Interview Preparation for Teaching Postion

What do you do to accommodate a student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

I believe collaboration by the teacher, parents, psychologist, and other school staff is key. As I gain knowledge and information about the student with the IEP, it will be easier for me to decide on the lessons and teaching and learning styles I should use to accommodate his needs and maximize his learning. There are many types of accommodations I can use for instructing an IEP student through the use of manipulatives, providing a seat near the front of the room, reinforcing positive behavior every few minutes, providing extra time for assignments, and giving tests orally instead of in writing.

5 Rules of the classroom

1. Follow directions the first time they are given. 2. Talk only at appropriate times. 3. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. 4. Have all materials ready on time. 5. Be kind to others.

Three Components of a good Behavior Management Plan

1. Rules 2. Consequences 3. Rewards

The 7 steps of Lesson Planning

1. Warm up 2. Teacher demonstration. 3. Guided Practice (Trial and Error) small sample 4. Check for understanding 5. Independent Practice 6. Assessment 7. Re-teaching if necessary

Classroom Routines and Procedures

A smoothly running classroom begins with well-established, explained, and understood classroom procedures. Your aim should be such that the students could practically run the classroom without you!

"Tell me about yourself"

A two minute commercial about yourself. This is a great opportunity to sell yourself to the school district representatives. "Why should we hire you?" Mention why you would enjoy working for the school district in the position for which they are hiring.

What can you contribute to our school community/teaching team?

I bring a knowledge, love, and passion for this school that only a former student could bring. I would also be the type of teacher to share my classroom experiences, both good and bad, with my peers. I think it is a great way to solve difficult situations and a great way to build a sense of camaraderie and let my peers know that they are not alone.

Are you a flexible teacher? If so, explain how.

I can deal very effectively with people and students from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups. In teaching, I am completely aware that students have different learning rates and styles. I use lecture, discussion, hands-on activities, cooperative learning, projects, manipulatives, role playing, debates, reports, technology, and others to keep things fresh and engaging for the students.

What ways do you assess and evaluate students?

I use formal and informal assessment procedures to promote social, academic, and physical development. The usual assessment that I use is written quizzes (case studies, discussions) and examinations. Throughout the semester, I also grade and assess students on their class participation such as recitations, reports, group activities, and seat work. I also assess and grade students based on their completion of assignments and timeliness in submission. I also use authentic/alternative assessments, in which the student shows they can perform a task, such as making a speech or writing a story. I like to use written, oral, and day-to-day assessments.

What is your classroom management plan?

I want students to feel valued, intelligent, safe, and comfortable. I want them to respect me, the teacher, and each other and to show that respect by treating everyone with kindness and caring. I will make it a point to clearly communicate my expectations at the beginning of the school year. Establish firm, but fair and consistent discipline and try to maintain a regular schedule each day. If the classroom is well-managed and teaching is effective, the students will learn, grow, and become responsible citizens.

Rewards

Only positive consequences will change behavior. 1. The reinforcement should be something the students want and enjoy. 2. The reinforcement should be given as soon as the positive behavior isexhibited. (With older students, rewards can be delayed.) 3. Use verbal praise frequently. 4. Plan ahead of time which specific appropriate behaviors merit reinforcement.

As a grade one teacher, how would you motivate parents to become involved in the classroom and in their child's education?

Parents can volunteer to do in the classroom, such as: reading with students, preparing project materials, creating bulletin boards, sorting materials, setting up learning centers, hanging up students' work. Communicate that information and ask for volunteers through weekly or bi-weekly newsletters. Positive behavior contact/phonecalls

Consequences

Students have consequences for both good and bad behavior that must be applied consistently. You should have 5 consequences laid out by order of severity. Parent contact/Office visit should be a rare event.

What are some of the trends, issues, and methodologies in education that relate to your specific curriculum area or grade level?

Technology in the classroom. Now it seems that students have more access to information that ever before but they also have more access to distractions like Facebook. Using computers, videos, and other kinds of technology makes lessons more interesting and more fun. An issue that is important is teaching to state standards. School time is limited and we must make the best use of it that we can, so I try to relate every lesson and activity to a grade level standard. That keeps me focused on the overarching goal of improving education and helping children do better academically.

What would past employers/coworkers/teachers say about you?

That I am incredibly energetic and passionate about what I do. That I am the type of person who also goes the extra mile to help others. That I also try to embody values that are important in life, including the value of discipline.

What will you do to modify your teaching to meet the needs of a gifted student?

What I will do is to modify his work assignments in expectation or length to fit his abilities. His tasks will require a higher level of understanding compared to the regular students. During class discussions, I can direct questions to him or her that require higher-level thinking skills. I also would encourage the gifted student to take a leadership role in group work so that his classmates can emulate and be inspired by him.

Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I observed your class?

Yes. When you observe my class, you will see that I get my students engaged in our discussions and activities. You will see that my students actively participate in each lesson. I make sure that all of them have a chance to speak, express their thoughts, and share them with the class.

Let's pretend it's almost the first day of school and you are a first grade teacher. How would you prepare your classroom?

mention a huge welcome sign, the daily schedule, age-appropriate posters, name tags for students, labeled desks (how will they be arranged?) and lockers, a list of class rules/consequences/rewards, and other labeled areas (e.g., the classroom library, manipulative storage, computer area), etc. Mention several activities you might include during the first day of school, including an ice-breaker, a trip to the restrooms, and a fun art project.

What will be the most difficult aspect of (intern) teaching?

to make sure that I structure my lessons so effectively that learning takes place in one class period (or day). So I plan ahead to maximize every minute of my class period (or day). And sticking to my guns when it comes to classroom management