Teacher Interview
There were two teachers I worked with during clinical hours. They were co teachers. Ms. Wessel was responsible for teaching science, math and social studies, while Mr. Montague taught reading and language arts. For this interview I spoke with Mr. Montague.
During the interview I observed many things, but overall this interview provided me with some of the best advice I, or any other future teacher could have received. I was given advice on classroom management, differentiation in the classroom, organization in daily routine, and just general advice as a teacher.
I recall many times that my teacher joked with the class but still managed to have them get back on task for things. Part of his style, as he told me, was providing a fun but respectful environment. His class knew he could joke and be funny, but when it comes to getting things done there was no joking.
Overall the advice given to me career path wise is something i will take with me. As for advice on lesson planning, my teacher admitted that wasn't his strong point. He didn't have much to share about language arts and reading except that its a lot more to it than people think and because it is a important thing to teach, he is busting his bottom to make sure he gets it down. My take home from that was sometimes as a teacher you're going to be thrown a lot of things you may have not expected, but for the sake of you students academic future, its your job to be flexible and roll with the punches. I will be prepared and make all time given useful in instruction to make sure kids not only learn but that they want to learn. I will make sure classroom management is consistent and clear throughout the class. I will make sure that I communicate upfront not only with my students, but with my faculty, students, administration, and etc. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to implement all of these things I learned into my own teaching career.
For reading purposes, below are the typed up responses from the interview.
Planning questions:
1. collaborate with co teacher and personalize lesson to your own as well as making sure you're following the standards.
2. All I need is a computer really.
3.Being flexible, knowing your classes strengths and weaknesses and incorporating technology.
Instructional questions:
1. One of my challenges is definitely teaching reading for the first time. 3rd grade is the lowest I've taught in my 4 years of teaching; I always taught other subjects. I admit even my classroom library is underdeveloped.
2. Growing my students individually and give them that want to learn
3. Enthusiasm definitely. You should teach like your hair is on fires I say. You should have some kid-like or goofy tendencies as well as have a great knowledge of content.
6 Do not apply to this teacher her only teaches reading and L.A
7.Readers workshop: Picking books on or above level, teaching a mini lesson, having class work on a assignment and then bring everyone in for a close.
Classroom Management questions:
1.I'm stern. Know that the focus is to learn and hold kids accountable for expectations, which should be addressed early in class.
2. Classroom community is great. I established a routine on how class is conducted. Again expectations are posted in the classroom so if something gets off course we refer back to our list. Students also know that though I am stern I care and I'm here if they need help and can ask questions. For positive behavior we tend to stray away any food rewards, but I will do things like read outside, hat and silly sock day or verbal good jobs and high fives. As for negative behavior we're are trying the strip or card system. They start on green and anytime they are misbehaving they change their card. Red is the last color you can get which is a OSS. Never usually have the get that far in my class. The consequences are usually taking time from recess, silent lunch and clean up duty for lunch.
3. As far as pacing goes we have a 90 minute block, 50min for reading and 40 min for language arts. These aren't strict times restraints, if I go over in reading one day I might get that time back next class for writing. Regarding how fast things go during the lesson is up to the students. It all about the pace of your class. I always feel like you should have more than less or be over prepared. you never know sometimes that lesson you thought would take 40 minutes was done in 25. I also believe in half and half; sharing the talk time. I like to give my class the tools and let them roll with it from there.
1. collaborate with co teacher and personalize lesson to your own as well as making sure you're following the standards.
2. All I need is a computer really.
3.Being flexible, knowing your classes strengths and weaknesses and incorporating technology.
Instructional questions:
1. One of my challenges is definitely teaching reading for the first time. 3rd grade is the lowest I've taught in my 4 years of teaching; I always taught other subjects. I admit even my classroom library is underdeveloped.
2. Growing my students individually and give them that want to learn
3. Enthusiasm definitely. You should teach like your hair is on fires I say. You should have some kid-like or goofy tendencies as well as have a great knowledge of content.
6 Do not apply to this teacher her only teaches reading and L.A
7.Readers workshop: Picking books on or above level, teaching a mini lesson, having class work on a assignment and then bring everyone in for a close.
Classroom Management questions:
1.I'm stern. Know that the focus is to learn and hold kids accountable for expectations, which should be addressed early in class.
2. Classroom community is great. I established a routine on how class is conducted. Again expectations are posted in the classroom so if something gets off course we refer back to our list. Students also know that though I am stern I care and I'm here if they need help and can ask questions. For positive behavior we tend to stray away any food rewards, but I will do things like read outside, hat and silly sock day or verbal good jobs and high fives. As for negative behavior we're are trying the strip or card system. They start on green and anytime they are misbehaving they change their card. Red is the last color you can get which is a OSS. Never usually have the get that far in my class. The consequences are usually taking time from recess, silent lunch and clean up duty for lunch.
3. As far as pacing goes we have a 90 minute block, 50min for reading and 40 min for language arts. These aren't strict times restraints, if I go over in reading one day I might get that time back next class for writing. Regarding how fast things go during the lesson is up to the students. It all about the pace of your class. I always feel like you should have more than less or be over prepared. you never know sometimes that lesson you thought would take 40 minutes was done in 25. I also believe in half and half; sharing the talk time. I like to give my class the tools and let them roll with it from there.