Top 5 Teaching Assistant Job Interview Questions
When interviewing for a teaching assistant (TA) position, you really want to do everything you can to show the interviewer your passion for teaching and working with children. While you should always be prepared for common job interview questions, there are a few TA-specific questions that you’ll want to make sure you have practiced before hand.
Why do you want to be a teaching assistant?
This question allows the interviewer to make sure you aren't just looking for any job and are genuinely interested in the position.
"My previous position was at an after school facility. As I worked there, I developed a passion for working with children. I feel that as a teacher's assistant I'll be able to play a more hands-on role in child development, which I believe starts in the classroom."
Why is the role of teaching assistant important?
Explain what role you think this position would serve and why it would be beneficial to the teacher.
"The role as a teaching assistant is vital because it allows the teacher to dedicate all their efforts to giving as much attention and guidance as possible to the children. A TA takes care of the smaller details, such as grading papers, sorting paperwork, etc. so that they can focus on the bigger picture of imparting knowledge onto the students."
If two kids are disrupting the class by talking and giggling, what would you do?
As a TA, there may be times where you have to discipline a child or handle behavioral issues. Elaborate on how you would resolve this situation.
"If two students were disrupting the class and didn't seem to be paying attention, I would separate them on opposite sides of the classroom. This way they are still a part of the learning environment without having the ability to converse and disturb the rest of the class."
Does learning have to be fun?
Feel free to voice your honest opinion, however you want to make sure the interviewer doesn't think you will be boring or too focused on fun.
"It is not mandatory for learning to be fun, however I would advise against a cookie-cutter approach. Students are more prone to participating and retaining the information if they are engaged. Fun and education don't have to be mutually exclusive and I prefer the two to work together cohesively."
If you and the teacher disagree on something, how would you resolve it?
The employer is looking to see that you know how to work with others and respect the hierarchy, while still holding your ground.
"If the teacher and I were ever to have a disagreement, I would keep in mind that it is their class so they have the authority and the final say. However, if I feel as though I have an idea that could be beneficial in the classroom I will stand behind it and do my best to persuade them to implement it."
Tell me about a time you successfully worked with a group of children.
In order to be a successful teaching assistant, you need to be skilled at working with children. Pick an example that will reflect that.
"In my last position, at the after school facility I mentioned earlier, I worked with children day in and day out. As soon as everyone arrived each day, we would start off by playing a game. I would set up the activity and make sure every child was participating and enjoying themselves. It allowed the kids to have some social time to get to know each other and have some fun before starting their homework. Because of all the preparation before hand, every game went off without a hitch."