29 Instructional Coordinator Interview Questions

1.

As an instructional coordinator, you will often find yourself on the less popular side of an opinion. How do you deal with that?

Instructional Coordinators are leaders within the school and often have to make tough decisions, or side with leadership on tough decisions. This can be a challenging place to be, especially when you may have close relationships with staff members with a differing opinion. Focus your answer here on a commitment to building relationships, despite differences. As a leader within the building, focus on how you will seek to unify and connect the staff, even when difficult decisions need to be made. If you have an example to share, tell the interviewer a little bit about the issue, why teachers were upset about the resolution, and the steps you took to unify the staff.

Audra's Answer

"When I know people are upset or disagree with me, I always acknowledge their opinion and hear them out. I ask them for their concerns and really get into why they don't agree with something. I always do my best to give them a thoughtful answer on the spot, but if I can't, I tell them that I'm going to look into the matter for them. When you are a leader, you really have to listen closely to people. This is how you earn their trust and the right to speak with them through conflict. If they see that they're being listened to, it makes it easier to swallow a hard pill when the time comes."

Anonymous Answer

"I will always acknowledge the opinions of the teachers first. I would ask them of the concerns and why they might disagree with something. I would do my best to answer thoughtfully, but If I can't, I will let them know that I would get back to them. It is very important to listen to them first. That's how you earn the right to speak to them."

Rachelle's Answer

Earning the right to be involved, and give an opinion, is a very good point. Your angle is humble but still confident. Nicely done.

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2.

How long were you a teacher before transitioning into an Instructional Coordinator?

Be direct and explain why you chose to branch off into the Instructional Coordinator role. Explain why it is a better fit for you than teaching was. Adjust your answer to suit the values and needs of the organization.

Audra's Answer

"I was a teacher for 5 years. I left teaching to be an Instructional Coordinator as soon as I could because I really wanted to affect the broader educational system. Teaching kids is wonderfully impactful, but I could only impact 30 kids a year. I wanted to make a greater impact on the entire district, and I see this opportunity as a chance to do that."

3.

How do you usually determine which textbooks you will choose?

It is important to always consider the values of the school and the needs of your students. Make sure to demonstrate that you would be aligned with the school's principles and values, first and foremost. Provide a scenario for your interviewer to demonstrate your decision-making process using 'If/Then' language. You can also use this opportunity to explain that you are willing to do your research in order to meet the needs of students and foster curiosity.

Audra's Answer

"First, I'd look at what standards students need to master in a specific content area and identify the weakest areas in my previous class. If I see that my students' social studies scores could be improved, then I would look into what the deficits were and see if another available textbook could better meet that need. I'd ask my colleagues for their opinions, and I'd also look to online communities for ideas. With those recommendations, I would take a look at each textbook and imagine myself teaching it. It has be accessible and engaging but also challenge my students."

Anonymous Answer

"First, I would analyze the data to get a better understanding of the students' strengths and areas in need of improvement. Next, I would research the best books that would address the needs of our students, while doing so I would also imagine myself as the teacher facilitating the lessons to ensure that I am making a choice that would benefit both teachers and students. Then I would solicit the opinions of the teachers by having them also review the textbooks to suggest feedback, as far as the textbook alignment with the needs of our students as well as if it's teacher and student-friendly."

Rachelle's Answer

Your multi-stage approach is wonderful! This answer shows that you are very mindful of your decisions as an instructional coordinator.

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4.

Why did you initially aspire to be an instructional coordinator?

This question provides an opportunity to show your passion for the role and why you think you're a good fit. Research the school's mission and values and illustrate how your values align with theirs. If there are negative reasons that compelled you to move away from being a teacher, focus instead on a positive reason that drew you towards being an instructional coordinator. Don't focus on the sinking ship, focus on the greener pastures.

Audra's Answer

"Teaching was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot from it. Once I learned about the instructional coordinator position, I knew that that's what I wanted to do because of how much more of an impact I could make on broader decisions that affect the entire school community. I also enjoy building meaningful professional relationships and developing my expertise in order to best serve students and teachers. I look forward to overseeing instruction and helping teachers excel."

5.

Do you want to be in Education for your entire career? Tell me about your long term career goals.

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Instructional Coordinator Interview Questions

As an instructional coordinator, you will often find yourself on the less popular side of an opinion. How do you deal with that?

Instructional Coordinator Interview Questions

As an instructional coordinator, you will often find yourself on the less popular side of an opinion. How do you deal with that?

How long were you a teacher before transitioning into an Instructional Coordinator?

How do you usually determine which textbooks you will choose?

Why did you initially aspire to be an instructional coordinator?

Do you want to be in Education for your entire career? Tell me about your long term career goals.

How do you continuously strive to improve the teaching abilities of your team?

What drives you to do your best every day?

How closely do you adhere to National curriculum standards?

How do you continue to educate yourself?

What is your favorite form of interactive learning?

How do you stay up to date on new technologies to better enhance student learning?

As an instructional coordinator, how do you keep yourself motivated and enthusiastic, even when you are met with resistance?

When you were a teacher, what was your favorite subject to teach? What grades?

If a school is performing poorly in a certain subject, what are your immediate action steps?

How have you helped teachers understand new technologies for the classroom?

Tell me about a time when you failed to meet an objective.

What is your favorite book that focuses on professional development in education?

Would you consider yourself to be highly accountable?

Would you consider yourself an influencer?

Are you a strong negotiator?

How would you approach speaking with faculty members about effectively integrating new technology into their lessons?

Tell me about your post-secondary education. Have you completed your Masters' Degree?

What are your thoughts on an arts-based education?

Do you agree or disagree with the majority of our State's curriculum standards? What would you change if you could?

Tell me about a time when you've had to work with a difficult teacher. What made them difficult and how did you create a breakthrough?

Tell me about a new teaching technique that you recently learned.

When have you taken a risk on a new teaching approach or suggestion? Was it successful?

What was the biggest curriculum change you have implemented? Why did you feel a need to change it in the first place?

When have you had to coach a teacher? What was the issue, and was it a success?