- How do you organize and prioritize your work? …
- How would you plan a budget for a teambuilding activity weekend? …
- What type of company programs have you organized? …
- How would you describe your leadership style? …
- What key information would you add to a feedback report?
Program Specialist Interview Questions
Hone your interview skills with sample questions
Acing an interview takes practice! Here are some examples of questions you’ll encounter for a variety of specialist positions.
Reading Specialist:
TIP: There are many published reading programs. Talk about ones you have used, but don’t say that there is only one way to teach reading. Explain why a certain published program was implemented, why it worked and how you supplemented the program.
ESL Specialist:
TIP: Employers want to know how you have helped students gain enough proficiency in English to achieve success in a regular classroom as well as on standardized tests.
Special Education:
TIP: Interpersonal communication skills are extremely important for special education positions, as these teachers work so closely with colleagues, parents, and community resources. Prepare positive examples that represent your past work and be clear in explaining experiences.
Similarities across specialist positions
Since the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, educators have been asked to move some instruction to hybrid or online platforms. Be prepared to discuss any experience that you have had moving a face-to-face classroom experience to a remote one.
Classroom management issues will always be included in an interview, no matter the grade, subject or specialty. Examples include:
Your knowledge of the school district, school and student demographics will be questioned. Be prepared for the following:
Some teachers would never consider becoming a specialist teacher because of the perceived difficulties of the job. Be prepared to explain your personal motivation for moving from a regular classroom grade level or subject field to a specialist position. If you are a new teacher, with reading, ESL or special education as your certification field, answering the motivation question is also important. The following may be asked:
TIP: It is OK to tell a personal story as a reason for becoming a specialist teacher. However, don’t dwell on the details of personal stories. Sell your professional preparation and expert experience.
This question is a great way to assess your ability to adapt and learn new things. It also shows the interviewer that you are open-minded and willing to change with the times. Your answer should include an example of how you researched something unfamiliar, learned about it and adapted your programs accordingly.
Example: “I would first look at the goals of the program and evaluate how well they were met. I also consider any challenges that may have occurred during the program’s implementation. After analyzing these factors, I would then create an action plan for improving the program based on its successes and failures. This process has helped me improve many programs in my previous role as a program specialist.”
Program specialists often work with a variety of people, including clients and coworkers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary for the job. Use your answer to show that you can be diplomatic when working with others. Explain how you used your communication skills to resolve the situation.
Example: “I am very comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I grew up in a multicultural neighborhood, so I’m used to interacting with all types of people. In my last position as a program specialist, I worked with a client who had a hearing impairment. I learned sign language to communicate with them more effectively. This helped me build a strong relationship with the client and provided them with better care.”
Program specialists often work under tight deadlines. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of working in a fast-paced environment. In your answer, share an example of how you performed well under pressure in the past. Explain what steps you took to complete your project on time.
Similar to Tips on Effective Job Interview
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Interviewing for ESL, reading and other specialist roles involves a unique language and question style. Use these tips to let your expertise shine through.
by Dr. Mary Clement for NEA Member Benefits
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Job interviews for specialist positions in reading, English as a second language (ESL) and special education are different than those for grade-level or subject-content positions. These interviews include very specific vocabulary, require evidence of past successes and generally involve the participation of other teachers in addition to the principal and human resources personnel.
When seeking a position as a specialist, you need to ensure that your certification/licensure is a match to the job advertisement and then prepare to answer behavior-based interview (BBI) questions that address your past experiences and skills. Be ready for a variety of interviews with multiple people, some of which may be online.
Teachers are included in interviewing their future colleagues because of their knowledge and the need to determine if the new hire will be a “team player.” After interviews with a personnel director and principal, be ready for a longer interview with a lead teacher in the field. Group interviews are common, where several grade-level teachers and a specialist teacher interview the candidate.
TIP: During a group interview, listen to introductions, address everyone in the group and strive not to be surprised or overwhelmed when facing a group of people.
FAQ
What is a program specialist do?
What questions should I ask in a programming interview?
- What programming languages can you work with? …
- How do you approach high-pressure situations when everything goes wrong? …
- What do you do first when creating something new? …
- How do you keep up with current trends and advances in this field? …
- What is the ideal work environment?
How do you answer why do you want to apply for this program?
Why should we hire you for this program?
