By asking this question, the hiring committee is attempting to assess the following:

* Do you understand what traits contribute to the success of a principal. As a teacher, what traits do you value most.

* Your response may indicate or suggest possible conflicts with the current principal.

Responses to this question may include:

It is important that a successful principal...

* has a vision and a plan to reach that vision...combined with the ability to bring faculty members together to form a cooperative team and motivate them to reach district goals and objectives.

* be visible... the principal's presence should be evident on a continual basis. He or she must be easily accessible to both students and teachers.

* has a great sense of humor, and can relate well to a diverse group of individuals.

* genuinely cares about the students, teachers, parents, and the district.