17 Substitute Paraprofessional Interview Questions and Answers

A substitute paraprofessional fills in for regular teachers when they’re absent from the classroom. They work with students who have special needs and help them with their educational goals.

If you’re looking for a job in this field, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. During your interview, you may be asked questions about your experience working with students who have special needs. You may also be asked questions about your experience working with teachers and how you would handle different classroom situations.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve put together a list of questions and answers that you may be asked.

Are you comfortable working with students who have special needs?

Substitute paraprofessionals often work with students who have special needs. The interviewer wants to know if you are comfortable working with these students and how you plan to support them in the classroom. Use your answer to highlight any experience you have working with special-needs students.

Example: “I’ve worked as a substitute teacher for five years, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different types of students. In my last position, I was assigned to a class that included several students with special needs. I spoke with the regular teacher about what they expected from me when it came to supporting their students. I learned some techniques to help students with sensory issues and other challenges. I also asked the teacher which students needed extra attention or accommodations.”

What are some of the subjects you have experience teaching as a substitute?

Substitute teachers often need to be able to teach a variety of subjects. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching experience and skills. In your answer, try to include the subjects you have taught in the past and what level of education they were at.

Example: “In my last position as a substitute teacher, I worked with students from kindergarten through eighth grade. I am comfortable working with all age groups and levels of learning. I find that being flexible is important when working with different types of students. For example, I might use one lesson plan for a group of younger students and then adapt it for older students.”

How would you handle a classroom full of students who don’t know you and don’t want to be there?

Substitute teachers often have to work with students who don’t want to be in their class. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle this situation and if you can still maintain control of the classroom. Your answer should show that you are confident, but also empathetic.

Example: “I would first try to make them feel comfortable by introducing myself and explaining what we will be doing for the day. I would then take a few minutes at the beginning of each class period to get to know my students and ask them questions about themselves. This helps me learn more about them so I can relate to them better when they are having a bad day or just need someone to talk to.”

What is your process for getting to know your students and their needs?

Substitute paraprofessionals need to be able to quickly assess the needs of their students and develop strategies for helping them succeed. Interviewers want to know that you have a plan in place for getting to know your students as soon as you walk into the classroom.

Example: “I always try to arrive at least 15 minutes before my scheduled start time so I can meet with the teacher and get an idea of what they’re covering in class that day. Then, I introduce myself to the students and explain that I’m going to be working with them for the rest of the day. I also let them know that if they ever need anything or have any questions, they should feel free to ask me.”

Provide an example of a time you had to step in to teach a lesson you were unfamiliar with.

Substitute teachers often have to fill in for a variety of classes, and the interviewer wants to make sure you can handle any situation that arises. Use your answer to highlight your adaptability and willingness to learn new things.

Example: “When I was substitute teaching for an elementary school class, one of my students asked me what a ‘bunny’ was. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him to describe it further. He told me it was like a small horse with long ears. I realized he was describing a rabbit, so I pulled up some pictures on my phone and showed them to the class. They were able to identify the animal from the description.”

If a student is misbehaving, what is your strategy for handling the situation?

Substitute paraprofessionals are often responsible for managing student behavior. Employers ask this question to make sure you have strategies that can help students learn and behave appropriately in the classroom. In your answer, explain how you plan to handle a challenging situation with a student. Explain what steps you would take to ensure the safety of all students while also maintaining control of the classroom.

Example: “I understand that it is my responsibility to maintain order in the classroom. If I notice a student misbehaving, I will first try to get their attention by speaking to them calmly. If they continue to act out, I will remove them from the classroom so they cannot distract other students. Once they are alone, I will speak to them about their behavior and give them consequences for acting out.”

What would you do if you were assigned to teach a subject you had no experience with?

Substitute teachers often have to cover classes they’re unfamiliar with. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle unexpected situations like these. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to prepare yourself for the class. Show that you are willing to learn and develop new skills.

Example: “I’ve been a substitute teacher for five years now, so I’ve had my fair share of teaching subjects I’m not familiar with. When I first started out as a substitute, I was nervous about covering classes I hadn’t taught before. However, I quickly learned that it’s important to be prepared for anything. Now, when I am assigned to teach a subject I haven’t covered before, I do some research on the topic. I also talk to other teachers who may have experience with the subject.”

How well do you work with other teachers and staff members?

Substitute teachers often work with other staff members, including regular classroom teachers and administrators. Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you might fit in at their school. To answer this question, think of a time when you worked well with others on a project or task. Share what made the experience successful and highlight any specific skills you have that helped make it so.

Example: “I’ve found that I am quite good at working with others. In my last position, I was regularly called upon to help out in classrooms where there were multiple substitute teachers. I always tried to communicate clearly with the teacher before entering the room and would offer assistance if they needed anything. This led to many positive experiences where we all got along well and supported each other.”

