Washoe Country School District

May 24, 2012

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Assistant Principal

 

Where can I obtain information about becoming an Assistant Principal with the Washoe County School District (WCSD)?    

Attend an Assistant Principal Information Meeting hosted by Human Resources. Information about dates and locations can be found on our website.

Is there anything NEW about the online application?

Yes, you can expect the application to include a questionnaire and essay questions. 

If I already completed an application but didn’t fill out a questionnaire or complete any essay questions, do I need to go back and complete them now or is my application okay the way it is?

When you apply to the new Assistant Principal posting(s), you will be prompted to complete the questionnaire at that time.  

 What are the minimum qualifications for becoming an Assistant Principal in the WCSD?
o   Master's Degree in School Administration or related field;
o   Five (5) years teaching experience with two (2) concurrent years of site/district/educational
     leadership in the last five (5) years;
o   Satisfactory evaluations in the last five (5) years;
o   Nevada School Administrator endorsement must be obtained prior to placement as an
     administrator

 

Can I apply for more than one position? (i.e. Elementary School Assistant Principal and Middle School Assistant Principal)

Yes, you are welcome to apply for as many Assistant Principal positions for which you feel you are qualified.

How do you determine who is successful in passing the paper screening?

There are six criteria used to measure overall administrative readiness:

o   Qualities of General Leadership
o   School Administrative Experience
o   Confidential references
o   Professional development within the last 5 years
o   Evidence of effective communication skills
o   Experience at the level for which you are applying

 

I have applied several times and have never been invited to an interview. Can you look at my application and tell me what I’m doing wrong?

Although we try to help as much as possible, there are many factors that influence how well an applicant does in the paper screening. Some of the factors are within an applicant’s control and others are not. We recommend comparing the six criteria used by Human Resources against your own application to better determine where you may have opportunities for growth. 

In addition, we recommend reviewing all information online or attending one of our Informational Meetings for aspiring Assistant Principals. Applicants will also soon have the opportunity to view a recording of these sessions on our website.

It is important to note that candidates with great potential may not be considered for an interview if it is deemed they need more time developing skills and experiences that will prepare them for the job.

How long until the paper screening process is complete and I know if I was chosen for a Leadership Level interview?

For the 2011-2012 school year, applicant screening will begin in March. Applicant screening will be ongoing throughout the year, however, you can expect to receive an email notifying you either way.

What will the Leadership Level interview be like?

Applicant interview committee will consist of: 6 Principals, 1 Performance Director, and 1 Human Resources representative.

Prior to the start of the interview, all applicants will participate in a writing exercise and activity. The activity will be presented to the interview committee.

What is the likelihood that you will hire an out-of-district candidate versus an internal candidate?

WCSD is interested in both internal and external candidates.

What does it mean to be in the Assistant Principal “pool “?

Applicants who pass the Leadership Level interview are eligible for an Assistant Principal pool. If openings become available during the school year, site level interviews will be conducted utilizing individuals from the pools. Applicants who are eligible will remain in the pool for two years. 

An applicant is eligible to remain in the pool as long as they do not have any disciplinary actions or unsatisfactory evaluations. Applicants must confirm their desire to remain in the pool after the first year.

How many Assistant Principals will you hire this year?

The number varies from year to year depending on the number of vacancies and budgetary considerations. 

It’s important to me to have a good fit at the school where I work. What if I’m in a pool and selected for an interview, but it’s not a school where I believe I’m a good fit? If I decline the interview, will that hurt my chances for interviews at other schools?

No, candidates are surveyed for interest in order to provide the best match to a school and candidate.

How should I attach my evaluations to my application?

Due to the size restrictions on attachments, we would recommend you scan each evaluation in individually. The required page is the page which contains the "satisfactory" status of the evaluation. The descriptor could be 2009-10 Evaluation, 2008-09 Evaluation, etc. All evaluations should be placed under the Attachments section of your application.

Do I need to attach a copy of my teaching or administrator license to my application?

No, these documents are not required to be attached.

Do I need to attach a copy of my diploma to my application?

No, it is not required to attach a copy of your diploma.

If I have questions about this process, who can I contact for additional information?

Please contact :
David Gamble: djgamble@washoeschools.net, 775-325-2075