What are common teaching assistant interview questions?

If you are in the process of applying for a teaching assistant position, or are simply considering becoming a teaching assistant, you might be thinking about how you can prepare for an interview. While being interviewed for any job can feel a little nerve wracking, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Learning what the common teaching assistant interview questions are, and preparing and practising your answers in advance is a smart way of making sure that you can walk away from your teaching assistant interview feeling happy that you gave it your all.

Here are some common teaching assistant interview questions you may encounter in the UK

Why do you want to become a teaching assistant?

Explaining what motivates you and why you think you’d be a great fit for the role will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job.

What qualities do you think are important for a teaching assistant to have?

Considering the skills you’ll need for the role, and being able to explain how your skills and experience match these will be important.

How would you approach working with children with special educational needs?

Working with SEN children can be an important part of a teaching assistants role, so it’s essential that you have considered what skills you might need to support these pupils.

Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a student or group of students?

Demonstrating your ability to address behavioural issues and stay calm under pressure will show you are able to keep control of a classroom.

What strategies do you use to motivate students who are struggling academically or behaviourally?

Not all children learn at the same pace or enjoy the same subjects, so being able to explain how you might help pupils who are finding lessons tough or are struggling with behaviour problems will impress the interviewer.

How do you manage your workload and prioritise your responsibilities as a teaching assistant?

A good work life balance is important in any role. Teaching can be demanding and it’s vital that you have good self-care strategies in place to avoid burnout.

Can you describe how you would support a teacher in planning and delivering lessons?

The main role of a teaching assistant is to support the class teacher. Confidently explaining how you would achieve this is essential.

How do you build positive relationships with parents or carers of students?

Being a teaching assistant requires excellent communication skills and a positive and friendly attitude. You’ll be expected to work well with the wider team and build relationships with parents and carers, so consider what skills you might need to do this and how you can demonstrate that you have them.

By preparing for your interview you can start thinking about your previous experiences and how you can demonstrate your skills and abilities that are relevant to the role. You should also do some research around the school you are hoping to work in. Be prepared to talk about its values and how you would fit in with the team and contribute to the school's overall goals.

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