I need help, I am applying for a sped position, what can I expect in the interview, what do they want to hear?

Question

I have my degree in Special Ed., and am half way through my master's in EBD, but I have never had a job with the district. (Health issues) I have completed my student teaching, subbed, and worked on many case studies. Anyway, I am older, 40+ and just put in my applications, what should I expect in the interview process? I am scared!

Answer 1

Questions i remember from my last interview ....
1. What is the most important part of a lesson plan?
2. What are some things you want to know about students before working with them?
3. What are some strategies that you use with children to help them learn?
4. If you notice that a child isn't making any gains, what do you do?
5. What are some character traits that you posess that will help you get along with co-workers, regular education teachers and parents?
6. what are some extra-curricular services you would be willing to provide for the district, with or without compensation? (Clubs)
7. What are some experiences you have had working with students with special needs? What were negative experiences and what did you learn or what would you change?
8. What strategies do you use when disciplining children with behavior disorders (emotionally disturbed) (autistic)?
9. What are your strengths as a teacher?
10. What are your weaknesses? (and we all have them so be prepared to say something...)


** Things they want to hear.. They want to know that you are someone who will go beyond the "classtime" to help your students either academically or socially, including attending after school activities, sponsoring clubs to get your students involved with the entire school system. They want to feel your genuine concern of the success of your students. They want to know that you are aware of grade level expectations and many ways to help your students reach for these expectations. They want to know you are familiar with making and using lesson plans. They want to feel as though your enthusiasm for teaching is contagious. They want to know that you are flexible in teaching styles as well as working and compromising with other staff members. (This is very important at all levels) Most of all they want to know YOU and how YOU truly feel. It is good to be prepared, but try not to sound to rehearsed.
Good luck... smile...make eye contact...

Answer 2

First of all you aren't applying for a sped position. You are applying for a postion in special education. In your interview they will ask you questions regarding your education, why you are interested in this field, about your patience and your physical ability. You have to have tremendous patience in this field. You also have to be physically able to handle situations. If you will be working with children who have autism or other disorders they can challenge you and need restrained. You have to be strong enough to get them under control quickly and also know what you are doing so that you don't hurt them. Working on case studied, student teaching and subbing are alot different than actually having your own class. Good Luck to you.

Answer 3

You can be sure, one way or another, that you will be asked why you want to teach kids with special needs. Make sure you have a sincere answer that demonstrates your enthusiam. I recently had a student teacher, nearly 40 years old, who blew an interview on that question. Instead of saying something like, "I love working with kids. I truly believe that every child, no matter what his or her developmental or behavioral needs are, can learn the skills needed to become a successful adult. During my student teaching, I loved it when I saw a child begin to think of himself as a reader, or to be responsible for making appropriate choices, or....." You get the picture. Instead, my student teacher (bless her unemployed little heart) responded that she wanted to be a teacher because "I'm tired of being a bookkeeper." One of the primary strengths of a new teacher is enthusiasm - make sure you demonstrate it!

Also, you will likely be asked questions that address your ability to work effectively as part of a team, so think about not only working with other professionals (speech and language, therapists of various sorts) but also with the parents of the students. Also think about interacting with classroom or behavioral assistants (how you can be a team leader but understand that each member of the team has particular strengths and gifts, and how that could come into play in the classroom.)

You may be asked questions about particular curriculums, and of course you won't know them all. If you don't, it's OK to say that you aren't familiar with some particular thing, but that you are eager to learn and would be very happy to have the opportunity to participate in any available trainings.

Age should not be mentioned in the interview, but I would certainly make casual reference to some of the benefits of being mature and having some life experience. That can be especially helpful when you are working with kids who have a high likelihood of acting out behaviorally. One of the things we learn as we mature is that learning is a process, and that a difficult moment (or day) may be followed by the best day ever, so it's a little easier to get through the difficult days.

When you have the opportunity to give a short example from your experience to illustrate a point, that can be a plus. It can be a difficult time and what you learned from it, or something wonderful that happened and what you learned from that. Make sure, of course, that you don't use the names of any students.

Know the basics about IEPs. Be able to talk about creating a positive classroom environment. Be able to discuss behavior plans.

The main thing, though, is to convey your enthusiasm, your love of teaching and of children, especially children with special needs, and your eagerness to teach.

Answer 4

In the interviewing process you will expect them to ask about your philosophy of education. Why did you get into this field? Be prepared by writing it out and practicing what your truly feel before the interview.
Bring examples of lesson plans/ ideas you have used, and other ideas that you have been successful with.
Dress professionally and comfortably for the interview. Sometimes I interview for an hour or more. Nothing worse then seeing a candidate tugging at their tie or pulling on their skirt because they are are not comfortable in their clothing.
And finally, check with the university you are with for interviewing questions. Good luck! We need more and more qualified, enthusiastic special education teachers.

Answer 5

A agree with the previous responder....the term sped isn't appropriate.

As for the interview....you need to have a strong philosophy of education. Know methods of classroom management, structure, and differentiated instruction.

Special education teachers need to be the case manager in many situations. You need to be able to have good social skills and a professional manner in dealing with other profesionals (OT, Speech, PT, regular education teachers, administrators) and parents.

You need to know the following terms and what they mean: IDIEA (individuals with disabilities improved educational act), LRE (least restrictive environment), FAPE (free and appropriate education), IEP, ESY (extended school year), and SDI (specialy designed instruction). Make yourself familiar with these terms because they are big special education buzz words. Also know how to write a measureable goal. In my interview, I was asked how I could incorporate my philosophy of education with the standards set by No Child Left Behind.

Don't worry about your age. Many school districts are looking for mature teachers! You might even have an advantage. Don't be scared. You are highly educated and qualified to be a teacher. Believe in yourself and let them see that you would be an asset to their school district.

Good luck to you!

Answer 6

Well I would wear at least something that is from their store,like instead of the lacy white cami wear a hollister cami

Answer 7

http://www.monster.com
has many answers to interview questions. It should be a good start!
Good Luck and Happy New Year!
Enthusiasm is the best answer!

Answer 8

im no expert...but i'd say the term sped is probably not what they are looking for...