Page 1
Candace Davies
ACCC, CARW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP, CECC
http://resumes-for-teachers.com
Toll-free: 1 877 738 8052
Local and International:
(780) 513 0010
Email: [email protected]
Dual Certified Professional Resume Writer
Certified Employment Interview Professional
Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC)
Certified Electronic Career Coach
Associate Certified Career Coach
Member: Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
Member: Association of Online Resume & Career Professionals
Member: Career Coach Institute
Member: Career Management Alliance
Member: Career Directors International
Member: CoachVille
Proven Results for thousands of National and International Clients.
Writer of Numerous Career Articles.
Page 2
A+ Principals’ Interview Edge
101 PRINCIPAL/ADMINISTRATOR INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
AND POTENTIAL RESPONSES
FIRST THINGS FIRST!
You can not and I repeat can not edit, sell or publish or display this 23
page preview of the A+ Principals’ Interview Edge anywhere.
However, if you find this preview helpful and wish to share it please go
ahead as long as you send them this PDF file. You can share it as a
download or an email attachment in your own newsletter to your
subscribers.
This ebook is brought to you by Stevan Krajnjan.
Website url: http://timesaversforteachers.com.
You can Click here to purchase the A+ Principals’ Interview Edge and
receive the other 86 questions in the full version immediately.
Page 3
All Rights Reserved: Copyright 2008,2009
Disclaimer: All the information in this book is the views of the author,
and the views and opinions of the author can change. This is a GUIDE
ONLY and the information should be use with DISCRETION and wisely
and at your own risk. The author and 969989 Alberta Ltd. operating as
A+ Resumes for Principals disclaim any liability for personal and
business loss caused by using the information in this e-book.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Research the School District
Interview Questions - Prepare for Anything
Behavioral Interviews
Four Stages of a Job Interview
Your Final Interview Preparation Check List
Interview Day - The Look
Arriving at the Interview
Don't Underestimate the Value of a Thank You Letter
101 Interview Questions and Potential Answers
Professional Identity, Goals, and Development
Page 4
Vision
Leadership and Decision-Making
Curriculum/Instruction
Instructional Strategies and technology
English Language Learners
Students School Climate and Safety
Teachers School Climate and Safety
Safety Within the School Community
Special Education
Communication and the Community
Budget Planning
Staff Scheduling
Staff Hiring
Union Views
Teacher Evaluation
Staff Development
7 Questions they Should not Ask
20 Possible Questions to Ask the Panel or Interviewer
Five Thank You Letters Templates You Can Use
Page 5
Introduction
Preparing for an interview is probably the most overlooked phase of
securing a new job position. Everyone thinks it is easy until they enter
an interview room in front of a panel of educators who are judging every
move and every word. Then, reality sinks in! The panel might include the
superintendent of the school district, school principals, teachers, and
parents, making it critical to address your answers to all involved. The
more you prepare for an interview, the better your odds of securing a job
offer will be.
There are hundreds of educational administration jobs available in the
United States and Canada. They include jobs for coordinators, vice-
principals, principals, business administrators, educational
administrators, assistant superintendents, and superintendents.
In 2006, 443,000 educational administrative jobs were held in the U.S.
In these jobs, 226,000 administrators were in elementary or secondary
schools and 131,000 administrators were in postsecondary schools. In
most cases, an administrator is required to have teaching experience
prior to accepting a job in administration, as well as an administrative
license or credential.
Jobs in educational administration are projected to increase in the next
eight years as a large proportion of current administrators will retire in
that time period. Since the numbers of school age children, as well as
preschool age children, will also increase, the job market for
administrators will grow by about 12 percent. Many states are expected
to expand public preschool programs so more preschool administrators
will be needed. In addition, the number of students in universities and
colleges will probably grow, creating a demand for administrators there.
Page 6
When applying for administrative jobs, you will find that there are
hundreds of possible questions that may be asked during an interview.
Many of the questions require research regarding the job and school
district to which you are applying. Take the time to research and prepare
your answers before scheduling interviews.
Interview questions cover a wide range of subjects. Interviewers are
looking for candidates who are responsible and knowledgeable; can
communicate effectively with students, parents, peers, and the
community; who understand human growth and development; who will
take a leadership role in improving the curriculum; and who understand
that the values we teach students are as important as the skills and
information taught. Interviewers prefer candidates who are passionate
about education and who want to help staff and students learn and grow.
