Interview Questions

What makes you different than the rest

--I have learned so much the past 8 weeks student teaching here and working closely with Mrs. Astor and the rest of the CCA staff. What makes me different is that I know what is expected here at CCA for student achievement. I know what is expected of the students and teachers to ensure student success. Mrs. Astor and I have worked every day to make my teaching practices be the best for the students here at the school and I have adjusted well and know what is expected of me. --I have also done work at the middle school here through my practicum and was able to work with Brenda Willis. What I learned from this was the start of standards based grading. I have been and worked in her classroom with this type of grading and I know what the students have learned over there and what they are taking and bringing it to the High School. I believe it is important to have some kind of relation and connection with this grading so students aren't just thrown into a whole new process. --I have participated through PLPS, meetings discussing technology and standards based grading. That being said I am very knowledgable on these topics, not just from these meetings but through my education. I have attended many workshops and lectures and classes on technology and how it will benefit students and how I can do that. I have designed lesson plans using technology that have worked and I have seen it help many students. I have also been taught about Standards Based grading. It is what I learned through the School of Education and know how to use it to our advantage. I understand there are alot of things that come with that but I have a start on how to implement it. I also know traditional grading and am very flexible with how I grade and can accomodate with the school.

How to get to know students

--In the beginning of the school year I will always do an activity to first get to know them. -As the days go on I will spend every day talking to 4 different students for about 2 minutes, just to see what is going on and learn more about them -I attend school activities and events -Greet them in the halls

Address a student that doesnt do anything in class or homework but aces exams

--Providing engaging activities where the student is involved in the learning process and excited to be involved --Hold them accountable for their work --Explain how the hard working skills inside the classroom will prepare the student better for the future --Try to reach out to the student and bring in something they enjoy --Activities will be the key

Know for lesson planning

-Standard I am teaching to -My activities and how I differentiate my lesson -Time for each activity taking place -I like to have common misconceptions and how to address them

3 most important things to know about students

1. How they learn best 2. Mathematical skill level 3. What they are interested in

Questions

1. What is your favorite part about teaching at CCA 2. I am looking into coaching as well, do you know if there will be any opportunities for coaching yet? 3.

In what ways does the use of assessment/data guide instruction in your classroom?

Assessment and data are very important in my classroom. It tells me how much my students understand. It also tells me which students are excelling and which ones are still not getting the concept. In my classroom formative assessment such as exit slips will be used often. These exit slips help me differentiate my lesson for the next day. It allows me to group together students who need extra help and need to understand the concept from yesterday before they can move onto todays lesson. And then it allows me to group students together who are excelling at the concept and need to be challenged. Data also directs my instruction by showing me if there is a common misconception that students are making that needs to be addressed next class. Each day assessment guides my lesson for the next days, whether I need to slow down and review more or if it is okay to move on to the next concept

What guides you in your decision-making regarding what your students should know and be able to do?

Before I begin my lesson I find the standard in the Iowa Common Core that topic corresponds to. This will tell me what my students should be able to know after todays lesson. I explore this topic to get a better understanding of what students should be able to do and know. This standard will guide my lesson. It will determine what activities I use and what my best instruction would be to address this topic. To assess if my students have a strong understanding of this standard I will ask conceptual questions that shows that they understand. The questions I would ask would dig deeper into there thinking process, for example tell me why you did what you did. Or is this correct or incorrect?

Starting geometry point that is important through out geometry

Concept of proofs-- Use them so often in geometry, Makes our brain look for the reasons why something does what it does. To teach this have students communicate first what they are trying to say and formulate that to the paper. This will help them when proofs get harder that they know they can speak it and explain they can write it down. Also helps talking/walking it through to remember more about the subject material Slope Congruent parts--Reasons to choose from is necessary to know if a triangle is congruent or not. Makes the concept of geometry alot easier. Angle pairs

In what ways have you differentiated instruction to meet the learning needs of groups of students in the classroom and/or individual students?

