When hiring a paraprofessional, it is important to understand their experience and philosophy. These interview questions will help you.
Effective interviewing is essential to finding the right paraprofessional to join your special education classroom. By asking the right questions during the interview process, you can ensure they are the best fit for your class and bring the skills and experience you need.
This article provides advice on what interview questions to ask when looking for a paraprofessional to join their team.
35 of the best para-interview questions
While not all of the questions below may be appropriate for your school, they can easily be adapted to your situation.
Choose interview questions that you believe will best understand the person applying for the position.
Question 1
If you disagree with something the teacher is doing, how do you resolve the issue?
question 2
How do you resolve conflicts with co-workers?
Question 3
What do you think is your role as a paraprofessional in a life skills classroom?
Question 4
Can you start each day by giving each student a clean slate and not holding on to what happened yesterday?
Question 5
Can you run in case of escape?
Question 6
Do you know how to work without having your phone out for personal reasons?
Question 7
How do you feel about changing diapers and helping students use the toilet?
Question 8
What are your thoughts on student feeding and tube feeding?
Question 9
Situational questions like: If Stephanie was upset because she couldn’t finish her work and it was time for you to work with her, what would you do?
Question 10
Are you willing to pick up (can pick up)?
Question 11
In your opinion, how important is the attendance of adults in a special classroom?
Question 12
Can you chase and redirect students without picking them up?
Question 13
Are you comfortable using the radio to call for help?
Question 14
We are mandated reporters, would you be able to report potential abuse or neglect issues?
Question 15
Why do you think it is important to teach life skills?
Question 16
What do you do when you’re angry?
Question 17
How satisfied are you with technology?
Question 18
What is the biggest attraction of working in such a class?
Question 19
What are the biggest challenges for you working in such a classroom?
Question 20
Would you describe yourself as an active person?
Question 21
How are you multitasking?
Question 22
Are you satisfied with the data collection?
Question 23
What would you say is the key to a good working relationship?
Question 24
Would you consider yourself fat?
Question 25
Why are you suitable for this position?
Question 26
Do you have the initiative to do things you think need to be done without being asked or told?
Question 27
Can you focus on the positives rather than the negatives or tell the student what to do rather than what is wrong?
Question 28
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Question 29
Can you handle kids kicking, hitting, scratching, biting, running, talking back, etc.?
Question 30
Do you know what an IEP is?
Question 31
Do you believe that all children are capable of growth and learning?
Question 32
What do you think causes children’s negative behavior? How do you correct negative behavior?
Question 33
What experience do you have in dealing with children with multiple and/or complex disabilities?
Question 34
What do you think is the most important thing a student can learn from you?
Question 35
Do you have a sense of humor?
What to look for in steam
When hiring a paraprofessional for your special education classroom, it’s important to look for someone who is patient, organized, and has the skills and experience needed to work with children with special needs.
Not everyone is a good candidate for a paragraph, and that’s okay. The above questions should help you determine how a candidate would perform in a para position.
Ideally, they should be well versed in behavior management strategies and understand developmental disorders. They should have good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals in the classroom.
Most importantly, they should be passionate about working with children with special needs and should be committed to providing them with quality education.
