Question Overview: This question aims to see how applicants deal with difficult situations. This is a common interview question that is used to see how applicants handle conflict and stressful situations.
Sample Answer: If I were in a difficult situation, I would try to remain calm and think about the best way to handle the situation. I would also try to understand the other person's point of view and ask questions to help me better understand the situation.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are passionate about the position and if they understand the role of a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I want to be a TA because I love working with kids. I believe that my experience as an after-school teacher will help me be a great TA because I know how to work with children and I know what it takes to keep them engaged in the classroom.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants handle a difficult situation. It is important for applicants to be able to handle a situation professionally and not let their emotions get in the way.
Sample Answer: If a child had a crush on me, I would try to keep my distance and make sure I was never alone with them. If I were to have a class with them, I would try to keep the focus on the class and not on me. If they were being rebellious, I would try to talk to them privately and explain the consequences of their actions.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants will handle a situation where they are required to discipline a student.
Sample Answer: If a student was being disruptive, I would try to speak with them privately and explain the situation. If that didn't work, I would ask the teacher for assistance.
Question Overview: This question aims to see if applicants have thought about the role of a teaching assistant and what they can bring to the position.
Sample Answer: I previously worked at an after-school program for primary students. As I worked there, I realized I enjoyed working with young kids. I believe that as a teaching assistant I'll have the ability to play a more hands-on role in a child's day-to-day learning and transfer some of my enthusiasm for learning to my students, making school a more enjoyable experience for them .
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have a good relationship with their professors.
Sample Answer: I have had the opportunity to work with XXX professor for the past two semesters. In both cases, I have found her to be very knowledgeable and helpful. She is always willing to take time out of her day to answer questions and offer advice. She has even offered me the opportunity to work as a TA in the past.
Question Overview: Teaching assistants are responsible for handling behavior problems in the classroom. This question ensures applicants can handle a difficult situation with a child.
Sample Answer: If a student was misbehaving, I would first try to get the student to calm down and focus on the lesson. If that didn't work, I would ask the teacher for help. If the teacher was unable to handle the situation, I would ask another teaching assistant to help me. If all else failed, I would contact the school's administration and let them know what was going on.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are interested in the position and if they have thought about the reasons why they want to be a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I have always enjoyed working with children and I believe that working as a teaching assistant would allow me to work with children on a daily basis. I also enjoy working with people and I think that being a teaching assistant would allow me to work with many different people on a daily basis.
Question Overview: This question is used to see if applicants have experience working with children, specifically in a teaching assistant role.
Sample Answer: I've worked at an after-school program for the past two years. I've learned how to work with children of all ages and how to handle behavioral issues. I've also learned how to handle a variety of situations that may arise in the classroom.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants can prioritize their time and manage their time effectively.
Sample Answer: I would plan out my schedule so that I have ample time to prepare for my own class while still having time to complete my own work. I would also make sure that I have a clear understanding of the expectations of the teacher and TA so that I can plan accordingly.
Question Overview: Teaching assistants need to be able to understand the material they are teaching. This question aims to see if applicants have a basic understanding of the subject matter.
Sample Answer: I have taken several courses in the subject matter and have always done well in them. I also tutored a friend in this subject and helped him pass his final exam.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant has a good understanding of the course and what it is trying to accomplish.
Sample Answer: I think that by adding more hands-on activities, students will be able to learn more effectively. For example, if we were studying the Civil War, I would bring in a few artifacts from the period and have the students examine them and discuss what they learned from them.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant is a good fit for the position. Applicants should be honest and explain why they are a good fit for the position.
Sample Answer: I'm currently in my senior year of high school and will be graduating in May. I got an A in my class because I was able to understand the material and apply it to real life situations.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants can think on their feet and come up with a plan of action.
Sample Answer: If a child was misbehaving, I would first try to determine what the problem was. If the child was simply bored, I would try to engage them in an activity that would keep them interested in the lesson. If the child was being disruptive, I would try to get them to stop by using a calm, firm voice and asking them to stop. If this didn't work, I would ask the teacher for help.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants handle a situation where they are not getting the results they want.
Sample Answer: I would first try to figure out what the child's motivation is for not listening. If it is because they are distracted or don't understand, I would try to explain the instructions in a different way. If it is because they are being defiant, I would try to find a way to make them feel guilty for not listening and then explain the instructions again.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants can be honest about their shortcomings.
Sample Answer: I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist. I always want everything to be done correctly and in a timely manner. This can sometimes lead me to being a bit of a workaholic. I know that this is something I need to work on and I am currently taking steps to improve my time management skills.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are aware of the time commitment that is required to be a teaching assistant.
Sample Answer: I am available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants have thought about their future and what they want to do with their lives.
Sample Answer: I see myself working as a teacher in a high school. I hope to be able to teach a variety of subjects and help students achieve their goals. I hope to be able to teach students how to think critically and make good decisions for themselves.
Question Overview: This question is used to determine how flexible applicants are when it comes to scheduling.
Sample Answer: I am available to start immediately and would be able to work any day of the week.