Ryan Fedders, Amy Krause, Megan Gross

Table of Contents

Core Values

Posting Description

Schedule

Interview Questions

Evaluation tool

Reference Check
Core Values
1. Collaboration
2. Systems thinking
3. The belief that all kids can learn at high levels
4. A Growth mindset/learner
5. Strong communication skills

Posting Description
Position Type: ​Elementary Teacher
Date Posted: ​09-15-18
Location: ​Drake Elementary
Date Available: ​August 2018
District: ​Drake Community Schools

Purpose: ​To collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to ensure high levels of learning for
all students throughout the system. The ideal candidate will model a growth mindset as an
adult learner and establish positive working relationships with staff members, students
and parents.

Qualifications:
1. BA in Elementary Education
2. Reading Endorsement Preferred

Performance Responsibilities:
1. Demonstrates an ability to implement best practices in order to enhance academic
performance.
2. Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching
position.
3. Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.
4. Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of
students.
5. Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning and utilizes this data to guide
instruction.
6. Adheres to the principles of an effective team member as described in the PLC
model.
7. Demonstrates competence in classroom management within the PBIS framework.
8. Increases professional competence through participation in building and district
staff development activities.
9. Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.
10. Performs other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Superintendent
or Principal.
Schedule
Candidate one:
Small group interview Q & A - 45 minutes
Classroom lesson - 20 minutes
Data Conversation - 10 minutes (2 sets to choose from - reading - K-1 or 2-5)
Writing - 20 minutes

Candidate two:
Writing - 20 minutes
Small group interview Q & A - 45 minutes
Classroom lesson - 20 minutes
Data Conversation - 10 minutes (2 sets to choose from - reading - K-1 or 2-5)

Writing question and reasoning:

If you received the job offer, what would an introduction letter to families of your students
look like?

Reasoning - this allows us to see the candidates writing ability, along with their
communication style.

Data Sets:

Looking at the data, describe the current reality. What can you tell by examining the data
in its entirety?

What might we celebrate?

Do you notice any trends?

How would you use this data set to inform next steps for instruction or assessment?
Interview Questions

Tell us about yourself.

Follow up - personally and professionally if one or the other isn’t given

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​aspirations of
professional growth
expressed, balance of
work/home values

Tell me about the most important accomplishments of your career (or life)?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​listen for “we” vs.

“I” answers

How would you resolve conflict with colleagues, parents, administration? Can you
give us an example.

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​open & honest

communication in
person, provides
relevant example, “we”
versus “I/they”

What kinds of hours do you work? How do maintain a balance between work and
home?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Listen for them to

identify priorities or
essential job
requirements & work
toward them - not
necessarily specific
times. Balance - some
appropriate activity to
relieve stress given.
How important is it to you that your co-workers be your friends?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Emphasize the
importance of having a
“working relationship”
with colleagues, not
necessarily a
friendship.

What personality traits do teachers need to be successful?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Listen for
alignment to core
values. Provides
supporting examples.

What are the most important things that you should accomplish during the first few
days of school?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Focus on building
relationships with kids

(Once you are in a classroom) What can you do to become an even more effective
teacher? Provide an example of a time you’ve worked to improve your teaching.

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Collaborative
learning with/from
others. Sets
improvement goals.
Answer indicates
reflective nature.

What characteristics are needed to effectively contribute to a PLC?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Student focused
mindset, data driven,
interdependence &
collaboration skills.
What experience have you had working with Special Education students or at-risk
populations? Give an example of how you have modified your instruction to meet
the various needs of the students in your classroom.

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Provides specific
example(s) of
modifications in line
with specific student
needs.

Give examples of your use of multiple forms of assessments to collect evidence of

learning. How do you use this information to guide your instruction?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Uses both
formative and
summative
assessments to gauge
learning - formative
assessments drive daily
instruction

How have you implemented technology in the past? Give a specific example of how
you have used technology to teach a lesson?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Provides an
example in which
technology was used to
enhance instruction
and learning (as
opposed to strictly for
engagement or
enjoyment).

What does your typical reading block look like?

Follow up: Would there be any key differences in your math block?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Utilizes workshop
model and explains
how they use flexible
small groups to
differentiate.
Is there anything you would like to add to help us know you better?

1- 2- 3- 4-

What interests you about our district? (won’t ask due to not knowing district - can
be provided in feedback.)

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Provides something
relevant from district
website. Deeper than
knowing about school
reputations.

Do you have any questions for us?

1- 2- 3- 4 - ​Has one or two

questions ready to ask.
Evaluation tool

Core Values Evidence of alignment or misalignment

Collaborative

Systems thinker

Believes that all kids can learn

at high levels

Growth mindset/learner

Strong communication skills

Strengths Questions
Reference Check
A. What is your relationship with the candidate?

B. Would you hire this person again?

C. Can you provide any outstanding examples of the candidates work? How long have you
been familiar with the candidate work?

D. What are the candidates strong points?

E. What are your candidates limitations?

F. Tell me about _____’s work habits.

G. What have you observed about this person’s instructional skills?

H. Describe the candidates relationship with the school community? (parents, students,
colleagues)

I. How do you believe a supervisor should work with ______?

J. What advice do you have for us in supporting this person to be successful?

K. Is there anything else that you would like to add about the candidate?