Staff Hiring Process

College of Education Grand Canyon University

04/05/23
Candidate Qualities

When thinking about the school, Antelope Elementary School, and the fact that it is a

STEM school I would say that one of the qualities that are needed from candidates would be that

they have comfort with technology. This is important based on the fact that the ways of teaching

have changed we need to use technology to engage our students. Also, we need to hire staff that

is student-centered and use the curriculum to help them achieve. We need to hire teachers that

are also coming in with a growth mindset and are willing to work with others on campus, not

only on their team but across grade levels. (Heubeck, 2020)

Interview Committee

There is a variety of positions opening at Antelope Elementary School. I would want the

interview committee to be made up of myself, the assistant principal, if there is a dean of

students, any instructional coaches, and the team lead or a member of the team to join in on the

interview. So the only changes being made to the interview committee based on the position's

candidate would be the team lead or member of the team. I think these two staff members in

interviews can give insight into their outlook on the grade level along with how well a candidate

will fit into the mix of teachers we already have.

Other Positions

There are two positions that I am trying to fill first before I fill the others. Those two

positions are the SPED and kindergarten positions. I would want these positions filled first

before any others as the students that are receiving special education resources need a strong

teacher and mentor. I want to also fill in the kindergarten teacher right away because they are the

beginning bases for students' education. Both of these positions are strong assets to our school

and the community on campus.

Interview Questions

Thinking of questions for interview candidates can be challenging. However, we get to

see how teachers work with their colleagues and students in their answers. One of the questions I

would ask is one that my current school asks now, describe your classroom management

structure. (LTHMS, 2023) This question allows those in the room to know how that candidate

will handle situations in their room when they arise. Another question that I would ask is what

role do you believe diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives should play in your classroom and

in the school? This question can help the team determine if the candidate going to fight for

students in their classroom based on curriculum needs. Finally, the last question I would ask is,

“What are some methods you use to check for understanding as you’re teaching?” (Staff, 2023).

At Antelope Elementary we are a high-ranking school in the district but we are this way because

our students know the information being taught to them. We would want incoming staff to be

able to check for understanding in lessons and understand where misconceptions may be with

students.

Legalities

Legalities that I have to think about when hiring these candidates I have to know if they

have their teaching certificate or at least a substitute certificate for the positions that we are

hiring for. I also need to look at if they do have a short-term certificate and what that means for

their position. I know some districts allow teachers with short-term certificates to teach for a few

years before they have to have their teaching certificates. Lastly, I need to get ahold of their

references to get some more information about the candidate. I would let the candidate know that

I will be reaching out to their references and I will talk to the district office about short-term

certificates if need be.

Christian Values

Christian values of human flourishing, compassion, and concern for the common good

will align with my decision-making regarding these candidates in multiple ways. I want my

staff to flourish with the new team member and I also want the candidate to flourish at our

school. I want teachers that are compassionate of others and their students. I want the staff that

is hired to work closely with others so that we can increase student achievement. If the

common good is in my decision making I can make sure that my staff is taken care of and that

the students on my campus will be able to achieve their goals and dreams in education.
References:

Heubeck, E. (2020, May 27). 5 essential teacher traits recruiters are looking for.

TopSchoolJobs. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.topschooljobs.org/article/5-

essential-teacher-traits-recruiters-are-looking-for

LTHMS. (2023). LTHMS Interview Questions. other.

Staff, W. A. T. (2023, February 15). 30 interview questions every teacher must be able to

answer. We Are Teachers. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from

https://www.weareteachers.com/most-common-teacher-interview-questions/?

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