A Principal is an individual who oversees and manages a school or school district. Having well-prepared Principal Interview Questions is essential for finding a suitable applicant.
Let’s get started by going over some of the basics of this essential job function.
What is a Principal?
A Principal is an individual who is able to effectively lead and manage a school, while also maintaining high standards for the students, staff, and faculty.
Many Principals also have several years of experience working as a teacher or in another educational role.
What does a Principal do?
A Principal is responsible for the overall direction of a school and for ensuring that all students receive a quality education.
They work with teachers, staff, and parents to create an academic plan for students and provide support to make sure they are meeting their goals.
In some schools, the Principal may also be responsible for hiring and firing staff, as well as handling disciplinary issues.
They make decisions regarding the curriculum, staff, budget, and other important matters related to the school.
Principal Interview Questions
Some good Principal Interview Questions to ask include:
What experience do you have in leading a school?
What are your thoughts on differentiation and scaffolding?
How would you create a safe and welcoming environment for all students?
How would you deal with difficult parents or stakeholders?
What are your thoughts on standardized testing?
How do you deal with difficult situations or challenges?
What methods do you use to assess student learning?
How do you differentiate instruction for students with different needs?
What do you think are the most important skills for a teacher to possess?
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing teachers today?
Why is it important to prepare when interviewing a job applicant?
When you’re interviewing a job candidate, it’s important to be prepared.
You want to make sure you ask the right questions and get a sense of who the person is. By being prepared, you can avoid any potential awkwardness or misunderstanding.
Here are some hints to assist you in preparing for your next interview:
Know what you want to ask. Make a list of questions in advance so you don’t forget anything.
Do your research. Before an interview, learn as much as possible about the candidate.
Be aware of your body language. Smile and make eye contact to show that you’re interested and engaged in the conversation.
Listen carefully to the answers. Pay attention to what the candidate is saying and how they’re saying it.
Principal Candidate Scorecard
Score
Notes
Educational Background
Does the candidate have the appropriate educational qualifications or training for this position?
Prior Work Experience
Has the candidate acquired the necessary skills or qualifications through past work experiences?
Qualifications/Experience
Does the candidate have the technical skills necessary for this position?
Problem Solving Abilities
Has the candidate demonstrated critical problem-solving skills?
Communication
Did the candidate demonstrate team building and communication skills?
