Tell us about a time when you had to come to a program or education-related decision while under pressure.
Preschool Directors make a lot of critical decisions every day, and often under a great deal of pressure that comes from a variety of stakeholders. The interviewers want to hear that you have sound decision-making skills, even under pressure. Think of a critical decision you made that had substantial meaning. Maybe you were responsible for deciding on new safety processes for the school after the COVOD-19 pandemic. Perhaps you had to make critical budget recommendations at the last minute due to a change in funding.
Give a specific story-based example of a time when you had to come to a program or education-related decision while under pressure. When offering a story of a 'time when,' you may find it helpful to follow the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Outline the decision at hand, and describe how you approached the challenge. Explain that you made your decision based on the best interests of all parties involved, and be sure to explain why you feel the decision was the best choice, overall.
"(Situation) The most significant decision I made under pressure was related to the policies and procedures surrounding our preschool's reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic. The questions at hand were to do with the safety of our staff members, our students, and the families that our students would return home to every day. With just four days' notice, my school board asked all directors to weigh in on their thoughts. (Task) As a Preschool Director and community leader, I knew that my input needed to be backed by data and science rather than emotion. (Action) I spoke with a pediatrician friend, I talked to an acquaintance who is a biologist, and I talked to a few parents of young children whom I knew and trusted. After compiling my research, I offered my thoughts to the board. My recommendation was to create small cohorts, screen all students and staff each morning, including temperature checks, and to increase the number of cleaning staff present at the school. I voted to re-open the preschool as I felt that, after speaking with the pediatrician, that a child's' sense of self and community directly impacted mental health and learning capacities. (Result) Not everyone agreed with me; however, I went into the meeting very confident that I had performed ample research and formed an educated opinion on the matter."
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 had to make the quick decision to shut down our school until the air was safe during the California wild fires. Some people were not happy about the decision, but nonetheless, health and safety were my main concern, so that's why it was important to act quickly.
Rachelle's Feedback
This situation sounds intense, and an excellent example to use! When answering questions that begin with 'Give an example of a time...', the interviewer will be looking for a specific story example. I recommend using the STAR framework to form a response that is full and engaging (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Here is a guide if you would like to learn more: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method/
I have provided a starter for you, below.
Situation: When the California wildfires happened, we... (explain who 'we' is by describing which job this story is related to)...had to shut down our school until the air was safe.
Task: As the...(what was your job title? Include information as to why this situation was your responsibility and what your role was).
Action:(describe in fuller detail the action that you took to shut down the school and keep your students safe)
Result: Some people were not happy...(who were these people? Parents or staff, for instance?). However, health and safety...(of whom?) were of the most significant concern. (What was the overall outcome of the situation your actions?)
Anonymous Answer
During my day as a middle school director, I have to make many quick decisions. Once I had to ask all my students to stay back knowing that they would be late for the next class, but I felt that I had to address an important issue that came up.
Rachelle's Feedback
This answer is a good start! I recommend adding in more detail as the response ends on a 'mysterious' note and will just prompt the interviewer to dig with follow up questions. Try to take some time and research the STAR framework. It would be helpful to apply this answer method here: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method/
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