Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education strives to ensure graduates are prepared to enter the work force upon graduation. Julie Hannah, educational leadership instructor, believes interview preparation is part of the package.

Superintendents and principals from 21 Alabama districts and schools filled the second floor of Orlean Bullard Beeson Hall May 1 to take part in a mock interview session with educational leadership students. “We are so grateful to all of our volunteers tonight,” said Hannah. “Our students benefit immensely from this opportunity to practice interviewing in an authentic setting.”

In the career fair–style event, students spent 30 minutes each with three preassigned professionals. “They spend the first 20 minutes interviewing, and the last 10 minutes are spent receiving feedback,” said Hannah.

 Of the 21 professionals present, 14 were Orlean Beeson School of Education alumni. “It is special that alumni want to help prepare future leaders,” said Hannah. “We have so many alumni serving in leadership positions. It speaks volumes.”

Student Drew Jackson, a pre-algebra teacher at Mountain Brook Junior High, praised the event. “These are the kind of questions we will be asked when we start interviewing,” he said. “Knowing how to prepare is going to be extremely helpful.”

To Jackson, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s at another university in the state, the best part of the program is its practicality. “I think I have gained so much more at Samford because we have had so many tangible experiences,” he said. “I have gotten a glimpse of what everyday life will be like as a principal or system administrator.”

The educational leadership department offers a variety of instructional leadership programs as well as an educational leadership doctoral program.