Help! Need Advice for Job Interview (Para Educator)

It is interesting to me that having a kid in special education I have only ran into paras the years my son went to the special school districts school. So I do not have a lot of experience working with them.

Still I can tell you that what I love! about the people who work with my son, they care! It isn't faking, they really care, you can tell. So my advice to you is to relax and show how much you care. If my son's district is any example they only hire people who really want to make a difference in these children's lives.

I'm in year 15 of subbing. I started subbing because I was at the school volunteering souch and there was a shortage of subs. The principal just ask me to do the paperwork, I did and now I only sub at the school where my daughter attended k-5.

I love being in the classroom and the children. I've also subbed often for the para professionals who work closely with special needs. The children I've worked with are dear to me. I don't sub as much now due to being busy with our company but when I do get the chance to be in the classroom. It's a breath of fresh air for me, I love it. The money sucks but we all know you don't do this for the money.

Are you interviewing at the school where you volunteer? If so, this interview is just a formality. If not, just tell them why you want this job.

There's no need to bring up your personal info. You are interviewing to be a part of the school family. Your past volunteer experience and being mom helps you a lot.

Just remember... You have triplets!!! If you can manage triplets at home, you will do well with the one on one and small groups. Teachers are usually more than appreciative to have you in the classroom to assist children who need help.

You can do it and I know you'll be great!!! Keep us posted!!

I do a lot of interviewing for different positions in my office. I'm not in education, but I can tell you what I look for regardless of the specific job.
- Appearance and body language are important. Dressing professionally for the interview tells me you are taking this seriously. Don't slouch back in your chair or lean your chin on your hands. Yes, seen it happen.
- I am much more interested in why you want THIS job than why you want A job. Don't focus on getting back into the job market, focus on this specific opportunity and what it means to you.
- I want someone who believes in what we do. Know what the philosophy of the school or group is. If it aligns well with your values, tell them so. Let them know that you care about what they do and that motivates your interest in the job.
- As far as the kids... I can honestly say that I prefer to hire people with kids. I feel that any extra sick days are offset by the sense of responsibility that comes with being a parent. A job has a deeper meaning for someone who has kids. As a parent myself, I enjoy working with people who have kids. So it's not a negative in my book. I would give your experience as a parent to a special needs child a TON of weight in this interview. It may be worth the risk. And if they would refuse to hire you because of your children, are they really the people you want to work for? Will they fight you on every FMLA day? Just a thought.

Best of luck, let us know what happens!!

I am neither of those positions because I don't have the patience of a saint, but I do have a job and have had multiple interviews over the years. They will likely ask questions about how you deal with certain situations (think of things you have dealt with volunteering in school - maybe ill behaved children, messes, sick kids, etc), they will ask about your strengths and weaknesses (my weakness is my need for perfection), your work ethic, etc.

I never recommend to talk about your family or personal beliefs in a job interview. Maybe it's different for teachers working with kids, but it's still a job.

You have a huge advantage if you're a past volunteer! No, don't mention your family and it's illegal for them to ask. I would dress professionally, probably slacks and a jacket. You'll do great. If you can handle triplets...you got this. :)

no personal experience with this kind of interview, but i'd dress very professionally, and respond openly and honestly to all questions but not volunteer any information not specifically asked for. don't try to hide anything (it's probably actually helpful that you have personal experience with special ed because of your son) but don't pour stuff out either. if it's important, they'll ask.
why do you have 'triplets' in quotation marks?
khairete
S.

Legally they cannot ask you anything about your personal life. It is up to you if you want to mention it yourself. But, if it comes down to you and another equally qualified person, they may not choose someone that they think will miss a lot of work.

They may ask why you think you are qualified for the job. Highlight your volunteer experience at school. Be specific about what you have done. You might want to comment on how your son has prepared you for specific kinds of scenarios (being more patient, being flexible, being able to make adaptations to help him, etc.). They will probably ask "what would you do if...." Types of questions. Don't answer every question with, " I would talk to the ......" That may be an appropriate answer once, but they will want to see that you have the ability to think on your feet and be able to problem solve.

As far as dress, nice pants (not jeans or yoga pants) and a nice shirt (no logos) and casual shoes, but not athletic shoes. If you have visible tattoos be sure they are covered. No cleavage. Tasteful jewelry. Try to appear relaxed, but not kicked back. Have good posture and sit slightly forward on your chair. Be humble, but don't talk negatively about yourself or others.

Good luck!

Family info doesn't belong in any interview for any job. Don't discuss your children or special needs - that doesn't necessarily qualify you to be a good para aide, and the absence of children doesn't mean someone wouldn't be fabulous in the job.

Dress? Nice slacks and a nice top, or a skirt/top. Nothing revealing, nothing highly constrictive. I don't think you need a suit, but I wouldn't wear jeans either. Decent flats or low heels would be best - be comfortable.

What you should be highlighting is your experience as a volunteer.

What IS relevant about your family is that, if this is the same school where your children are enrolled, is discussion of how you will handle being in the same room as your kids (highly undesirable) and how you will transition to a professional vs. social association. You'll be exposed to confidential info (behavioral, intellectual, medical, developmental, social) about kids whose parents you know or who may be in your kids' social circle. The panel will be looking for things in your answers or demeanor that indicate you can separate your social life from your professional responsibilities.

Good luck! I hope things go well. Just try to relax and really listen to the questions. It's okay to pause before answering.

If you open up the gate of "triplets", they will automatically wonder who is taking care of your kids while you work, and what happens when they get sick.

Don't go there.

Congratulations and good luck!

As someone else mentioned, it is illegal for them to ask about children and/or child care needs.

If they ask what got you interested in special education, you can just say "I have a family member with special needs. I've worked with special needs children for many years. There is something special in them that draws me to them and there schooling."

I wouldn't mention the triplets (although one of our ILC aides many years ago also had triplets), but if you do mention your child, you can mention the developmental delays and that you have seen how wonderfully the schools work with these children, and you want to be part of that. It isn't uncommon for parents of special needs children to also become paras/educators for special needs students.

Here are a few things to consider for your interview: why do you want to work for the school district-you care about the children's education and want to be part of the "team" or it works for your family and you need a little extra income? What will come through next Tues in your interview.
Make sure you want to work for all the children.....plus, if you get hired will you be in the same building as your children? Be careful, you may find out "stuff" you didn't know about before and how to stay neutral as a parapro vs. being a parent. Other items-you have experience understanding ieps (you don't necessarily need to bring up your son), willing to learn different reading/math programs (if it includes interventions), willing to do additional duties, follow directions but also work independent, if you aren't cpr/first aid-willing to be trained, care and be genuine. Good luck on Tues.

Oh I hope you get the job!!! Been doing this for a long time. Dress nice like any interview, neat and clean, etc. And absolutely mention everything about your children so they see that you are very experienced. Good luck!