Principal

Apart from anything that might break fire codes, it's difficult to imagine this being answered with anything other than, "Do anything you wish; it's your room." If asked what you want to do, explain that you want an inviting, fun, learner-centered classroom. This may require you to move some chairs and tables, bring in some plants and maybe a few beanbag chairs, and a variety of other things that make learning fun.

Focus on the aspects of your experience that apply to this position.

I believe that personal life experiences in education relate directly to the type of teacher someone will be," Lotspeich told Education World. "The candidate's response to that question should come from the heart, and it will give me insight into the 'heart' the candidate will draw on as he or she relates to students.

The answer to this question helps you know precisely what the principal expects from you, which will prepare you for future evaluations. More important, though, the answer tells you exactly what is important to the person running the school where you may soon work. Does she want to see a classroom that is orderly, where the teacher is in control? Or, is she looking for a vibrant, messy place where children are laughing, collaborating, and exploring?

Discuss your vision of positive parental contribution and how you have facilitated and promoted this through the implementation of school initiatives.

For me, a Yes reply here is a deal breaker. However, there are ways around traditional homework and many alternative forms of assessment, so if all other questions are answered appropriately, you might still keep the school on your short list.

Aside from disciplining students, you will also likely be called upon to evaluate the performance of individual teachers on a regular basis. You may also be asked to evaluate a teacher whose students' test scores are not on par with national averages; you may even be required to evaluate a teacher about whom you have received multiple complaints from students, parents or even other staff. As such, the interviewer will need to determine your capabilities. Here, you should use another scenario if you are experienced with such evaluations. If you are not, explaining that you would take the time to listen to both sides and then create an effective remedial plan should suffice.

Focus on these competencies when formulating your interview answers to these principal interview questions.

If the answer is, "We have a strict policy stating that all mobile devices must be left at home or in lockers," you can forget your other questions and politely excuse yourself. It's the 21st century, for crying out loud. Who wants to teach in a school that forbids the use of the most powerful teaching and learning tool ever created?

The parents of schoolchildren are often very involved with their children's education, and as such, you will sometimes need to participate in meetings or conferences with parents. Sometimes, and especially when students have been suspended or otherwise disciplined, parents can become very upset. Your interviewer will ask you if you have ever dealt with such a situation, and you should answer honestly. If so, describe the situation and how you handled it. If not, you should provide another example of a situation in which your communication skills were able to dissolve the angry party's frustrations.

As an assistant principal, your first and foremost task will be to assist the principal in his or her duties. From time to time, this means that you will be called upon to discipline an unruly student. You may be asked to determine whether the student should get detention, in-school or home suspension, or even expulsion in extreme cases. To answer this question, you should reply with a past scenario if you can. Explain the offense and the steps you took to discipline the child. If you do not have experience with student discipline, create an imaginary scenario and explain how you would handle it.

Summarize by emphasize your qualifications as they apply to this job. Also cover anything you missed from your opening.

If the principal says she is not on Twitter, it may not be a deal breaker, but it's definitely a red flag. Being a connected educator is essential to every educator's success in the digital world in which we live. If a principal counters with, "Why is this important?" you should simply repeat my last sentence.

Now, you may be thinking that you don't want to suggest that things won't go well. Don't worry. Wise principals know that even the best, most experienced, teachers have problems during a school year. Like question number 1, there's only one reasonable answer to this one. The principal should eagerly reply, "Me."