They also look for team players who get along well with others and those
that are able to create a vision and a plan to obtain the vision of the
school.
Research the School District - Don't Skip This Step
Before embarking on an interview, you must take the time to research.
Being equipped with the appropriate information can provide you with an
edge over your competition. Obtaining additional knowledge about the
school district, its goals, and the school will allow you to answer
questions about the district that you may be asked during the interview.
Check out not only the school district's website, but also recent news or
magazine stories about the district and any other information you can
find.
Remember, it is not unusual to be asked to describe what you know
about the district and the educational mandate. This knowledge will also
help you create and ask relevant questions when provided with the
Page 7
opportunity to do so. Knowing the school district, your potential
employer, is as important as knowing exactly how you are going to
answer specific questions.
Imagine that you are the recruiter: Wouldn't you find it frustrating to
interview a potential educator who knows nothing about the school, its
district, or its goals?
Effectively researching a school district will help you determine whether
your career goals and objectives fit within the educational program of
that district. Below are three questions that a professional educator
should be able to answer before going to an interview:
Why do you want to work for our school district?
What do you know about our school district?
Do you have any questions for us?
Keep in mind that the purpose of an interview is to create a positive
impression, highlight your talents and skills, and showcase your
knowledge. It is also a time to mention your objectives, highlighting how
your interests, goals, and personality will fit into the district's program.
Your interview is your only chance to provide a first-time positive
impression; therefore, taking additional time and making an effort to
research the school district will increase your chances of securing that
coveted principal/administrator position.
Below is a listing of vital information one should research before
embarking on an interview:
District boundaries, student enrollment and grade levels.
Demographics
Future vision.
Mission statement
Page 8
Student learning objectives and student achievement in
mathematics and reading.
State or federal recognition for high achievement in academics.
Extra-curricular and sports programs that are offered.
Career development initiatives.
School and district challenges including budgetary restraints.
Salary grid.
Interview Questions - Prepare for Anything
Make a list of the traits and skills you possess that match the job
qualifications. Prepare to give examples of work experiences in which you
employed those skills.
Develop a list of questions that you may be asked during the interview,
and prepare your answers. If possible, practice your answers by
conducting a mock interview with a friend or family member and get his
or her feedback about how well you did.
Organize a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember
that an interview is a two-way conversation, and you will be provided
with an opportunity to ask the interview panel your own questions.
Asking your own questions serves two purposes. First, it shows them you
truly are interested in the district and the job because you've done
enough research to be able to ask intelligent, well-thought-out, and
relevant questions. Second, their answers will help you decide whether or
not you will accept the position if it is offered to you. Note: this is not the
time to ask about benefits and vacation; these questions are better
asked after you are offered the position.
Page 9
Behavioral Interviews - Why Many School Districts Use
Them
Behavioral interviews are a targeted selection technique that is used by
recruiters. The vast majority of districts make use of behavioral-based
questioning during the interview process. This new and creative
technique was designed with the assumption that past behavior and
character traits are the best predictors of future behavior and character.
A potential employer will quickly identify the skills and qualities you
possess through behavioral interview questions. These skills and qualities
are often referred to as competencies, dimensions, and problem solving
abilities and can be discovered by asking detailed questions about your
thoughts, feelings and actions in past situations. This approach will assist
the interviewers in determining whether or not you possess the qualities
they are seeking in an educator.
Behavioral interview questions can be described as questions that draw
out past experiences in which you encountered potential conflict in an
educational environment, how you dealt with the situation, and what the
final outcome was. Your responses to these questions should be based
upon accurate outlining of the context, actions, and results of your
actions. To answer these questions correctly, you must remember
experiences that took place during your previous full-time and part-time
teaching employment, volunteer work, professional encounters,
university or academic work, extracurricular activities, and life
experiences.
Now that you understand why behavioral questions are asked, and what
your responses and answers are to be based upon, it is time to learn how
to prepare for your interview. In order to effectively plan for the
interview, you must uncover as much information as possible about the
administrative skills and qualities that the district requires. It is important
Page 10
to tap your memory for stories that will precisely illustrate your skills
and successes. Think through each situation and remember who was
involved and what role you played in the situation. Most importantly,
"LISTEN" to the question being asked of you in order to successfully
answer it with detailed and appropriate responses.
