Top Special Education Teacher Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Special Education Teacher interview by going through these most asked Special Education Teacher interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What experience do you have in this domain?
  • Question Overview: You want to hire a special education teacher who has a wide range of experience in the field. They should be able to help students with a variety of disabilities and should have experience working with children in a classroom setting.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working with children who have autism, Down syndrome, ADHD and other mental conditions. I have worked with students who have been diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses. I have experience working with children who are at risk for emotional or behavioral problems.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities
    • - Ability to work with children in a classroom setting
    • - Experience working with children who have severe disabilities

  • Question: How do you handle discipline?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to handle discipline in a classroom setting. They should be able to keep the students' attention and help them understand the importance of following the rules.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working with students who have behavioral issues. I am able to keep the students' attention and help them understand the importance of following the rules. I also work closely with parents and school administrators to develop a plan for each student.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to maintain order in the classroom
    • - Experience with students who have behavioral issues
    • - Ability to work with parents and school administrators to develop a plan for each student

  • Question: What are your weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to identify their weaknesses and work to improve them. If you're hiring a special education teacher for a position at your school, you want to know that they are aware of their shortcomings and are working to improve them.

    Sample Answer: I would say that my biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist. I want everything to be perfect for my students and myself, but I have learned that it is impossible to achieve perfection.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Ability to accept criticism
    • - Desire to improve

  • Question: What is your salary expectation?
  • Question Overview: As a special education teacher, you should be able to negotiate a fair salary. The applicant should be able to justify their salary request based on their experience and the cost of living in your area.

    Sample Answer: I am seeking a salary of $50,000 per year. I have been teaching for five years and have experience teaching students with a variety of disabilities. I am familiar with the cost of living in your area and believe that my experience and education make me worth this salary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience in the field and the cost of living in your area
    • - Familiarity with the average salaries of other teachers in your area
    • - Ability to negotiate a fair salary

  • Question: What is the IEP process?
  • Question Overview: The IEP process is a legal document that outlines the special education services that a student will receive. It is a legal document that must be signed by the student's parents and the school's administrators. The applicant should be able to explain the process clearly and provide examples of how they have helped students achieve their goals.

    Sample Answer: The IEP process is a legal document that outlines the special education services that a student will receive. It is a legal document that must be signed by the student's parents and the school's administrators. The applicant should be able to explain the process clearly and provide examples of how they have helped students achieve their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the legal process
    • - Ability to create a plan for each student
    • - Ability to communicate with parents and other school staff

  • Question: How do you take data?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to collect data from a variety of sources. The applicant should be able to explain how they collect data and how they use it to help their students.

    Sample Answer: I take data from my students' workbooks and tests, as well as from their parents. I also take data from my colleagues and the school's counselors. I use this information to plan lessons and to determine what each child needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to collect data from multiple sources
    • - Ability to interpret data
    • - Ability to use data to help students

  • Question: What is your experience with UDL?
  • Question Overview: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching method that helps children with disabilities learn in a way that is most effective for them. It is important that your applicant has experience with this method and can explain how it works.

    Sample Answer: I have experience with UDL and have found it to be very effective. I work closely with my students to create lesson plans that are tailored to their specific needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the UDL method
    • - Ability to teach students with varying needs
    • - Experience working with children who have disabilities

  • Question: How do you engage kids who have checked out of a lesson?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to identify the reasons why a student is not engaged in the lesson and be able to take steps to help them become interested. The applicant should be able to explain how they would handle the situation and what steps they would take to engage the student.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to identify why the student is disengaged. If it is due to a disability, then I would try to find a way to make the lesson more interesting. If it is due to boredom, then I would try to find a way to make the lesson more engaging.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think quickly on one's feet
    • - Experience working with students who are disengaged
    • - Understanding of the student's needs

  • Question: What is your experience in teaching?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher's experience is crucial to their success in the classroom. You want to know that the applicant has the skills and knowledge to teach your students effectively and that they have the ability to manage a classroom.

    Sample Answer: I have been teaching for over ten years. I have worked with students who have a wide range of conditions and disabilities, including autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder. I have experience teaching all grade levels and am comfortable working with students who have severe disabilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience teaching students with a variety of conditions
    • - Ability to work with students who have severe disabilities
    • - Experience with managing a classroom

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to explain why they want to work with your school. If you're looking for a candidate who can work with your students' parents, then you want to know that they are willing to do so.

