What is your favorite form of interactive learning?

"I love using Minecraft to teach because it really energizes and engages the students. I've found that I can teach certain topics through playing the game, and students absolutely love it. I know that this school believes in leveraging technology to improve students' experiences, and Minecraft has a lot of systems to facilitate that learning. For example..."

Provide your favorite form of interactive learning and explain why by using brief points that relate to the school's mission and values. Share how this form of interactive learning has boosted engagement and supported students in their learning and development.

"My favorite form of interactive learning is a conversation because it's what we do naturally. The students already know how to talk; capitalize on that and teach them how to have a targeted conversation about the content."

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

"I was tasked with increasing standardized test scores for math by 25%. I worked hard all year and was able to increase scores by 19%. I looked back on the year and took stock of the things that I could've done better. I asked teachers for feedback, and I asked the principal for feedback as well. I even sent a survey to students' parents. I took all that information and identified areas of improvement, like better supporting parents in helping students get ready for the test. Then, I made a plan to improve on each area and invited school leadership to give me feedback and suggestions."

Use this questions as an opportunity to share about a time you missed the mark but also what you learned from the experience. It is best to end on a positive note with a lesson learned. Describe the experience you had and take responsibility for what went wrong, without blaming anyone. Then, describe what you learned and the steps you took to improve your performance.

"I was asked to increase student reading achievement on the second quarterly benchmark by 25%. I worked very hard by adjusting my lessons and teaching practices. I was able to increase it by 20%. I looked back on the previous quarters and took stock on the things that I could do better. I participated in additional teacher groups, online and in my school, to elicit effect feedback on different lesson ideas and resources. With all of the acquired information, I was able to identify areas of improvement and construct a plan to improve."

"This school year, my plan was to offer whole group professional learning during our monthly faculty meetings since we did not have a common planning period for any content area or any of the grade levels this school year. I didn't meet this objective because in reality, the faculty meetings had to be used for other purposes and they were also virtual; which made connecting feel a little distant for all of us. In previous years, we have had mini-PL during in-person faculty meetings and they went very well when done in person."

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

"I really believe in the school's mission, and I'm really empathetic. When tension is high, I remind myself of how exceptional both the teachers and the school leadership are; they both care about the students so much that they have a personal stake in the way things are done. That puts a smile on my face. And every morning, I remind myself that education is a dynamic field; it is constantly changing as our world advances. I'm really lucky to be part of such a dynamic field that keeps me intellectually engaged. When times are tough, I ground myself in gratitude and practice self-care to make sure I am always operating at my best at work."

A key thing to mention in response to this question is that you're resilient and always remain positive. Instructional Coordinators needs to have thick skin and keep one thing in mind: doing right by students. You may also want to mention how you will go about taking care of yourself outside of work. The more concrete your examples, the better. This is an opportunity to show your thinking process and interpersonal skills. Share an example of a time you turned a negative into a positive, and end on a positive note.

"Sometimes you have to take a moment, step back; give people space to breathe, and get caught up to where you would like them to be."

What drives you to do your best every day?

"I really like that your school strives for agency. I think that at-risk students can only thrive if everyone takes agency and ownership of the experience. The parent, the teacher, and the student all need to understand that they have power in their own hands. And that's what drives me to do my best every single day: I know that students depend on their teachers and see them as a role model. I have made a personal commitment to excellence in all areas of my life because I know the consequences that can have on those around me who are watching, most importantly, the students I serve and see everyday."

Prior to the interview, research the school's mission and values and consider how your teaching philosophy and personal values line up with it. This is an excellent opportunity to reveal more about your character, your life experiences, and your passion. Share an anecdote that highlights a personal value that is aligned with the school's mission. Be creative about bridging the gap between the school's mission and the motivation for your performance. Your answer to this questions may be just what the interviewer remembers most about your interaction.

"Several things drive me to do my best every day - I want people to be able to depend on me, I want to exceed expectations. I want to feel great about the work and the contributions I make to my school and to my district."

Why did you initially aspire to be an instructional coordinator?

"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."

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.

"The instructional coordinator position would allow me to broaden my support to other schools in our district. I have learned a lot during my time as an instructional coach at _________ Middle School. I feel that I can use what I've learned to help other schools in our district."

