Questions to Ask Your Principal
Strategic questions to build rapport with your principal and advance your teaching career.
1What's your vision for our school and how can I help support that vision?
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What's your vision for our school and how can I help support that vision?
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Why this works
Shows alignment with school goals and demonstrates your commitment to the school's mission.
2What professional development opportunities do you recommend for teachers at my level?
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What professional development opportunities do you recommend for teachers at my level?
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Why this works
Reveals their investment in teacher growth and helps you plan your professional development.
3How do you handle teacher feedback and what's the best way for me to share concerns or suggestions?
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How do you handle teacher feedback and what's the best way for me to share concerns or suggestions?
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Why this works
Establishes communication protocols and shows you value open dialogue.
4What are the biggest challenges facing our school right now and how can I contribute to solutions?
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What are the biggest challenges facing our school right now and how can I contribute to solutions?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your problem-solving mindset and willingness to be part of the solution.
5How do you measure teacher success beyond test scores and what support do you provide?
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How do you measure teacher success beyond test scores and what support do you provide?
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Why this works
Reveals their evaluation philosophy and support systems for teacher success.
6What's your approach to handling difficult parent situations and how can I prepare for those conversations?
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What's your approach to handling difficult parent situations and how can I prepare for those conversations?
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Why this works
Shows your proactive approach to parent communication and conflict resolution.
7How do you support teachers who want to take on leadership roles or try new teaching methods?
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How do you support teachers who want to take on leadership roles or try new teaching methods?
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Why this works
Reveals their support for teacher innovation and career advancement opportunities.
8What's your philosophy on classroom management and discipline, and how does it align with school policies?
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What's your philosophy on classroom management and discipline, and how does it align with school policies?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand the school's approach to student behavior and your role in maintaining it.
9How do you handle teacher workload and what resources are available to help manage it?
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How do you handle teacher workload and what resources are available to help manage it?
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Why this works
Shows your awareness of work-life balance and their support for teacher well-being.
10What's your approach to building a positive school culture and how can teachers contribute?
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What's your approach to building a positive school culture and how can teachers contribute?
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Why this works
Reveals their leadership style and how you can help create a positive learning environment.
11How do you handle teacher evaluations and what can I do to prepare for mine?
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How do you handle teacher evaluations and what can I do to prepare for mine?
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Why this works
Shows your commitment to professional growth and understanding of the evaluation process.
12What's your strategy for supporting struggling students and how can I get involved?
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What's your strategy for supporting struggling students and how can I get involved?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your commitment to student success and willingness to collaborate on interventions.
13How do you handle teacher conflicts or disagreements and what's your mediation process?
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How do you handle teacher conflicts or disagreements and what's your mediation process?
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Why this works
Shows your understanding of professional relationships and conflict resolution.
14What's your approach to technology integration and how can I stay current with educational technology?
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What's your approach to technology integration and how can I stay current with educational technology?
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Why this works
Reveals their support for technology use and helps you plan for digital learning integration.
15How do you handle teacher requests for classroom resources or support?
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How do you handle teacher requests for classroom resources or support?
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Why this works
Shows your understanding of resource allocation and how to advocate for your needs.
16What's your philosophy on teacher collaboration and how do you encourage it?
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What's your philosophy on teacher collaboration and how do you encourage it?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to teamwork and how you can contribute to collaborative efforts.
17How do you handle teacher feedback about school policies or procedures?
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How do you handle teacher feedback about school policies or procedures?
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Why this works
Shows your understanding of school governance and how to contribute to policy discussions.
18What's your approach to supporting new teachers and what resources are available?
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What's your approach to supporting new teachers and what resources are available?
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Why this works
Reveals their investment in teacher success and helps you access support systems.
19How do you handle teacher requests for schedule changes or special accommodations?
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How do you handle teacher requests for schedule changes or special accommodations?
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Why this works
Shows your understanding of school operations and how to advocate for your needs.
20What's your vision for teacher retention and how can I help build a strong teaching team?
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What's your vision for teacher retention and how can I help build a strong teaching team?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your commitment to the school community and long-term success.
Best Practices for Principal Relationships
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Building Rapport
Regular Communication
Schedule regular check-ins with your principal to discuss your progress, challenges, and goals. Keep them informed about your classroom successes.
Professional Respect
Always approach conversations with respect and professionalism. Remember that principals have many responsibilities and competing demands.
Communication Strategies
Be Solution-Focused
When bringing up problems, always come prepared with potential solutions or ideas for improvement.
Document Everything
Keep records of important conversations, agreements, and decisions to ensure clarity and accountability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Going Over Their Head
Always try to resolve issues with your principal first before escalating to district administration or union representatives.
Being Defensive
Approach feedback and criticism with an open mind and willingness to learn and improve.
Professional Growth
Seek Feedback
Regularly ask for feedback on your teaching and be open to suggestions for improvement.
Take Initiative
Look for opportunities to contribute to school improvement and take on leadership roles when appropriate.
Additional Resources
Professional Organizations
Join teacher associations and professional organizations to stay current with best practices and advocacy efforts.
Mentorship Programs
Seek out mentorship opportunities with experienced teachers or administrators to accelerate your professional growth.