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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.
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A+principals, principals, business administrators, educational administrators, assistant superintendents, and superintendents. In 2006, 443,000 educational administrative jobs were

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Page 1: A+principals, principals, business administrators, educational administrators, assistant superintendents, and superintendents. In 2006, 443,000 educational administrative jobs were

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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,

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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?

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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.

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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

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