Teachers come in

[sake]

We are getting a new principal at our school next year. We have had some issues with how the school has been run for the past couple of years, it's a little lax, in most people's opinions. I met the new principal this morning when she did a quick drop by at the school. She seems nice, which is good... I don't know if she really understands the needs of our school, b/c I feel like our superintendent kind of washes over those things... or at least she did with our current principal.

Anyway, enough rambling... my question is:
We are all having individual meetings with her, what questions do you think are most important to ask her in a 30 minute meeting? I want her to like me, so obviously I'm not going to ask any "hard" questions....

I have a few questions in mind, but I wanted to compile a small list. So I thought I would ask you guys for your opinions.

tators
@tnteacher
spedrunner
*i dont remember who the other teachers are

[sake]

Jun 5, 2013 12:37:17 GMT -5 tators said:

What do you want to ask her?

I would ask her what kind of atmosphere she wants for the children, for the staff, school, etc.

I would ask her what her expectations are.

Shit half an hour is a long time.. haha

What big and small changes does she see coming in the school?

Well the 3 main things I wanted to ask her were about expectations for staff and students, about technology (since we don't even have internet in the building (outside of the computer lab and one wireless hot spot), and about building safety (since our fire alarms and tornado sirens were disabled last year during construction, and I just found out recently that they were not properly repaired, so our fire alarms don't actually connect to a fire department, although they will go off to get students out of the building, and the tornado sirens apparently don't work at all.)

[Deleted]

Hmm the only other thing I can think of is just what type of changes she's planning on making and if there is a way you can help. I don't know, this is a tough one!

[spedrunner]

I am not sure what you teach, I teach special ed (MD) and one of the first questions I asked was "What do you expect of me". I wanted to be clear on the expectations as far as certain students, what their "goals" for the school were, etc etc

what are your concerns and what has some of the "problems" at yoru school been? I think that may help come up with some great questions!

[spedrunner]

Jun 5, 2013 12:41:21 GMT -5 sake said:

Jun 5, 2013 12:37:17 GMT -5 tators said:

What do you want to ask her?

I would ask her what kind of atmosphere she wants for the children, for the staff, school, etc.

I would ask her what her expectations are.

Shit half an hour is a long time.. haha

What big and small changes does she see coming in the school?

Well the 3 main things I wanted to ask her were about expectations for staff and students, about technology (since we don't even have internet in the building (outside of the computer lab and one wireless hot spot), and about building safety (since our fire alarms and tornado sirens were disabled last year during construction, and I just found out recently that they were not properly repaired, so our fire alarms don't actually connect to a fire department, although they will go off to get students out of the building, and the tornado sirens apparently don't work at all.)

I am just seeing this now....Hmmm, these are all very valid and VERY important (and concerning!) questions, but I dont think id personally ask them on my first meeting.  I think the first meeting should sort of be like an intro, i would ask about her expectations and maybe what some long and short term goals for the school are

[balletofangels]

I'd be careful about laying out complaints because you don't want to be labeled "the whiner," but I didn't get that vibe from your post. I think your idea of posing questions is great. I also wonder if she'll also be mini-interviewing you to get to know you and to get a view of her staff.

Hopefully you'll get a good read on her and see what direction to take the conversation.

[Monica Geller]

Jun 5, 2013 12:41:21 GMT -5 sake said:

Jun 5, 2013 12:37:17 GMT -5 tators said:

What do you want to ask her?

I would ask her what kind of atmosphere she wants for the children, for the staff, school, etc.

I would ask her what her expectations are.

Shit half an hour is a long time.. haha

What big and small changes does she see coming in the school?

Well the 3 main things I wanted to ask her were about expectations for staff and students, about technology (since we don't even have internet in the building (outside of the computer lab and one wireless hot spot), and about building safety (since our fire alarms and tornado sirens were disabled last year during construction, and I just found out recently that they were not properly repaired, so our fire alarms don't actually connect to a fire department, although they will go off to get students out of the building, and the tornado sirens apparently don't work at all.)

These are good things to bring up.  It shows you know the school and are concerned about the direction it's heading.  Throw in the phrase "21st Century Learning" when talking about technology 


I would ask her how she communicates with the staff: weekly emails, newsletters, a master calendar.

We've had a lot of problems with our principal not communicating with us regarding scheduling of assemblies, staff meetings, etc. As in he doesn't tell us his plan/expectation and then gets pissed with 900+ middle schoolers don't do exactly as he wanted them to because all of the teachers got conflicting information.

I would also do a "flip" on the "interview" and ask her to share some of her successes from her other assignments. Maybe ask her if there's something that she did at her old school that she'd like to bring to your school. Most people like to brag about themselves and this gives you some insight.