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Teachers Aide Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Teachers Aide interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you approach assisting a frustrated student with understanding a complex idea? See answer
  2. How do you help a student who is experiencing sensory overload? See answer
  3. What type of classroom technology do you have experience using? See answer
  4. What behavioural needs do you have experience working with? See answer
  5. How would you describe your teaching philosophy? See answer
  6. How did your education prepare you for working with special needs elementary students? See answer
  7. How do you handle students in the classroom that are disrupting their peers? See answer
  8. How do you build a relationship with a new student? See answer
  9. Tell me about a time you handled a disagreement with a Teacher in the classroom. See answer
  10. When on a school outing, such as a field trip, what role do you take? See answer
  11. How do you create an inclusive environment in the classroom? See answer
  12. What is your greatest struggle as aTeacher’s Aide?
  13. Tell me about a time you noticed a new, uncommon behaviour in a student.
  14. What process do you follow to relay a student’s progress to the Teacher?
  15. What is it about our school that made you apply for the position of Teacher’s Aide?
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Hire your next Teachers Aide today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Teachers Aide Interview Questions and Answers

How do you approach assisting a frustrated student with understanding a complex idea?

This question aims to determine how the candidate builds rapport with the students and deals with various emotions in the classroom. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain calm and patient during a difficult situation
  • Communication skills to simplify complex concepts
  • Willingness to help a student through an emotional stage in the learning process

Example:

"When I am working with a student who is frustrated with a particular concept, I calmly approach the student and let them know I will help them. I ask them to describe what part they don't understand. Then I use scaffolding strategies, such as dividing the text into smaller sections or reminding the student to use a graphic organizer or relevant tool, depending on the subject."

How do you help a student who is experiencing sensory overload?

There are various learning and behavioural challenges within the classroom that a Teacher's Aide needs to address. This question aims to determine the candidate's level of understanding regarding the challenges that may appear. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to address difficult situations in a calm and respectful manner
  • Willingness to take charge of a situation
  • Level of knowledge in how to deal with students who experience sensory overload

Example:

"How I help a student experiencing sensory overload will greatly depend on what is triggering the event. In all cases, I approach the student with compassion and patience. If they find the classroom is too noisy, I will offer them noise-cancelling headphones. If they..."

What type of classroom technology do you have experience using?

Many technologies are used within the classroom setting that a Teacher's Aide needs to use proficiently. The goal of this question is to evaluate the candidate's level of experience with specific classroom technology. What to look for in an answer:

  • Specific examples of experience using technology in the classroom
  • Basic understanding of the importance of technology in learning
  • Willingness to try new products or technology to aid in learning development

Example:

"In my previous position, we used several types of software and tools in the classroom. For example, the classroom I worked in had smartboards, tablets and specific learning management software."

What behavioural needs do you have experience working with?

This question aims to determine the candidate's level of understanding and experience working with a wide variety of behavioural needs in the classroom. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding that the role is to assist with assessing and modifying student behaviours
  • Awareness of various student needs
  • Willingness to continue with professional development within their career

Example:

"In my previous positions, I have worked with a variety of student behavioural needs, including students who needed additional breaks, additional movement throughout the day, and students who needed routines. When working with these students, I attended a conference where I could learn more about the best intervention strategies to help the individual student."

How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

Although a Teacher's Aide is not a formal instructor, they assist students throughout the learning process. The goal of this question is to understand the candidate's style of instruction and support. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of teaching styles and the learning process
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas simply
  • Accountability for the role they play in a student's educational life

Example:

"As a Teacher's Aide, I believe it is my responsibility to help create a supportive learning environment for all students in the classroom. It is my role to provide a safe place for students to explore their curiosity and be able to practice skills and concepts."

How did your education prepare you for working with special needs elementary students?

Depending on the education received, the candidate may have received training for working with special needs. This question aims to determine if the candidate has any formal training in dealing with special needs students. What to look for in an answer:

  • Education and training that focuses on special needs learning
  • Willingness to continue professional development
  • Ability to support a variety of student's needs in the classroom

Example:

"During my educational assistance diploma program, there was an emphasis on special needs students throughout the course. For example, we learned how to assist autistic students. On my own time, I also completed a certificate program in sensory overload strategies."

How do you handle students in the classroom that are disrupting their peers?

This question aims to evaluate how the candidate deals with difficult situations and behaviour modification techniques. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to take a proactive role to encourage positive student behaviour
  • Communication skills to guide students
  • Respect and compassion for students

Example:

"When dealing with a disruptive student, I calmly look at the student first. I've found that many students stop when they realize I notice their behaviours. If the student continues disrupting their peers, I then ask the student to speak privately with me. I list the positive action the student can take, and I give them an opportunity to address their behaviour on their own when we return to the classroom. If they continue the behaviour, I then proceed to follow the school's disciplinary guidelines."

