Teacher Aide Interview Questions & Guide – Victoria Dept of Education

Preparing for a teacher aide interview with the Victorian Department of Education can be a daunting task, especially when you’re unsure what to expect. Below, we outline common teacher aide interview questions (and teacher aide interview questions and answers!) and provide expert tips to help you ace your interview.

Preparing for Your Interview

In Victoria, applications for teacher aides are assessed using strict selection criteria. You will no doubt be familiar with this already, since you will have addressed this within your written application. The standard criteria are below (though sometimes these may be slightly different, depending on the school and role).

SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role.

SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.

SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level oral and written communication skills.

SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.

SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.

SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.

The selection panel will develop a set of questions based on the selection criteria, and each interview applicant will be asked these questions and then scored on their answers. Each applicant will usually be assessed on their written application, interview and referee reports.

The Selection Panel

The principal is responsible for the selection decision at each school. A selection panel of at least three people will be established as part of the interview process, this will normally include at least one other teacher aide.

Behavioural Interview Questions

Usually, teacher aide interviews will involve structured interviews with ‘behavioural questions’. These are questions which ask you to draw on your prior experience to demonstrate capability in a particular area. Behavioural questions should be based on the selection criteria, but you may be able to cover two or more selection criteria in each question.

Situational Judgement Assessments

You may be given a ‘situational judgement’ assessment question, which is when you are asked to consider a particular scenario and how you would respond.

Using the SBI/ STAR Format to Structure Your Answers

Just as you likely used the SBI/ STAR Format in your teacher aide written application, you can use it to prepare your answers in the interview, too. As a reminder, this format is:

• Situation/Task: Succinctly explain the situation you were in, and the task you needed to accomplish to provide context and motives for their actions.

• Behaviour/Action: Outline the behaviour or action you took to handle the circumstance.

• Impact/Result: Explain what the outcome was and how effective your behaviours were.

The Interview Format

Before the Interview

You will receive the interview questions 10 minutes prior to your interview, which will give you time to think about your answers. We suggest taking your resume and selection criteria answers with you, so that you can use this time to review them and make notes.

Opening the Interview

The introduction phase of the interview is designed to put you at ease. This may include:
• Introductions of the selection panel
• Briefly outlining the position and the team
• Explaining how the interview will be run, including timing, number and style of questions and the opportunity to ask questions at the end

During the Interview

You will usually be asked 5-6 questions which you will need to respond to. These will be directly based on the key selection criteria of the position. You may be asked follow-up questions after you give your initial answer.

The panel will likely be taking notes during your responses.

Closing the Interview

You may be asked if you have any questions. Remember that the interview process is also about you deciding if this opportunity is the right fit for you, so now is your chance to ask about any concerns.

Seeking Feedback

At the completion of the selection process the successful and unsuccessful applicants are to be advised of the outcome of their application. You may seek feedback on your application and interview performance from the principal or principal’s nominee on the selection panel.

30 Teacher Aide Interview Questions

Note, these questions are based on the standard teacher aide selection criteria. There are five questions per selection criterion.

SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role:

1. Describe a situation where you effectively collaborated with teachers to provide individualised support to students based on their learning needs.
2. Can you discuss a project where you took initiative in organising resources or materials to support classroom activities?
3. Give an example of how you have adapted your support strategies to accommodate changes in educational guidelines or requirements.
4. Describe your experience in providing assistance with classroom management techniques and behaviour support strategies.
5. Provide an example of how you have facilitated collaboration among teachers and other support staff to address student needs or challenges.

SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment:

1. Give an example of a successful collaboration you’ve had with teachers and other staff members to support student learning outcomes.
2. Describe a situation where you had to resolve conflicts or disagreements with colleagues while working as part of a team.
3. Can you discuss a project where you collaborated with teachers and other support staff to develop and implement innovative teaching strategies?
4. How do you ensure effective communication and cooperation among team members to achieve common goals?
5. Give an example of how you’ve contributed to team decision-making processes within the school.

SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high-level oral and written communication skills:

1. Provide examples of how you’ve effectively communicated complex information or instructions to teachers and students.
2. Describe a situation where you had to convey important information or updates to your team through written communication.
3. Can you discuss a time when you had to adapt your communication style to effectively collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds or disciplines?
4. Give examples of how you’ve used active listening skills to understand the perspectives and needs of teachers and students.
5. Can you discuss a time when you had to communicate sensitive information or provide feedback to a colleague in a professional manner?

SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position:

1. Provide examples of how you’ve used educational software or technology to support student learning in the classroom.
2. Can you discuss your experience with assisting teachers in utilising instructional materials and resources effectively?
3. Describe your familiarity with assistive technologies and accommodations for students with special needs.
4. Give examples of how you’ve supported teachers in implementing differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
5. Describe your proficiency in using educational tools and equipment, such as interactive whiteboards or learning management systems.

SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area:

1. Can you discuss a time when you provided strategic advice or recommendations to improve classroom practices or student outcomes?
2. Describe your experience in mentoring or coaching teachers in implementing effective teaching strategies or classroom management techniques.
3. Give examples of how you’ve supported school management in developing policies or procedures related to student support services.
4. Provide examples of how you’ve collaborated with teachers and school management to address student behavior or academic challenges.
5. Give examples of how you’ve assisted school management in evaluating and implementing new programs or initiatives.
6. Can you discuss a time when you had to advocate for additional resources or support services to meet the needs of students or teachers?

SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others:

1. Can you discuss a time when you pursued additional training or education to enhance your skills or knowledge in your role?
2. Describe your experience in mentoring or coaching other teacher aides or support staff to support their professional growth and development.
3. Give examples of how you’ve supported teachers in their ongoing professional development and learning.
4. Provide examples of how you’ve applied new skills or knowledge gained through professional development to your work as a teacher aide.
5. Give examples of how you’ve facilitated workshops or training sessions for teachers or support staff in your area of expertise.

Teacher Aide Interview Questions and Answers

Here’s an example teacher aide interview question and answer based on behaviour management in the classroom. Note how the interview answer is structured in the STAR format.

Describe your experience in providing assistance with classroom management techniques and behaviour support strategies.

“In my role as a teacher aide at ABC Primary School, I worked closely with a grade 3 teacher in a classroom where several students had behavioral challenges. One particular student frequently disrupted lessons with outbursts and defiance.

The teacher and I collaborated to develop and implement classroom management techniques and behavior support strategies to address the student’s disruptive behavior and maintain a positive learning environment for all students.

I conducted observations to identify triggers for the student’s behaviour, noting instances when he became agitated or disengaged.

Together with the teacher and other stakeholders, we developed a behaviour support plan tailored to the student’s needs, including visual cues, positive reinforcement strategies, and a designated calming corner. It was then up to me to implement parts of this plan.

During lessons, I provided one-on-one support to the student, offering redirection and encouragement to help him stay focused and participate in classroom activities.

I implemented proactive strategies such as incorporating movement breaks and structured routines to minimise disruptions and keep the student engaged.

I maintained consistent communication with the teacher which allowed us to adjust our approach based on the student’s progress and any changes in his behaviour.

Through our collaborative efforts, we observed a significant improvement in the student’s behaviour over time. He showed increased engagement in lessons, reduced instances of disruptive behavior, and demonstrated better self-regulation skills. The positive changes not only benefited the student but also created a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment for all students.”

Navigating a teacher aide interview with the Victorian Department of Education requires careful preparation, confidence, and a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of a teacher aide. By familiarising yourself with common teacher aide interview questions, showcasing your relevant experience and skills, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for supporting student success, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the position. Good luck!