Special Education Teacher Position
Grayslake North High School – Presentation Structure
First, we’re incredibly excited to have you in our interview process. During a typical interview,
we’d invite you to spend some extended time at North to see our students, visit classrooms, and
get a sense of the culture at Grayslake North. We believe that the fit has to be both ways, and
we want you to be as excited about working with us, as we are with the potential of having you
join our North Knights family. We are attaching some highlight videos that will give you a small
glimpse into the North community. You can also check us out on twitter @GrayslakeNorth and
#D127getsREAL. Above all, we’re looking to hire staff that has a passion for kids, wants to
make a difference, and who are willing to take risks to create a world-class learning experience.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nq1hHkGso3sk1HTMLmHB3Mm5EnIv7JoL/view?usp=sharing
If you have any questions as you prepare for the interview, do not hesitate to reach out
to us. We want this process to be transparent and meaningful for everyone. Please contact
Rob Nicoletti with any questions at rnicoletti@d127.org.
Design: prepare a roughly 20 minute presentation highlighting your experiences,
qualifications, and why Grayslake North. Be creative and focus on your attributes and
experiences that have prepared you for this role and how you will create engaging experiences
that challenge the status quo. As you think about your interview, use these guiding principles to
help frame your presentation.
1) What’s your WHY? Tell us about “WHY” you’re an educator. Focus on the pivotal
points in your life and previous teaching experiences that have shaped your beliefs.
Why are you a Special Education teacher? What excites you about working at
Grayslake North?
2) What’s your WILL? What can we count on you for as a SPED teacher at North? How
“WILL” you work to expand our department and continue to improve it? How will you
ensure its success? How will you ensure that students are engaged, bought-in, and
growing? How will you know that you are effective in this role?
3) Risk Taking – What risks have you taken as a person and a teacher to challenge the
status quo? What does a progressive, world-class student services team and Special
Education department look like?
4) Whatever It Takes (WIT) – At North, we have a saying, “Whatever It Takes,” which
symbolizes our belief in always going the extra mile for students and colleagues.
These WIT moments define our culture and create an environment centered around
collaboration and continuous learning. How might you use your role as a Special
Education teacher to impact the culture and health of the building as a whole? How
might you engage your students, colleagues, and the community outside of the
classroom?
5) Growth Mindset – What areas are your biggest growth areas? And, what will you need
to be successful in this role?
There will be time at the end (and throughout) to have discussion and answer questions. Again,
if you have questions as you’re preparing, please let us know. What is most important is hearing
your stories, experiences, and vision! It is a chance for us to get a little more insight into who
you are.
