How would you describe a successful principal?
How would you describe a successful principal?
By asking this question, the hiring committee is attempting to assess the following:
Do you understand what traits contribute to the success of a principal. As a teacher, what traits do you value most.
Your response may indicate or suggest possible conflicts with the current principal.
Responses to this question may include:
It is important that a successful principal…
has a vision and a plan to reach that vision…combined with the ability to bring faculty members together to form a cooperative team and motivate them to reach district goals and objectives.
be visible… the principal’s presence should be evident on a continual basis. He or she must be easily accessible to both students and teachers.
has a great sense of humor, and can relate well to a diverse group of individuals.
genuinely cares about the students, teachers, parents, and the district.
Continue to Question 5: What are your thoughts on team teaching?
Return to How to Handle the 6 Toughest Interview Questions

socialator2007
3 months ago
4 comments
"What if you were not renewed due to personality conflict with former principal who stated on non renewal letter false information regarding your performance. I was a non tenured teacher at this particular school system. The union would not go to bat for me because I was non tenured even though what she stated is prohibited to state by the union contract. what she stated was with malicious intent as she has done this to others . I worked for 10 years in another school system and got wonderful evaluations. I wanted more money and came to this school district and got the shaft big time. I am still on unemployment because most districts want to contact all or most of your last employers. Some will allow you the option not to contact but want to know why. I have been told to ignore it and keep trying and other advice has been to get my own attorney and demand what is not permitted to be removed. I did nothing illegal. I was popular with the staff and was elected union rep for upcoming year. I also in process of getting my administrator credential reciprocated for this location. The principal was near retirement age and I was told by peers she feared me. So how do I approach this on a resume and interview?"
nikolai19
9 months ago
282 comments
Very helpful and very well put together. I like this guide.
raiushajsr
10 months ago
42 comments
A good response which reflects the understanding of a teacher.