Hey all,
Chris, MS Principal at Dodge MS in Farmington, MS. I am fortunate to have been there 9 years and have had a hand in every hire. It's one of the most important things I can be a part of because when you focus on culture and climate, it starts with the people. #mnlead
Hey All,
Bret, Elementary Principal living in Richfield, working in Lakeville. I get to do a fair share of hiring each year. Love getting to meet so many people in the process. #mnlead
Amy, tech integrationist from Austin, MN. I have been involved in the hiring at both building and district level as a member of interview teams. #MNLead
Matt from Northfield. As Superintendent, I am involved in hiring administrators but also help establish the vision and practices for hiring other staff. #mnlead
Hey #mnlead! Jen, central MN elem principal for HLWW district. I am the lead along with a team of teachers in our hiring process. (Team varies with position being hired)
I think this will be a theme this evening…schools are a people industry. Hiring that is aligned with the District’s vision is essential in being able to achieve it. #mnlead
Hey all,
Chris, MS Principal at Dodge MS in Farmington, MS. I am fortunate to have been there 9 years and have had a hand in every hire. It's one of the most important things I can be a part of because when you focus on culture and climate, it starts with the people. #mnlead
A1 First thing, tweet out the posting. I'm looking for connected educators whenever possible. Searching within our networks of knowing people helps too. #mnlead
A1: look beyond universities in the immediate region for that school or district. Identify what makes your school special and share that story so people across the state and other states want to be in your district versus just looking for a job in general. #mnlead
A1 First thing, tweet out the posting. I'm looking for connected educators whenever possible. Searching within our networks of knowing people helps too. #mnlead
It's all good! I invite teachers to be part of our interviews. We get the best candidates(and also a different perspective) by having a team approach. #mnlead
#mnlead I can't do anything tonight. After 46 years Ive located my birth family, my birth mother is alive & well, I am the oldest of 5 children (4 brothers) My grandma was Italian. My grandfather was a Spaniard. They had 22 children. As you can see, my life has turned a page.
A1.2, We can promote the district, which is awesome… ;-) We can promote quality of life, low cost of living etc… But competing with the urban districts is a struggle. #mnlead
Good evening @OscarUribe90. The name is Sam Ol and I’m a GIP Clinical Coach with WSU and RPS. I am seeking my K-12 admin license. I am not involved with hiring #mnlead
Well, I see more future teachers using their mode of connecting. Social media is such a part of that. I think of @shadow_uzumaki and @laurenvalencour as perfect examples. #mnlead
In reply to
@OscarUribe90, @shadow_uzumaki, @laurenvalencour
#mnlead so instead, could you pray for me!? I am very excited and all the information is wonderful but I am overwhelmed with a good thing and I can't even do any can't evens and all my feels are off the charts. God is so good.
and I would say also look at those univerisities. My wife is a methods instructor and rarely gets contact from K-12 admins-even for references.But these people know their pre-service teachers well. #mnlead
I had a late August resignation and tweeted out the posting. Someone saw it and made a referral to a friend to apply. Luckiest tweet ever....for me and our students. #mnlead
A1 First thing, tweet out the posting. I'm looking for connected educators whenever possible. Searching within our networks of knowing people helps too. #mnlead
#mnlead#edu5720 In Ghana,, once you finished teacher training college, automatically, you become a teacher forever. We don't hire teachers like over here in the U.S.
A1- Changing up questions from the traditional..putting them in teacher mode during the interview, and putting requests out on social media when openings are out there. Tough to fill rural postings sometimes. #mnlead
A1: In my role, I hope to prepare our GIPs for employment either in the district or anywhere teachers are needed. We are working on interview questions and practicing. #mnlead
•Instructional strategies. For example: “How do you teach the slow learner and the fast learner all in one room?”
