Principal Pathway Academy
Pursuing a Principalship in Austin ISD
Visit the Smore link at: www.smore.com/21khw
Opening Activity
- What leadership skills do you bring to the principalship?
- Record a 1-2 word response on each of 3 "candy hearts"
- On the back of each heart, jot yourself a few notes to elaborate on the word(s) you selected
- Be prepared to share
Professional Introduction Speeches
- Kara Mitchell-Santibanez, Perez ES
- Kori Crawford, Travis HS
- Renee Conley, Sims ES
- Ana Blessum, Brown ES
Refining Your Resume
Activity
- Review the sample resume at the link below
- Discuss the positive and negative aspects of the resume with a table partner
- Be ready to share out 1 praise or recommendation you would give the candidate
Resume Tips
- Keep format simple and consistent - standard 11-12 pt. font, no pictures, colors or quotes
- Limit length to 2 pages, no references
- Include specific work experience - where and what you taught/led chronologically beginning with current assignment
- Concise - include what sets you apart, not standard job responsibilities
- Be sure to mention if you are bilingual
- List education and certifications
- Always print a copy to check visual appeal of formatting - computer screens are deceiving
- Save all final documents in PDF for digital uploading
- Ask John for personalized feedback once you have refined your resume
Activity
- Trade resumes with a partner who has not seen yours before
- Take 5 minutes to review your partners resume and jot down feedback
- Spend 2 minutes each sharing your feedback with each other
Refining Your Interview Skills
Activity
- Number off "1, 2, 3" and move into 3 small groups according to your number
- You will take turns answering sample principal question
- DO NOT DRAW A QUESTION UNTIL IT IS YOUR TURN - we want a "cold" response
- Each PPA member will answer 1 question in 3 minutes followed by 2 minutes of peer feedback
- Stay in your small groups - we will practice another question later
Interview Preparation
- EVERYDAY is a job interview - demonstrate strong leadership and good judgement during meetings, phone conversations and social media interactions
- Ask for principal profile in advance so you know what they want in a principal
Hirevue
- Practice answering questions within a 3-minute time limit
- Record in a quiet and professional looking setting
- Dress professionally
- Meet the Hirevue deadline - missing the timeline is a BIG mistake
Interview Tips
- Dress professionally - avoid distractions in dress and visible tattoos
- Greet each person individually with a firm handshake when you enter and exit
- Make eye contact with all committee members, particularly AISD leadership
- Be prepared to begin by "bringing your resume to life" - tell them why you want to lead and how you got where you are
- ANSWER THE QUESTION:
-listen carefully and write down questions if they are not provided
-time your answers - 5 questions in 30 minutes gives you 5-6 minutes each
-concise answers with specific examples - don't ramble or chase rabbits-stick to the stem - if they ask "why" don't tell them "how"
- Be prepared to close with "Is there anything additional you would like to tell us?" - always have an answer ready
- After interview be sure to send a brief email thanking committee
Activity
- You will take turns answering another sample principal question
- DO NOT DRAW A QUESTION UNTIL IT IS YOUR TURN - we want a "cold" response
- Each PPA member will answer 1 question in 3 minutes followed by 2 minutes of peer feedback
Entry Plans
- Presentation matters - professional folios or folders, no staples
- Well organized and consistent formatting
- Have enough copies to leave with each committee member
- Refer to plan when answering questions
- Send draft plans to John for feedback prior to interview
Activity
- Trade your draft entry plan with a new partner
- Look at formatting and content (consider if a parent would understand)
- Take 5 minutes to review and jot feedback
- Spend 2 minutes each to share feedback with your partner
Reflection and Closing
- What were your big takeaways today?
- What are you going to work on in the coming days? Set personal goals and put them on your calendar NOW
John Dees
Administrative Supervisor, Leadership Development
Email: john.dees@austinisd.org
Website: www.austinisd.org/edquality
Location: 1111 West 6th Street, Austin, TX, United States
Phone: 512-414-6674
Twitter: @PrincipalDees