Brooke Hurley

EA 754
May 21, 2014

Interview Questions:
Paraprofessional position for students with disabilities/autism

Question #1:

Please share with us your educational background and specific training in regards to students
with disabilities/autism.

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the candidate has two or more years of higher educational experience
(minimum of an Associates degree), which is required for the job. To see if the candidate has
any additional training specifically related to the job description.

Deeper Question:

Tell us about what specific training you have had that directly relates to students with
disabilities/autism.

Question #2:

Tell us about your perception of the responsibilities of a paraprofessional who helps with the
needs of students with disabilities/autism?

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the paraprofessional understands that they are under the direction of the
teaching staff. To see if the paraprofessional is a team player, and if they are willing to take on
additional responsibilities other than what is required of them. To have knowledge of IEP
goals/objectives.

Deeper Question:

What specific responsibilities have you taken on as a paraprofessional?

Question #3:

Tell us your experiences that you have had with the parents/families of students with
disabilities/autism.




Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the candidate has established any relationships with parents. To ensure
that not too much information is offered to parents/families without the consent of the assigned
teacher.

Deeper Question:

Tell us some things you can do as a paraprofessional to build a solid relationship with the
parents/families of the students that you are assigned to.

Question #4:

If you were outside doing playground duty and one of your students got hurt with a bloody nose,
what precautions would you take to maintain safety for all?

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the candidate has knowledge of first aid, and when to get additional help.
To see if the person would ensure that the supervising teacher is aware of the situation.

Deeper Question:

Tell us about a specific time someone in your care got hurt, and the steps you took to ensure
proper safety was adhered to.

Question #5:

Students with disabilities/autism often exhibit inappropriate behaviors. How would you attempt
to alleviate these behaviors?

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the paraprofessional is aware of BIPS (Behavior Intervention Plans) and
that it is their responsibility to follow the plans. If the candidate is aware that students with
autism have sensory issues and that the behavior might be related to their sensory needs. To see
if the candidate would observe and report the behaviors to the supervising teacher.

Deeper Question:

What specific inappropriate behaviors have you witnessed and how did you handle the situation?




Question #6:

Tell us about your role in developing curriculum, and modifying learning programs to meet the
needs of individuals and groups of children with disabilities/autism.

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the paraprofessional implements plans developed by the teacher and
carries out the teachers plans, and assists the teacher when appropriate. If candidate monitors
student progress in educational programs and relates findings to supervising teacher.

Deeper Question:

Tell us about a system you would use to monitor the progress of students, and how often would
you relate these findings to the supervising teacher.

Question #7:

Can you tell us about your experience with mainstreaming students with disabilities/autism?

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the paraprofessional ensures that the students IEPs goals/objectives are
being met in all classroom settings. To see if the candidate can make accommodations and
adaptations as needed for all students, and to build a positive relationship with the mainstream
teacher.

Deeper Question:

Tell us about some of the ways would you could build a positive relationship with the
mainstream teacher you are assigned to.

Question #8:

Can you tell us about the purpose of using assessments and
collecting data for students with disabilities/autism, and what the paraprofessionals specific role
is in these assessments?

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the candidate has an overall knowledge of assessments and data collection
and that they are used to assess a learners strengths and needs. To see if the candidate has
knowledge about the different types of data collection and/or assessments used for children with
disabilities/autism. To understand that they are under the direction of the teacher to collect data
and monitor progress.

Deeper Question:

Tell us about the kinds of assessments and data collection tools that
you have experience with.

Question #9:

Tell us about how you would handle questions and/or inappropriate comments about students
with disabilities/autism?

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the candidate has an understanding and is empathetic towards those with
disabilities. To see if the person avoids stereotypes and the ability to redirect questions in a more
positive direction.

Deeper Question:

Tell us about the types of things you could do to increase awareness for students with
disabilities/autism.

Question #10:

Tell us your definition of teamwork and why it is beneficial within a school setting.

Rationale:

Interested in seeing if the candidate understands that teamwork is beneficial not only to the staff
involved, but also the students.

Deeper Question:

Tell us about a team that you have been a part of and your role on that team.