Special Education Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

Experienced Teacher: In my previous school, I was responsible for teaching classes to children who had various conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, mental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, I worked with students diagnosed with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and multiple disabilities. I also had experience working with children at risk of emotional or behavioural challenges. Successfully handling these exceptional and talented children required following proper steps, including managing case histories, collaborating with the individualised education program (IEP) team, and utilising various assessments like the Madras Developmental Programming System (MDPS), Functional Assessment Checklist for Programming (FACP), BASIC-MR: Behavioral Assessment Scales for Indian Children with Mental Retardation (BASIC-MR), and Vocational Assessment And Programming System (VAPS). Through my practical experience, I have developed a profound understanding of these children and have made significant progress in helping them attain their goals as outlined in their individualised plans.

Fresher Teacher: During my special education program, I undertook internships where I had the opportunity to work with schools and NGOs. In one particular internship, I was assigned the responsibility of teaching classes to children with a wide range of conditions, such as autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, mental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, I gained experience working with students who were diagnosed with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and multiple disabilities. I also had the chance to work with children who were considered at risk of facing emotional or behavioural challenges.

Effectively supporting and guiding these exceptional and talented children requires following a set of necessary steps. This involved managing comprehensive case histories, collaborating closely with the individualised education program (IEP) team, and utilising various assessments, including the MDPS, FACP, Basic MR, and VAPS.

Throughout my practical internship experience, I developed a profound understanding of these children and made significant progress in assisting them to achieve their goals as outlined in their personalised plans.

An IEP, or Individualised Education Program, is a legally mandated document that outlines the individualised education plan for students with special needs. Its purpose is to provide a tailored approach to meet the unique learning needs of these students. It also involves collaboration with IEP team members to develop an effective plan for supporting the student's academic and developmental progress.

Now, let me share the key components of an IEP. Key components typically include measurable goals and objectives, accommodations or modifications to the curriculum, related services like speech therapy or occupational therapy, transition plans, and evaluation methods to track progress. It serves as a roadmap for educators and ensures that appropriate educational services and support are provided to students with special needs.

Another important aspect in the development of an IEP is Collaboration. Parents, teachers, special education professionals, and other relevant individuals work together as a team to create an IEP that addresses the student's specific needs. Regular communication and collaboration among team members are essential to ensure the successful implementation of the IEP and the student's ongoing progress.

In my teaching experience (or during my internship experience), I've used amazing assistive technology and adaptive tools to support students with disabilities. One of my favourite moments was when I had a student who was hard of hearing. To help them hear me clearly, I used a personal FM system. It was like an agent's communication device! With a microphone and receiver, my student could hear my voice loud and clear, no matter the noise or distance.

I also had a student with a visual impairment, and I used this incredible technology to support their learning. I had screen-reading software that transformed written text into spoken words, acting as a personal narrator in the classroom.

With AI becoming a trend (give an example of upcoming trends), I would love to give it a try. For instance, I would like to explore how animated characters telling stories and playing games are used to catch the attention of special children. I think these assistive technologies and adaptive tools have made a significant difference in providing independence, enhancing access to information, and creating an exciting learning journey for special students.