What to ask the principal in a teaching interview?

Question

I have in interview next week at a large middle school. I have been teaching in a small school for four years. I would really like this job so I want to show interest. What questions can I ask that will help convince the principal to choose me for the job?

Answer 1

first, you must show confident.  act professional.  they will ask you to introduce yourself first, say a few words that highlight your experience, keep it short but thoroughout since they already have your resume.  doesn't hurt to joke a little, that will make you less nervous, and they feel that you are easy to work with.  then they will usually introduce the school stuff, try to sell how good the school is, blah, blah, blah.  if you don't have any comment, then they will start asking questions.  the first question is usually about the school itself.  know the background definitely helps.  for the teaching stuff, answer them like you are an experienced teacher who has integrity and expectations but with patient and being caring.  always consider students first.  at the end they will let you ask questions.  that's the time you show them that you know and care what you are doing.  ask them about the duties, how well teachers interact, what kind of facility or new technology they consider or have been using in teaching or to engage students, ask about students' performance, what kind of program they have to help underperformed students, how well the school communicate with the parents, etc.  when you finished the interview and go home, send the principal an email the next day and thank them for their hospitality.

Answer 2

By all means ask what outside duties come with the job.  Sometimes, a single teacher is asked to do more than a married one or a married/divorced one with children; i.e., sponsorship of cheerleaders, coach a sport, be in charge of in-school suspension, duties (lunch, bus, detention, etc.), chaperon responsibilities and in-service days if you are of a faith or sect that requires you to be away certain days of the year.  

Ask about the demographics of the school's attendance area; inquire about the presence or absence of a PTO; ask to see the school's layout and relevant security and of course inquire about fringe benefits, salary and overall description of the community and clientele.

Answer 3

I just had to go through the whole interview process myself after moving to a different area, so it is always really important to come in with a good set of questions.  In today's day and age, any questions about the technology available at the school is important as well as what equipment you will have at your daily disposal.  Also, with the big push towards standards, the principals always responded well to questions I asked about staff development opportunities, expected homework load, and parental involvement.  The one thing I did that really showed I was interested in the job was research what curriculum/novels/textbooks the schools used and weaved my knowledge of those in to my responses to their questions--when you show you are familiar with their curriculum and are already using it in your own classroom, they will know you are a good fit.  Good luck!

Answer 4

You always get what you want when you show the other person how it helps them.

Think in terms of how you are looking forward to the move because... What can you do for them?

Not knowing more about the school or what you teach I can't fill the rest in for you.

Praise the school, check to see if the local media has something to say about, did they when any football games etc. knowing some of the history of the school and the Principal go a long way.

Answer 5

If the school has a website, go there and find out as much as you can.

Some questions to anticipate:

Why do you want to leave your old school?

Why do you want to teach here?

What do you perceive as your strengths in the classroom?

What unique qualities can bring to our school? ( Your interests, sports, etc. that may be useful for after school activities.)

Do you have any weaknesses you think you need to work on? ( Turn this to something positive:"I don't think I know enough about individual differentiation in the classroom and intend to pursue the topic.")