Special education teachers are often on the search committee for new Paraprofessional interviews. Here are 50 interview questions you can ask a paraprofessional during an interview to assess their qualifications and skills to see if they are a good fit for the position.
Background & Experience:
- Can you tell us about your experience working in education or with children?
- Why did you choose to become a paraprofessional?
- What training or certifications do you have related to special education or paraprofessional work?
- Have you worked with students with disabilities before? If so, what types of disabilities?
- Can you describe a time when you successfully supported a student in a challenging situation?
- What age groups have you worked with, and which do you prefer to work with?
- How do you approach working with students with behavioral challenges?
- Can you share an example of how you differentiated instruction for a student with special needs?
- Have you ever had to follow an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? How do you ensure you are implementing it effectively?
- How do you stay up to date with the latest practices in special education?
Skills & Abilities:
- How do you assist teachers in the classroom with lesson planning and instruction?
- What strategies do you use to help students stay focused and engaged during lessons?
- Can you explain how you handle transitions between activities with students who struggle with change?
- How would you help a non-verbal student communicate their needs?
- What methods do you use to track and report a student’s progress?
- How comfortable are you with implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs)?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to intervene to calm a student who was upset or disruptive?
- How do you manage time between supporting the teacher and assisting students?
- How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with the teacher’s approach to a student?
- How do you ensure you’re being inclusive of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds?
Collaboration & Teamwork:
- How do you work with other paraprofessionals or support staff in a team setting?
- How do you communicate with teachers about a student’s progress or concerns?
- Have you ever worked one-on-one with a student? What was your approach?
- Can you provide an example of how you’ve collaborated with a student’s family or caregivers?
- How do you respond when a student is frustrated and isn’t responding well to the lesson?
- Have you ever been part of an IEP team meeting? What was your role?
- How do you handle feedback from teachers or administrators regarding your work?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to advocate for a student?
- How do you manage your responsibilities when you’re supporting multiple students with different needs?
- What role do you think paraprofessionals should play in a classroom setting?
Behavioral & Emotional Support:
- How do you handle students who exhibit aggressive or violent behaviors?
- What would you do if you noticed a student was consistently withdrawn or disengaged in class?
- How do you support a student who is having a meltdown or emotional outburst?
- Can you give an example of how you’ve used positive reinforcement with a student?
- How do you balance offering support while encouraging student independence?
- How do you approach building rapport with students who are resistant to help?
- How do you ensure that you’re respecting a student’s dignity while providing support?
Organizational & Instructional Support:
- How do you help the teacher manage classroom routines and daily schedules?
- Can you describe your experience using assistive technology or other educational tools?
- How do you adapt materials to make them accessible for students with different needs?
- How do you assist in keeping the classroom environment organized and conducive to learning?
- What role do you play in supporting classroom management and discipline?
- How do you manage students who need help at the same time, especially during independent work?
Personal Qualities & Fit:
- What qualities do you have that make you a good fit for this paraprofessional role?
- How do you stay patient and motivated during challenging days?
- How do you handle stress, especially when dealing with multiple demands in the classroom?
- How do you set boundaries to ensure you’re not taking on too much responsibility in the classroom?
- Can you describe a time when you had to be flexible and adapt to an unexpected change in the classroom?
- Why do you want to work at our school/district?
- What are your professional goals, and how does this paraprofessional role fit into them?
These questions will help get a well-rounded understanding of the candidate’s experience, skills, and suitability for a paraprofessional role, especially in special education.
Need interview questions for teachers? Help with prepping for your own interview? Learn more here!
