INTERVIEW for a TA job - What are they going to ask?

[mrspink27]

Have an interview for a teacher assistant role, I really need this job! I dont want to mess up the interview - also they are observing me for a 35 minute lesson to see how I behave in a classroom. Any suggestions gratefully received! What are they going to ask me?

I just got a new job as a Senior TA, level 3, a couple of weeks ago.

I had 15 min guided reading task with 4 Y2 cildren. I just made sure I involved them all, got down to their level to dead with them, clarified things, used their names, was friendly and myself really.

Interview questions I was asked:

• tell me about yourself and career to date
• any interests and hobbies, and how they could be of use within school setting
• how to deal with a child telling you ensitive info (child protection issues)
• tell me about a first aid emergency you have had to deal with; hypothetical scenario if not occured
• current job - how can skills and capabilities be applied to job
• how to encourage reluctant learner
• how t build relationship with class teahcer

Will think if I can remember any more. Interview lastsed about 40 mins. Was with Head, deputy and a governor.

How many hours a week hulababy? Is this a complete change from what you were doing, or are you doing this as well? Is it in dd's school or somewhere else? Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks Hulababy - were you a teacher in a former life? I think I have read that somewhere.... I am a primary teacher but cant face the thought of all tha responsibility again and the huge commitment especially while the DDs are still young... ironinc thing is I am already doing the job as I did some supply work for the school last year and they asked me to cover after one of the TAs resigned before half term. I'll continue to cover until they appoint someone. They are interviewing 4 ( including me ) and I am not confident that they will offer me the job... which is very sad really. Thanks for the example questions.. I'll have a think about my answers!

Take some labels in with you when you have your observation and get the children you are working with to write their names on them and wear them... that way you know the children's names and immediately have a better working relationship with them.

Definately think about how you would work as part of a team; with teachers and TAs:

They will be looking for someone who is creative: putting up displays, making props for a play etc and who can be proactive; solve problems as they come up, do things without being told to (once you have been trained, of course!)
You need to highlight that you are approachable; many children prefer to go to a ta with issues rather than a teacher as a ta does not seem so much of an authority figure IYSWIM

Hope it goes well

dh is Chair of Govs and is involved in staff recruitment. He's always surprised at how much knowledge is expected from TAs at interview on the NC, changes to NC, relevant age-level expectations, etc.

Round here competition for primary TA jobs is very steep. I hope it goes very well for you.

I think one big issue might be (as someone with QTS) to put across that you are committed to being a TA, and your reasons for doing so, rather than just fancy doing it for a year or so and see how it goes.

Thanks Roisin - that had crossed my mind... especially as they have used me for supply in the past - I guess I know what I would look for in a TA who was supporting me, and I have tried to work that way for the 2 teachers I have been supporting. I already know all the KS1 children as have worked in the classes, or they are in the DDs classes so no problem with names.

roisin - 21.5 hours, every morning. 1.5 hours of it is 3 early morning study support groups with parents and pupils, working as the coordinator for it. Going to be finishing at the prison in Dec to start this in Jan. Not at DD's school, but only 10 mins away from home. Love being in class with the little ones (will be Y1 or Y2) but don't want the workload or stress of a teaching role anymore.

Mrspink - yes I was a secondary school teacher for 9 years, and then been working in prison ed for last 3y. One of things they may ask is why you want a TA post rather than a teaching one, and how you feel your exp as a teacher will help in a TA role.

I found the school were really interested and very excited about the fact that I was so well qualified for the TA role. I think they were more excited about me accepting, than I was about being offered, lol. I was a bit shell shocked TBH as first interview in years!

And I don't need any further TA type training, my teaching degree is more than ample.

That's fantastic Hula! I hope you really enjoy it and find it low-stress.

Thanks. Looking forward to it lots now

Well... been for interview - think it was a bit of a setup actually for various reasons... but will wait and see.

That sounds rather worrying mrspink...?

Oh no, good luck anyway. Was there an internal candidiate?

Well.. because I have done supply at the school I am known amonogst the staff and when the TA resigned, they asked me if I would cover her hours. So I have been doing the job in effect, temporarily, for the last 3 weeks. Bit farcical at the interview, when the head hadnt even realised that I was doing the job now... Actually I was seriously taken aback by this and thinks its a bit disgraceful. Laughable when he was talking about an immediate start and I said yes... tomorrow! ( as that's one of my days to cover ). To explain its a large ish prep school with very definite pre prep and prep schools - but you would have thought that the head of pre prep might have briefed him! SHe was also in the room!

Other candidates... a TA already working higher up the school, a mother from school and an ex teacher who just happens to be a friend of another teacher in the school. Feel a bit like they have taken advantage of my kindness by saying I would cover... observation wasnt really either - it was just going into a class and playing a game, observed by the teacher I have been working with for the last 3 weeks.... No phone call as yet... might be a very uncomfortable situation when I pitch up in the morning! They did ask whether I would get frustrated being a mere TA when I am obviously qualified to teach - so thanks for the warning on that one! WIll keep you posted... I am not overly optimistic - feel a bit gutted about the whole thing.... dont think I am explaining my feelings very well - so I apologise if that's the case!

I agree. It is bad that the Head didn't know you and your current role!

I am helping out voluntarily in DD's prep school - in pre-prp. Also two very definite dividions between prep and preprep. But, even though I am only in voluntary and PT, and only in a TA role, the Head is very aware of who I am and what I do. would expect this in any school.

Its a difficult time for the head as he is still new in the role and has managed to alienate a proportion of the staff...I have very mixed feelings about the whole process which is why I dont think I am making much sense!

Did you hear?