Administrative Interview

On April 4th I had the opportunity to meet with a wonderful group of individuals and discuss how to reach my future goal . I met with the following individuals:

Mr. Matthew Sottolano- Principal
Mrs. Bonnie Walker- Dean of Students
Mrs. Beverlea Hamilton - Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Kimberly Barber- Guidance Office Secretary

Mr. Andrew Boyer- Agriculture Teacher

Mr. Martin Heyler- Industrial Arts/ Agriculture Teacher

Interviewing Process:
During this meeting we talked breifly on what to expect when going through the interviewing process. They first explained to me Northern Tioga School District- Cowanesque Valley High School interview process. They then explained to me the average "three-round" interview process explain below:

• Step 1: Standard Pennsylvania Teaching Application.
• Step 2: Call to set up first round interview.
• Step 3: First Round Interview (Skype/ In person) with seperitendent and guest.
• Step 4: Call to set up second round interview.
• Step 5: Second Round Interview with administration, community, school board, etc.
• Step 6: Call to set up final round interview.
• Step 7: Demonstration lesson.

Interview Questions and Answers:
Each Individual asked me two questions and gave me feedback after I responded. Below are a few questions they asked me:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?
2. Why did you choose to apply to Cowanesque Valley High School?
3. How would you make accommodations for students with IEP's or disabilities?
4. How would you incorporate core class concepts into the ag cirriculum?
5. What is your vision for an agriculture program?
6. How would you build your vision?
7. How do you plan to incorporate the community into the agriculture program?
8. What is one way you would incorporate technology into the classroom?

Being almost to the end of my student teaching experience I found it easier to answer the questions. I was able to give examples with most of my answers. I feel my responses were effective and taken well by most in attendance at the meeting. One question that they suggested to take more time to think on is my vision for an agriculture program because it does not have to model one you have seen or a school currently has. After reflecting on questions they asked me if I was prepared to ask them a few questions. I asked them the following:

1. What is the culture like at Cowanesque Valley High School?
2. Where do you see Cowanesque Valley Ag Program in the next 5-10 years?
3. Have you ever thought of a pal program/ ag advisory board with the community members?
4. Do you have a mentoring program for new and beginning teachers?

Hiring Process:
Lastly, we discussed the hiring process. We looked through a contract a new teacher would recieve upon accepting a position with Northern Tioga School District- Cowanesque Valley High School. In the contract we dicussed extended days, health policy, and salary schedule.  To follow-up on the question asked earlier in the meeting we discussed how to build a program. We looked into Pennsylvania's occuptional needs, grants, community support, and much more!

Follow Up:
I found this meeting to benefit me gratefully! It expanded my comfort with interviews in the future with potential employers. A few days after our meeting I was able to have my first job interview, and I was fortunate enough to make second round. I can give credit for this success to the wonderful group of individuals that met with me on April 4th. Cowanesque Valley administration and staff are full of knowledge and support. I am privileged to have worked with them over my student teaching experience.