Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Resource Teacher Roles – 2025

If you’re applying for a resource teacher role, you know that it takes a special individual to work with students who have special needs. Not only do you need a strong educational background, but you also need to be patient, compassionate, and adaptable. Use this guide to prepare for your resource teacher interview with confidence and showcase your skills, experience, and passion for helping students succeed.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience working with students with special needs.
  A: Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with students who have various special needs, including learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD. I have also completed specialized courses and workshops to enhance my understanding of different disabilities and develop techniques to support students in the classroom.
• 2. How do you differentiate instruction for students with different abilities?
  A: I believe in using a variety of teaching strategies and resources to meet the diverse needs of my students. Some techniques I have used include small group instruction, hands-on activities, and visual aids. I also regularly monitor student progress and adjust my approach as needed.
• 3. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt your lesson plan to accommodate a student with a disability?
  A: In one of my previous classes, I had a student with a learning disability who struggled with reading comprehension. To accommodate their needs, I created a modified version of the reading assignment with simpler vocabulary and more visual aids. This allowed the student to participate and engage with the material at their level.
• 4. How do you communicate with parents and caregivers about their child’s progress?
  A: I understand that open communication with parents and caregivers is essential for a successful student-teacher partnership. I regularly provide progress reports and communicate through phone calls and emails. I also welcome and encourage parents to reach out to me with any concerns or questions they may have.
• 5. How do you handle challenging behaviors in the classroom?
  A: I believe in using positive behavior strategies to address challenging behaviors in the classroom. This can include positive reinforcement, explicit instruction on appropriate behavior, and collaboration with parents and other support staff. I also ensure that my students feel heard and understood, addressing their needs and concerns in a calm and respectful manner.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What experience do you have in creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs)?
  A: I have experience in creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for my students with special needs. I have undergone training and have a thorough understanding of the different components and requirements of an IEP. I also collaborate with parents and other team members to ensure these plans are effective and updated as needed.
• 7. How do you incorporate technology and assistive devices in your teaching?
  A: I understand the importance of utilizing technology and assistive devices to support students with special needs. I have experience in using various programs, devices, and software such as speech-to-text tools, text-to-speech programs, and educational apps to enhance learning and engagement for my students.
• 8. Describe your experience in working with a multidisciplinary team to support a student’s needs.
  A: In my current role, I work closely with a team of professionals including occupational therapists, speech therapists, and counselors to provide comprehensive support to our students with special needs. I value the knowledge and expertise of each team member and collaborate with them to create effective plans for our students.
• 9. How do you keep track of student progress and data?
  A: I believe in regularly monitoring student progress and collecting data to track their growth and development. I use a variety of tools such as behavior tracking sheets, checklists, and rubrics to assess student performance and progress towards their goals. This data helps me make informed decisions about student interventions and instructional strategies.
• 10. How do you stay updated on best practices, research, and technology in the field of special education?
  A: As a lifelong learner, I am constantly seeking opportunities to improve my skills and knowledge in the field of special education. I attend workshops and conferences, read research articles and participate in professional development courses to stay updated on the latest practices and advancements in technology.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a student or parent.
  A: In my previous role, I had a student with an emotional disability who often became agitated and had aggressive outbursts. I worked closely with the student, their parents, and other support staff to develop a behavior intervention plan and provide a safe and supportive environment for the student. With consistency and patience, we were able to see a significant decrease in the student’s challenging behaviors.
• 12. Can you give an example of a successful collaboration with a colleague or team member?
  A: Recently, I collaborated with a speech therapist to support a student with a communication disorder. Through regular meetings and shared resources, we were able to develop effective communication strategies for the student, leading to improved academic performance and social skills.
• 13. How do you handle conflicting opinions or feedback from parents, co-workers, or superiors?
  A: I believe in open and respectful communication when it comes to differing opinions and feedback. I actively listen to other perspectives and work together to find a solution that is in the best interest of the student. If needed, I seek guidance from my superiors and involve them in the decision-making process.
• 14. Describe a time when you had to adapt your teaching style to support a student with a specific learning style.
  A: I had a student with dyslexia who struggled with traditional reading instruction. I worked with the student to find techniques that worked best for them, such as using multisensory approaches and incorporating assistive technology. This allowed the student to access the curriculum and improve their reading skills.
• 15. Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond to support a student with special needs.
  A: In my previous role, I had a student with a physical disability who needed accommodations for physical education. I not only collaborated with the physical education teacher to ensure the student could participate in all activities, but I also personally worked with the student to develop a fitness plan that they could complete independently. This allowed the student to build confidence and improve their physical abilities.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a student is struggling with their behavior and disrupting the learning environment for others?
  A: First, I would try to understand the root cause of the student’s behavior through observation and communication with the student. Then, I would implement appropriate interventions to address the behavior and engage the student in positive activities to redirect their energy. If needed, I would involve other support staff to help develop a behavior plan for the student.
• 17. What would you do if a student with a physical disability is having trouble completing tasks during a class project?
  A: I would assess the student’s abilities and needs and make necessary accommodations to ensure they can participate in the project. This may include modifying the task, providing assistive technology, or allowing the student to complete the task in a different way. I would also foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, encouraging teamwork and understanding among all students.
• 18. How would you approach a situation where a student with a communication disorder is having trouble understanding the instructions for an assignment?
  A: I would first try to use visual aids or graphic organizers to help the student understand the instructions. If needed, I would break down the instructions and provide them in smaller, more manageable chunks. I would also check for understanding and provide opportunities for the student to ask questions and seek clarification.
• 19. Imagine a situation where a student with a learning disability is not meeting their goals. How would you address this?
  A: I would first review the student’s goals and progress with the parents and other team members. Then, I would analyze their current interventions and make changes as needed to better support the student. I would also provide additional instruction and resources to help the student reach their goals. Regular progress monitoring would also be essential to track the effectiveness of these changes.
• 20. What would you do if a student with sensory sensitivities is showing signs of distress during a noisy class activity?
  A: I would have a calm and quiet space for the student to use as needed, and I would also work with the student to develop coping techniques for managing sensory overload. During the noisy activity, I would provide the student with noise-cancelling headphones or allow them to use a white noise machine to create a more comfortable environment for them to learn in.