So I came home Friday to a letter from Pop's new preschool saying that the teacher had taken a K position in our district so they were posting the Pre-K job and interviewing. I am trying not to stress about this even though I really wanted the old teacher and we had met her and school starts in a month and I am worried enough about Pop just changing schools without the added thrill of not knowing who her teacher will be and I thought everything was all set and UGH! The letter says they are looking for parental involvement in the interviewing process, so I wanted to ask you girls for some things to ask and look for, since I am just really too emotionally vested right now to think straight.
Can you list things that I could ask or look for if I am part of the panel?
Oh that stinks. I agree that's a lot of changes for Pop. She'll probably surprise you, tho. One thing that comes to mind is how she resolves difference with the kids. What if they don't cooperate, etc. How does she engage all of them if some are shy about getting involved in activities.
Just a couple of thoughts, I'm sure others can help....
If you get to be in on the interview process, be sure to ask how she/he would handle certain situations/events in the classroom? Hitting? Not sharing? Projects on completed per directions? Child feeling or looking to be left out? Difficult/overbearing parent?
Maybe you could set up an applicant tea. Ask the top candidates to come to the preschool room one evening for tea and cookies. We have done this in my school district for early childhood positions. It is nice to listen to them talk and introduce themselves one-on one without hearing specific questions. More personal. Some people who are great teachers and bad "on the spot" interviewers will shine here and you can take that into account when you do interviews!
I've noticed that your district has a lot of change over in teachers. I think I would ask a prospective teacher where she sees herself in 5-10 years.
Maybe also ask her some questions about what methods of classroom discipline seem to work best for her.
AND ask her to tell you about her favorite childrens book. You can see how animated she gets and how well she can describe it to you.
If you get to be in on the interview process, be sure to ask how she/he would handle certain situations/events in the classroom? Hitting? Not sharing? Projects on completed per directions? Child feeling or looking to be left out? Difficult/overbearing parent?
Maybe you could set up an applicant tea. Ask the top candidates to come to the preschool room one evening for tea and cookies. We have done this in my school district for early childhood positions. It is nice to listen to them talk and introduce themselves one-on one without hearing specific questions. More personal. Some people who are great teachers and bad "on the spot" interviewers will shine here and you can take that into account when you do interviews!
Preschool teacher 
I think I would ask a prospective teacher where she sees herself in 5-10 years. 
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