What do you know about our school and school district?
With any job interview, it is crucial to understand the organization to which you are applying. Visit the school district website and webpage to learn essential information such as core school hours, awards received, upcoming events, particular focuses for that academic year, and even fun facts like the mascot and school colors.
Most school and school district websites offer information about the Board. Showing the interviewer that you are savvy with how the Board is structured is impressive. As a bonus, mention any positive interactions you have had with current school district staff as well as the positive things they have told you about the district.
"I have read through your board notes and understand that the biggest struggle your school, and this district, are facing is surrounding funding. I would be interested in coming in with some financial suggestions surrounding fundraising and budget development."
"I frequently read about the events happening here in the local paper and visit your website to read about your programs, updates, and leadership changes."
"The school where I currently work is in the same district as yours, so I bring a strong familiarity with your district and Board. Your school has excellent spirit and great parent and community involvement. I look forward to joining a team like yours with a strong level of collaboration and excitement for learning."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I know that your school's SIP plan includes increased ELA scores and that as a whole the district has seen a two-year drop in state assessments. I also understand that this year, your district has a new reading program and that you have been working at the implementation of that program.
Lauren's Feedback
Good start. You have researched the rollout to better the school (and the district as a whole), but be sure to add yourself into the equation.
I am aware that the SIP plan includes a new reading program rollout to increase ELA scores that have declined district-wide over the past two years. I have worked in schools who have had large rollout programs, and can offer strategies and things I have learned from those experiences.
Anonymous Answer
As a current member of the school community, I am familiar with our Ofsted report and the one that precedes it. This means that I understand the journey that the school is on. As a member of the local community and also parent of a child in year 6 I am familiar with the other local schools and their offer. I know that this school has many areas of excellence and that in a minority of cases there are curriculum inconsistencies which are now part of our SIP. In addition, we are aiming to provide equitable access to curriculum and extra-curricular. through our support of SEN and PP students. The proportion of disadvantaged students in this school is well above the national average and also the number of SEND students with EHCP plan is above the national average.
Stephanie's Feedback
It is clear that you have a deep understanding of this school and the district. To deepen the impact of your response, I suggest adding a sentence or two about the students themselves and the surrounding community. What is your understanding of the demographic of students and their unique needs?
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