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Teaching Assistant Interview Questions

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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.

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

  1. Why do you want to work with seventh-grade students? See answer
  2. How would you describe the primary duties of a teaching assistant? See answer
  3. How would you handle a situation where students were disruptive in class? See answer
  4. How do you create an engaging learning environment for your students? See answer
  5. Have you ever disagreed with a teacher? How did you handle the situation? See answer
  6. What would you do if a child fell asleep at their desk? See answer
  7. How would you describe an effective lesson plan? See answer
  8. How would you help a child struggling with a particular topic? See answer
  9. Do you have experience working with kids who speak little English? See answer
  10. Why do you want to be a teaching assistant at this school? See answer
  11. Do you have any weaknesses as a teaching assistant? See answer
  12. Why did you choose to become a teaching assistant rather than a teacher?
  13. Why do you feel you’re qualified to work as a teaching assistant with our school?
  14. What do you do when a child injures themselves in the playground?
  15. How would you encourage a student to complete schoolwork they refused?
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Hire your next Teaching Assistant today.

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Hire your next Teaching Assistant 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 Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Why do you want to work with seventh-grade students?

You can adjust this question based on the current position within your school. The goal is to assess a candidate's comfort level and ability to work with students in a specific grade. What to look for in an answer:

  • Previous experience working and connecting with students of that age
  • Communication skills
  • Understands duties specific to grade

Example:

"I feel my personality suits working with middle school students. I understand their emotions and the unique challenges they face at this age. I worked with students of the same age in my previous position as a teaching assistant, so I'm confident in my abilities."

Why did you choose to become a teaching assistant rather than a teacher? 

This question can assess a candidate's reasons for becoming a teacher's assistant and their long-term career goals. What to look for an answer:

  • Prefers to work with individuals or small groups
  • Experience working with students with special needs
  • Honest and thoughtful answers

Example:

"I became a teaching assistant because I prefer working one-on-one with students. I have a passion for helping children with special needs. I feel my skills are suited to working with smaller groups and developing close bonds that encourage kids to flourish."

How would you describe the primary duties of a teaching assistant?

This question can help you assess the candidate's priorities and understanding of the specific requirements of the role. What to look for an answer:

  • A proactive approach to work
  • Understanding of job duties
  • Enthusiastic about position

Example:

"In my last position, I helped with reading, telling stories, preparing the classroom, and supporting the teacher in managing class behaviour. I also helped supervise group activities, spoke to children one-on-one, and assisted with outings and sports events. For me, a large part of the position involves supporting children with individual needs and working one-on-one or in small groups."

Why do you feel you're qualified to work as a teaching assistant with our school?

Most teaching assistant positions don't require extensive or formal training. However, those with training are preferable. Candidates primarily need to work well with children and provide support to the teacher. This question assesses a candidate's reasons for becoming a teaching assistant and whether they possess the relevant skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to take direction and offer support as needed
  • Experience working with children
  • Relevant academic background or qualifications

Example:

"While working as a teaching assistant at XYZ Secondary, I realized my skills suit work with younger students. Making a difference in children's lives is something I'm passionate about. This teaching assistant position is the perfect opportunity to take a hands-on approach to student learning."

How would you handle a situation where students were disruptive in class?

Teaching assistants sometimes need to discipline students or manage other behavioural issues. The goal is to determine if a candidate can handle difficult situations and assess their problem-solving skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to communicate effective with children
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Effective conflict-management strategies

Example:

"When children aren't focusing or continuously disrupt the class, I follow the disciplinary actions previously discussed with the teacher. Most often, the best way to help students keep their focus is by seating disruptive children separately. If I notice behavioural issues with a particular student, I speak with them individually and assess ways I could help them regain focus."

What do you do when a child injures themselves on the playground?

As a teaching assistant, candidates need to be ready to look after upset or injured children. This question assesses how a candidate makes decisions about a child's wellbeing. It also reveals their previous experience working with counselling or first aid. What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Child safety awareness
  • Empathy and support

Example:

"Students' wellbeing and safety are always my priority. Anytime a child injures themselves, I assess the situation to determine the next appropriate steps as per the schools' policy. These steps usually include..."

How do you create an engaging learning environment for your students?

This question helps you assess a candidate's ability to keep students engaged. It also gives the candidate an opportunity to explain any effective strategies they've used in the past. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to keep students engaged
  • Understanding of how to create fun learning environments
  • The candidate's ability to articulate their duties

Example:

"I feel a teaching assistant plays a vital role in making children excited about learning. If students are eager to learn, it makes teaching them easier, too. I strive to keep the channels of communication open so students can express their opinions. I also suggest dynamic activities to exercise different brain functions and keep students alert."

