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Clinical Field Experience A: Recruiting and Interviewing

Catherine Borowski

College of Education, Grand Canyon University

EAD-536: Strategic Leadership and Management in the Principalship

Dr. Gary McDaniel

March 6, 2024
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Clinical Field Experience A: Recruiting and Interviewing

In my interview with the district human resources representative, Ms. E, who has been in

the role for 2 ½ years, I gained valuable insights into the recruiting strategy and hiring processes

currently in place at our school district. Ms. E provided detailed information on various aspects,

addressing questions regarding recruiting methods, interview committees, hiring criteria,

interview questions, legal considerations, and prioritization of positions.

Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) utilizes multiple recruiting methods to attract

teacher and non-teacher applicants, including job postings on the district website, recruitment

fairs, partnerships with colleges and universities, and referrals from current staff members. The

variety of methods used aligns with PSEL Standard 9, as effective educational leaders must

manage school operations and resources to ensure the recruitment of high-quality personnel

(NPBEA, 2015).

When building interview committees, Ms. E explained that the composition varies

depending on the position. However, she emphasized the importance of having representation

from relevant stakeholders, including administrators, teachers, and sometimes parents or

community members. This value aligns with PSEL Standard 6, as effective educational leaders

develop the professional capacity of school personnel by involving them in decision-making

processes (NPBEA, 2015).

When making hiring decisions, Ms. E considers various criteria such as qualifications,

experience, alignment with the school's mission and values, and potential to contribute to student

achievement and campus safety. Additionally, FWPS ensures compliance with legal

requirements, including equal employment opportunity laws, background checks, and

certification requirements.
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Regarding interview questions, FWPS includes a mix of performance and behavior-

focused questions to assess candidates' skills, competencies, and fit with the school culture. This

action aligns with PSEL Standard 6, as effective educational leaders promote students' academic

success and well-being by selecting personnel who can contribute to a positive learning

environment (NPBEA, 2015).

Reflecting on this experience, I realize the importance of aligning recruiting and hiring

practices with the PSEL standards. In my future professional practice as an educational leader, I

plan on applying the knowledge gained from this interaction with Ms. E to ensure the

recruitment and hiring of high-quality personnel who can effectively promote student

achievement and well-being while managing school operations and resources efficiently.

Additionally, I will continue to prioritize collaboration and inclusivity, apply that to forming

interview committees, and strive to uphold legal requirements throughout the hiring process to

maintain fairness and equity.

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References

National Policy Board for Educational Administration. (2015). Professional Standards for

Educational Leaders 2015. Reston, VA: Author.