I have probably interviewed ten thousand candidates over my 50-year career. Below are some of my favorite questions for school leaders. Questions 1,2 and 3 are the most probable. I think they are also the most important because in the case of #1 and #2 it allows the candidate to define him/herself by presenting their story. Question #3 gives insight into the thoroughness of preparation the candidate has committed to the process. Your success is dependent on your performance in responding to questions like these in a coherent, thoughtful and concise way. If you feel you need help to more effectively respond to these questions, then contact me and I will help.

1. Tell us about yourself. Make your resume come alive.
2. Why do you want to become a school leader?
3. What do you know about our school/district? Why do you want to work here?
4. Describe your “footprint” that you would leave in your current position and why you believe it will be sustained.
5. Why would teachers want to follow your leadership?
6. How would you deal with a veteran teacher who is not receptive to your recommendations?
7. How would you go about determining what your priorities should be in your new position?
8. What do you know about the NYS Blue Ribbon Commission’s Graduation Requirements Recommendations and how you would address them?
9. Specifically, what are most the important things you look for when doing a classroom visit?
10. What is your approach to student discipline?
11. What expertise do you bring to your staff in enhancing student learning through the use of technology and AI?
12. How would you go about assisting a teacher who is having difficulty with classroom management/student discipline?
13. How do you know (what evidence do you seek) that students understand the concepts and skills that they are learning?
14. What are the most productive ways of consulting with teachers and or parents so they can enhance their effectiveness in working with their student?
15. How would you go about leading a committee or a professional learning community?
16. Assume that an unpopular policy has been made and many parents are unhappy about its implementation, how would you deal with a room full of angry parents at a PTA meeting?
17. If you interviewed candidates for a teacher vacancy, what question would you ask them?
18. Tell me about a student who you helped that might have changed that child’s life.
19. How would you deal with a parent who is dissatisfied with how a teacher is conducting his/her class? Assume that the parent has already spoken to the teacher.
20. Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume that will help me better understand the essence of who you are and what motivates you.