What do you know about our organization?
The interviewer wants to hear that you've done some research on the district and school you will be entering into. You should be as prepared as possible by paging through their website, looking up their social media channels, finding articles online, and talking to current and/or former employees or parents of students, if possible. The more you know and can communicate, the more the interviewer will be impressed with your level of interest in their school. Be sure to express your excitement about the school you've applied to.
"I applied for this position because I was especially interested in your diverse offerings of classroom settings for various learners. I noticed you have traditional classrooms by grade level, multi-age classrooms, gifted programs, special education programs, and several electives based on student interests. Having many offerings is especially favorable for parents looking for a setting that will be fit their student. I also know that your school has won various awards and is highly regarded in the community as a great school. This district is continuously producing great test scores and always looking to improve, which ultimately opens doors for students and their families. I am very excited to be a part of that."
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 was particularly interested in your district's diversity and the community's schools. As I reviewed the schools on your district website, I noticed you have a variety of schools with traditional classrooms by grade level, multi-age classrooms, gifted programs, special education programs, and a host of electives based on student interests. You also have a variety of instructional delivery models, including blended instruction, dual language immersion, and career academies. Your innovation is noted in the different school structures, including academies, school within-a-school models, theme schools, magnet schools, and charter schools. I also know your district is highly regarded, having been a three-time Board finalist and twice recognized as one of the nation's top urban school districts. Your focus on continuous improvement to become a system of world-class schools has continuously produced excellent test scores, which opens doors for students and their families. I am very excited to be a part of that.
Marcie's Feedback
You clearly know a lot about this district and its schools, which is great. Remember to connect your knowledge about the schools to your desire to work for them. In other words, why are you particularly interested in their diversity? What about their variety of schools, classrooms, electives, and instructional delivery models appeal to you? Why does their innovative spirit matter to you? Don't just recite things you've seen on their website(s); connect that information to yourself and your desire to work for them. Great job!
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