Questions to Ask Principal During Interview
Strategic questions to ask a school principal during an interview to understand the school culture, leadership style, and educational philosophy.
1What is your vision for the school and how do you plan to achieve it?
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What is your vision for the school and how do you plan to achieve it?
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Why this works
Understanding the principal's vision helps you assess if their educational philosophy aligns with your values and goals.
2What are the biggest challenges facing the school right now and how are you addressing them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the school right now and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Learning about current challenges helps you understand the school's priorities and how you might contribute to solutions.
3What is your approach to supporting teacher development and professional growth?
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What is your approach to supporting teacher development and professional growth?
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Why this works
Understanding their support for teacher development helps you assess opportunities for growth and advancement.
4How do you handle discipline and student behavior management?
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How do you handle discipline and student behavior management?
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Why this works
Learning about their discipline approach helps you understand their philosophy on student behavior and support.
5What is your philosophy on parent and community engagement?
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What is your philosophy on parent and community engagement?
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Why this works
Understanding their approach to community engagement helps you assess how they build relationships with stakeholders.
6What are the school's biggest strengths and areas for improvement?
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What are the school's biggest strengths and areas for improvement?
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Why this works
Learning about school strengths and weaknesses helps you understand the school's current state and potential.
7How do you approach curriculum development and instructional leadership?
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How do you approach curriculum development and instructional leadership?
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Why this works
Understanding their curriculum approach helps you assess their commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
8What is your approach to building a positive school culture and climate?
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What is your approach to building a positive school culture and climate?
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Why this works
Learning about their culture-building approach helps you understand how they create a supportive learning environment.
9How do you handle teacher evaluation and performance management?
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How do you handle teacher evaluation and performance management?
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Why this works
Understanding their evaluation approach helps you know how you'll be assessed and supported in your role.
10What are the biggest opportunities for innovation and improvement in the school?
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What are the biggest opportunities for innovation and improvement in the school?
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Why this works
Understanding improvement opportunities helps you see where the school is focused and what changes might be coming.
11How do you approach special education and supporting students with diverse needs?
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How do you approach special education and supporting students with diverse needs?
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Why this works
Learning about their special education approach helps you understand their commitment to inclusive education.
12What is your approach to technology integration and digital learning?
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What is your approach to technology integration and digital learning?
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Why this works
Understanding their technology approach helps you assess how they leverage tools and systems for student learning.
13How do you handle budget management and resource allocation?
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How do you handle budget management and resource allocation?
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Why this works
Learning about their budget approach helps you understand how they prioritize resources and support programs.
14What are the biggest trends affecting education and how is the school adapting?
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What are the biggest trends affecting education and how is the school adapting?
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Why this works
Understanding education trends helps you assess the school's position and how it's adapting to change.
15How do you approach building relationships with teachers and staff?
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How do you approach building relationships with teachers and staff?
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Why this works
Learning about their relationship-building approach helps you understand how they support and collaborate with staff.
16What is your approach to student assessment and data-driven decision making?
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What is your approach to student assessment and data-driven decision making?
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Why this works
Understanding their assessment approach helps you assess their commitment to evidence-based practices.
17How do you handle crisis management and emergency situations?
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How do you handle crisis management and emergency situations?
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Why this works
Learning about their crisis management approach helps you understand how they handle high-pressure situations.
18What are the biggest opportunities for collaboration with other schools or organizations?
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What are the biggest opportunities for collaboration with other schools or organizations?
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Why this works
Understanding collaboration opportunities helps you assess how they build relationships and drive improvement.
19How do you approach building a diverse and inclusive school community?
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How do you approach building a diverse and inclusive school community?
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Why this works
Learning about their diversity approach helps you understand their commitment to creating inclusive environments.
20What are the biggest opportunities for student success and achievement?
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What are the biggest opportunities for student success and achievement?
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Why this works
Understanding success opportunities helps you see where the school is focused and what improvements might be coming.
Engaging with School Leadership
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Preparing for the Interview
Research the School
Learn about the school's mission, recent news, and educational programs to ask informed questions.
Understand the Principal's Role
Familiarize yourself with the principal's responsibilities and how they fit into the school's leadership structure.
Prepare Your Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready that demonstrate your interest in education and school leadership.
Types of Principal Questions
Educational Leadership
School Culture
Administrative Management
Making the Most of the Conversation
Listen Actively
Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to deepen your understanding.
Take Notes
Record key insights and information that will help you understand the school's culture and leadership.
Follow Up
Send a thank you note and continue the conversation if appropriate to build relationships and learn more.