Differentiating my instruction happens often in my classroom. I think it is important to help the ones falling behind while still challenging the ones that are excelling. I have developed many opportunities for all learning ability to succeed. For example I have had stations around my around to practice finding the solutions of multiple equations. Groups were made up of learning ability based on the exit slip from the day before. Each group would be assigned to go to a different color paper around the room and this is where I differentiated my problems. I assigned problems for all learning ability that was do-able but yet still challenging. Also during work time I pay special attention the ones who I know are struggling so I can catch them on their mistakes early and try to help their misconceptions. I will also keep an eye out on students who are excelling at a fast rate and have challenging activities ready for them when they finish the given assignment.

Standards based grading

I am very educated on Standards based grading. I have been in classes where its been implemented and I have taken classes and attended informative meetings on SBG. I see its advantages and I see how some cons. I know it is the hype in every school and can add input to this topic. I like how it helps the learners who learn at a slow rate and it gives them the opportunity to succeed instead of push them further behind. I am continue learner and would like to keep learning about this topic.

How would you address a wide range of skills in your classroom?

I need to provide learning activities that meet the needs of all my students. My lesson plans must include a variety of teaching strategies and learning activities that will engage students at all levels. Differentiating my lessons will be very important to accommodate for all learners. I will provide outreach to all students—not only to the students where learning is challenging but also to advanced learners who need opportunities to grow in their learning. For those students who need additional learning time beyond the classroom, I would work with them to help them better understand the course material.

Why do you want to teach?

I want to teach to help students grow. To see them grow as learners and individuals. I want to help them learn mathematics and life outside of the classroom. I have a desire to be an outstanding teacher that is a role model for my students, one that they feel comfortable looking up to and trusting. I have admired the teachers I have had in the past that have pushed me to go further in my skills that what is just exceptional but beyond that to reach my fullest potential and I have a passion to do this for my students as well. To help students reach their fullest potential and discover and learn new mathematical skills

What would I see when I walked in your classroom

Look at how engaged my students are. What makes them engaged is that I am prepared and enthusiastic. But don't look at me watch their level of engagement. As they are exploring new topics and discovering things on their own they are excited and passionate. I understand I teach in the 21st century, no longer is a teacher centered classroom it is a student centered classroom. I am there as a resource, a mentor, their expert, their leader but I am not a formal teacher who gives instruction and information but I am a teacher who values the students learning and that students learn through trial and error. It is a collaborative process and we are working together.

Describe a typical class period?

My class will most likely always begin with an opener question, whether it uses information from the previous lesson or provides common misconceptions students might have that needs to be addressed. Then throughout my lesson it will be broken up. There wont be a whole lot of me lecturing but more student oriented. I usually will introduce a new topic and have kids explore together and draw conclusions with their classmates. In their investigations I will usually use a differentiated lesson. Where I will provide a difference in activities that will address to different mathematical skill level. There will be opportunities for the students to practice their new skill. And at the end of my lesson I will give an formative assessment that will direct the next day's lesson. It will show me which students are excelling at this and which students are struggling and will help me differentiate my lessons. My exit slip will consist mostly of conceptual questions to see if students are making connection. For example I may have "tell me what you know about the graphing method" and I am looking simply tell me everything they took from this. So its not looking at can they follow a formula but can they understand it. I also will have them rate themselves on how comfortable they feel with the new material. 1 meaning they are totally comfortable and 3 meaning they really would like more work. This gives me an understanding of how they feel about it and as the class as a whole

Starting algebra topic that is important through out algebra

Solving for equations Graphing Simply the concept of variables and how they represent the unknown. Visuals, investigations

Weaknesses

Such a passion for teaching that teaching school sometimes consumes my life. I take on a lot of projects and get involved that sometimes I don't balance my outside life like I want to but that is something I am working on

Why CCA

This school is great. I have been involved in both the High school and Middle school and have had great experiences. I have been all around Iowa but Clear Creak has really been the school to keep me going and pursue teaching. You guys really have a community that collaborates, collaboration with the teachers and staff as well as students and their parents. I really like the PLPs and the idea of advisory and how teachers really get to know their students and their parents. I have seen you guys do everything to help your students succeed and not just succeed but teach the material

How do you assess whether students are mastering content and skills?

