In order to ensure a quality teacher in every classroom, the Ace School District will institute immediately the following teacher-hiring standards and procedures.

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CONSIDERATION
Applicants will be required to show proof of

• a college degree from a recognized U.S. college or university, with a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits in specific approved subject area (math, English, history, science, etc.).
• a 3.0 overall C.P.A. and a 3.5 C.P.A. in subject-area courses.
• a master's degree in education, with a minimum of 20 credits in courses the titles of which include the desired instructional level (Teaching Science in the Middle Grades, Instructional Techniques for Teaching Reading in the Primary Grades, Managing High School Science Labs, etc.) and a minimum of 9 credits in classroom and behavior management.
• one year of classroom experience (a minimum of 120 days) as an intern, a student, a teacher, or a substitute teacher.
• full state or national certification for the desired grade level or subject area.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Applicants will be required to provide

• results of a complete physical examination, including doctor comments on the applicant's overall fitness, lifestyle choices related to health (smoking, drug use, promiscuity, etc.).
• two non-relative references in each of the following areas: professional competence in education fields, work ethic, and reliability in jobs not necessarily related to education, general character.
• a 500-word essay on the topic "Why I Want to Teach in the Ace School District."

REQUIRED INVESTIGATIONS
Every applicant will be required to undergo (at his or her own expense)

• fingerprinting.
• psychological testing.
• background checks.

INTERVIEWS
Applicants under serious consideration will be required to submit to separate interviews (in the order stated below) conducted by representatives from

• human resources.
• the superintendent's office.
• the prospective principal's office.
• staff members at the prospective school.
• the board of education.

INTERVIEW PROCEDURES
As part of the interview process, each teacher also will be required to

• provide five written lesson plans for the desired grade level. Lessons should be interdisciplinary with a technology component. Lessons should be written in the district's approved format and include appropriate state standards and evaluative criteria.
• demonstrate one of the above lessons in an actual classroom.
• demonstrate technology competency by creating a brief PowerPoint presentation on the use of technology in the classroom. The presentation should be applicable to the desired grade level or subject area.
• answer the following questions:
  1. Why do you want to be a teacher?
  2. What personal and professional strengths do you have that will make you a high-quality teacher?
  3. How will you contribute to the educational experience of your students? to the professional lives of your colleagues?
  4. How would you handle the following situations:
     a. a student complaining about his or her grades?
     b. a parent complaining about your disciplinary techniques?
     c. a principal criticizing your instructional strategies?
     d. unethical actions of a colleague?
     
  5. Can you live on $29,989?