There are many attributes and characteristics that a district or school will
be seeking in a potential candidate. We have put together a list of typical
traits that a district will be seeking:
Competency; the Ability to Lead Effectively
Superior Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Research Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability
Critical Thinking Skills
Analytical Ability
Appropriate Judgment; Good Disciplinary Skills
Problem Solving Techniques
Teamwork
Visionary
Enthusiasm/Motivation
Initiative
Innovation
All of the above characteristics can be demonstrated when you have
mastered the ability to effectively answer behavioral interview questions.
Remember, be prepared, recall key situations, and the role you played in
Page 11
them, and listen to the question being asked.
One simple way of recalling keys to an appropriate answer is by being a
"STAR".
S - Situation
T - Task
A - Action
R - Result
Once you have mastered the art of behavioral interviews, you will
successfully acquire your dream job.
Four Stages of a Job Interview
Even though every interview is different, all job interviews follow a
definite pattern. There are different stages of a job interview, and you
can benefit greatly if you are aware of the stages and prepare
accordingly.
1 The first stage is the introduction stage. This stage is very important
because it helps to create a favorable first impression in the mind of
interviewer. In addition, this stage will set the tone for rest of the
interview, so it is important that you do well. This stage doesn't
have too many questions; rather, it has more to do with your
appearance, confidence, and the way you speak.
As soon as you are led into the interview room, you are under
observation and every little detail about you will be noted. Make
sure you appear calm, confident, and alert. Greet the interviewer(s)
with a firm handshake and sit only when you are asked to do so.
Maintain an upright posture and eye contact with the interviewer. If
you can establish rapport with the interviewer in this stage, the next
stages will be much easier.
Page 12
2 The second stage is where your background will be discussed. You
can expect questions on your academic background, work
experience, accomplishments, and future goals. Apart from knowing
more about you, the interviewer is trying to find out if you have the
right skills for the position that is available.
When you answer the questions with confidence, your passion for
education will show through your replies. When asked about your
accomplishments, mention them without sounding arrogant. Your
answers in this stage should present you as the candidate having
the best skills for the position available.
3 The third stage of the interview is the toughest, and it will determine
whether you stand out from the other candidates. In this stage, the
interviewer will try to determine whether you are the best candidate
available for the job. You can expect a few tough questions like why
you should be considered for the post, values you will bring to the
school, your philosophies of education and discipline, how you deal
with discipline, how you deal with parents, how to improve academic
results, and many more.
Make sure you answer these questions honestly. It is a good idea to
include teaching specific keywords in your replies. Feel free to
include some real life examples from your past experience to justify
your points of view. If you disagree with interviewer, make sure you
can explain why (politely). If you are aware of the school's
philosophies on education and other administrative skills, try to align
your answers with them. Your answers in this stage will convince the
interviewer that you are the candidate who deserves the job.
Page 13
4 The final stage of the interview is the conclusion. In this stage you
may ask questions, so make use of this opportunity. You can ask
questions about the position available, challenges faced by
administrators and teachers, the school's philosophies on education
and discipline, etc. This will show that you are genuinely interested
in the job.
Before the interview is over, take a few minutes to reiterate your
interest in the position and exhibit your excitement and enthusiasm
about the opportunity and your confidence in meeting the
expectations of the position.
Your Final Interview Preparation Check List
Here is an interview check list to ensure that your job interview will make
a significant impression on any potential employer.
Know the School or School District. You can obtain a great deal of
information by visiting the school's website. Familiarize yourself with the
school while paying particular attention to the administration information.
This can tell you a lot about the expectations of the school district. Learn
about the philosophy of the school, as well as the methods used for
teaching and discipline. This will help you tailor your job interview
answers to the needs of a particular school. Also, logon to the state's
educational department website and find the school in which you are
interested. It will tell you the student ethnic composition, the poverty
level of the students, and how many students are English Language
Learners.
Page 14
Rehearse Your Interview. Prepare for your interview as far in advance
as possible. Start by choosing some of the most commonly asked
interview questions and write answers for them. Practice your answers
until you are confident, but be sure that you don't sound too rehearsed
or stiff. Remember that interviewers are used to hearing pat responses,
so try to think up new or innovative ways to answer questions, especially
if you can relate the answer to a specific school.
