What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a Principal?
Just as teachers are constantly trying to learn and develop, principals should be doing the same in order to lead well. Consider what you are already doing to become a more influential leader and learn more about the world of education to benefit your school. It is also great to mention what you plan on doing to continue to learn and grow professionally.
"In the past year, I have read several books on leadership; I am always hungry to learn and grow. Some of my favorites have been 'High Performance Habits' and 'Dare to Lead'. I also attended a leadership conference in Chicago about various leadership styles and how to build a strong team. I also have a mentor who was a former principal and we meet biweekly. I plan on continuing all of these things, as well as continuing to seek out professional development opportunities to better lead my team and help them grow."
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
This past year, I have reviewed previous books I read on Instructional Leadership, including "Leverage Leadership" Driven by Data" and What Great Principals Do Differently" I have attended training on standards-based instruction for reading and math and related strategies for small group instruction. As an adjunct professor, I teach an instructional leadership class for aspiring leaders that focuses on the role of the instructional leader in improving student learning and meeting students' needs through data analysis and developing instructional improvement strategies to improve classroom performance and student learning. I also mentor sitting principals and assistant principals.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! Any interviewer will be impressed by the many ways you have strived to improve yourself professionally over the past year. Perhaps just include a sentence or two that spells out how reading certain books, attending training, teaching about instructional leadership, and mentoring others have improved your abilities as a principal. Have you changed how you do anything professionally based on what these experiences and learnings have taught you?
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