Ask the candidate to explain his or her background in education. This basic question should be one of the first to ask in an interview. Specifically, prompt the candidate to identify institutions attended, degrees earned, certifications obtained, teaching experience and administrative positions held. Allow the candidate to comment on how her education and professional experience qualify her for a deputy superintendent position.
Ask the candidate how he would develop a productive relationship with both faculty and administrative staff. Prompt the candidate to also answer how he would align different levels of administration. For instance, ask the candidate how he would collaborate with principals and with school board members, groups that are often at odds. Ask the candidate how he would develop a productive relationship with the superintendent, with whom he will be expected to work closely.
Ask the candidate how she would involve parents in the education of their children. Specifically, ask her what programs or initiatives she would implement to encourage parents to take a more active role in their children's education. Encourage her to cite examples of past actions taken, whether as a teacher or an administrator, to involve parents. Ask the candidate to explain how she would reach out to the local community and partner with community leaders to achieve educational goals.
Ask the candidate what methods or strategies he has used to resolve conflicts. Specifically, ask him what methods he has used to reconcile people in different roles (for instance, teacher vs. teacher, parent vs. teacher, teacher vs. administrator). Prompt the candidate to comment on how effectively he resolved disputes and why certain methods are preferred.
Ask the candidate what programs or initiatives she would most like to implement. For instance, ask her to identify her main academic goals for the school district (these might be higher test scores or higher graduation rates). Further, ask the candidate to explain how these goals can be achieved. Invite her to explain how a past goal or initiative was successfully achieved under her leadership.