Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant | Explore careers (2023)

FAQs

What are the key questions in SEN Ta interview? ›

Being a SEN Teaching Assistant Interview Questions

How will your skills/experience/attitude, benefit the learners that you support? What qualities would make you a successful SEN Teaching Assistant? How will you adapt your approach to meet the differing needs of your students?

Job Purpose

To encourage the participation of pupils in the social and academic processes of the school, and enable pupils to become more independent learners. To undertake work/care/support programmes to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.

Model Answer:

“As well as being hardworking, approachable and good with children, I have a number of qualities which I could bring to the Teaching Assistant role. I am an extremely patient person and I am willing to spend as much time working on one subject, word or calculation as a child needs.

Talk about what you know already and ask about the school's philosophy on special education, the type of support that is available for teachers, and what the expectations are for the position. How Would You Contribute to Making the School a Safer Environment for Children?

Assistance with clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene. Assisting on out-of-school visits, walks and similar activities. Assisting teachers in the supervision of children with special needs during assembly, recreational and dispersal periods.

Special needs assistants (SNAs) play an important role in assisting the teacher to support students with special educational needs who have significant care needs. They are allocated to the school and work under the direction of the principal/teachers.

Example: "I think I'm the best candidate for this role because I have proven experience working with children of different ages and with different backgrounds. That experience has helped me develop my teaching skills and hone my ability to employ a variety of different instructional methods.

What are your strengths as a teaching assistant? ›

Enthusiasm and Passion go a long way

A great teaching assistant will have a passion for working with and developing children, whether that be in early years, SEN or mainstream primary and secondary. An energetic approach will create an exciting atmosphere in the classroom, encouraging students to want to learn.

Working in SEN schools allow you to have a fulfilling career due to the positive impact you have on students and their families lives. Not only will you feel fulfilled but you will also benefit from job security and career progression opportunities with life-long learning.

Special education's person-centered approach makes the job as varied and unique as the individual students. Both compassion and creativity are at a premium in this field, which sometimes makes special education more challenging — but it also makes the career deeply rewarding.

For passionate, caring, and dedicated people, working with kids with disability or learning difficulties can be one of the most rewarding careers out there. Every day, you can go home from work knowing you're making a real difference in people's lives. And you can see the positive changes first-hand.

They should have an open mind with a degree of empathy. Be a team member, have a sense of self-confidence. Be resilient and have a sense of humour!”

Communication and Interpersonal Skills • Is an excellent communicator who is able to motivate, encourage and instil confidence. Has the ability to quickly build rapport. Is respectful and displays high emotional intelligence. Is resilient, has patience and energy to persevere.

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could: plan and teach lessons, work with small groups and individual students. prepare teaching materials, take registers and write reports. help students develop confidence, independence and encourage them to learn.

How can I be a good Special Assistant? ›

An early career Special Education Assistant with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of €10.50 based on 13 salaries.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: “I am a professional, studious and supportive employee who always works hard to achieve the daily tasks and duties that are put in front of me. I am very passionate about education and have been working towards becoming a Teaching Assistant for a number of years now.

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

Keep it Positive and Professional

Don't focus on how much you dislike your old school, or really negative things that may have happened in your life thus far. Instead, focus on who you are today, why you are passionate about education, and where you are hoping to end up in the future.

For starters, I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I'm confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. It's not just my background in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, but also my passion for the industry that drives me to succeed.

Challenging Pupil Behaviour

As a teaching assistant, often, you'll be expected to work closely with the most challenging pupils – and dealing with children pushing boundaries, or displaying negative or extreme behaviour all day can take its toll!

What is the most important role of a teaching assistant? ›

They help with preparation. Teaching Assistants work with teachers to plan and prepare learning resources and map out strategies for pupils who are struggling. They may also lend a hand with admin work and keeping the learning space clean and tidy.

Special education teachers typically do the following: Assess students' skills and determine their educational needs. Adapt general lessons to meet students' needs. Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student.

Special education teachers should always motivate their students and appreciate every achievement of the students. They should always look at the problems from a student's perspective to remain calm and optimistic. The teacher's dedication to the betterment of the students serves as a huge confidence builder for them.

The key to inclusive special education programs is understanding and accepting students for who they are. This means not just helping them overcome their weaknesses but assisting them in finding and developing their talents too.

You want a meaningful career helping people from all walks of life. As a disability support worker, you have the chance to help people directly. Beyond assisting with the basics like showering, preparing meals and grocery shopping, you'll also provide companionship and emotional support.

Job Purpose

To encourage the participation of pupils in the social and academic processes of the school, and enable pupils to become more independent learners. To undertake work/care/support programmes to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.

What questions are asked in a special education teacher interview? ›

Special education teachers should always motivate their students and appreciate every achievement of the students. They should always look at the problems from a student's perspective to remain calm and optimistic. The teacher's dedication to the betterment of the students serves as a huge confidence builder for them.