How to Answer: How would you handle an aggressive parent who had an issue with a teacher?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Assistant Principal job interview.
18. How would you handle an aggressive parent who had an issue with a teacher?
What You Need to Know
Depending on the underlying source of the parent's frustration or concern, it most frequently occurs as an issue between a student's parent and the teacher. This often presents a balancing act for an assistant principal, where they'll need to maintain that teacher's job satisfaction and loyalty without further upsetting the parent. In this case, making every effort to have the teacher and the parent resolve the dispute on their own is required. It is often beneficial to be present in that meeting and mediate. Listen, objectify, consider every detail, and offer a compromise when possible. If the situation is outside your control, active listening and empathizing are the best you can do, along with demonstrating patience and tolerance.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I would consult with the teacher, ask them what is going on, then give them a heads-up that I am sending the parent their way. If it is during school hours, I would schedule a meeting for the two of them. If things are not resolved, I would schedule a meeting between the two of them while I mediate."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would take full advantage of my active listening and nondefensive communication skills. I would take notes, consult with the student's records, and allow the teacher to present any additional facts. Often, parents are not fully aware of the whole story regarding their child, or they may not be willing to accept the truth of their situation. So, it takes a lot of delicate nuances to enhance their understanding of the situation while not making them defensive or feeling their child's behavior reflects their parenting skills. All it takes is to let them know we are doing the best we can as instructors, just as they are doing the best they can as parents, within the limitations of our means."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022
Experienced Example
"Being an assistant principal is not an easy job. But neither is being a teacher. When a parent shows up, doesn't engage the teacher, or doesn't like the outcome of their engagement, they'll often involve an assistant principal. Whenever this has happened, I hear out the parent, empathize with them and their perspective, and then explain the nuance of my position and that I can't make any informed decision without hearing every side of the story. I then try to ensure transparency, encouraging them to be present during the conversation. After asking for their patience, I'll ensure I have appropriate backup in case other high-priority issues arise during our meeting. I will then secure a sit-in for the teacher, especially if they are currently instructing, and then I will mediate between them. During this conversation, I will try to be impartial as possible to gain the parent's confidence while doing everything I can to support the teacher, and thereby the confidence of my team and staff in my ability to manage the situation. Typically, if it can be resolved and the parent is reasonable, these address any concerns. Sometimes I'll offer a reasonable compromise or accommodation."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2022