Page 5 - Teacher Selection and Onboarding Guide

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

1. This guide is organized around various selection tools that are most commonly used in the
teacher selection process. It addresses the main steps involved in the selection process:
outreach and recruitment, the interview process, and the selection decision. Please note
that throughout the hiring process, hiring administrators should consult the requirements of
all applicable laws and union contracts to ensure compliance.

2. At the end of the guide, there is an appendix that contains the sample selection materials.
These materials are referenced throughout the guide with the corresponding appendix page
number (e.g., Appendix 1).

INTERVIEWS

Purpose

The goal of interviewing candidates is to specifically differentiate job-related knowledge, skills,
abilities, and experiences among the candidates. Site interviews assess the candidate’s potential
to succeed in the position at a specific school by utilizing a series of behavioral-based questions
that ask the candidate to share specific examples of his/her past professional experiences. This
is the hiring administrator’s opportunity to gauge candidates’ desire to make a difference in their
school community.

Developing Interview Questions

1. Behavioral: Focuses on what the candidate has done or has accomplished in his/her
career. Questions solicit responses substantiated by specific examples of past
experiences, as opposed to opinions or personal philosophies.

2. Structured: Ensures that every applicant is asked the same question and clearly
understands what is being asked and the raters have a clear interpretation of the
response.

3. Tied to Job-Related Standards: Questions should be designed to assess a candidate’s
experience as it applies to the SDPBC Model of Instruction. Developing interviews in this
manner ensures a comprehensive assessment of knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed
critical for success as a teacher.

4. Tied to Critical Incidents: Focuses on situations unique to the school or the demographics
of the school for which the candidate is interviewing.

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