Kristen Holland has written an insightful article, Prospective Teachers Have Homework To Do in Sunday’s Dallas Morning News (page 18J).
The article emphasizes the need for teachers in the job hunt to ask questions, and a lot of them, before and during the formal interview. Asking questions are equally important for someone just completing their degree and certification or for an experienced instructor.
Holland specifically addresses employment issues facing teachers. However, the information also provides anybody in the job hunt a sturdy framework to follow. Here are a several quoted examples from the article.
THE JOBIt’s vital for candidates to know what’s expected of them. “A lot of people would look at job descriptions – those kind of documents. But they really need to have a firm understanding of the district’s expectations of them.”
Certainly, you will want to review the written job description. Think about (and ask about) how the job is segmented. Maybe it can be segmented into strategic, tactical and interpersonal activities, or maybe by function – such as planning, operations, and administrative. Get clarification on each of the segments and ask what percentage of your time will be spent in each of the areas. There is nothing worse accepting a “strategic” job only to find out only 10% of your week is spent on strategic activities.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIESWhat particular assignment will be given that school year?
Beyond your day-to-day responsibilities, what special assignments or projects might you get involved in? Be assertive (not aggressive) and get on these special assignments.
THE BOSSWhat kind of reputation does the principal have in terms of leadership?
It has been said that people don’t leave jobs, they leave bosses. A bit of investigation on your part may save you a career mistake. The good news/bad news is that because we are a more mobile work force than in years past, your great boss, or your boss from hell, may not be around in 12 months. Outstanding leaders personally have hired me on two occasions. In both cases, they resigned within 30 days after I started. Ouch!
THE CULTUREFor one, ask if there’s a dress code.
This will say something about the culture. It might also give you an idea of what your dry cleaning bill will be every week. Maybe you can wear jeans on Friday, or are allowed to wear shorts during the summer. Don’t abuse the dress code, ever.
THE PAYIt’s important to ask the dreaded salary question because many schools use one-size-fits-all form contracts.
A discussion of the salary is one of the most important areas to discuss. Because of its importance, I would suggest working through all of your other questions, and then you will have the proper perspective, energy, and interest to focus on salary. Save the best for last!
Teachers – especially new ones – should find out when they can expect their first paychecks and approximately how much they’ll receive.
Some companies pay weekly, biweekly, the 1st and 15th, and monthly. If commissions are involved, you will need to understand when and how commissions are paid. Maybe you are paid weekly, but commissions are paid monthly. Commissions can be paid after the sale or after receipt of the payment. Ask what conditions constitute repayment of commissions?
THE BENEFITSAnother crucial topic of conversation is benefit packages.
Benefits can be valued up to 1/3 of your compensation. Tuition reimbursement may not be important to you if you already have your master’s degree. However, it may be the tipping point if you are on a tight budget and have a desire to complete a degree or go back for a second degree.
EVALUATIONS“You definitely want to know anything and everything you can about what’s expected and who’s evaluating you and what they’re looking for.”
Having a clear idea of what (and what not) is expected of you is crucial to your career success. You can’t throw a dart at a target blindfolded and expect to hit the bull’s eye. Some managers do a marvelous job is laying out the position, expectations, and the evaluations process, but don’t count on it. Ask questions, like “How will I know if I am successful?” Find out how you will be evaluated in three months, six months, and a year. What criteria and how will they weigh individual components of the criteria?
Any teacher will appreciate the personalization of the article. For the rest of us, it is not a difficult leap to customize the question to our own particular profession.
Thanks Kristen for a great list of questions.