"As a teacher, I am passionate about ensuring that students reach their full potential to achieve academic success. However, I realize that my reach only extends to the students in my classroom and teachers in my schools. For this reason, I want to provide the same research-based targeted support for teachers in the district on a larger scale to increase teacher effectiveness to improve student achievement."

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

"I've always wanted to be in education. I was a teacher for five years, so I really know the field quite well. I'm looking for ways to grow professionally. I'd like to be an instructional coordinator for 3-5 years, so I can develop good relationships with school staff and prove myself. From there, I plan on seeing what opportunities exist at a higher level in school leadership. Eventually, I may even consider opening a charter school."

Staff turnover is always a concern in schools and the Instructional Coordinator position, specifically, should be someone who is trusted and has established strong relationships with teachers in the building. It is hard for Instructional Coordinators to have much influence and impact when there is a new person in the position each year or few years. The interviewer is concerned with finding a long-term fit for this role. Your objective here is to remove any doubts that your career trajectory will lead you away from the education field. Be sure to communicate your commitment to the role, without making any promises you know you can't keep.

Are you a strong negotiator?

"I'm not a strong negotiator right now, but I'm working on it. I'm reading 'The Effective Negotiator' by Charles Sanford amongst many other books, and I look for ways to apply these techniques. For example, I understand that part of negotiation is about framing the problem and finding common ground. So for example, when a teacher takes issue with XYZ issue, I'd set the frame by [...] and then draw them into common ground so I can explain why XYZ is important to the district."

Negotiation skills may be necessary if you ever find yourself needing to rely on conflict resolution, as an Instructional Coordinator. If you are a strong negotiator, share an example of a time you had to negotiate and how you went about it. Explain your unique strategy to find common ground and the end result of the scenario. Remember to share an example that highlights your success as a negotiator and your ability to compromise. If you aren't a good negotiator or have had limited experience, be honest and then share ways that you're looking to improve. Mention a technique or principle of negotiation and segue into a very brief example that is relevant to teaching.

"I would like to believe so. As a teacher negotiating, seem to be a good way to get to the attended goal. The most important thing to remember is to keep the intended goal as a priority. Next, explain all of the reasons why it's important to reach that goal and how the intended person could benefit."

"When given the facts and a cause that I am passionate about, I am indeed a strong negotiator. I am a strong advocate for our students receiving the best education from the best teachers."

Would you consider yourself an influencer?

"Absolutely. That's what drew me to the position: I can make lasting impacts by influencing other teachers. I influence others by listening to and empathizing with their concerns and showing that my work is aligned with their interests. It's about finding common ground. In order to be influential and gain people's trust, solid relationship building skills are necessary. A lot of teachers don't like Instructional Coordinators, so I make sure that I show my face and help them with little things whenever I can. I show that I'm in the field with them and always trying to improve my craft, not hiding behind a desk issuing edicts blindly. I always give before I receive; that's how I win people over."

All staff within a school building can have a tremendous influence on students and other staff members, alike. Provide a brief example of how you influenced someone or how you won someone over in a professional setting. Be sure to thoughtfully include your strategies for relating to, connecting, and working with other people and how you would go about convincing them of something.

"Absolutely, being an influencer is what inspired me to apply for this position. I believe that I can make a lasting impact by influencing others. I influence others by understanding their concerns and showing that I'm aligned with their interests. A lot of teachers don't like supervisors, so I would make sure that I am very visible and helpful whenever needed."

"Yes. People come to me for advice and they seem to value it."

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

"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."

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.

"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."

"When I'm met with opinion versus fact; I consider opinions, but always go with facts. Opinions are inevitable. I like presenting the facts that back up whatever I'm suggesting. For example, in December when we had department meetings at the board office, I had already looked at NWEA/MAP Scores and the data categories of Low, Low Average, Average, High Average, and Above Average. I had pre-determined an equitable way to give students a grade based on their MAP Score. The teacher initially disagreed with my score divisions. After I was able to show her that my scores would benefit the student, she was on board."

Would you consider yourself to be highly accountable?

