Instructional Assistant-Sdc 

How did you get your current job?
I allpied to an ad in the newspaper.

What was the application process?
I had to submit a resume and paper application.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
I did have to interview for my position. I sat in a room with a panal of five other people. They each took turns asking me questions, both about myself, and about my experience. They also asked questions to see how I would handle different situations that might come up at the job.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
Some of the questions I was asked were: What did I think were my strengths and weaknesses. How would I respond to a parent who wanted me to give them information about their own, or another student? How would I feel about having to change a student who wore a diaper? How would I respond to a student who attempeted to hit/bite me? These were just some of the questions I was asked.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
I feel I should have had much more training than I was given. Walking around with someone, watching them, does not really prepare you for what you have to do. In this field, you are constantly being met with new challenges, and students may act one way for a few days, than suddenly act another way. I feel I would have been much better able to do my job if I had received some basic knowledge about the types of students I would be working with,

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
At the tiime I took my position there was no formal training. However, I did have a short time that I had to shadow another aide and learn what needed to be done.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
No. And after I had been in this position for several years, I decided to go back to school and start taking classes that would help me. I strongly recommend anyone entering this field to take classes on children with special needs, classes in pshychology, math, and anything else that will help you.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
NA

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
I would definately encourage someone to take some courses in college on human development or teaching. Any experience working with children is beneficial. Many I.A.’s in my district get started by becoming yard duty persons.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
You have to have good social skills. I am required to speak with parents and many others on a daily basis. You have to be able to communicate well, yet know your boundries. It really helps to be organized. Many of the children I work with are not organized, and it is part of my job to help them. I need to set a good example. You also need basic computer skills, as you will probably be required to use the computer, both to assist the students, and assist the teacher.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
I started this job with no formal education or training. But I would certainly encourage anyone getting into this job to take classes and training courses if they possibly can. Some school districts require new instruct. assts. to have an associates degree.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
I would encourage you to talk to other teachers and aides and try to get a clear picture of what you will be doing. You should also try to spend some time observing the students you would be working with. In my school, our students have many different types of disabilities, including physical, emotional and mental. Make certain you will be comfortable working with the students you will be placed with.