•The candidates’ belief system. For example: “Do you believe all students can be successful?” #mnlead
A1: I have ben fortunate to hire many second career teacher candidates. What they bring in to the classroom isn't anything a university can prepare pre-service teachers for. Life experience = wisdom. #mnlead
A1: Go find the great people & encourage them to apply while talking to colleagues about potential candidates. Get the word out that your fantastic school needs another fantastic team member. #MNLead
A1: In my role, I hope to prepare our GIPs for employment either in the district or anywhere teachers are needed. We are working on interview questions and practicing. #mnlead
A2 Although data is important, I'm more interested in seeing what kind of reaction I get when asking about kids and how the team feels speaking with the candidate. #mnlead
A2: We seek student voice and perspective in the hiring process. If it's a student teacher that was with us, we ask the students of their experiences with the applicant. If it's an external candidate, we gather information (data) from stakeholders beside references! #mnlead
A2: The most effective teachers are those grounded in relationships, which you won't be able to find in metrics. You will, however, pick up on that through their writing, their speaking, their interpersonal skills, and what others say about them. Trust your gut. #mnlead
A2) Evaluating these skills in a simple interview is so difficult. I know committees who believed wholeheartedly that the candidate was a great fit, only to find out in practice it wasn't what they expected. #MNLead
A2 I’ve always felt that the social emotional strengths of the teacher makes a huge difference in the classroom. How can we quantify that with data though? #mnlead
#mnlead considering recently, I may've landed on an opportunity just by casually and somewhat jokingly responding to a comment made by a principal in one of my teacher friend's facebook post w/ "Psst, student teacher here, our mutual friend knows me/can vouch" can't underestimate
A2.1 While an interview is not the best way to get to know a candidate, it is one of the better ways we currently have available. Reference calls after are a MUST. #mnlead
A2: In my district, our interview questions revolved around themes associated w/ quality teaching practices & ability of Ts to integrate character skills into the daily life of a class. #mnlead
I'm all for an interview process that is much more than just sitting around a table talking. Almost anyone can practice saying the right things. #mnlead
A2: We ask all candidates what High Levels of Learning for ALL students means to them? Gives us all of the information/data we need to see if they are a good fit within our culture! #mnlead#1stEDU
I'm all for an interview process that is much more than just sitting around a table talking. Almost anyone can practice saying the right things. #mnlead
#mnlead To add to convo, esp. since edTPA is really a big part of my GenED Teacher Program at my university, how do schools use edTPA in the hiring process? As a note, merely the mention of edTPA causes a lot of anxiety in members of my cohort, including me
Do you evaluate a candidate’s actual skills or their explanation of their skills? For example do you require applicants to teach sample lessons, answer a written prompt, react to a case or review their portfolio or only respond to interview questions? Why? #mnlead
A2 The interview plays a huge role, but calling “around” besides references… Seeing what people we know & trust think of a candidate. Contact Cooperating/Supervisg teacher… Portfolio plays a part… But some candidates have amazing Ports, but are missing skills… #mnlead
Agreed. I've known teachers who were also not great at interviewing, but seeing them in the classroom sealed the deal. Not everyone is excited about or good at articulating their awesomeness. (Even though interviews are no time for modesty.) #MNLead
A2.1 While an interview is not the best way to get to know a candidate, it is one of the better ways we currently have available. Reference calls after are a MUST. #mnlead
Sometimes it depends on the state-maybe not many in MN are looking at it yet, but WI has required scores for certification. Hopefully you are getting support from your university to be successful! #mnlead
While we do not ask for this (yet), there is substantial research connecting ACT scores to effective teaching — specifically predicting verbal abilities. Teachers with strong verbal abilities are able to explain concepts in multiple ways, reaching every learner. #mnlead
Agreed, the interview I had for my current school was much more like a conversation than it was a question grilling session. It made a big difference. #MNLead
#mnlead Oh yeah, forgot to intro. Thomas Mision, Student teacher in 4th grade. Graduating in May, hopefully. MSU Mankato, Edina Campus. Huge focus in social justice, equity.
