Is this too forward?

[greenfiremajick]

OK, I am starting a new SPED position. I will be a 2nd year teacher. I am wanting to send these questions to my new Principal. Is this in any way too forward? Or do any of the questions give an appearance of the principal wanting to reply back with "Duh, don't you know this??"

The people there sound great, so I'm really excited to start teaching again!!

What reading program do you use? (In the past, this was left up to me to choose, so that I could use a variety of programs or approaches to meet the differing needs of the students and to meet their goals, etc.)

Are there any specific assessment tools you would like me to use in SPED to evaluate where the student is, in regards to progress, needs, etc or may I choose my own?

What math program does the school use? (Again, this was left up to me)

You mentioned something about having an aide available? Will there be one for the school year?

You mentioned another teacher that works with SPED. Could I please get her contact information, so that I can “pick her brains,” so to speak? I would also like to ask her a few questions, in regards to what is available in the classroom and what I might need to purchase or bring.

I am trying to plan ahead for the materials I might need and would like to know what sort of budget (if any) is allocated per teacher, per year, for supplies, etc?

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. I’m trying to get a feel for the atmosphere, general expectations and so on.

[kjem]

I think these questions sound great, and I will be sending something similar when I get a position. I might take out the parenthesis in the first, third and sixth questions. If you say 'if any', you are implying that they may not give you a budget, and then the principal might think this is acceptable to you. Even if it is, I would act like of course I was getting a budget!

Great phrasing! I might have to borrow these in the future!

[greenfiremajick]

I think these questions sound great, and I will be sending something similar when I get a position. I might take out the parenthesis in the first, third and sixth questions. If you say 'if any', you are implying that they may not give you a budget, and then the principal might think this is acceptable to you. Even if it is, I would act like of course I was getting a budget!

Great phrasing! I might have to borrow these in the future!

Thx kjem. I think what you're saying about the parentheses in the budget question is right on! Why would you take them out for the math and reading program questions?

[Boxcar]

I'd also eliminate the ( )s. I don't think you need to include that background. Plus, I don't like the way they look. Just leave it out or say it without ( )s.

Good quesitons though.