Assignment: Principle Interview Questions

1. What are the most common difficulties that students suffer from?

Life experiences and learning to work well with their peers is the biggest concern I see. Probably half of the students are from single family homes. Coming from a single home creates its own unique set of dynamics that students have to deal with. Our school provides mentors and counseling for students who need it.

2. What is the first step you do when you have a student with a behavior problem?

I have a conversation with the student to find out what happened as well as the adult. Depending on the severity of the action, I may have the student call his/her parent and have them tell the parent the purpose of the call. Usually having a student call his/her parent works better than any school consequence.

3. What's the number one motivation that works for most students?

Praise and motivation from adults in the building, closely followed by tangible rewards (like our PRIDE tickets and Mustang Bucks). Getting praise from someone who has built a relationship with the student is the most effective because they want to know that they are doing great.

4. Do you think that the principal's role is important in the IEP (Individualized Educational Plan)? Why?

The general educator and the special education teacher role's is more important because they are the ones who see the children daily. They are the ones who provide evidence and data to support the services that will be provided. The administrator's role is to make sure that we stay within the legal boundaries and to make sure that the student/parent's interest are taken into consideration.

5. Do you Support using technology when teaching special education students?

Technology is a wonderful tool but nothing substitutes a highly skilled professional. I think there is a need for both in the classrooms. Technology is what the students of this generation know but the interaction with an adult who can provide immediate feedback and prompting is invaluable.

6. How do you deal with angry parents when there is a misunderstanding?

Most parents want to be heard. I listen to their concerns and let them know what our policy says. I always go with policy. If there is not a policy to govern the concern, I act is what is in the best interest the child (policy does the same).

7. Do you believe that all students belong to the general education classroom?

I believe that all students at some point in the day should have the opportunity to be with typical peers but there are some students who need specialized services that cannot be provided in a general education service.

8. How can a school protect itself from getting sued?

Follow state law adf school board policy.

9. If a parent came to you and complained that a teacher is not meeting the needs of his child, how would you respond?

I would want to know specific incidences that have occurred. I would also asked have the met with the teacher prior to meeting with me. If they have not, I always ask that they meet with the teacher or we meet with the teacher. I give the teacher the opportunity to address the parent's concern prior to making any changes. In most cases this is all that is needed. If further actions are necessary based on student needs not being met, actions are based on case-by-case basis.

10. What's the importance of special education teachers other than the academic part?

11. What's the most important Character you think a special education teacher should have?

Love of teaching and learning with empathy for students.

12. Do you believe that technology and social media have the blame for causing some children difficulties in their academic studies?

13. How can you recognize a good teacher?

14. How have you insured that each student receives the right type of support?

15. Who should be mainly involved in 504 plans?

16. How is special education law is implemented in the schools system from your point of view?

17. Can you please explain why special education programs are essential in public school today?

18. How would you handle the fine line between parental involvement and interference in their child's IEP?

19. How realistic is the expectation that the majority of our special education students can meet the standards?

20. When a school faces a due process what's the first thing should they prepare?