So, you have landed yourself an interview for your first SEN TA role but what should you expect when you go in for your interview?
It is always a good idea to prepare beforehand so we have compiled some common questions that you can think about answering and the qualities to try and demonstrate for a good chance of securing the position.
The skills and qualities a good teaching assistant should demonstrate are:
Full dedication to support the teacher deliver outstanding lessons and teaching
The capability to create and manage effective lesson plans
Ensuring the class is safe and clean
Giving quick and accurate responses to all requests made by the teacher
A good understanding of the curriculum
Awareness with the objective and mission of the school
In terms of some of the types of questions you can expect to be asked, they usually fall into some three general areas:
1. About you and your relevant experience including:
Tell me about yourself and the skills and qualities that you possess that will make you a perfect for the job?
Why Do You Want to Be a Teaching Assistant?
Why did you decide to become a Teaching Assistant?
Can you tell Us about a time you worked together with children?
Why do you think you'd be a good TA?
Tell us about your knowledge of supporting children who have SEN?
2. Your understanding about the role and the school such as:
What do you think your duties will be as a Teaching Assistant?
What constitutes an effective lesson plan?
What makes a good Teaching Assistant?
What makes a good lesson?
Why do you want to work at this school?
3. Your attitude towards theoretical classroom situations like:
How do you ensure the safety of children in the classroom environment?
If students disrupt the class environment, how would you address the situation?
How would you encourage a student to complete an assignment that they are reluctant to work on?
How would you handle a situation in which you strongly disagreed with a teacher's actions in the classroom?
In addition to a conversation-based interview, the selection process might include some observations of you in the classroom to see how you interact with children.
This could include being given an activity on a given topic with a small group of children or performing a whole class activity such as reading a story. Depending on the school and your experience it might also include a written task to assess your written level English and your understanding of the role.
If you have secured your interview through Inspiring Teaching, your consultant will be supporting you every step of the way and can help brief you on the details about the school and role. If you are still waiting to secure an interview, the team at Inspiring Teaching share your passion for teaching and currently have lots of exciting roles on our books so speak to us today.