A3 The only thing I’ve ever had to do was answer interview questions. One time I did create a website to share more about me, never had chance to share it. Don’t think anyone looked at it when I shared link. #MNLead
A3 I rarely make them teach a lesson to the group. I use references to understand their teaching styles. I want to know if you can communicate clearly. Can you build rapport with the team? #mnlead
A3: I believe it's about gathering evidence of their effectiveness as an educator in a variety of ways. ALWAYS involve students in the decision making process. I also recommend having them facilitate a lesson before hiring them to see their craft in action! #mnlead#1stEDU
Interviews have a lot of culture tied to them. In the US mainstream anglo culture we are taught how to respond appropriately in interviews, but what committees want from candidates might not be what they see with international or diverse candidates. #mnlead
I've only ever answered questions also. When I'm on the other side of the table, I have a hard time asking everyone the same questions. There's always something interesting that someone shared and I want to ask more about it! #mnlead
A3: I ask every candidate we decide to bring in for an interview to reflect on what we are after (mission) and share how they are going to help us achieve it through a collaborative Google Doc and they have full control of what they want to share. #thintheherd#mnlead
A3- I’ve given candidates the interview questions ahead of time & asked them to prepare how they feel best represented them in the CR, & then asked some follow up questions “on the spot.” It took longer, but felt good about the process. #mnlead
Do you evaluate a candidate’s actual skills or their explanation of their skills? For example do you require applicants to teach sample lessons, answer a written prompt, react to a case or review their portfolio or only respond to interview questions? Why? #mnlead
Sometimes, candidates may have to teach a lesson, respond to a scenario, that kind of thing that allows a committee to really see how someone performs and not just talks about their performance. #mnlead
A2.1 Positive Culture is such a key component of successful schools. Minneapolis PubLic Schools asked for at least 10 people to recommend you. You have to be a relationship builder to get people to talk about you #mnlead
A3 We always have a few “scenario” Qs, I dont no that we’ve ever had a candidate teach a lesson…Portfolio content is not a big factor, especially in HS, we assume they’ve got content expertise, doesn’t make them a grt teacher. #mnlead I like the idea answering a written prompt…
Yes it can. I have had candidates teach a lesson in the past. The ability to see planning and preparation is important. We did hire a candidate who had a poor interview but did very well in this exercise. #mnlead
A3.2: You learn a lot about people based on their reflective writing and ability to understand if what we are after is something they can propel. Those that don't have the drive become apparent, as do those that excel. I want the later on my team. #mnlead
#mnlead I am aaalll for this. I've found I'm better at actually letting my actions show my competency than telling/speaking about it. Might have to do w/that Impostor Syndrome
This is the same way I look at observations. If the lesson goes poorly, how do you recover? We've actually talked about bringing back candidates who didn't do great but had that "something" we wanted to know more. #mnlead
Do you recruit teachers that reflect your student body? Are students involved in the hiring process? Do you involve teachers in the hiring process? Explain. #mnlead
Hard to overcome a bad feel. Nerves is one thing, and I can move past that. Tough to get past responses that don’t fit your goals/passion/mission. And above all, relationships with others. #mnlead
When I work w/ Pre-service teachers, I advise them to interview as often as they can, but don’t take the 1st offer… When they’re interviewing, it should be a 2 way street, they should be looking for a “good” place/fit to teach. #mnlead
In 2016 Chicago Public Schools admitted that its screening process for teachers discriminated against black and Latino applicants. https://t.co/LTlN1lgjbM#mnlead
A3 I think there are a variety of ways. Teaching lessons, simulations, and hypothetical situations can show insight that can help make the right decision. #mnlead
A3: I’ve been telling our Residents to provide specific examples on how they demonstrate certain teaching or ideas. It has to be specific enough to paint a picture in the minds of the interviewers. #mnlead
Do you evaluate a candidate’s actual skills or their explanation of their skills? For example do you require applicants to teach sample lessons, answer a written prompt, react to a case or review their portfolio or only respond to interview questions? Why? #mnlead
A3. My wife never was ask to speak Spanish in several interviews and she was going to teach Spanish. I think is important to check for content knowledge. #mnlead
A3 We always have a few “scenario” Qs, I dont no that we’ve ever had a candidate teach a lesson…Portfolio content is not a big factor, especially in HS, we assume they’ve got content expertise, doesn’t make them a grt teacher. #mnlead I like the idea answering a written prompt…
A4 A team of teachers and one admin on each interview team for teachers and instructional assistants. Students have been involved in interviews for long-term guest teachers. #mnlead
Do you recruit teachers that reflect your student body? Are students involved in the hiring process? Do you involve teachers in the hiring process? Explain. #mnlead
#mnlead A4 As an Educator of Color, my main concern is this. The discrepancy between EoCs and the increasing majority of students being students of color is well known. It's like, 1/3 of the reason I went to education in 1st place. What're MN schls doing to hire/retain EoCs?
