If you are applying for an administrative position such as a principal, assistant principal or dean of students, you need to prepare yourself for questions about curriculum management and leadership principles with both staff and students. Prepare yourself to give an honest assessment of what your strengths and weaknesses are and how you are best suited for the school community.
Students and Curriculum
The interviewers will want you to describe projects that you have led under your previous administrative positions. They want you to demonstrate an understanding of the age group, how they learn, how they are motivated and what you can do to improve the learning environment. You will be asked about best assess curriculum and what you expect from the students at the institution you are applying at. Be prepared to answer questions about how English-language learners best absorb the English language and obtain a full education while at school. Review what the role of a curriculum director does at your existing institution and your views on what this person needs to do to provide a successful curriculum at the place you are applying.
Leadership
To teachers and staff, an administrator is a boss. To the students, the administrator is a disciplinarian. To parents, the administrator is a liaison. These all have very unique dynamics as a leader. In an interview, you will be asked how you assess your staff and motivate them to do a better job. You will be asked how you have already had a positive influence on students that you have worked with. Expect an inquiry about how you motivate parents to increase their involvement in their child's education. It is important that you look at the administrator position as one that brings three very different dynamics of people together for one common purpose: a better educational environment.
Personal Development
Aside from being asked how you will lead a school, you will be asked about your personal development. They will ask you to explore your strengths and weaknesses and how you plan on further developing your own career. You will be asked about periodicals and literature that you read and how you deal with stress. Of course, the interviewer will want to know your long-term career goals and what you expect of employment with a new institution. Once again, be constructive but not arrogant when considering these and other questions. For example, if asked how staff or students would describe you, it isn't necessarily a bad thing to be described as "tough."
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