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Home : 2004 : July : 22
2. How do you feel about students working in groups, particularly for math. 3. Describe your ideal school, not the building, but otherwise. 4. How would
Math, I like having daily "Morning Math" plus the concept of reviewing a little bit every day (like Saxon Math), plus using lots of manipulatives. 2... I think they were wanting me to mention group work and how I felt about it in math class. When they asked me that, I said I would make sure that they understood how to work in groups, that everyone had a specific role, that no one would sit back and let the others do everything. 3. Oh brother! In preparation for this interview, i thought out my whole philosophy of education, and the way they asked this, that's what I thought they were asking, School as a concept. So I spewed out my philosophy of education, and they said - well, that's not what we meant. They elaborated more, and then I understood more what they were asking. I said, aw, I had that all ready to tell you, LOL, and we laughed. Then I tried again. I said I would want all the teachers and staff to have teaching in their heart, a passion for their career and a desire for excellence, a servant's heart, and all be supportive of one another, enjoy working together. 4. I was glad to have my portfolio with me. This was the only time I used it. I opened up to my section of handouts and weekly newsletters I sent home to parents and my students. 5. I've had "rough" kids, and I ignore their outbursts. I don't endorse it, I address the behavior for correction, but I don't get upset or take it personally. I was pregnant my last year of teaching and had many difficult students, one of whom struggled with depression and kept saying he wanted my baby to die. !!! You just remember that they're only saying/acting out of their inner turmoil. 6. Definitely the wide range of your students. Just because it's 3rd grade doesn't mean they're all at the same level. Planning lessons to reach your low end, and extra stuff for your high end... Plus how teaching involves more than just academics. Social issues between the kids, daily office business, etc. 7. My personal strength, I believe, is classroom management. Having everything prepared in advance, using lots of procedures. I LOVE HARRY WONG. 8. Others would describe me as enthusiastic, organized and eager to share anything - ideas or materials or time. Let's see... to begin the interview they asked me to Tell about myself. Ugh! I was kind of nervous and that's a huge question that I wish I had practiced. It was more of an icebreaker, though, I believe. They also asked what/who in my life ha influenced me to be a teacher or to be the kind of teacher I am. I'd already mentioned Harry Wong, they wanted another person, or whatever. I shared how I had some great teachers when I was in school, and some that I really didn't like. I wasn't quick to decide to become a teacher, because I knew it would involve a life commitment - I would only want to be a GOOD teacher. As a student I went through years of low-motivation and rebellion, and as a teacher now, I particularly want to motivate and be the kind of teacher I wanted as a student. It's hard to be interviewed, because you don't know what they're going to ask. This week I felt like I was preparing for a big exam! I knew I just needed to look my best, believe in myself, and answer honestly. They gave me an opportunity at the end to tell them anything about myself that they hadn't addressed, but I just drew a blank. That might have been a good time to tell more about some of the fun things I've done with my classes in the past. I had my portfolio with snapshots and examples... oh well! I tried to think but said no (nicely). Then they asked if I had any questions for them, and all I could think to ask was "Is this interview for the second grade position?" They laughed, yes. I should have been more clear, like was it also for the 3rd and 5th, or just 2nd. They understood that I had taught 3rd and was interested in 5th, but the principal was nice and said I seemed to be a good teacher, and a good teacher would do well at any grade level. I pointed out that as a former third grade teacher, I would know where I wanted my 2nd graders to be by the end of the year. I also mentioned that I loved beginning the year with "babies" and seeing them grow into "big kids." I thought that was very true for 3rd grade, but one of the 2nd grade teachers said it was very true for 2nd grade as well. They told me they had 12 interviews today, and a lot to think about, work out. I didn't ask when I might hear from them. In my car on the way home, I was screaming LOL to release my anxiety! So much to go over in my head, wondering if they really liked me, etc. We'll see...!!! Good luck to anyone else with an interview!
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