always willing to take time out of her day to answer questions and offer advice. She has even offered me the opportunity to work as a TA in the past.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants will handle a situation where they are required to discipline a student.
Sample Answer: If a student was being disruptive, I would try to speak with them privately and explain the situation. If that didn't work, I would ask the teacher for assistance.
Question Overview: This question aims to see how applicants deal with difficult situations. This is a common interview question that is used to see how applicants handle conflict and stressful situations.
Sample Answer: If I were in a difficult situation, I would try to remain calm and think about the best way to handle the situation. I would also try to understand the other person's point of view and ask questions to help me better understand the situation.
Question Overview: This question aims to see if applicants have thought about the role of a teaching assistant and what they can bring to the position.
Sample Answer: I previously worked at an after-school program for primary students. As I worked there, I realized I enjoyed working with young kids. I believe that as a teaching assistant I'll have the ability to play a more hands-on role in a child's day-to-day learning and transfer some of my enthusiasm for learning to my students, making school a more enjoyable experience for them .
Question Overview: Teaching assistants are responsible for handling behavior problems in the classroom. This question ensures applicants can handle a difficult situation with a child.
Sample Answer: If a student was misbehaving, I would first try to get the student to calm down and focus on the lesson. If that didn't work, I would ask the teacher for help. If the teacher was unable to handle the situation, I would ask another teaching assistant to help me. If all else failed, I would contact the school's administration and let them know what was going on.
Question Overview: This question is used to see if applicants have experience working with children, specifically in a teaching assistant role.
Sample Answer: I've worked at an after-school program for the past two years. I've learned how to work with children of all ages and how to handle behavioral issues. I've also learned how to handle a variety of situations that may arise in the classroom.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have experience helping others and how they handled the situation.
Sample Answer: When I was in high school, I had a friend who was struggling with her grades. She was a great student, but she had started to get overwhelmed with the amount of work she had to do. I offered to help her study for her upcoming tests and quizzes. We met up after school and went over the material. She ended up getting an A on her next test and thanked me for helping her.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are interested in the position and if they have thought about the reasons why they want to be a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I have always enjoyed working with children and I believe that working as a teaching assistant would allow me to work with children on a daily basis. I also enjoy working with people and I think that being a teaching assistant would allow me to work with many different people on a daily basis.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see what applicants are interested in outside of work.
Sample Answer: I'm interested in a lot of things, but I'm most passionate about sports. I play soccer and basketball in my free time and I follow both of my local teams. I also enjoy watching sports on TV and reading about the latest news in the sports world.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have any experience working with children. This can be in a formal or informal setting.
Sample Answer: I've worked as a camp counselor for the past three summers at a local day camp. I've also volunteered at my local library, helping kids learn how to read.
Question Overview: This question is to see how well the applicant understands the basic syntax of React.
Sample Answer: I would declare a class component by writing the following code:
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have researched the organization they are applying to.
Sample Answer: Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology and engineering by providing girls with the skills and resources to pursue careers in these fields. The organization offers after-school programs and summer camps for girls in middle school and high school.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants think about the environment and how they can relate it to the classroom.
Sample Answer: I think sustainability is an important topic to discuss with children because it is something that will affect them for their entire lives. By teaching them about sustainability, I can help them make informed decisions about how they live their lives and what they do with the resources available to them.
Question Overview: This question is to ensure that applicants are aware of the time commitment required of a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I am available to work from 8:30am-3:30pm Monday through Friday. I am also available on weekends if needed.
Question Overview: Grading is a large part of being a teaching assistant. This question ensures applicants are aware of the grading process and are able to complete the task.
Sample Answer: I have graded papers before as part of my job at a local library. I enjoy grading papers because it allows me to see how much the student has learned and how well they can apply the knowledge.
Question Overview: The Boolean data type is used in computer programming to represent true or false. This question tests applicants' knowledge of computer programming and data types.
Sample Answer: A Boolean is a data type used in computer programming to represent true or false. It is named after George Boole, an English mathematician who created a system of logic using only true and false statements.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant has the ability to learn new technologies and apply them to their daily life.
Sample Answer: I have been using computers since I was a child. My parents bought me a computer when I was in high school and I used it for schoolwork and personal use. When I went to college, I had to use the computers in the computer lab for my classes, but I also had my own computer that I used for personal use.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants can explain why they are qualified to teach the course.
Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience in [insert course name] because I took it in high school and college. I also tutored my younger brother in the subject, so I know the material well and am able to teach it effectively.