Mastering PBIS Interview Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

As an educator or professional in the field of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), you may find yourself facing interviews that delve into your knowledge and experience with this approach. Preparing thoroughly for these interviews is crucial to showcasing your expertise and standing out as a strong candidate.

Understanding PBIS

Before we dive into the interview questions, let’s briefly explore the concept of PBIS. PBIS is a proactive, multi-tiered framework that aims to create a positive and inclusive learning environment by promoting positive behaviors and addressing challenging behaviors through evidence-based interventions. It emphasizes prevention, data-driven decision-making, and a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.

Common PBIS Interview Questions

During the interview process, you can expect a range of questions that assess your understanding of PBIS principles, implementation strategies, and real-world experiences. Here are some common questions you may encounter:

1. How was PBIS first implemented at your school, and what prompted its adoption?

This question allows the interviewer to understand your familiarity with the implementation process and the reasons behind adopting PBIS at your school. In your response, provide details about the initial stages, including staff training, data collection, and the development of school-wide expectations and systems.

2. How do you apply PBIS strategies in your classroom or professional practice?

Be prepared to share specific examples of how you incorporate PBIS principles into your daily routines and interactions with students. Discuss the positive behavior reinforcement techniques you use, as well as your approach to addressing challenging behaviors through evidence-based interventions.

3. How often do you teach PBIS strategies, and how do you ensure consistent implementation?

Consistency is key to the success of PBIS. Explain the frequency with which you explicitly teach and reinforce PBIS strategies, and describe the measures you take to ensure that all staff members are on the same page in terms of implementation.

4. How do you collaborate with other stakeholders, such as parents or caregivers, in the implementation of PBIS?

Effective PBIS implementation requires a team effort involving all stakeholders. Share your experiences in collaborating with parents, caregivers, or other professionals to ensure a consistent and supportive environment for students, both at school and at home.

5. How do you measure the effectiveness of PBIS implementation, and what data do you collect?

Data-driven decision-making is a cornerstone of PBIS. Describe the specific data points you collect (e.g., office discipline referrals, attendance rates, academic performance) and how you analyze this data to evaluate the effectiveness of PBIS strategies and make informed adjustments.

6. Can you describe a challenging situation where you had to manage aggressive or disruptive behaviors using PBIS principles?

Behavioral challenges are inevitable, and the interviewer wants to understand how you apply PBIS principles in real-world scenarios. Provide a specific example, detailing the situation, the interventions you employed, and the outcomes achieved.

7. How do you ensure that PBIS strategies are culturally responsive and inclusive for all students?

PBIS aims to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or individual needs. Explain how you tailor PBIS strategies to be culturally responsive and inclusive, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported.

Additional Tips for Interview Success

• Familiarize yourself with the school or organization’s PBIS framework: Research the specific PBIS model or approach used by the school or organization you are interviewing with, and be prepared to discuss how your experiences align with their practices.

• Highlight your commitment to professional development: PBIS is an ever-evolving field, and employers value candidates who actively seek out opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills through workshops, conferences, or ongoing training.

• Provide specific examples: Concrete examples from your professional experiences will help the interviewer better understand your practical application of PBIS principles and your problem-solving abilities.

• Emphasize your collaboration and communication skills: PBIS relies heavily on teamwork and effective communication among all stakeholders. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and families.

Remember, the interview is an opportunity to showcase your passion for creating positive learning environments and your commitment to the principles of PBIS. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise, you can increase your chances of securing a role that aligns with your values and professional goals.

Good luck!