10 Questions to Ask a Principal
Essential questions to ask a school principal to understand their leadership philosophy, school culture, and how they support teachers and students in creating an effective learning environment.
1What is your educational philosophy, and how does it guide your decision-making as principal?
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What is your educational philosophy, and how does it guide your decision-making as principal?
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Why this works
Understanding their educational philosophy helps you assess if their approach aligns with your teaching values and goals.
2How do you support teacher professional development, and what opportunities are available for growth?
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How do you support teacher professional development, and what opportunities are available for growth?
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Why this works
Learning about professional development opportunities helps you understand how the school invests in teacher success and career advancement.
3What is the school culture like, and how do you foster collaboration among staff and students?
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What is the school culture like, and how do you foster collaboration among staff and students?
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Why this works
Understanding school culture helps you assess if you'd thrive in this environment and how the school builds community.
4How do you handle discipline and student behavior, and what support systems are in place?
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How do you handle discipline and student behavior, and what support systems are in place?
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Why this works
Understanding discipline approaches helps you know what support you'll have and how the school maintains a positive learning environment.
5What are the biggest challenges facing the school, and how are you addressing them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the school, and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Learning about current challenges shows you understand the school's context and demonstrates your interest in contributing to solutions.
6How do you communicate with parents and the community, and what role do teachers play in this?
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How do you communicate with parents and the community, and what role do teachers play in this?
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Why this works
Understanding communication expectations helps you know how you'll be involved in building school-community relationships.
7What resources and support are available for teachers, and how do you ensure they have what they need?
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What resources and support are available for teachers, and how do you ensure they have what they need?
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Why this works
Learning about available resources helps you understand what support you'll have to be successful in your role.
8How do you evaluate teacher performance, and what feedback and support do you provide?
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How do you evaluate teacher performance, and what feedback and support do you provide?
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Why this works
Understanding evaluation processes helps you know how you'll be assessed and what support you'll receive for improvement.
9What opportunities exist for teachers to take on leadership roles or special projects?
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What opportunities exist for teachers to take on leadership roles or special projects?
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Why this works
Learning about leadership opportunities helps you understand how you can grow and contribute beyond your classroom role.
10What do you enjoy most about being a principal, and what makes this school special?
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What do you enjoy most about being a principal, and what makes this school special?
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Why this works
Understanding their passion helps you connect with the school's mission and see what makes it a great place to work.
Interviewing with School Principals
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Before the Interview
Research the School
Learn about the school's mission, recent achievements, challenges, and community to ask informed questions.
Understand the Role
Review the job description and understand what the principal is looking for in this position.
Prepare Examples
Think of specific examples from your teaching experience that demonstrate your skills and values.