To assess if my students are mastering the content I will look to see if they conceptually understand the math concepts. To test this I will look to see if they can explain to their classmates or me how they are solving a problem. They aren't just using a formula but understand why they are doing what they are doing. During my formal and informal assessments I will ask questions such as "tell me what you know" or "Correct or incorrect"

Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher.

To be an outstanding teacher one must be knowledgeable and passionate about the subject being taught. The teacher is committed to student learning, enjoys helping and working with students, and provides various learning activities. These learning activities keep the students engaged and involved in the learning process. Making the subject enjoyable and relevant for the students and maintain a positive learning environment in the classroom is vital in achieving student understanding and success. Being organized, well prepared, and flexible in the classroom are important attributes of a teacher. An outstanding teacher has excellent communication skills. They are able to communicate to the students, parents and other staff. Teacher-parent relations are important in achieving student success, along with strong classroom management skills. A teacher who takes on challenges and continues to learn to better help students has the qualities of an outstanding teacher. Working and learning beyond the classroom are extremely important for successful teaching and learning in the classroom.

Describe a time when you had a student who performed far below the other students in your class

When I have a student who has performed below the other students I provided the student extra time before and after school where I strongly encouraged he or she to come. When this has happened they usually took advantage of coming in for help and saw that it really was beneficial and helped them understand and improve. I determined the students level they were at and found appropriate material to supplement instruction. Also when given class time to work I make sure to check and see if the student is comprehending the task. If a student does not understand the mathematic material and cant grasp it, I explain it to them in different ways and use different approaches that they may connect with better. I also will talk to other staff that may have worked with student to see if they know a way that helps them learn best. (Also can get parents involved so they are seeking that extra help)

Role as a teacher

a. - I am there as a resource, a mentor, their expert, their leader. I am a teacher who values the students learning and collaboration. Students learn through trial and error. It is a collaborative process and we are working together. b. My role is to motivate and encourage students to reach their full potential and keep improving. My role is to create a positive atmosphere where students feel free to ask questions. I understand math can be difficult and discouraging but in my classroom I will show my students that there are more things to be proud of than to be discouraged

Classroom management strategies

a. Beginning of the year I will put together a classroom set of rules. Ones that I believe are important in the classroom but also coincide with the schools rules. I will make sure the students read them and sign for the rules, to hold them responsible for following these rules. b. As the school year goes on it is important to be consistent with these rules and follow them. c. Consistent! d. Also if a student were to act up or misbehave one of my strategies is to when given time to work ask to speak to that student in the hallway, that way I am not calling him out and embarrassing him in front of the class, and it is more personal. --For example I had a student that was making inappropriate comments while I was talking to the class. I quick acted on the issue where i told them to please pay attention but when given time to work I asked to speak to the student in the hallway where I had given a little time on what I could say and addressed the issue. I discussed that the behavior was not acceptable in my classroom and that I am to never here it again. It showed the student how serious I was and how it affected me and the class. Allowed that one on one, face to face interaction where a student could listen and change the behavior

Greatest Strengths

a. Connecting with students b. Leadership skills c. Hardworking d. I understand I am teaching in the 21st century and am very knowledgeable on the technology and creative with my lesson plans e. I am a team player and know that teaching is part of being on a team. f. I am a continue learner. I continuously learn outside of school and graduation g. I am contributor in a school environment with other professionals.

Why do you want to become a teacher?

a. I decided to become a teacher because of my family. I come from a family of teachers that inspired me everyday to pursue teaching. I saw the glow in their eyes when they would talk about their day and the stories they told that I could see how they were impacting their lives. My parents and brothers have a genuine care for helping their students and is something that has been passed on to me. b. I have also had teachers that never gave up on me. They never would let me fall and always guided me in the right direction, always pushed me to go above than what was just acceptable. c. Teachers that weren't answer books but motivated me to explore my own thinking and the world around me on my own instead of providing me with the information d. All these qualities that my parents have and my teachers have inspired me to impact the lives of students just like they impacted mine

What makes me different

a. I know how to use technology in my classroom and how it can benefit students learning and success. I have used it many times in my class now for example showing quadratic graphs or designing lesson plans on the golden ratio. I understand the atmosphere of a school; I understand it from my parents and brothers who are all teachers. A positive atmosphere is one where teachers collaborate with each other. It is a learning community b. I differentiate my lesson plans along with using many teaching strategies. I understand not all students learn the same way and offer many ways that students can succeed.