    Sample Answer: I am very interested in working with your school's students because I have experience working with children who have similar conditions. I am also very familiar with your curriculum and teaching style and believe that I can help your students achieve their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A desire to work with your school's students
    • - Familiarity with the school's curriculum and teaching style
    • - Experience working with students who have similar conditions

  • Question: Why do you feel that you are qualified to teach?
  • Question Overview: A teacher's job is to help students learn and grow, and you want to make sure that your applicant has the right tools to do the job. A good answer will include their experience in the field and their desire to help children succeed.

    Sample Answer: I have worked with children for many years and have always enjoyed helping them learn new skills. I have experience working with children with special needs and feel that I am qualified to teach.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with children
    • - Ability to work with a team
    • - Passion for the work

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to make a tough decision.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the applicant's ability to make a difficult decision and stick with it. The applicant should be able to explain the situation and how they arrived at their decision.

    Sample Answer: I had a student who was failing my class. I had to decide whether to give him extra time on tests or to fail him. I decided to give him extra time on tests and he passed the class.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to make a tough decision
    • - Ability to stick with the decision
    • - Ability to explain the decision

  • Question: Tell me about a time you responded to feedback.
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to adapt to the needs of their students and the school's administrators. They should be able to use feedback from their peers and superiors to improve their teaching techniques.

    Sample Answer: I have always been open to feedback from my peers and superiors. I have used that information to improve my teaching techniques and help my students achieve their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to listen to feedback and incorporate it into their work
    • - Ability to make changes quickly
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: How do you measure student success?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to measure each student's progress and determine whether they are on track to achieve their goals. They should also be able to identify the best methods for helping each student achieve their goals.

    Sample Answer: I measure my students' success by the amount of progress they make in their academic work. I also consider the amount of time they spend on tasks and how well they manage their time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to create a plan for each student
    • - Ability to create a plan for each student
    • - Ability to create a plan for each student

  • Question: How would you differentiate your teaching in a class where there are students who excel and students who struggle?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to provide the same quality of education to all students in their classroom. They should be able to provide a variety of teaching techniques that will help each child learn.

    Sample Answer: I would use a variety of teaching techniques to help each student learn. I would also use a variety of activities to keep the students interested in the material. I would also make sure that I was aware of the students' needs and adjust my teaching style accordingly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience teaching students with varying abilities
    • - Ability to create lesson plans that will help each student
    • - Experience working with students who have learning disabilities

  • Question: What are your long term goals?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should have a clear vision of what they want to achieve in their career. They should be able to articulate their goals and how they plan to achieve them.

    Sample Answer: I hope to continue teaching special education and working with students with disabilities. I want to help my students achieve their academic goals and be successful in life.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A clear vision of what they want to achieve
    • - A plan for achieving their goals
    • - An understanding of the steps needed to achieve their goals

  • Question: What are the important qualities of a SERT?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to work with other teachers to create a positive learning environment for all students. They should be able to handle the challenges of working with students who have severe mental disorders and disabilities.

    Sample Answer: A special education teacher should be able to work with other teachers to create a positive learning environment for all students. They should be able to handle the challenges of working with students who have severe mental disorders and disabilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with other teachers
    • - Experience working with students who have severe mental disorders and disabilities
    • - Ability to work with parents and school administrators

  • Question: What would you do if a parent was upset with their son/ daughter's performance in your class?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to handle any situation that arises in the classroom. You want to know that your applicant is able to remain calm and think clearly when faced with a challenging situation.

    Sample Answer: I would meet with the parent and discuss their concerns. I would also meet with the student and find out what they need to improve their performance. I would then create a plan for helping the student meet their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm and think clearly in a crisis
    • - Ability to work with parents and students
    • - Ability to create a positive learning environment

  • Question: What are your strengths as an educator?
  • Question Overview: A good special education teacher should be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and explain how they plan to improve upon the latter. The applicant should be able to explain how they will help your students achieve their goals and what they will do if a crisis occurs in the classroom.

    Sample Answer: I have experience working with students who have a wide range of disabilities, including autism, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I am able to work under pressure and can adapt my lesson plans when necessary. I am also able to work well with other teachers and administrators.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working with students with a wide range of disabilities
    • - Ability to work under pressure
    • - Ability to work with a team

  • Question: What changes would you have made in the code?
  • Question Overview: A special education teacher should be able to identify the problem and offer a solution. They should be able to identify the problem and offer a solution. If you're asking this question, then you want to see how the applicant thinks on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would have changed the code to include more specific examples of what constitutes a disability. I would have also included a section that addresses the rights of students with disabilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify problems and offer solutions
    • - Ability to think critically and solve problems
    • - Creativity