Interview Questions On Leading And Managing In Education

The Questions:

1. As it has always been, in our country’s education system, and even around the world, change is inevitable, and it comes in many ways and thus posing challenges to successful leadership. How do you manage change in this institution? Are emotional intelligence and excellent inter-personal skills vital for change management in this context? Why or why not?
2. How then do you balance your strategic and operational roles to ensure continuous improvement?
3. Still on continuous improvement, where do quality and learning outcomes come in? Are they important considerations in continuous improvement?
4. How has the educational policy in this country shaped the way you lead? To what extent?
5. What do you think about the teacher leadership concept? Is it something practiced in this organisation? According to you, is it crucial to effective leadership? Why?
6. What of instructional leadership? Do you say it is something you have and are practising?
7. When it comes to who should be involved in leadership, especially change management, whom have you brought on board?
8. Do you see yourself having a sense of moral purpose? Whether yes or no, how has this assisted you in discharging your leading duties?
9. Learning is part of the process in leading. In what ways have you learnt through leadership? Any examples of the lessons, especially on being a successful leader?
10. What do you think about mentoring and coaching those who are under you? Is it something you consider important to you? If so, why?

Indicative Sources

1. Rhodes, C. and Brundrett, M. (2009). “Leadership development and school improvement.” Educational Review, 61(4); pp361-374.
2. Showunmi, V. (2017). The challenge of leadership: ethnicity and gender among school leaders in England, Malaysia and Pakistan. In Miller, P. Cultures of Educational Leadership: Global and Intercultural Perspectives. Pages 95 - 119.
3. MacBeath, J. and Dempster, N. (2009). Connecting Leadership and Learning: Principles and Practice. Routledge.
4. Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications
5. Dimmock, C. (2012). Leadership, Capacity Building and School Improvement Concepts, Themes and Impact. CRC Press.
6. Day, C. Sammons, P., Hopkins, D., Leithwood, K and Kington, A. (2008). “Research into the impact of school leadership on pupil outcomes: policy and research contexts.” School Leadership & Management, 30(3); pp.23-28.
7. Lumby, J. and Morrison, M. (2010). “Leadership and diversity: theory and research.” School Leadership and Management, 30(1); pp3-17.
8. Yuki, G. A. (2013). Leadership in Organisations. Pearson.

1. Kaparou, M. and Bush, T. (2016). “Instructional leadership in Greek and English outstanding schools.” International Journal of Educational Management, 30(6); pp894-912.
2. Olowoselu, A., Fauzi, H., and Dzahir M. K. (2016). “Challenges of Principal Leadership Styles and School Management: A Solution Oriented Approach.” Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences, 3(4); pp61-68.
3. Earley, P. (2016). “Global trend and challenges for school leaders: Keeping focus on learning.” ECPS Journal, 14(2016); pp21-33.