Do you recruit teachers that reflect your student body? Are students involved in the hiring process? Do you involve teachers in the hiring process? Explain. #mnlead
I’m always looking for applicants who did they’re “homework” before coming to interview… They know some of the data of the district, they ask intentional questions etc… That tells me a lot about them. #mnlead
A4: Districts SHOULD recruit HIGHLY qualified teachers who reflect their district and community. If districts do not, it is a disservice to the students. Get with the times. #mnlead
Do you recruit teachers that reflect your student body? Are students involved in the hiring process? Do you involve teachers in the hiring process? Explain. #mnlead
A4: Colleagues, including teachers, are always included in hiring. They'll have 95% of the time with the hire afterwards so it's critical they have a voice. #mnlead
#mnlead A4 In addition, what'r'e schools doing to create a staff that can address diverse needs, from equitable practices to disrupting school-to-prison pipeline, to addressing the need of ppl affected by gov't initiatives (DREAMers, anti-Muslim sentiment, LGBTQ+ hate/transphobia
#mnlead A4 As an Educator of Color, my main concern is this. The discrepancy between EoCs and the increasing majority of students being students of color is well known. It's like, 1/3 of the reason I went to education in 1st place. What're MN schls doing to hire/retain EoCs?
Do you recruit teachers that reflect your student body? Are students involved in the hiring process? Do you involve teachers in the hiring process? Explain. #mnlead
Don’t you think though the more practice they get, the better? They can always turn a job offer down. And I’ve learned from experience, 1 interview can end up getting you another interview at a better fit. #MNLead
Two elements of interview process. Common questions w/ preferred responses generated from mock interviews w/ district master Ts & situations that involved the applicant completing a writing activity. #mnlead
A4:I was helping a district hire a new MS Principal Friday and we had a student in the first round of interviews and two parents. First person we asked for feedback after all interviews was the student. They always give an important perspective. Parent feedback was next! #mnlead
Which is true, of course, but often we don't have that option. There is need. There are limited openings. Etc. But maybe pre-service teachers more commonly have the freedom to pick up and move to another area, so they have more options? #mnlead
Exactly @mcarlstromDR I am telling our Residents to get to know the school and the community. It shows they are committed to the community and school. I remember @OscarUribe90 asking specific questions about our website during his interview. :-) #mnlead
I’m always looking for applicants who did they’re “homework” before coming to interview… They know some of the data of the district, they ask intentional questions etc… That tells me a lot about them. #mnlead
#mnlead A4 In addition, what'r'e schools doing to create a staff that can address diverse needs, from equitable practices to disrupting school-to-prison pipeline, to addressing the need of ppl affected by gov't initiatives (DREAMers, anti-Muslim sentiment, LGBTQ+ hate/transphobia
#mnlead A4 As an Educator of Color, my main concern is this. The discrepancy between EoCs and the increasing majority of students being students of color is well known. It's like, 1/3 of the reason I went to education in 1st place. What're MN schls doing to hire/retain EoCs?
