The International Schools Review Forum

There seems to be a lot of posts in regards to preparing for questions from the recruiters...what would you say are the most important questions to ask them (besides the obvious ones in regards to pay and benefits)? In the past I have always gone after the mission statement, but are there other questions I should ask?

Thanks!!

PD, if you had to pick one area of your school you would improve, what would it be and why?

What are you most proud of at your school? Why?
What are the major initiatives being worked on at your school?
Describe the culture at the school.

I find questions like the ones above allow the interviewer(s) to brag a little and in the process share important information about their school and programs.

As SJ said, PD is a biggie and should be one of the first questions you ask as it puts you in a positive/enthusiastic light and is obviously something that should be important to every professional teacher.

I would also be wanting to know what a typical teaching day is going to be like. i.e.

What ELL provision is there?
Class sizes?
Learning support in class?
What subjects are taught be specialist teachers?
What IT resources are available in and out of the classroom?
Demographics of the class?
ECA opportunities/commitments? etc. etc.

DON'T begin with package specific questions - these come later.

Good luck!

I believe it is personal to each school. Do your research. For example, if you ask an ELL question that is clearly stated on school's website it will be a waste of time.
Some questions I've asked:
In a school that had a one-to-one program I asked how teachers monitor, I've also asked about PLCs (personal learning communities) and about the financial stability of the school.