"Of course. I teach my students that they're accountable for their own success, and I practice what I preach. Last school year, the team of sixth grade teachers collaborated on a thematic unit about Latin America. Each teacher was responsible for a certain piece of the unit and several daily lesson plans. I worked diligently on all parts assigned to me, because I knew others would be counting on my work, and I wanted to deliver high-quality, thoughtful lessons. I always want to be known as someone who is reliable and goes above and beyond what is expected. That thematic unit was a huge success, as everyone carried their weight, and we were able to develop a creative and highly engaging unit that connected with our students' identities."

An Instructional Coordinator is expected to be highly reliable and demonstrate follow through. As a leader in the building, you will be expected to deliver whatever you promise and in a timely manner. Teachers and teams will be counting on you to hold your weight and set a strong example of leadership and accountability. The answer here should absolutely be 'yes', but the important part is to provide a brief anecdote that demonstrates this quality or highlights your commitment and follow through.

"Absolutely, I have always taught my students that they are accountable for their success, and I practice what I preach."

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

"I really like Robert J Sternberg's 'Thinking Styles'. I know that PS 38 is focused on seeing students as individuals, and Sternberg's book is a great reminder that we all learn in different ways, and that I have to design my lessons to engage all those learning styles. When I starting implementing this in my classroom by incorporating visual aids, manipulatives, music, and more movement into my lessons, I noticed improved student engagement, performance, and test scores."

An Instructional Coordinator will be expected to be well read and recall professional development books that have had a profound impact on their life personally, or the world of teaching. Share a book that really impacted your teaching philosophy or outlook on education, and be sure to explain why. It would be best to share what adjustments you've made since having read the book you mentioned and how those changes have led to growth as a professional. If possible, mention aspects of the book that would appeal to the school's mission and values.

"The one book that I've been studying for professional development is The Teacher Clarity Playbook by Corwin Publishers. I also find that professional development materials from Solution Tree/Global PD are extremely beneficial for professional development."

How do you continue to educate yourself?

"I always strive to improve. Even though I have my Master's, I'm not done learning. I keep up with the latest techniques on Educator Today, and I subscribe to a daily 'Tip of the Day' email for educators. I look for ways to apply these tips on a daily basis, and at the end of the day, I reflect and see what went well and what didn't. Then, I think of ways to improve and also to reinforce what I'm doing well."

Instructional Coordinators need to always be on the look out for new research, advanced technology, best practices, and improved resources and programs. In order to best serve students and their families, an Instructional Coordinator must remain current and well read in popular topics and issues in education. Share a few publications that you subscribe to and/or any other resources that keep you up-to-date in the world of education, and share your commitment to be a lifelong learner.

"I always strive to improve. Even though I have my doctorate, I am not done learning. I keep up with the latest techniques and research by reading research journals on ASCD."

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

"I really loved teaching English to sixth graders. In sixth grade, students are no longer in elementary school; they want to mature and contribute in different ways, and a lot of them are excited to have that extra responsibility. They start to question authority more, which makes things more challenging and interesting, which I like. As an instructional coordinator, I know I can provide a lot of wisdom, best practices, and lessons learned throughout my years in the classroom."

Provide an honest and thoughtful answer that shows off your professional experience and your passion for working with students. Try to connect your passion for teaching your favorite subject and grade level to your work as an Instructional Coordinator.

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

"I completed it just a few months ago and I'm very excited to put the theory into use. I especially enjoyed learning about reading intervention strategies for struggling readers. I learned quite a bit and gained valuable resources and tools that I can't wait to put into practice."

Answer honestly and directly. This is also a chance to segue into different topics that may help improve your standing. If you haven't completed your degree yet, that may indicate to the interviewer that your education will interfere with full-time commitments. If that's the case, and the degree isn't strictly necessary for the job, indicate that you can finish your education on a part-time basis, and explain why you're excited for this opportunity.

"Yes, I have completed my Master's Degree in Middle Grades Education. I'm in the final stages of my Tier 1 Leadership Certification, I'm TKES Certified and I've passed the GACE Leadership Exam."

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

"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."

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.

"I was a classroom teacher for 25 years before becoming an ESOL teacher for one year then transitioning to instructional coach; where I'm in my fourth year."

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

"Teachers are often looking for new and exciting ways to engage students. I'd first ask teachers what one of their biggest difficulties is when they're teaching a lesson. Then, I'd connect that with a technology. For example, if they have a lot of kinesthetic learners who are active and very tactile, introducing iPads may help students be able to touch the screen and interact with the lesson. iPads can engage visual learners and audio learners, with visual aids and audio cues, as well."