Do you have experience working with students with disabilities?

Substitute paraprofessionals often work with students who have disabilities, and the interviewer wants to know if you’re comfortable working with these students. If you do have experience working with special needs students, describe your approach in detail. If you don’t have experience, explain that you are willing to learn how to support these students.

Example: “I worked as a substitute teacher for five years at an elementary school where I had the opportunity to work with many students with disabilities. In my experience, it’s important to be patient and understanding when working with these students. I always made sure to communicate clearly what I expected from them and praise their efforts when appropriate.”

When is it appropriate to call a student’s parent?

Substitute paraprofessionals often need to communicate with parents about their child’s progress and behavior. Employers want to know that you can handle these conversations professionally, so they may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure you are respectful of the parent while also ensuring you provide them with important information.

Example: “I always call a student’s parent if I notice any concerning behaviors or changes in their performance. For example, if a student is having trouble completing an assignment, I will let the parent know right away. This way, they have time to help their child before it becomes a problem. If there are no concerns, I will still check in with the parent at least once per day. I find that regular communication helps build trust between me and the family.”

We want to promote a positive learning environment. How would you encourage students to behave appropriately?

Substitute paraprofessionals are responsible for maintaining a positive learning environment. Employers ask this question to make sure you have strategies that can help students behave appropriately in the classroom. In your answer, explain how you would encourage students to be respectful and kind to one another. Share some techniques you use to keep students focused on their work.

Example: “I believe it’s important to create a positive learning environment where students feel safe and comfortable. I find that when students feel respected, they’re more likely to respect others. To promote a positive learning environment, I try to get to know each student as an individual. I also give them plenty of praise when they do something right. This helps students feel confident and proud of themselves.”

Describe your teaching style.

Substitute paraprofessionals need to be able to adapt their teaching style to the needs of each student. This question helps an interviewer determine if you have experience working with a variety of students and can adjust your approach accordingly. In your answer, describe how you plan lessons and interact with students in the classroom.

Example: “I believe that every child learns differently, so I try to create lesson plans that are engaging for all types of learners. For example, when I taught fifth grade math, I would start class by asking students what they already knew about the topic we were studying. Then, I would explain new concepts using examples from real-world situations. I also always made sure to give extra help to any students who needed it.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. Before you answer, think about what makes you a good candidate and how those skills relate to the position. You can also use this time to highlight any unique or special skills that make you stand out from other candidates.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate because of my experience working with students in a classroom setting. I have worked as a substitute teacher for five years now, so I know what it takes to keep students engaged and focused on their work. I also understand the importance of following school policies and procedures, which is why I always arrive early and stay late when needed.”

Which teaching methods do you prefer to avoid?

Substitute teachers often have to use a variety of teaching methods. The interviewer wants to know if you are flexible and willing to try new approaches when needed. Your answer should show that you can adapt to different situations and learn from your mistakes.

Example: “I prefer hands-on learning over lectures, but I understand the importance of both in education. When I first started teaching, I relied too much on lecturing because it was easier than finding other ways to engage students. However, after some trial and error, I learned how to incorporate more active learning into my lessons. Now, I find that students retain information better when they participate.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a substitute teacher to have?

Substitute teachers are often called upon to fill in for a variety of classes and grade levels. The interviewer wants to know that you have the skills necessary to be successful in their school district. Use your answer to highlight one or two specific skills that you feel are important for substitute teaching.

Example: “I think the most important skill for a substitute teacher is flexibility. I’ve worked with many different students, teachers and administrators over my career, so I understand that things can change quickly. It’s important to me that I am able to adapt to these changes and provide an effective learning environment for students.”

How often do you think a substitute should visit a classroom?

Substitute teachers often work with students who have already formed relationships with their regular teacher. The interviewer wants to know how you plan to ensure your substitute presence doesn’t disrupt the classroom’s learning environment. In your answer, explain that you will visit each class at least once a day and try to spend as much time in the classroom as possible.

Example: “I think it is important for me to be present in the classroom every day I am working. Students form strong bonds with their regular teacher, so I want them to feel comfortable talking to me about anything they are learning. I also believe that my presence can help keep disruptions to a minimum because students know I’m there if they need me.”

There is a miscommunication between the regular teacher and the substitute. How do you handle it?

Substitutes often work with regular teachers and other staff members. Employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate effectively with others. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation in a professional way. Show that you are willing to collaborate with others and solve problems together.

Example: “I have had this happen before. I try my best to stay out of the communication between the teacher and substitute. However, if there is an issue, I will speak up and let them know that I am here to help. If it’s something I can fix, I will do so immediately. Otherwise, I will wait until the end of the day to discuss it with the regular teacher.”