Questions to Ask Principal During Teacher Interview
Strategic questions to ask principals during teacher interviews that demonstrate your professionalism and help you understand the school's culture and expectations.
1What is your vision for student success at this school, and how do you measure it?
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What is your vision for student success at this school, and how do you measure it?
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Why this works
Shows you're focused on student outcomes and helps you understand the school's priorities and how success is defined and measured.
2How do you support teacher professional development and growth?
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How do you support teacher professional development and growth?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and helps you understand the school's investment in teacher development.
3What is the school culture like, and how do you maintain a positive learning environment?
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What is the school culture like, and how do you maintain a positive learning environment?
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Why this works
Helps you assess if the school culture aligns with your values and teaching style, and shows you're thinking about the overall school environment.
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
Shows you're thinking about classroom management and helps you understand the school's approach to discipline and student support.
5What role do parents play in the school community, and how do you facilitate parent-teacher communication?
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What role do parents play in the school community, and how do you facilitate parent-teacher communication?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of the importance of parent involvement and helps you understand the school's approach to family engagement.
6How do you support teachers who are struggling or need additional resources?
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How do you support teachers who are struggling or need additional resources?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about support systems and helps you understand how the administration handles teacher challenges and needs.
7What are the biggest challenges facing this school, and how are you addressing them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing this school, and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in the school's current situation and helps you understand the context you'll be working in.
8How do you approach curriculum development and instructional decisions?
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How do you approach curriculum development and instructional decisions?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about teaching and learning and helps you understand the school's approach to curriculum and instruction.
9What opportunities are there for teacher leadership and collaboration?
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What opportunities are there for teacher leadership and collaboration?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in growth and collaboration while helping you understand opportunities for professional advancement.
10How do you handle teacher evaluation and feedback?
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How do you handle teacher evaluation and feedback?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about performance and growth while helping you understand the school's approach to teacher evaluation.
11What technology resources are available for teachers and students?
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What technology resources are available for teachers and students?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your awareness of modern teaching tools and helps you understand the school's technology infrastructure and support.
12How do you support students with diverse learning needs and special education requirements?
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How do you support students with diverse learning needs and special education requirements?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about inclusive education and helps you understand the school's approach to supporting all students.
13What is your approach to teacher retention and job satisfaction?
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What is your approach to teacher retention and job satisfaction?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in long-term career satisfaction while helping you understand the school's commitment to teacher well-being.
14How do you handle conflicts or disagreements between staff members?
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How do you handle conflicts or disagreements between staff members?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about workplace dynamics and helps you understand the school's approach to conflict resolution.
15What professional development opportunities are available for teachers?
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What professional development opportunities are available for teachers?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your commitment to growth while helping you understand the school's investment in teacher development.
16How do you approach school safety and emergency preparedness?
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How do you approach school safety and emergency preparedness?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about student and staff safety while helping you understand the school's safety protocols and procedures.
17What is your philosophy on homework and student workload?
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What is your philosophy on homework and student workload?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the school's approach to student work and can guide your own teaching practices.
18How do you support new teachers during their first year?
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How do you support new teachers during their first year?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the transition to teaching while helping you understand the school's support for new educators.
19What are your expectations for teacher collaboration and teamwork?
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What are your expectations for teacher collaboration and teamwork?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of collaboration while helping you understand the school's expectations for teamwork.
20How do you handle teacher concerns or suggestions for improvement?
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How do you handle teacher concerns or suggestions for improvement?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about communication and feedback while helping you understand the school's approach to teacher input and concerns.
Interviewing with School Principals
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the School Thoroughly
Learn about the school's mission, values, and recent achievements. This shows you're genuinely interested in the position and have done your homework.
Focus on Student Success
Frame your questions around student outcomes and learning. Principals want teachers who are committed to student success above all else.
Show Professional Growth Mindset
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. This shows you're invested in becoming a better teacher.
Question Sequences
The School Culture Sequence
The Professional Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Benefits Too Early
Focus on the role, school culture, and student success first. Benefits discussions should come after you've established mutual interest.
Avoid Generic Questions
Tailor your questions to the specific school and position. Generic questions show lack of preparation and interest.
Don't Focus Only on Your Needs
Balance questions about your development with questions about how you can contribute to the school and student success.