Teachers are busy and often overworked, and the thought of having to learn and incorporate new technology can be daunting and time consuming. At the same time, teachers are always looking for tools that engage students and help to deliver content in an appealing and new way. When answering this question, demonstrate that you can empathize with teachers and all they are expected to do, but also provide an example as to how new technology may simplify their work. Mention a specific technology that could help teachers and walk through a scenario to demonstrate how it may impact them and their students.

"Incorporating technology into lessons is a great way to engage your learners, especially those who are more visual or kinesthetic learners. Now, I know how little time you have to spend developing new resources, but there are many great platforms you could utilize to enhance your lessons that already have premade slides and activities that are already aligned with your content. EdPuzzle and Nearpod are two great examples. With both programs, you can edit premade lessons that other educators have created or use them "as is" if they fit your needs. EdPuzzle will even score the assignments for you!"

What are your thoughts on an arts-based education?

"There are lots of differing opinions on whether liberal arts is worth teaching. I noticed that our school district has been cutting funding for the arts, and that a lot of teachers in this area are opposed to it. I think there's a time and place for everything, and what matters at the end of the day is that the school is meeting its objectives. I also understand that tough decisions often need to be made due to funding, unfortunately. I'd ask the teachers about their opinion and try to find common ground between their stance and the district's stance."

The most appropriate answer will depend on the values of the organization that you're applying to. Consider pressures the school district is facing and what subjects have been affected. Consider which areas have received increased funding and which have had funding taken away. It is okay to state your honest opinion, but also communicate that you understand tough decisions need to be made from time to time. As an instructional coordinator, you may be expected to get teachers onboard with top-down decisions that impact them. Use this opportunity to demonstrate how you would support the school leadership's decisions and influence others to align with it. As always, feel free to ask for more information if you need it to make a well-informed response.

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

"I think what matters most is that our students get the proper education they need. There's an undeniable need to improve our science education right now, so I'd integrate science into other subjects, if I could. I'd somehow fuse each subject into the others, with a focus on science. For example, I might have a science fiction novel taught in an English class or demonstrate that you can apply math to science as well. I think students would retain more of knowledge by noticing how all subjects exist together in the real world."

The most appropriate answer will depend on the current climate in the organization you're applying to. Either way, demonstrate your professional engagement and industry awareness by pointing out the current weakness in your population and explain briefly what you would do to change it and why. It can't hurt to add that you will teach whatever standards you are asked to the best of your ability.

"Over the last several years, the Georgia Performance Standards and now the Georgia Standards of Excellence have evolved to become teacher and student-friendly in language."

How closely do you adhere to National curriculum standards?

"I fully meet the standards and earned my license to teach Social Studies for grades 7-12. I am very familiar with and feel comfortable teaching the Common Core State Standards, as required by your school."

Prior to your interview, you should have a good understanding of national and state requirements for the grade level you will be closely working with, as well as the framework of standards the school subscribes to. Provide a straightforward answer and demonstrate your understanding of the importance of adherence to professional standards.

"I strictly follow our state curriculum standards. It's the guide to what the students must learn."

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

"I would bring it to the attention of the teachers and ask them if there have been any particular pain points that they're experiencing in the teaching and learning of that subject area. I would then ask them if there's anything they can immediately identify that we could be doing better or if there are resources that they need but don't yet have. Brainstorming alongside the teachers could help to identify some immediate adjustments to improve the situation. From there, we would talk about deeper issues, such as problems with infrastructure and the administrative system, and collaborate to come up with a better path forward. I would also audit the new strategies to ensure that they were working to improve student outcomes."

If you have the experience, share about a specific time you encountered this problem. Share a high-level description of the problem and the specific action steps you took to resolve it. Include how you identified the problem, how you decided on an action plan, and how you shared the action plan with staff and got them on board. Make sure your answer spans the short term first. If appropriate or necessary, zoom out a little bit and talk about your strategies to improve on a medium-to-long term timeline.If you don't have the experience here, explain how you would go about tackling an issue like this. Consider what kind of intervention you would implement, what resources you would look into, how you could leverage your staff for ideas and support, and how you would ensure your solution was improving student outcomes.

