Operations-Running a School Effectively Flashcards
What experience do you have creating and maintaining a budget?
In this position, you will be expected to make regular reports to the superintendent. What do you believe will facilitate a positive working relationship with the superintendent?
Provide an example of a situation in which you worked effectively with a non-instructional staff member, such as a custodian, to solve a problem. What did you learn from this situation and what would you do differently?
Describe your approach to hiring and retaining talented staff.
The first goal should be to retain the highly effective teachers that currently work in the district. We need to treat these teachers with respect and value their contribution. The best way to retain these highly effective teachers is by creating and maintaining a positive school climate. You cannot overlook the importance of utilizing sound an effective hiring practices. Sound hiring first begins with screening. The interview committee must ask purposeful questions that allow them to fully evaluate each candidate. Personally, I feel a demo lesson should be a requirement. It’s the best way to get a real idea of a teacher’s ability. I would also offer incentives to highly qualified and proven candidates. A veteran teacher with years of experience might be tempted to leave their current position if the right incentive is on the table. However, too high of an incentive may upset current employees. To further recruit highly effective new teachers, I would collaborate with higher education programs. On behalf of the district, I’d reach out to local universities and colleges. I would offer practice teaching experience to young and talented students. And last on the list, hire from within the organization and the community. I can think many examples where a secretary, paraprofessional, or substitute has become a great teacher.
Summary: First off, retain the highly effective teachers already working in the district. You can retain those teachers by keeping a positive school climate. Second, collaborate with higher education. Third, utilize sound hiring practices. Fourth, ask for a demo lesson. Fifth, hire from within the school/community.
