So, you’ve achieved your teaching assistant qualification and are ready to take on the classroom. Congratulations! Now just to nail the interview…
Today, we’ll work through the nine questions that schools love to ask TAs during their interviews and how to answer them effectively. Even if these specific questions don’t come up during your interview, you’ll be able to repurpose your answers for whatever questions come your way. We’ll also offer some examples of great answers to these questions at every experience level. Whether you’re an experienced TA or just starting out, you’ll be able to breeze through your interview.
Can you describe your understanding of the role of a teaching assistant and how it compliments the role of a classroom teacher?
What are they really asking?
Your interviewer wants to know that you know the collaborative nature of the role and that you’re ready to support your teacher.
Your answer needs to
- Describe the role of a TA
- Explain how the TA helps the teacher within the classroom environment
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
I view my role as a support system for the classroom teacher. I work hard to complement and extend the teacher’s work, not replace it. In my opinion, my primary responsibilities include working with students in small groups and providing one-on-one support to ensure that every child’s learning needs are met. I assist in reinforcing the teacher’s instructions, helping with classroom management, and providing additional feedback on student progress. I’m there to allow the teacher to focus on delivering instructions effectively, provide additional support, and create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
While I don’t have direct experience as a teaching assistant yet, I know that my role is to work in tandem with the classroom teacher to provide support to students. I see it as a complimentary role where I can assist the teacher by working with students individually or in small groups, reinforcing the teacher’s instructions, and helping maintain a learning environment. My understanding is that collaboration is key to making the classroom more effective, and I’m eager to contribute!
How do you support students with special educational needs (SEN) or individual education plans (IEPs) in the classroom?
What are they really asking?
Teaching assistants have a special role in the classroom that lends itself to working with students with additional needs. It’s important for TAs to know how to support students with these needs and understand how to follow IEPs. Interviewers want to know that you understand the importance of tailoring support to students, as well as how you would assist students with these requirements.
Your answer needs to
- Explain how students with SEN or IEPs should be supported by teaching assistants
- Describe strategies and accommodations used in supporting students
- Mention how you monitor progress and communicate with colleagues regarding these students
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
My experience has taught me to collaborate closely with the classroom teacher and the SEN coordinator to identify the unique needs of these students. I help implement strategies and accommodations outlined in their IEPs, such as providing additional one-on-one support, adapting assignments, or offering extra time. It’s also essential to monitor their progress, maintain records, and regularly communicate with the teacher and other professionals involved in the student’s support. Ensuring that these students have the resources and adjustments they need is critical to their success, and I’m dedicated to playing my part in this process.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
I’ve learned during my training that supporting students with SEN or IEPs is crucial to the role of a teaching assistant. I would work closely with the classroom teacher to make sure these students receive the appropriate accommodations and support outlined in their IEPs. I am committed to learning more about individualised plans and how to provide the best support to meet the needs of each student and promote their success.
We value the well-being and safety of our students. Can you explain your understanding of safeguarding policies and your role in ensuring the safety and welfare of our students?
What are they really asking?
Schools have a huge number of safeguarding measures in place to ensure the wellbeing of their students. Teaching assistants often end up correcting unsafe behaviour and keeping an eye on students within the classroom, so it’s important to know your stuff regarding safety! Your interviewer wants to hear that you understand the importance of safeguarding and your role in maintaining a safe learning environment.
Your answer needs to
- Show you understand safeguarding policies
- Describe your role in keeping students safe
- Mention your commitment to reporting concerns and maintaining a safe learning environment
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
Safeguarding policies are obviously extremely important, and I understand that they cover a range of areas, from child protection to health and safety. My role involves actively monitoring students for any signs of concern, promptly reporting any issues to the safeguarding lead, and following school protocols to ensure their safety. I’m aware of confidentiality and the necessity of continuous training and updates to safeguarding guidelines.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
While I’m new to the role of teaching assistant, I have learned the essential principles of safeguarding during my training. I understand that safeguarding policies are in place to protect the welfare of students, and my role involves following these policies diligently. This includes being vigilant, reporting concerns to the safeguarding lead, and maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.
As a teaching assistant, you will often work with students in small groups or one-on-one. Can you provide an example of a situation where you successfully helped a student who was struggling with a particular subject or task?
What are they really asking?
The person interviewing you wants to know how much you know about how to manage behaviour and how much experience you have in keeping a positive and well-organized learning space.