Visit the school before your interview. This isn't always possible, but,
if you live close enough and can fit it into your schedule, it is a great
idea. You can view the school from the outside to get a feel for how well
it is maintained, if parents are encouraged to visit, and what the area is
like. Ask for a short tour of the school so that you can gain a better
understanding of it. Talk to some of the faculty to find out what they like
about the school and the school's philosophy of education. Read a copy
of the student newspaper to learn more about the student population and
the school community. Chat with parents waiting to pick up students and
ask them what they like about the school and what they think needs
improvement.
Check out the school's rating. You will learn a lot about the school
environment. Ratings/state rankings will show you how well the school ranks
in educational subjects and overall academic progress compared to other
schools. You may be able to find out how parents rated the school to see what
areas of improvement are needed. Then, include this information in your
responses.
Show that you are a team player. During the interview, you will want
to stress the fact that you are ready and willing to become part of the
team. It’s important to show you would like to work together
harmoniously to create a great learning atmosphere. Frequently, this
means that you will need to tell them that you are willing to spend extra
time at school with academic work, sports activities, or new curricula.
Page 15
Focus on what is important to your interview. For example, it won't
do you any good to discuss your interest in helping coach a sports team
if the school doesn't participate in sports. Instead, spend time discussing
the important goals/activities of a particular school.
Interview Day - The Look
1 Dressing for a successful interview isn't difficult. Wear clothing that
is a little dressier than you would wear to work every day. A
sequined suit would be going overboard; likewise, a shirt and jeans
would be too casual. Use your common sense.
2 Your appearance tells the district how you see yourself - your
clothes, hairstyle, choice of accessories, and makeup will either
reinforce or damage your professional image.
3 The best colors for a man’s suit are dark grey, navy blue, and black.
4 Don't wear a three-piece suit to an interview - it's too much.
5 Shoes are extremely important - make sure they are polished and
appropriate.
6 Select a simple tie - you don't want the interviewer's attention to be
on your funny-looking tie - you know what we mean.
7 Strive to dress professionally without over-dressing. A pair of dark,
casual pants and a sports shirt will make a nice presentation.
Although it is important not to over-dress, it is equally important not
to be under-dressed for an interview. If unsure, you can always
settle for something in between. If you believe you are over-
dressed, you can always remove your jacket.
8 For women, a tailored classic suit is always appropriate for an
interview. An investment in a good "interview suit" is an investment
Page 16
in yourself and your future career. It will be part of your wardrobe
for years to come.
9 Choose woolen fabrics for the cooler months and linen for the
warmer months. Stay away from 100% polyester blends.
10 Choose a conservative color - you won't go wrong if you choose a
solid, basic color such as tan, brown, or grey. The blouse or sweater
you select to accompany your suit should be white, off-white, beige,
or a color which complements your suit. For example, a burgundy or
red blouse can spice up a grey suit - especially if those are your
colors.
11 A tailored, solid-colored dress is acceptable for interviewing. Make
sure you choose fabrics that are suited to the season.
Arriving at the Interview
Don't forget to bring an extra copy of your resume, a typed list of your
references, a pen, and your portfolio with examples of your work (if
applicable).
1 Arrive early. Allow yourself enough time to find the interview site
and a parking spot. Having to explain you are late because you
couldn't find a parking spot will start your interview off on the wrong
foot. Ensure that you arrive in the building, at the place where the
interview will occur, at least 10 minutes before your scheduled
interview time.
2 Illustrate your energy and enthusiasm for the position by
maintaining eye contact and providing non-verbal feedback. Much
can be said through your body language, so pay strict attention to
how you move and articulate. If there are multiple interviewers,
Page 17
make eye contact with all of them.
Emphasize your assets and talents. Show the interviewer(s) you can
perform the job and you will fit well in the school. Always speak
positively about yourself, others, and previous positions. Never
speak negatively about any person you have worked with or any
school or organization for which you have worked.