"If a school is performing poorly in a certain subject, my immediate steps would be to look at how that subject is being taught. And by that I mean, look at the performance standards, look at the instructional framework that is being used at the school, then look at how the lessons are presented to students. There has to be a breakdown somewhere and it would be my job to find out where that breakdown is happening and then work with the teachers to resolve it."

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?

"The teacher I was working with was very dismissive of me. She thought that she knew best. I knew that with her type of personality, I wouldn't be able to get through to her unless she saw the value of my role. At first I asked her to coffee, but she said she was really busy. So instead, I asked to join her during her lunch. We bonded over common horror stories we had read. That wasn't quite enough to gain her trust, though. She liked me, but she didn't like how I worked. The next time I had a chance, I asked her what she thought Instructional Coordinators do. She laughed and said that she thought they were supposed to spy on teachers and write them up for every little mistake. I took the chance to tell her more about exactly what my purpose was, and how I fit into the organization. I pointed out that at the end of the day, we just want what's best for the students. I promised her that it wouldn't be a one-way relationship, that she'd be able to be honest with me, and give me her feedback. She turned into one of my biggest supporters after we had that talk."

Teachers do a lot of collaborative work, but many often have differing teaching styles or maybe operate their classrooms differently. Demonstrating a willingness to listen, cooperate, and compromise is important when working in a collaborative environment. Your answer here should reflect your willingness to reach common ground, your ability to be direct and professional, and demonstrate how you were able to successfully resolve a conflict or continue working together, despite differences.

"I've certainly had an opportunity to work with difficult teachers. Not many; a couple. A couple of years ago, one of our TAPP teachers was a huge complainer and was reluctant to use my feedback for improving their teaching. They finally decided that our school was not the school for them at the time; they needed a different school. At that point, I applauded him for recognizing and sharing with me that he and our school were not a good fit. With that, I urged him to use me for everything I had in order to help him get better at teaching before he went on to his next school. This was my way of getting him to use me and in doing so, he'd put better teaching practices in place, and consequently, our students would benefit. Yes, he did use some of my feedback to improve his teaching. My final piece of advice to him was to go back to college to learn more about the art of teaching BEFORE he was in the classroom again."

"What makes the world unique is its varying personalities. Each person brings a new spark to the table. However, sometimes this may cause conflict or tension, especially when we are trying to work together to accomplish a task or reach a goal. When I was a teacher support coach, I was tasked with helping new teachers. One teacher was very dismissive and did not accept assistance. Instead of ignoring her or creating a bigger problem, I asked if she was free to talk one afternoon. She agreed, and we had a conversation about how she felt about my role and how I could assist her. I found that the source of the tension was that she didn't fully understand my role and thought of me as a spy or someone who could have a negative impact on her TKES evaluation. Once I explained that I was there to support her and that nothing we discussed would be punitive, she began to open up to me, and we had a great working relationship moving forward."

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

"I have recently been trying out small-group discussions in class so that all students can be heard and more onus is put on them to manage discussions. I split up the class into groups of 4 and provided each group some discussion questions. It turned out that there were some kids who were doing all the talking, and some kids who just put their heads down and took a nap. I learned that the timing is important; we had just come back from lunch and they had all this energy. Next time, I'm going to factor in the time of day to accommodate their energy levels and maybe assign roles to each group member so all students are held accountable."

This questions provides an opportunity to show off recent research into new interventions, technology, or resources for educators that you've come across. Provide the broad points of the technique, explain how you applied the technique in the classroom (if you have), and offer something that you learned from it or why you think it will be an effective technique to introduce to other teachers.

"During our AVID Training, I learned how to use the Socratic Seminar to teach students how to dig into their critical thinking ability to collaborate."

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

"It is important to me to build rapport and trust with the teachers on my team. I value getting to know them on a personal level, along with hearing about their professional goals. I have weekly check-ins with my team, as well as monthly and quarterly meetings, where we talk about short-term and medium-term objectives and concerns that they might have. I'm very big on giving feedback as immediately as I can and following up to see if they're implementing it. I ask them to come up with positives from the new implementations and see if there are any negatives. This is the continual feedback system that I use to improve the team."