How do you build a relationship with a new student?

Since a Teacher's Aide is the support system for both the Teacher and the students, they must build positive relationships. The goal of this question is to understand how the candidate builds rapport and trust with their students. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to speak and respond to students in a positive and friendly manner
  • Willingness to build a supportive relationship with students
  • Ability to create an inclusive learning environment

Example:

"When a new student joins the classroom, it is my responsibility to make them feel welcome and comfortable. I introduce myself and spend time getting to know them. I also ask them questions about their hobbies and compliment them on something."

Tell me about a time you handled a disagreement with a Teacher in the classroom.

Although the Teacher is in charge of the classroom, sometimes disagreements will happen between the Teacher and the Teacher's Aide. The goal of this question is to evaluate how the candidate deals with conflict in the workplace. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills to respectful discuss disagreements and opposing views
  • Willingness to come to a resolution
  • Interpersonal skills to be empathetic and understand different perspectives

Example:

In my last role, I had a disagreement with a Teacher involving the best approach for managing a student's behaviour. The student was repeatedly disruptive, and the Teacher and I had different approaches for handling the disruption. We met after school to discuss the behaviour. Together, we found a productive strategy that we both agreed to..."

What is your greatest struggle as a Teacher's Aide?

This question aims to determine how the candidate deals with the many situations present within a learning environment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain compassionate and empathetic
  • Awareness of the well-being of the students in the classroom, including physical, emotional, and mental health
  • Communication skills to uncover more in-depth issues that need addressing

Example:

"The most challenging part of being a Teacher's Aide is working with unique personalities, needs, and behaviours. When entering a new classroom, I try to take time to learn about each student individually. I take notes for myself and review these during the first few weeks. I also try to learn about the Teacher and their teaching style and preferences to help create a cohesive classroom for the students."

When on a school outing, such as a field trip, what role do you take?

A Teacher's Aide will often accompany the class during school outings and field trips. This question aims to evaluate how the candidate interacts with the Teacher and student outside of the classroom setting. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to participate in student support outside of the classroom
  • Leadership skills to assist the Teacher during outings
  • Interpersonal skills to create a fun, inclusive learning experience

Example:

"When on a field trip or school outing, I believe my role is to support the Teacher and to create a fun environment for the students. Making sure that all students feel included and comfortable is my biggest responsibility. This is especially important for students with special needs."

How do you create an inclusive environment in the classroom?

Inclusion is essential in all areas of the student's experience. This question aims to determine the candidate's experience with a variety of student needs and levels to create a position learning environment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Accountability to continue professional development
  • Awareness of individual student needs to feel included
  • Interpersonal skills to create a positive, comfortable learning environment

Example:

"Creating inclusion in the classroom is so important. Some things I do to create inclusion include learning the student's names, create opportunities for students to share their unique perspectives, and modelling inclusive language. For example, using he, she, and they when explaining pronouns."

Tell me about a time you noticed a new uncommon behaviour in a student.

A Teacher's Aide may pick up on behaviour that is unusual or atypical for a student. The goal of this question is to determine the awareness level of the candidate and how they deal with the situation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of unusual behaviours or traits in students
  • Communication skills to bring it to the attention of the Teacher
  • Interpersonal skills to assist the student through situations

Example:

"An example I have about a time I noticed unusual behaviour in a student was when I worked in a grade three classroom. Tom was a student with no diagnosed special needs and interacted well with his peers. Throughout the first month of school, I noticed he was struggling to spell common words. As soon as I noticed this unusual pattern, I..."

What process do you follow to relay a student's progress to the Teacher?

The goal of this question is to evaluate the candidate's communication skills and interaction with the Teacher. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to assess a student's skills accurately
  • Communication skills to pass on significant progress and milestones to the Teacher
  • Ability to problem-solve and assist a student with any learning difficulties

Example:

"When working in the classroom, I spend a lot of time with each student. So, to stay organized, I write notes at lunch and at the end of each day. I then bring up any critical concerns at that time to the Teacher. I am used to using an online learning management software program to keep detailed records for each student. The Teacher and I both have access to the information and discuss it daily."

What is it about our school that made you apply for the position of Teacher's Aide?

This question aims to determine what research the candidate conducted before the interview regarding the position and school. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to research and gather information for the position
  • Critical thinking skills to express why the position appeals to them
  • A positive attitude about the role and environment

Example:

"When I was researching Teacher's Aide positions in the Mississauga area, I noticed that your school was actively hiring. The job posting excited me because of the reputation your school has regarding academic achievement. I understand you put a strong emphasis on self-directed learning and inclusive classroom environments that support students to reach their potential."

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