Your answer needs to
- Share an example (or hypothetical training example) of a situation where you helped a struggling student
- Describe the specific subject or task the student was struggling with
- Explain the strategies and support you provided to help the student overcome their challenges
- Highlight the positive outcome and impact of your assistance
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
Certainly, I’ve had numerous opportunities to work with students who were facing challenges with their learning. One instance was when I supported a student who was struggling with basic numeracy skills. After discussing this student’s needs with the classroom teacher, I developed a plan that included extra practise exercises, visual aids, and one-on-one sessions. I was patient and provided individualised attention to the student, breaking down complex concepts into simpler steps. Over time, I witnessed significant improvement in the student’s confidence and performance in mathematics.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
Despite never working in a classroom before, I understand the importance of providing support to struggling students. In a hypothetical scenario during my training, I worked with a student who had difficulty reading. I provided extra practise materials, such as reading comprehension exercises and guided reading sessions. I also patiently explained unfamiliar words and concepts, making sure the student felt supported and encouraged. The student’s progress was visible, and their reading skills improved with time.
How do you assist in classroom management and behaviour management? Can you describe a specific instance where you had to manage challenging behaviour effectively?
What are they really asking?
Your interviewer wants to know how much you know about behaviour management strategies and how much experience you have in keeping a learning environment that is positive and well-organised.
Your answer needs to
- Explain how you assist in classroom and behaviour management
- Describe a time you managed challenging behaviour
- Detail the strategies you have or would employ to address the challenging behaviour
- Highlight the positive outcome of the situation
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
I collaborate closely with the classroom teacher to reinforce consistent rules and expectations. In one specific instance, I had to manage challenging behaviour when a student was being disruptive. The student was repeatedly interrupting the lesson and distracting peers. I applied a behaviour management strategy that the teacher and I had discussed. I calmly and privately discussed the behaviour with the student, highlighting the impact on the class and the importance of respectful behaviour. We also set clear expectations and consequences. Over time, the student’s behaviour improved, and they became more engaged in the learning process.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
Though I’m new to the position, I have learned about the importance of classroom management during my training. In a hypothetical situation, I observed a student misbehaving in class. I then collaborated with the classroom teacher to address the issue. We would discuss and implement strategies such as setting clear expectations, offering positive reinforcement, and providing additional support when needed.
We’re committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity. How do you contribute to creating an inclusive learning environment for students with various backgrounds and abilities?
What are they really asking?
They want to know if you know how to help students from all backgrounds and abilities and if you understand how important diversity, equality, and inclusion are.
Your answer needs to
- Explain how you contribute to an inclusive learning environment
- Describe strategies you have or would employ to support students with diverse backgrounds and abilities
- Highlight your commitment to fostering understanding, respect, and the value of diversity in the classroom
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
I’m fully committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the classroom. In my previous role as a teaching assistant, I’ve actively contributed to creating an inclusive learning environment by celebrating cultural diversity and recognising individual abilities. I’ve implemented strategies like differentiated instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, and I’ve provided extra support for students with diverse backgrounds, including those with English as a second language.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
Though I’ve only recently begun working as a TA, I fully understand the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the classroom. I’m eager to contribute to creating an inclusive learning environment by supporting students from various backgrounds and abilities. This may involve assisting in differentiated instruction, providing additional help to students with different needs, and encouraging positive interactions among peers. I believe that every student brings unique perspectives and strengths to the classroom, and I’m committed to helping create an environment where every child feels welcome, valued, and empowered to learn.
Can you explain the importance of confidentiality when dealing with students and their personal information, and how do you ensure you maintain confidentiality in your role?
What are they really asking?
Schools have to deal with a large amount of student’s confidential information. It’s key that teachers and teaching assistants are on board and know how to handle confidential information as well. Interviewers will ask you this to gauge your commitment to safeguarding student’s privacy and their ability to ensure confidential information is handled with care.
