Answers to Teacher Interview Questions for Special Education
It’s interesting to me how teacher interview questions for special education can be different from regular education job interviews. Let’s be honest though, the jobs can be different in so many ways. Schools want to be sure that they are finding the right individual. It is important that you find a good fit as well!
In this blog, I will take you behind the scenes where I answer the teacher interview questions for special education that I was asked. These questions are also ones that I’m seeing asked as I work on my administration certification and been in more teacher interviews. And I’m giving you the answers that I feel helped me get the job or helped that individual we interviewed. If you want to read more about general tips for job interviews you can find that in this blog too. Let’s dive in!
Teacher Interview Question for Special Education #1
How will you set up your classroom with students and staff in mind?
This first question literally takes my brain in one thousand directions. It’s definitely not a question that you want to be stumbling on your answer. I feel like a lot of schools look for some of the latest trends in education and buzz words in your answer. This shows that you are on top of what’s working in education right now, and schools are looking for teachers that know that. They also want to know how your classroom would perhaps differ from others, especially in the special education realm.
My answer would be something like this:
First, I would look at the physical layout of the classroom so students and staff can move easily around. The room should be inviting, and also have functional items on the walls that will support student learning. Materials are organized and accessible to students and staff to promote independence. I believe that having a set structure and routine in my classroom is important. I would have a class schedule visible for everyone. This includes individual schedules as students or staff so everyone knows what is expected.
Secondly, the staff has workspaces for interacting with the students that are organized with materials for taking data close by. Lastly, I would have different areas of the room dedicated to whole group learning, independent work, and small group opportunities. Another feature I believe in having is an area for students to take breaks from their work that is functional and supportive.
Teacher Interview Question for Special Education #2
How will you collaborate with families and maintain positive relationships?
This is such a hot topic in schools right now. It’s probably the number two teacher interview question for special education. Interactions with families that are meaningful and supportive are key. Schools are expecting teachers more and more to make an effort to work with families and I love this! It can also be time-consuming for teachers so being sure you have ways that work to achieve that goal is important.
My answer would be something like this:
Integrating families into the classroom is something that is very important to me. Students are more likely to succeed in the classroom when they have all the members of their team working together. I find that building relationships with the families is just as important as building them with my students.
First, I determine the best means of communication (phone calls, texts, emails, classroom newsletters, etc.) with families early in the school year. Make sure to be consistent in contacting families to report progress and other information. I strongly believe that families need to know not just when there is a problem but when something good is happening too. By creating a routine for communication we are creating a team atmosphere that will be beneficial throughout the entire year.
When we create an open line of communication with families early on and continue it throughout the year we can put in the work that will help in IEP meetings, conferences, etc. Ultimately, I have found that when families know how their child is doing in school and there aren’t any surprises we can focus on doing the things that will help them to make progress in the future.
Teacher Interview Question #3
What systems do you use to complete special education paperwork and take data?
Again, this is another question that you could go in many different directions. This is probably one of the more popular teacher interview questions for special education. Most schools are looking for teachers that know how to write IEPS, how to stay organized, and also, use data to drive their instruction. Most importantly, talk about your process for writing IEPs, how you include the team in that process, and what your structure and systems are for taking data.
My answer would be something like:
Typically, at the beginning of the year, I will compile the documents that are coming due. I like to add the dates to a calendar and add notifications to ensure I complete them on time.
Next, I read through the documents to better understand the students that I will be working with that year. I can get a lot of valuable information from the IEP that can help me set up my classroom and come up with data systems. There is one station in my classroom that is dedicated to taking data on students’ goals if possible. I find it valuable to include paraprofessionals and classroom staff in this process. It gives them a sense of purpose and shows the value of supporting students in the classroom.
Next, I come up with the materials I will use to assess the IEP goals. This includes the system to collect the data. In the past, I have done both paper and pencil and digital data collection.
Finally, once the system is in place and data is being collected I check on the data regularly. I will input it into the right documents to see if progress is being made on goals. This is the most crucial part of the process to stay on top of to help students in making progress. I report it to families in progress reports and in IEP meetings.
Teacher Interview Question for Special Education #4
How do you handle conflict in the classroom?
This is very commonly asked in special education interviews. Initially, I think of this as what would you do when a student is being difficult or behaving inappropriately but, this can also refer to handling staff, related service providers on the IEP team, and working with families. I suggest trying to touch a little on each of these in your answer. Schools want to know that you’re confident in your abilities to put out fires wherever they may be.
My answer would be something like:
It is inevitable that at some point conflict will occur in the classroom. When this happens with a student I will have been proactive and had a system in place for the whole class and perhaps that individual student to support them. This might be a behavior management system or a structured behavior plan that is incorporated into the IEP. Similarly, I believe in being consistent with the routine, structure, and also consequences when dealing with conflict with students. This builds respect and rapport, which can ultimately decrease the instances of conflicts with students.
If this were to happen with the staff in my classroom I would first choose to address it out of the vicinity of the students in the classroom. This might mean that we have to pause the situation with the staff and continue our job in the classroom working with students. Then at a later time address it with the staff involved to determine a resolution to the conflict. If as a team in the classroom we could not resolve it I would then reach out to my direct supervisor to assist with the situation. Having a strong team of adults in the classroom that work together as a team is imperative to student success. Building positive relationships with the staff is just as important as the students.
Teacher Interview Question #5
What will we miss out on if we don’t hire you?
If you get asked this teacher interview questions for special education, consider yourself a jackpot winner. This question allows you to sell yourself in all the ways that you haven’t talked about yet in the interview. Try not to repeat things you’ve already mentioned in the other questions that have been asked. Talk about the things you wished they asked you about and really sell yourself. It might feel weird but they aren’t going to know about the amazing things you’ve done if you don’t mention them.
My answer would be something like:
If you don’t hire me, you will miss out on a passionate, organized, communicative, and flexible educator. I feel that I am a person that can easily roll and adapted to changes when they happen. I also love to have a plan, and usually a backup for that plan just in case things don’t work out. This might mean a backup schedule, an extra set of worksheets if the lesson is short, or a system for handling unexpected situations in the classroom.
Something I am really passionate about is providing my students with interactive and differentiated instruction to meet their needs. Every student deserves the education that will support them so they can grow and progress. I love trying to figure out a method that can help the most difficult learners. I love the challenge that comes with helping a student succeed no matter what the obstacle is.
Let’s Wrap Things Up!
Finally and that’s a wrap! I hope this blog post helped you with teacher interview questions for special education. If you could use more information about interviewing I suggest checking out Ashley at Spedtaculardays Blog! In conclusion, it’s not always easy to interview but, I do think if you can be prepared for what you will be asked you are working in the right direction!