This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate how you build relationships with your team of teachers in order to support and encourage them professionally. Show that you care about the teachers on your team, but also that you are willing to challenge them to grow as educators. Discuss the process you use to get to know teachers, identify weak spots and areas of strength, hold teachers accountable, and truly help them develop.

"I strive to improve the teaching abilities of my team by observing their instructional approach and observing how their students are engaged with the instruction. By providing feedback on my observations, helps teachers to see their classroom from an objective viewpoint."

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

"I suggested that the teachers take the students to a park once a month instead of staying in the classroom because I noticed that the students were more lively when they were in the sun and breathing fresh air; I thought they might learn better this way. From what I saw, it was tough to keep students engaged at first, and the teachers wasted a lot of time getting them to settle down. So the first time we took them to the park, it wasn't exactly a success. But the second time we went, the teachers were able to keep order, and the lesson was a great success and huge hit with the students; they talked about it for days. It became a special memory for them, and the lesson stuck with them more because of that."

The tolerance for risk taking will differ from school to school, so use your best judgment with the example you give. Your example should be aligned with the school's values or something that you believe would be permitted at the school your interviewing with. It is best to provide an example that successfully boosted student learning and engagement (or parent engagement). Tell the interviewer what your idea was, how you implemented it, how it impacted your classroom culture, and what you learned from taking the risk. If you haven't taken any risks, talk about small initiatives that you implemented and explain the results and your observations.

"I took a risk on station teaching and it was very successful."

"A few years back, I got the idea to do an escape room in my classroom. I was apprehensive at first because of the amount of preparation it would take to make it successful; however, I wanted to create a new learning experience for my students, and it was a great way to assess their knowledge of the concepts and standards we'd discussed in the unit. Long story short, it went well. The students enjoyed it. I was able to assess their knowledge and use the data for re-teaching, and other teachers saw what we had done and wanted to try something similar in their classrooms."

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

"I changed the books that students were reading. I changed them because we needed to increase reading scores. I interviewed some teachers, and they told me that it was difficult to get the students to read those books because they were too old and the language was difficult. So, I decided to purchase newer books that were written using more accessible language and also effective at illustrating literary devices."

When answering this question, your answer should always boil down to meeting the needs of students. When students are not making appropriate academic gains, are uninterested in content, or require further rigor, a curriculum should be adjusted. Dig deep and find the root cause as to why you opted to change the curriculum. Most of the time, it will have to do with concerns over student performance.

"The biggest curriculum change that I implemented was having our teachers utilize station teaching in the block class schedule. This change was needed so that teacher would not stretch 50 minutes worth of lessons into a 100-minute block."

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

"The issue was that the teacher was going into too much detail with one student. She would start explaining one sentence to the student, and the other students would start spacing out. So, I gently addressed this with the teacher and explained how this was impacting the majority of students in the class. Then, I pointed out one way she could improve. By helping her to reflect and showing her the impact of her behavior, she was much less defensive about my feedback, and her delivery in the classroom improved."

Start off with the situation and explain what the problem was. Then, show what you did using broad language; there's no need to get into details unless asked. Be sure to highlight how the situation was resolved and that your coaching was successful.

"In my current position as an instructional coach, I am constantly in a cycle of coaching; whether it is a mini-cycle or a full coaching cycle. Recently, I was in a coaching cycle with a math teacher whose students were having a difficult time grasping the concepts and he wondered what he was missing in his approach to meeting their needs. The coaching cycle was a success in that we planned how he would target his instruction instead of applying a broad approach to addressing the standards. After the designated period of time, he administered a post-test that showed that the students were successful in grasping the concepts."

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

"I'm always reading technology magazines like Wired and Popular Science. Whenever I see something new and interesting, I think about how I might be able to use it in a lesson and how it could benefit students. For example, when iPads first came out, I read about how the App Store would be open to any developers who wanted to create and offer an app. So, I kept an eye on the educational software section. It is important to get new technology into the hands of students to stimulate learning, and so they become comfortable navigating new programs and devices."

Describe any habits you've developed to keep current on technology in education. This could include teacher-facing and/or student-facing software or tech aimed at supporting learners in their education. Share about professional development opportunities you like to take advantage of or any education publications/blogs you subscribe to. Be sure to provide an example that demonstrates you are able to navigate resources and always have the best interest of teachers, students, and their families in mind.