Have you ever disagreed with a teacher? How did you handle the situation?

Teaching assistants work closely with the lead teacher and may have disagreements occasionally. This question can help you assess how a candidate handles conflict with their immediate supervisor. What to look for in an answer:

  • Conflict management skills
  • Understanding of their roles and responsibilities
  • Communication skills to express concerns professionally

Example:

"I have disagreed with a teacher in the past. However, I kept in mind that it was their classroom, and they had the authority. However, if the subject of my concern was ever critical to a student's safety, I would escalate the issue to the principal."

What would you do if a child fell asleep at their desk?

A big part of a teaching assistant's position helps the teacher handle student behaviour. This includes keeping kids focused on the lesson. This question assesses an issue teaching assistants may have to resolve and demonstrate their problem-solving skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Gentle approach toward behaviour management
  • Understanding and empathy
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Example:

"If a student was sleeping, I would gently tap their shoulder or desk to allow them a chance to focus without disrupting the class. After class, I would speak with the student privately to see if there was a reason for their fatigue. I would focus on resolving the issue rather than disciplining the student."

How would you encourage a student to complete schoolwork if they refused?

Teaching assistants have to know how to handle behavioural problems and children who don't always want to complete their schoolwork. This question can help you assess a candidate's ability to work with uncooperative students. What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Conflict resolution abilities
  • Dedicated to student success

Example:

"In my last position, there was a child who did not want to take part in math class. I sat down with him one-on-one and we worked through the activities together. That little bit of extra effort attention pushed the student to excel."

How would you describe an effective lesson plan?

Teaching assistants don't work directly on the lesson plan. However, an experienced candidate understands the key elements that comprise an effective plan. This question assesses a candidate's understanding of classroom expectations.What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to follow teacher instructions
  • Knowledge of effective lesson planning
  • Engagement in creating the learning environment

Example:

"I feel there are several elements that make up an effective lesson plan. These include a clear objective, presentation steps, a time frame, and a backup plan. I appreciate it when a teacher includes me in some of the planning process, but I respect the choices they make as professionals. I always request a copy of the lesson plans as soon as they're ready so I can prepare accordingly."

How would you help a child struggling with a particular topic?

This question aims to assess a candidate's ability to provide additional learning support. Candidates should be confident in their ability to provide one-on-one learning assistance to students.What to look for in an answer:

  • Communicates effectively with students
  • Proactively recognizes students who might be struggling
  • Uses creative thinking to engage students and tailor learning materials to their unique needs

Example:

"I feel it's important to recognize that each student learns differently, and sometimes even the most dedicated students struggle with a specific topic. A teaching assistant needs to identify when this happens and act to provide dedicated support. I would do this by..."

Do you have experience working with kids who speak little English?

Teaching assistants work to provide tailored learning support to students. This means they likely need to work with students who are learning English as a second language. The goal is to assess a candidate's relevant language experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Any English as a Second Language teaching certificates (TEFL, TESOL, etc.)
  • Experience working with language barriers
  • Adaptability

Example:

"In my last position at XYZ Elementary, I worked closely with students from many cultures. I also completed a 120-hour TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate. As a result, I was able to help many kids make real progress."

Why do you want to be a teaching assistant at this school?

The goal is to assess a candidate's understanding of your district and any special skills required for the job. Asking this question can help you determine if a candidate is familiar with the school or did any research to prepare for the interview. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the role's duties and responsibilities
  • Research and preparation for the interview
  • Enthusiasm about your school and the age group of students

Example:

"After looking at your schools' website, I'm by the values and positive learning environment you've created for children. I find it rewarding to work closely with students to help them succeed. I'm particularly interested in the district's ESL program. As a French speaker, I feel I'd be a valuable addition to the team."

Do you have any weaknesses as a teaching assistant?

The goal is to allow a candidate the chance to reveal their weaknesses honestly and offer ways they could improve upon these. What to look for in an answer:

  • Prepared for interview questions
  • Communication skills
  • Ability to self-evaluate and improve on any weaknesses

Example:

"My biggest weakness is that I don't yet have much experience. However, my inexperience means I can quickly adapt to your school's policies and procedures, and I have a strong will to excel in my position. I'm excited to get started and look forward to making a difference in students' lives."

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