Sample Questions Principals Should Expect From New Hires

Organizational Questions

Name and Room Number of Department Head

Name and Room Number of Literacy Coach

Name and Room Number of Math Coach

Name and Room Number of Special Education Department Head
Name and Room Number of Mentor

Supplies and Logistic Questions

How and where do I make requisitions of supplies and books?

Can I have a copy of the Core Curriculum for my content area? Which textbooks are used for my subject area? Where can I find them? Teacher Editions?

How and where do I request keys for my classroom, staff bathroom or other common areas?

How and where do I request teacher handbook, student handbook, safety plan (if available)?

What audio/ visual materials are available for my classroom and what is the procedure to check out audio/ visual equipment?

Is there a school wide student supply list? Can I create my own supply list for my students?

What is the photocopying policy? How much paper do we get a month?

Where do I park?
How early can I come to work? How late can I stay?

When and what are the procedures for signing in and signing out?

May teachers or staff access the building on Saturdays?

What do I do if I need something from the building and it is locked?

How much is lunch in the cafeteria for students? Adults?

Whom should I contact for building maintenance? Technological assistance?


Discipline and School Policies

What is the discipline policy and expectation?

What is expected in terms of recording student behavior? Attendance? Tardiness?

Whom do I see if I need to help a student who is having discipline problems?

What are the restroom rules? Hall rules? Is a pass required?

Where do students go in the morning before school starts? Where do I pick them up before school?

What is the procedure for dismissal of students?
Is there a district dress code for faculty? School dress code?

What are the outside and inside the classroom bulletin board policies?

What is the lunch room procedure?


Who do I call if I need a substitute?

What is the procedure for parents coming to the room?

Whom should I see if I have a student that should be tested for specialized instruction?

Counseling?

Where are my students’ cumulative folders?

Lesson Plans and Scheduling Questions

Is there a preferred lesson plan template that I should be using?

When are lesson plans due and how/when would you like them submitted (paper vs. email)?

Can you show me a copy of a lesson plan that meets your expectations so I am clear on what is expected from me? (i.e., content, specificity, etc.)

What is the daily schedule? (teachers and student rosters, including preparation time)

What is the schedule of staff professional developments and grade/department meetings?

What is the grading policy? Is there as specific book/template I should use to keep my grades? When are grades due?

What is the “duty” schedule? Am I responsible for lunch duty, recess duty, hallway duty, etc.?


Mentoring, Professional Development and Goals

What should I expect from my mentor? When will we meet?

What is the benchmark process? When are the key dates?

Whom do I see if I would like to be approved to attend an educational workshop?

What is your SGO process? When will we meet about setting them?

Whom do I see if I would like to be approved to attend an educational workshop?

© TNTP 2012