Do you recruit teachers that reflect your student body? Are students involved in the hiring process? Do you involve teachers in the hiring process? Explain. #mnlead
A4 We try to recruit teachers who “know” our area/region. Between Teachers/Paras and support staff, roughly 60% of staff is local. Nearly 45% of the HS teachers graduated from DRHS. For Admin positions, yes, we get Ss involved, they’ve provided us w/interesting insight. #mnlead
Hire for character & if you have to train for skills. If you ever hire, retain or promote someone of shaky or doubtful character, you'll most likely pay a price. #mnlead
#mnlead Yes, This has been an issue w/ TeachEd as well. Only UrbanEd, ELLED, and SPED are likely to address edu equity, esp. as majority of StuTeachers tend to be White. Nothing wrong,but they may not receive TeachEd necessary to address diverse needs in future classrooms
A4 Yes, we include teachers and other staff on hiring committees. Depending on the position, students and/or parents may also join the committee. #mnlead
Hire for character & if you have to train for skills. If you ever hire, retain or promote someone of shaky or doubtful character, you'll most likely pay a price. #mnlead
Is the field still that competitive? Down by us it sounds like it’s getting less and less competitive every day. I remember the days of 500 applicants for one job, in tiny, little towns all over the state, and in the Cities too! #MNLead
A5 We have the teacher team do a walk through the school without the admin at the end of the interview. It's a different feel without the admin. #mnlead
A5: To help quickly identify if someone would be a good fit, we often will do the first round of screening zia Zoom or Skype. 5-6 questions max, just to see if they are focused on kids, learning, relationships, and community! #mnlead#1stedu
Oh same same! Even gen ed positions. When I was hired five years ago there were 30+ applicants. Last year a similar gen ed position = 5 applicants. #MNLead
Excellent point. What do you do? Continue with the interview? Stop and help the candidate for a future interview. In Texas, I did stop but it is more difficult to that here in Minnesota #mnlead
A5 We have done phone screening interviews for several positions. This has been successful in bringing the best people to face-to-face interviews. #mnlead
#mnlead sounds appealing to me, but tb super frank/honest, I'd have to get over my discomfort of not being around other EoCs... Also a place down there, I ain't driving 2 hours every day. LOLOL
In reply to
@korytellers, @bretdom, @bergjaso, @mcarlstromDR
A5: 4 question phone interviews help me take my top 10 down to 5 or 6. Q's are not deep rather reflect compassionate traits we are after that also convey meaning in a school context. #mnlead
I learned the group interview doesn't work. Interviewers spend more time taking notes, keeping up than really seeing how good a candidate it. Another: One cohort can have 3 strong candidates and none from another. Neg: Tendency to pick at least one from each group. #mnlead
Oh same same! Even gen ed positions. When I was hired five years ago there were 30+ applicants. Last year a similar gen ed position = 5 applicants. #MNLead
Whoa. I am floored. I know for a fact down here schools are having a much more difficult time getting a large pool of applicants. I know many Ts don't want to teach in rural districts, but sheesh! #MNLead
In reply to
@bretdom, @korytellers, @bergjaso, @mcarlstromDR
It provides an opportunity to see the school and to meet the team in a location other than a conference room in an office. It's more relaxing for the candidate, I would think. #mnlead
@OscarUribe90 This is such an important topic because I think one of the most critical things an Admin can do (with the hiring team) is hire good teachers… Hiring poorly and have to rehire often sets the D & B back but is worse of the Students. #mnlead
#mnlead Do parents get to develop their own interview questions then? I'm very intrigued by this type of interviewing. What do they get to add to the interview? Any sample convos/questions?
@TimmyHuls There is a difference. On paper, a candidate may look great, but if the candidate does not have a growth mindset or is uncoachable, I would be hesitant to hire. #mnlead
A6) For every interview committee I've been on recently, the first thing I've done after getting the candidates' names is hit Twitter and other social media sites. #MNLead
Q6 This can be a problem. Talk with your HR folks to make sure there is an procedure if you think you want to review social media as part of the hiring process. Some legal quagmires here… #mnlead
That’s what I was saying in Q1! We’re luck to get 5-10… Often less… When I applied for my job in Blue Earth, 1 SS position 250+ applicants… I think those days are gone… 1994 #mnlead
#mnlead A6 as someone who uses this twitter account for both professional + personal, I do hope it shows any prospective employee a better view of myself outside of just education as well. I like to say that my geekery is a part of who I am as a teacher
#mnlead Do parents get to develop their own interview questions then? I'm very intrigued by this type of interviewing. What do they get to add to the interview? Any sample convos/questions?
A6 This can be a problem. Talk with your HR folks to make sure there is an procedure if you think you want to review social media as part of the hiring process. Some legal quagmires here… #mnlead
When I've been hired for different positions in the last 3 years, we were told that our names were Googled before the decision to hire us was made. #mnlead
#mnlead Good to know, actually. Seems pretty restrictive for parents though, I hope questions demonstrate knowledge of the Ss/community they work with....