Your answer needs to
- Explain the importance of confidentiality when handling students personal information
- Describe the steps you take to ensure the maintenance of confidentiality in your role
- Mention your adherence to school policies, need-to-know basis, secure record-keeping, and refraining from discussing students’ personal matters outside the professional setting
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
Confidentiality is a massive consideration for me in my role as a teaching assistant. It’s necessary to protect students’ personal information, their academic progress, and any sensitive issues they may confide in us. Maintaining confidentiality fosters trust and a safe learning environment. I’d ensure confidentiality by adhering to the school’s policies and guidelines on data protection. I’d only discuss student information with those who have a legitimate need to know, such as the classroom teacher or designated staff responsible for student welfare. In team meetings or discussions with colleagues, I use pseudonyms or generalised descriptions to prevent the identification of students. Additionally, I keep physical and electronic records securely stored and password-protected, and I refrain from discussing student’s personal matters outside of the professional setting.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
As a new teaching assistant, I understand that maintaining confidentiality is a critical aspect of my responsibilities. I recognise the importance of protecting students’ personal information and academic records. To ensure confidentiality, I would strictly adhere to the school’s policies and guidelines on data protection. Following the advice of knowledgeable colleagues, I would only discuss student information with those who had a legitimate need to know. I would also make sure to keep both physical and electronic records securely stored and password-protected. Additionally, I would refrain from discussing students’ personal matters outside of the professional setting, as this is essential to maintaining their privacy and trust in the school environment.
Teaching assistants often need to adapt to the changing needs of the classroom. Can you share an example of a situation where you had to be flexible and adapt to unexpected changes in the classroom environment?
What are they really asking?
This question is meant to test how you respond to unexpected changes and adapt to them. You need to emphasise to the interviewer that you know how to roll with the punches in the classroom.
- Share an example of a situation (real or hypothetical) where you had to adapt to unexpected changes in the classroom environment
- Describe the specific change or challenge you encountered
- Explain how you adjusted and what actions you took to ensure the learning environment remained effective
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
Adaptability is a crucial quality for a teaching assistant, as classrooms often encounter unexpected changes. In a specific instance, the teacher had planned an outdoor lesson, but on the day of the activity, the weather suddenly turned unfavourable with heavy rain. It was clear that we needed to change the plan to ensure the students’ safety and a productive learning experience. I quickly collaborated with the teacher to modify the lesson, moving it indoors. We adapted the lesson materials, made use of available classroom resources, and maintained the learning objectives. By doing so, we ensured that the students had a meaningful and safe learning experience, despite the unexpected change in weather. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability in creating a productive and responsive learning environment.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
Although I’ve never worked as a teaching assistant before, I understand that adaptability is vital for responding to unexpected changes in the classroom. I haven’t encountered a specific situation yet, but during my training, I learned the importance of remaining flexible and responsive. In a hypothetical scenario, if there were an unexpected change in the lesson plan or the classroom environment, I would collaborate with the teacher to modify the plan, making use of available resources and adapting the activities to ensure the students’ safety and continued learning. Being prepared to adjust and respond effectively to such situations is a key part of my commitment to providing a conducive and dynamic learning environment for students.
In your role, you may be asked to provide feedback and communicate with teachers and parents. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with both parents and teachers?
What are they really asking?
This question is designed to gauge your understanding of why it’s necessary for teachers and parents to be able to talk to one another and your strategy for making that happen.
Your answer needs to
- Explain how you ensure effective communication and collaboration with teachers
- Describe your approach to communication with parents, including the channels you use
- Highlight your receptivity to feedback and proactive engagement to foster strong partnerships with both teachers and parents
Example Answer from an Experienced TA
Effective communication and collaboration are integral to my role as a teaching assistant. When it comes to working with teachers, I maintain regular and open communication to ensure we are aligned in our approaches to supporting students. This includes daily check-ins, discussing lesson plans, student progress, and any issues that may arise. I actively seek feedback from the teacher, offer my insights, and provide assistance where needed to create a cohesive learning environment.
With parents, I understand the importance of keeping them informed about their child’s progress and well-being. I facilitate this by regularly communicating with parents through channels like emails, phone calls, and parent-teacher meetings. I am approachable, receptive to their concerns, and proactive in sharing both positive developments and any challenges. By fostering a strong partnership with parents, we can collectively support the students and their overall growth.
Example Answer from an Inexperienced TA
I recognise the importance of effective communication and collaboration with both teachers and parents. To ensure productive communication with teachers, I would actively engage in daily discussions, seek feedback, and offer my assistance as needed. This open dialogue is crucial to stay aligned with the teacher’s objectives and support students effectively.
With parents, I would ensure regular updates and open channels for communication, whether through emails, phone calls, or parent-teacher meetings. I would be receptive to their concerns, proactive in sharing both positive progress and challenges, and maintain a friendly and approachable demeanour. My aim is to establish a strong partnership with parents, working together to support the students’ educational journey and overall development.
Are you thinking of becoming a teaching assistant? Or are you currently a TA looking to become a higher-level teaching assistant?
A career as a teaching assistant is as rewarding as it is important. If you enjoy working with children, Association of Learning can help you achieve your goals with our range of TA courses, including:
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