Don't Underestimate the Value of a Thank You Letter
Don't stop the campaign yet. It is a known fact that many hiring
decisions rest on which candidate sends a thank you letter. Put the
situation in perspective. Imagine a hiring manager, undecided between
two "equally" qualified candidates. Then, one candidate sends a well-
written thank you letter, and the other doesn't. Who do you think will
receive the job offer? Aside from the fact that a thank you letter is a
marketing tool, it is common courtesy for job seekers to send a letter to
all interviewers. Hiring managers know that those who send a letter are
informed and following standard protocol.
Timeliness is also important. It is best to write your letter and send it
within 24 hours of your interview.
So how do you create an effective, unique thank you letter that will show
you remain interested in the position? In an effective thank you letter,
there are three or four paragraphs. The best advice is to make sure the
letter is unique.
Make sure you address the letter to the person(s) who interviewed you.
Include the interviewer's name, title, organization, and complete mailing
address. Ensure correct spelling of all names; if you are unsure of
spelling, you may be able to obtain this information from the district's
secretary.
Page 18
Opening Paragraph - Express your appreciation for the interviewer's
time and the opportunity to meet.
Second Paragraph - Reinforce your understanding of the job's
requirements and emphasize your qualifications. Include any information
you forgot to mention in the interview, if necessary (but be brief).
Include additional information about any research you did after the
interview. Express appreciation for any opportunities presented during
the interview, such as touring the school, meeting other faculty
members, or reviewing specific school situations. Re-emphasize your
most important skill and qualification and how you expect to contribute
to the school or district.
Third paragraph - Use an additional paragraph if you need to correct
any **significant** misunderstanding that may have occurred during the
interview. Alternatively, use this paragraph to counter any objection the
interviewer raised about an aspect of your background or current
situation. Be extremely careful wording this information.
Final paragraph - Express continued interest in the position and the
school district.
On the next 3 pages, we have included some thank you letter templates
that can be customized to fit your circumstances.
Remember, it could take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks
before you hear back about the results of the interview.
101 Interview Questions and Potential Answers
Below, you will find 94 common job interview questions and possible
answers to give you some ideas on what to include in your responses.
Keep in mind, these are just possibilities and should be used with
discretion. Each candidate’s background, leadership style, and
Page 19
experiences are different, and the answers should reflect those
differences. There is one thing you must remember that applies to
everyone who interviews --- don’t lie! Also, keep in mind, that you should
tailor your answers to address the specific needs of a school or school
district in which you are interested.
Question #1
Tell us about yourself and your educational background.
Or, what are the most important things we should know
about you?
This question gives you a good chance to sell yourself. Do not assume
that the interview panel has read your resume. They may not have!
Begin by stating your name, educational background,
your work experience (briefly), and add a short statement about why you
decided to become an administrator. When you talk about why you
decided to become an administrator, be sure to mention your love for
children and your wish to make a greater impact on their education by
becoming an administrator. It is important to mention your relevant
strengths. If they ask the second question above, add a few words about
how responsible, hard-working, caring, and dedicated you are.
Question #2
Tell us about your work/professional experience.
When this question is asked, you should briefly describe your work and
professional experience. State very briefly jobs you held before you
became an administrator and/or teacher. Elaborate a bit more on your
background (levels you've taught, for how long) and any administrative
Page 20
jobs you have held. If you have been an administrator before, mention
major responsibilities you had, such as creating a master schedule,
maintaining a budget, evaluating test data to drive the curriculum,
implementing a school-wide discipline program, how you improved test
scores, etc. Add a few words about why you want to be an administrator
(your love for children and your wish to make a greater impact on their
education), if you haven't told them that.
Question #3
What licenses (or credentials) do you hold?
The school board and superintendent are concerned about licensure. Tell
them the licenses or credentials you hold - both teaching and
administrative. If you do not hold a license at the time of the interview,
explain how you plan to get a license and how long it will take.
Question #4
Why do you want to move into administration? Be a:
Principal? Vice Principal? Business Administrator?
Assistant Superintendent?
If you have not already, mention your love for children and your wish to
make a greater impact on their education by becoming an administrator.
This question also addresses the job for which you are applying. Create
at least two reasons why you are anxious to get the job. For example, if
you want a vice principal's job, perhaps it's because you enjoy interacting
with students while dealing with discipline and helping students become
more successful in school. If you are interested in becoming a business
administrator, perhaps it's because you enjoy finance, planning, and
maximizing resources.
Page 21
Question #5
What are your professional goals for the next 5-10
years?
