Consider choosing a few to ask, especially if you get the sense that the search committee is on a tight schedule.

Your questions may provoke follow-up questions, such as, "I appreciate your interest in this area. What's the basis for your question? Have you had some experience in this area?"

1. Do teachers participate in curriculum review and change? How frequently does this happen?

2. What types of activities do you have that promote parent-teacher-student interaction?

3. What textbooks does the district use in social studies (or English, biology, etc.)?

4. What technology resources will be available to me in my classroom?

5. What discipline procedures does the district use?

6. Does the school make use of teacher aides and parent volunteers? How?

7. Do you encourage teachers to earn graduate degrees? How does the district support teachers pursuing graduate degrees?

8. How do teachers and administrators work collaboratively to solve problems and respond to student needs?

9. How many classes will I be expected to teach each day?

10. What courses will the person in this position be assigned to teach?

11. What kinds of staff development activities did the entire faculty participate in this past year?

12. How are teachers assigned to extracurricular activities? Is compensation provided?

13. Please tell me about the students who attend the school. What percentage go on to two- and four-year colleges?

14. What challenges is the district facing this year or in the next couple years? (ask to learn about potential budget, space, policy issues.)

15. As a new teacher, how will I be supported and evaluated? Will I be paired with a mentor teacher or a support team?

16. What are the prospects for future growth in this community and its schools? (ask to determine economic stability of community.)