How do you make the content relevant and engaging

a. I make the content relevant by providing real life examples, but not only have students complete problems that relate to real life but I have also created projects that have put students working with mathematics and not even realizing b. For example I had stations around the room for a review that dealt with inequalities, and students were given a real life situation and were to create an inequality with the given information. c. This activity was fun and got the students using math without thinking it was math but rather something they were interested in outside of the classroom --Example: Word problems that are real life examples, took the olympics and made a problem out of that, McDonalds facts that are true and made a problem out of that. Put students in groups/teams where they had to investigate cell phone plans d. To get my students engaged I use a lot of group work or pair share, where students are given the opportunity to discuss ideas with a buddy before we discuss it as a class. I also will challenge them and make it interesting. e. If students are quiet and not participating I usually have them discuss ideas with their partner to get them talking and getting ideas flowing f. Most of my students engagement comes with the activities I provide, it gives investigations that students need to work together in order to draw conclusions. Students are actively talking about math and doing math

How do you teach coverage of all topics while teaching students how to think/problem solve

a. I think with math covering any topic involves thinking and problem solving. b. It comes with as a teacher how we phrase our questions. Students can use formulas any day, but can they tell you where a mistake is in a given problem. Or can they tell you what they know about a topic. This comes with thinking. Once they master this concept conceptually comes the problem solving. Giving challenging problems students are able to take what they know and apply it to a problem

Why did you choose to become a math teacher?

a. Math has always been a subject I enjoyed and not because I was good at it. I enjoyed math because it always had a solution. We were given a problem and we had find the answer. It made me think, think more than I would in other classes. And I enjoyed this thinking. I learned more about myself and what I was capable of if I pushed myself. b. It showed hard work, determination and responsibility, all of which are life skills c. I choose to teach math because math doesn't just teach to the subject but teaches skills that will help them grow as learners and individuals d. Students will become critical thinkers and learn skills that they need everyday in their life, whether they see it or not. I choose to become a math teacher to make mathematics relevant in students life so students can value math and their education

Teaching Philosophy

a. My teaching philosophy is I believe we don't just teach to the subject but to the "whole" student. It is important for students to develop respect, high self-esteem, and good character. As well as improving their mathematical skills. b. Along with this my goal is to provide the best instruction so all students reach their potential and enjoy learning. I want student to be critical thinkers and motivated to learn more about mathematics by helping them understand the importance of math in their lives and valuing education. I also believe it is important to acknowledge we have very diverse learners and that it is important to use a variety of different teaching strategies. c. Bring math to life, by showing its relevance and using real world examples to keep the students engaged

What three words would your students describe you as

a. Positive/Encouraging b. Genuine c. Compassionate

Technology

a. Technology is a great tool b. Through my education and experience I have seen it benefit students. I am very well educated on this subject and can incorporate technology into my lessons. c. For example I have designed lesson plans on quadratic functions (geobra) by showing the changes in the graphs. This lesson was very successful. I have also used technology for a lesson where students have been hands on with a device and exploring through this technology on their own on the topic of the golden rectangle. d. I understand that technology is quickly improving and the new thing in schools and I know how to use technology to benefit my students. e. It is a visual, it is interacting and it is enjoyable.

What do you see as your role within the school?

• Communicate student needs to appropriate personnel, which may include counselors, social workers, and special education teachers. • Take an active role in team meetings by collaborating with my team to help meet student needs. • Participate in committees by volunteering to supervise before and after-school activities, which may include clubs and sporting activities.