8 common Interview Questions for Teaching Assistants

1. Why do you want to be a TA?

You need to demonstrate that teaching is your first choice, not a plan B. Talk about your motivation and emphasise your passion for teaching. Provide good examples from your time in school and the specific teaching elements you find satisfying. Avoid broad responses such as 'I have always wanted to be a teacher'.

2. Why do you want to work in our school?

Often one of the first questions in most teaching interviews, preparation is vital to successfully answer this question. Think about why you would be a good fit to work or study in the school you're interviewing at. Talk about why you're interested in their school specifically, mentioning what you know about its ethos, values, demographics, educational goals and objectives, initiatives, or extra-curricular activities

3. What would you bring to the role as a TA?

Don't be modest in putting across your strong points during the interview. You might start with, 'As you can see from my cv' and then lead into a quick rundown of your qualifications and relevant experience. If you haven't already, present your strengths and how you'll utilise them to enhance the quality of teaching in their school.

4. How will you manage challenges at work?

Perhaps describe how you successfully managed a demanding situation.

5. What qualities do you have that would make you an effective TA?

Reflect on a teacher you liked at school, university, or have worked with in the classroom. Analyse the qualities that made them successful - these might include:

• enthusiasm
• pace
• resilience
• subject knowledge
• a range of teaching methods
• an ability to hold the attention of the class
• empathy
• encouraging children to think rather than being told.

Tell your interviewers about the qualities you have which they're looking for. This isn't the time to be modest - talk positively about your achievements, thinking carefully about the words you use. For example, use the term assertive as opposed to bossy, or calm instead of laid-back.

Focus on what you'll bring to their school and how your skills will benefit them.

6. Tell us how you dealt with a safeguarding issue in school.

In any teaching interview there is a question about safeguarding, which could also take the form of:

• What is a TA responsibility in keeping children safe?
• What would you do if a child disclosed a personal issue?

Prepare for this by reading a safeguarding policy - preferably for the school you're applying to or the school you're at.

7. What is your motivation for working in schools?

You could speak about anything that has encouraged you to get into being a TA. Maybe you would like to be a teacher? Or you have a passion for working with children supporting the next generation of learners?

8. Tell us about a behaviour management strategy you have used to help engage an individual learner or group.

You could talk about how you've successfully handled a disruptive pupil or student. Give an example of a situation where a strategy you used has been effective in the classroom. Talk about the effective behaviour management strategies you've come across or heard about.

Give an example of when you have improved teaching and learning in the classroom and how you knew you had been successful.

Think of evidence before the interview so you are prepared with clear examples of success. Consider taking a few examples of your work, maybe feedback from others or data around student improvement. Don't be shy when talking about where you have improved teaching and learning, as this is something your interviewers really want to know about.