Be prepared to outline, briefly, your goals for the next five to ten years.
Include your educational goals that will develop your skills, as well as
your job goals. Don't seem too anxious to move on into other jobs.
State that you intend to stay in the job for which you are being hired for
at least five years. (Quick principal turnover is not considered to be good
for schools.) Never mention your plans to move to another area or take
time off to have a child.
Question #6
Part of the role of principal is that of being an example
for students and staff. How do you feel about this role?
You must stress that you feel being a role model for students and staff is
vitally important! Reiterate your qualities that will provide a good role
model: leadership, courtesy, responsibility, caring, dedication, hard-
work, good people skills, enthusiasm.
Question #7
Tell us a story about yourself.
Think of an interesting educational situation in which you have been
involved and describe it briefly. Make sure it makes you look good! If it
motivated you in some way to become an administrator, explain how.
Page 22
Question #8
What is your philosophy of education?
This is a question you must think about carefully before interviewing. It
is a good idea to write out your philosophy of education. You can bring
the document to refer to during the interview. You should include:
An opening statement similar to this one: "This Philosophy of
Education is a statement of my views and beliefs about education."
A brief statement of why you became an educator.
Mentors you have had and what they taught you.
A statement about the purpose and importance of a good education
in a student's life.
The nature of the learning environment in a school, for example,
challenging, interesting, safe, open, and supportive.
Your preferred administrative (leadership) style.
Ways in which you communicate with staff members, parents, and
students.
Your beliefs on discipline.
How you will provide an excellent role model for students.
Ways in which you would like to improve education.
How your school will meet students' individual needs.
The values you want students to learn, such as: responsibility, good
citizenship, hard work, caring, conflict resolution, good people skills,
honesty, etc.
How you want to be remembered.
Your ultimate goal as an administrator.
Page 23
Question #9
Why should we hire you over all the other applicants
who have similar educational backgrounds and
experience?
This is a difficult question as you cannot rely on your education and
experience to sell yourself. What hiring panels are looking for when they
ask this question is whatever you feel is most important to share with
them. They're looking for candidates who avoid canned responses. They
are looking to learn how you see yourself and what you value about
yourself.
You should focus on your best qualities, such as your work ethic (Did you
work your way through college?), or the fact that you were the first in
your family to earn a university degree, your background in other areas
(finance, fund-raising, charity work, adult education, training student
teachers, ability to speak a second language, grant writing), maybe you
have a license in special education... and so forth. Interviewers like to
hear about your tenacity or "stick to it" attitude even when things get
difficult.
Interviewers also want to hear about responsibility, integrity, kindness
and a love for children, as well as a desire to make a difference in their
lives. But don't just focus on your love for children. That is not enough
to set you apart from the other candidates. The panel wants to detect a
sense of professionalism and wants to hear what is in your heart. Make
sure you express a real passion for improving education and helping
students maximize their potentials.
If there is a very compelling reason for the panel to hire you, mention it
last and take a minute or two to tell why it will benefit
Page 24
their school district. Perhaps in your last position, you and your staff
raised test scores a significant amount or turned around a school with
student gangs.
It wouldn't be inappropriate to read a short recommendation from an
upper level administrator.
Never answer this question by saying, "I don't know."
Question #10
What have you read lately that led you to change the
way you manage?
Take the time to choose and read a recent book on educational
administration before you interview. Then, you will be prepared to
mention it and how it affected you. Some possibilities include:
The Results Fieldbook: Practical Strategies from Dramatically
Improved Schools, by Mike Schmoker
Schools of Fish!: Welcome Back to the Reason You Became an
Educator, by Philip Strand
Whatever It Takes: How Professional Learning Communities Respond
When Kids Don't Learn, by Richard DuFour
School Leadership that Works: From Research to Results, by Robert
Marzano
What Great Principals Do Differently: Fifteen Things That Matter
Most, by Todd Whitaker
Failure is Not an Option: Six Principles that Guide Student
Achievement in High-Performing Schools, by Alan Blankstein.
Page 25
Question #11
Who has most influenced you to become an
educator/administrator, and how did they influence
you?
Mention one or two university professors, other educators, or family
members who have influenced you in positive ways and tell how they did
it. If none come to mind, consider mentioning the teacher who guided
you through student (intern) teaching or your current principal.
