Assistant Principal Mock Interview
Master 40 Assistant Principal interview questions covering discipline, instructional leadership, and school operations.
Question 26 of 40
Who would you say inspires you?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
You should have an answer ready for this question at all times. Perhaps you look up to a parent who was a hard worker or a teacher who encouraged you to become who you are today. Whoever this inspiring person may be, remember that the interviewer is looking for a heartfelt response.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"My inspiration comes from my grandmother. She has spent every day of her life working hard, and I have never once heard her complain about being tired and overworked. She taught me the value of a good reputation, and I still seek out her opinion when I need inspiration."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Many leaders inspire me, but I would have to say that my greatest inspiration comes from my mother, who taught me to stay focused and goal-oriented, no matter the obstacles that come my way. This way of thinking has greatly contributed to my success."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"While it may sound cliche, my father is inspiring to me. He moved here in his 30s with two kids, a wife, no English, and no transferable education. He worked as a pizza delivery driver to make ends meet while going to school to learn to code. We may have moved a lot when I was little, but it was because he was always trying to find the next better school for us. I learned my work ethic from him and that I'm never too old to learn something new and push out of my comfort zone."
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Anonymous Answer
My inspiration is my grandfather. He is the hardest working individual I have ever been around and he is full of kindness. He enjoys giving to those less fortunate and establishing positive and trusting relationships with everyone he meets.
Cindy's Feedback
Very nice. These sound like excellent values, too.
Anonymous Answer
My family inspires me to aim high and to try my best to better myself and I really appreciate this about them. I think I am most inspired by my parents because they both lost their parents at very young ages and they had to leave school at 11 and 13 to work on the farm and in the family business and even though they didn't have the best start they went on to establish a business of their own and gave my siblings and I a really good upbringing.
Stephanie's Feedback
Your parents sound like a true inspiration! My only suggestion for strengthening your response is to add a sentence or two at the end to "loop" your response back to the prompt. Example: "My parents have inspired me to give my best to my community and to the world around me."
Anonymous Answer
I have been very fortunate to have so many wonderful role models, mentors, and people in my life who have inspired me. My mom and dad pushed me to set goals and stay focused and work hard until I had achieved them. They taught me anything was possible if I believed in myself and worked for it.
College softball coaches like Patrick Murphy of the University of Alabama and Mike Candrea of U of A. Meeting these coaches and them sharing their knowledge has been a gift. It has really encouraged me to always continue to grow.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response! This really highlights the individuals in your life who have inspired you, and it sounds like you're hoping to be that source of inspiration for your students.
Anonymous Answer
My inspiration comes from my grandmother who came to this country in 1954 without knowing English and as a single mother of 6 children. She worked as a seamstress in a leather factory and provided for her children as they grew up in a new country whilst also sending money back to family in Cyprus. There were many obstacles that she surpassed and I think of this when I have my own challenges.
Stephanie's Feedback
Your grandmother sounds like a true inspiration! To make this response even stronger, I suggest adding an additional closing sentence to reaffirm why your grandmother was such an inspiration.
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