"The best way I have of keeping up to date on new technologies that enhance student learning is by participating in various teacher groups on Facebook. There, teachers both locally and globally generously exchange resources and strategies that work in their classrooms. There is a wealth of information in that resource alone. Another great resource looking at what teachers within the district are already using that can be shared."

"As a member of different professional organizations and educational blogs, I am able to stay abreast of current trends in education that relate to better ways to enhance student learning with the use of technology. Especially with the use of technology that allows students to learn at their academic level; whether that level is high or low."

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

"I ask the principal if I can take up some time on professional development day for a seminar to teach the teachers about a new technology. I gather all the teachers on that day and give them an overview of the technology. For instance, it might be a new eLearning platform. I'll show them a quick tour of the features and give examples of how they might use them in class. Then, I'll have the teachers interact with the platform for 5-10 minutes, and then host a Q&A session. I would welcome their feedback and make myself available to them, should they have any more questions or need support. I would want teachers to leave the training feel well-equipped and supported in using the new platform to their advantage."

If you have experience successfully introducing new technology to teachers for use in their classrooms, share your experience and highlight how teachers felt because of your training and guidance. The main point is to paint a clear picture for the interviewer as to how you successfully engage teachers and support them in their work. Walk the interviewer through what you did (or would do), how you supported (or would support) teachers throughout their learning, and how teachers left (or would leave) the training feeling.

"The best way to help teachers understand new technologies in the classroom is to actually show them how the technologies available can easily support what they are teaching. If technology doesn't appear applicable or user-friendly, teachers aren't going to use it. I like the idea of giving teachers an overview of available technologies and then offering subsequent workshops that allow teachers to learn more about the platforms that appeal to them most."

How do you usually determine which textbooks you will choose?

"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."

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.

"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."

Instructional Coordinator Interview Questions

Go Back

1. What is your favorite form of interactive learning?
2. Tell me about a time when you failed to meet an objective.
3. As an instructional coordinator, how do you keep yourself motivated and enthusiastic, even when you are met with resistance?
4. What drives you to do your best every day?
5. Why did you initially aspire to be an instructional coordinator?
6. Do you want to be in Education for your entire career? Tell me about your long term career goals.
7. Are you a strong negotiator?
8. Would you consider yourself an influencer?
9. As an instructional coordinator, you will often find yourself on the less popular side of an opinion. How do you deal with that?
10. Would you consider yourself to be highly accountable?
11. What is your favorite book that focuses on professional development in education?
12. How do you continue to educate yourself?
13. When you were a teacher, what was your favorite subject to teach? What grades?
14. Tell me about your post-secondary education. Have you completed your Masters' Degree?
15. How long were you a teacher before transitioning into an Instructional Coordinator?
16. How would you approach speaking with faculty members about effectively integrating new technology into their lessons?
17. What are your thoughts on an arts-based education?
18. Do you agree or disagree with the majority of our State's curriculum standards? What would you change if you could?
19. How closely do you adhere to National curriculum standards?
20. If a school is performing poorly in a certain subject, what are your immediate action steps?
21. 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?
22. Tell me about a new teaching technique that you recently learned.
23. How do you continuously strive to improve the teaching abilities of your team?
24. When have you taken a risk on a new teaching approach or suggestion? Was it successful?
25. What was the biggest curriculum change you have implemented? Why did you feel a need to change it in the first place?
26. When have you had to coach a teacher? What was the issue, and was it a success?
27. How do you stay up to date on new technologies to better enhance student learning?
28. How have you helped teachers understand new technologies for the classroom?
29. How do you usually determine which textbooks you will choose?

Instructional Coordinator Interview Questions

1. What is your favorite form of interactive learning?

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

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

4. What drives you to do your best every day?

5. Why did you initially aspire to be an instructional coordinator?

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

7. Are you a strong negotiator?

8. Would you consider yourself an influencer?

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

10. Would you consider yourself to be highly accountable?

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

12. How do you continue to educate yourself?

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

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

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

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

17. What are your thoughts on an arts-based education?

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

19. How closely do you adhere to National curriculum standards?

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

21. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29. How do you usually determine which textbooks you will choose?