Question #12
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
To answer this question, make a brief statement about your interests and
hobbies. If you have a family, mention that you enjoy spending time with
them. Do not mention parties, drinking, or other pastimes that will give
a poor impression of you. Reading and sport activities are also good to
mention.
Question #13
What are the most important skills a school
administrator needs? Give me examples to show you
have them.
Answer this question by saying, "There are many important skills school
administrators need to be successful. I'll mention three: good visionary,
planner, and motivator." You can mention any three you wish, of course.
Then, give an example for each one referring to a time when you needed
Page 26
that skill to get through a difficult situation successfully. For the three
I've mentioned, I would tell the panel about dealing with a difficult
colleague, keeping an extensive database that tracked student test
scores, and teaching a class that was very difficult to discipline.
Question #14
Tell us, in writing, using 150 words or less, your
philosophy of education.
Many interview panels set aside time to get a writing sample from a
candidate. The panel will check for writing ability and logical thought
processes.
You could write something like this: "My philosophy of education is a
statement of my views and beliefs about education. I became an
educator because I want to improve the lives of children and the
education process. Education is vital to a student's future success in life.
I believe a school should be intellectually challenging, motivating, safe,
and supportive of students regardless of their needs. I am a visionary,
supportive leader who will maintain an open door policy. I believe in
firm, but fair discipline. I will be an excellent role model because I am
honest, hard-working, responsible, and caring. I would like to improve
instruction, and ultimately test scores, by implementing a school-wide
ESL program and research-based instructional techniques. My goal is to
do the best job I possibly can."
Question #15
Have you ever faced a very stressful time at work? How
did you handle it?
Page 27
Prepare to discuss a situation in which you experienced a lot of stress.
Tell how you handled it. Of course, you will choose a situation in which
you were successful. Perhaps, as a teacher, you had to deal with an
irate parent, assist a student teacher who was struggling, or teach a
difficult class while writing your thesis. As an administrator, you might
have had difficulties cutting costs to balance the budget, creating a good
public relations' program for your school, reducing vandalism, handling
gang violence on campus, dealing with a teacher who was acting
inappropriately or having trouble with discipline.
I Hope you found this information useful. If you have feedback, either
positive or areas for improvement please contact Candace at
[email protected]
To purchase the full version of this ebook with 101teacher specific
interview questions and potential answers visit A+ Resumes for
Principals please click here.
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Page 28
Dear Teacher, IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN in this book, would you mind also having a look at my other resources at www.TimesaversForTeachers.com? For your convenience, direct links have been added for you below. Several of the books are “interactive” which means that you can actually TYPE the information directly onto the forms and SAVE your work, but to do this you need to have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer (older versions are ok).
The Teacher’s Binder: World’s largest collection of often used classroom forms.
Non-interactive version: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0006.htm Interactive version: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0006.htm
Report Card and IEP Comments: 1830 ready-to-use comments, logically organized for ease of use.
Direct link: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0072.htm
1000 Quick Writing Ideas: Motivate students to begin writing by giving them 1000 writing ideas and prompts!
Direct link: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0005.htm (language forms included)
Substitute Teacher Instructions Kit: Organize substitute teacher instructions effectively and thoroughly!
None-Interactive: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0007.htm Interactive version: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0007.htm
The Essay Writing Kit: Helps make common essay planning and writing tasks simpler and far less frustrating for students.
Printable: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0084.htm Interactive: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0084.htm
Spelling Activities for Spelling Lists: printable, visually attractive spelling activities, ready for use.
Direct link, click here: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0074.htm
Classroom Awards, Certificates and Passes:
Printable: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0061.htm Interactive: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0061.htm
Math Timesavers: collection of difficult-to-find, often-used forms, masters and reproducible sheets for a K-8 class.
Direct link: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0020.htm
Just Multiply It: Teach your students the multiplication facts in a fun, quick, organized, and visually appealing way!
Direct link: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0031.htm
Just Teach It: Fun end-of-the-year language unit - students research, prepare and teach classmates - very popular.
Direct Link: http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/index_page0052.htm
TIMESAVERS for TEACHERS.com
TIMESAVERS for TEACHERS.com www.timesaversforteachers.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/timesaversforteachers Twitter: http://twitter.com/timesaversforte