Interview Questions/Timeline

Interview questions for a special education teacher...

1.  Please tell us about your educational background.

2.  Why did you choose a career in special education?

3.  Please tell us what experiences you have with working with special education students.

4.  Describe for us your philosophy on inclusion in the classroom.

5.  How will you respond to a teacher who does not follow a student’s IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications?

6. How do you define success in special education?

7.  How do you insure that your teaching skills and special education knowledge are both kept up to date?

8.  How would you handle making a difficult phone call to a parent?

9.  What do you see as major challenges in special education today?

10.  How would you manage the paperwork and documentation demands while teaching, including recording the information necessary for each student’s IEP?

11.  Describe a situation in which you had to deal with a challenging student.  How did you handle it?

12.  Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experiences that we have not covered?


Timeline for hiring process...

March 4 - Job description developed by Director of Special Education/Pupil Services; Interview Committee is selected
March 6 - Interview Committee meets to discuss pre-determined candidate criteria
March 11 through March 25 - Position is posted on WECAN, DPI, and district websites
March 26 through March 29 - Director and principal screen candidates; top five candidates are selected to interview
April 1 - Interview Committee meets to discuss interview process; interview questions, interview protocol-who will ask questions, appropriate queries, room arrangement
April 2/April 3 - Candidates are interviewed
April 4 - Committee meets to discuss applicants; sharing their top two candidates
April 5 - Director and principal review committee’s input regarding applicants; reference checks are made.
April 8-Director offers position to top candidate.  If candidate accepts, recommendation to Board for final approval at April Board meeting.  If candidate does not accept, offer to second candidate.  If necessary, repeat the process.
Once a candidate accepts, contact other candidates to let them know the position has been filled and thank them for their interest in the district and position.

Principal Job Description

The school principal supervises, coordinates, and manages the activities of the entire building and staff, according to the policies of the Board of Education and under the supervision of the District Administrator.  The Principal will:
*create a positive, safe, and orderly learning environment using positive behavior interventions and supports
*maintain knowledge of district policies, procedures, rules and regulations regarding school programs, principles of personnel supervision and evaluation, public relations, and budget development and administrations
*implement, supervise and revise instructional programs to ensure student instructional needs are met
*facilitate scheduling of classes and student placements
*lead staff in evaluation and improvement of instructional programs
*develop and implement school improvement plans
*conduct the hiring process of professional and non-professional staff
*establishes and maintains a favorable relationship with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and to solicit support for school activities
*meets with parents to discuss and resolve student problems

Job Description

The Director of Special Education/Pupil Services works collaboratively with a range of stakeholders including parents, educators, community members, district administrators, and DPI, to provide high quality services to students who are at risk or have special needs.  The Director is responsible for ongoing development, implementation and administration of specialized educational services including special education and related services and supportive services including psychological, school social work, and nursing services.  The Director leads, directs, and manages, in cooperation with school communities/departments, all special education and supportive services impacting students to ensure student academic success and compliance with state and federal law.  the Director works collaboratively with DPI in its monitoring of compliance to rules and regulations relative to the delivery of services to students with special education needs.

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