A6: This question rocks. Just had a request for a student teacher placement. Found some interested staff and then began the usual "what can I find out" routine. Not good. The tip of the iceberg is but a fraction of what exists below the water. #nothanks#mnlead
Probably depends largely on field and district. I am licensed to teach English, and I bet a "good" district in my area gets 100+. After all, we are a dime a dozen. ;) . #MNLead
In reply to
@mcarlstromDR, @korytellers, @bretdom, @bergjaso
yes, I think getting Googled is a pretty standard part of the process, but it's important to look at all results and the whole body of work and not just consider one article, photo, post, etc. #mnlead
Speaking of student teachers. We try to accept as many as possible. This is a great way to get to know and recruit candidates. We have hired a former student teacher the last 3 years #mnlead
I'm not sure, and I'm sure salary is an issue. (Although cost of living does balance that out a bit.) I think part of it is that out-state schools don't get a lot of press, unless it is about sports. #MNLead
In reply to
@bretdom, @jillp0926, @korytellers, @bergjaso, @mcarlstromDR
Totally understand, but it also conveys a background and experience that exemplifies grit and determination. Multiple components to the process helps, with reflection and understanding, brings forth future talent! #mnlead
#mnlead That kinda starts it, right? How would schools in general, support that economic burden? In addition, my concern about being the sole EoC rings true. What systems r in place to support new Ts to attract them to outside Metro?
In reply to
@bretdom, @jillp0926, @amythuesen, @korytellers, @bergjaso, @mcarlstromDR
A6- I admit it...I snoop. Why shouldn’t we? Connected? Values? Interests? You can learn a lot. Don’t put it out there if you’re not willing to own it. #mnlead
That, Bret, is a Great Point!! Live at home, work a 2nd job... We know Teaching is an amazing job… But, the monetary, emotional, physical costs of starting today… Tougher than 25 yrs ago… #mnlead
In reply to
@bretdom, @jillp0926, @amythuesen, @korytellers, @bergjaso
Get to know the district where you are applying. Drive through the town, find a coffee shop, and ask the patrons about the schools. Keep an open mind and don't say yes just because they offered you a job. #mnlead
This is a blog post, not a tweet. But two things: 1. The public needs to restore respect for professionals who choose education. (Q: How many of us would encourage hour children to go into the field?) 2. Loan forgiveness from the state for working in rural schools. #mnlead
#mnlead I am a student teacher who will graduate this semester. I am interested in social justice, culturally competent pedagogy. I am also going to have an Elementary Education degree. So... PSSST
She is amazing and has done great things for our district both directly and indirectly. And someone I am lucky to call a friend. (Yes I'm talking about you @JessicaCabeen.) #mnlead
In reply to
@bretdom, @shadow_uzumaki, @jillp0926, @korytellers, @bergjaso, @mcarlstromDR, @SPAMbrand, @JessicaCabeen, @isd492, @JessicaCabeen
Also, attention #mnlead I'm raising money for Finishing the last semester. Click to Donate: https://t.co/XI4bYRABOG via @gofundme Donate and/or spread the word so I can finish my last semester and fully focus on honing my teaching style instd of worrying about finances
Final thoughts: make sure to research the districts you are applying to, submit impeccable materials, prepare for the selection process. Be positive. #mnlead
A6: Understand importance of being a role model & be able to speak about the values that district has identified as important to impart to students. realize importance of building relationships #MNLead
Let's give a shout out to @OscarUribe90 for leading tonight. This rocked! Hiring season is right around the corner. Thank you for bringing your ideas. #mnlead
It’s important enough to have it on file. :-) In my experience, I’ve looked at resumes and cover letters, and it provide other information that may not get brought up during an interview. #mnlead
Hey #mnlead before we go, I’m excited to say I’ll be moderating next week. I’m using our very own, @MrTomRad book for question ideas! If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it!
#mnlead Good. Esp as rising student debt occurs. Also, again, the disparity between SoC population vs. EoC population is well documented. EoC also often feel unsupported, silenced.
In reply to
@mcarlstromDR, @bretdom, @jillp0926, @amythuesen, @korytellers, @bergjaso
