Schools

Westfield Board of Ed Hears Ins and Outs of Hiring Process

Human Resources Specialist Barbara Ball outlined the steps involved in becoming a Westfield School District teacher.

Westfield public schools human resources specialist Barbara Ball outlined the hiring process for district teachers at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening.

Ball's Powerpoint presentation included the following information:

Hiring Data 2007- Present

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107-BAs

132-MAs

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94-Novices

145-Experience

Hiring Data

570-Teachers currently in district

239-Number of teachers hired between 2007-2013 

166-New Jersey hires

34-Out of State Hires

33-Westfield High School graduates

6-Colombia, India, Russia, South Africa, Spain

Teachers have attended 13 New Jersey colleges or universities and 42 out-of-state schools. 

Ball explained that ads for new teachers are placed both online and in local newspapers. She also explained how the use of applitrack, a pre-employment file that allows applicants to enter all salient information online, has streamlined the process. To learn more, view the attached video.

Applicants are required to complete three essay questions. Ball offered the following samples and said she believed these were extremely helpful in learning how a prospective hire organizes his or her thoughts:

  • What personal characteristics define an excellent teacher?
  • From your point of view, how important is technology in education?
  • What technology related skills can you contribute to our district?
  • How would you address a wide range of abilities in your class?
  • What else would you like us to know?

Franklin Elementary School principal Eileen Cambria then outlined the steps that go into hiring:

  • Establish the need
  • Post the position
  • Establish criteria
  • Screen the applications
  • Conduct 1st round interviews
  • Narrow field of candidates
  • Conduct 2nd round interviews
  • Schedule demonstration lesson
  • Conduct post demonstration interview
  • Conduct reference checks
  • Make hiring recommendation
  • Interview with Human Resources Specialist
  • Receive Approval from Westfield Board of Eduction
  • Begin Journey as a New Teacher in Westfield

Ball stated that nearly 100 percent of those who receive offers from the district accept the positions. Board member Mark Friedman asked what criteria does Ball think applicants are looking for in a district, to which she said "reputation" and "salary" and acknowledged that Westfield offers a very "competitive salary."

On the flip side, Board member Gretchan Ohlig asked, of those leaving the district, what were the driving factors behind their decisions. Ball explained that most often it was "life reasons" such as spouse or partner accepting a new job in another state or pursuing a graduate degree outside of New Jersey. 

Following the report, which Board President Rich Mattessich said was "really helpful," Westfield schools superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan announced that Beth Comandini, a second grade teacher at McKinely Elementary, and Catherine Becker, a resource room teacher at Tamaques School, were retiring. Both have devoted 20-plus years to the district and will be missed, she added. Also leaving the district is Language Arts Supervisor Tim Harrison, who Dolan said has accepted another position that would provide him with a shorter commute and larger salary.

Dolan said she and Ball would begin seeking his replacement Wednesday. 

Other current openings within the Westfield district include:


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