responses

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Home : 2005 : May : 31

responses
By Alicia

Here are some more ideas...

1) Why Teach?
~FYI-They don't want you to answer, "because I like kids."
I might say, "I had many teachers throughout my school years who I looked up to and thought of as role models.
They have been an inspiration to me. I love to learn and consider myself a life long learner, and I want to share this with my students."
2) National Standards-
I would say something to the effect that the state standards are aligned to the national standards. The state standards are usually imbedded in the curriculum. From my personal experience teaching 4th grade, I've gone to my

district's website and familiarized myself with the standards. When I'm planning a new unit or concept to teach, I look at the standards and see which ones I will be/can cover.

3)What would you see?
I would talk about what the classroom looks like and what the students are doing. Students may be actively engaged in whole class instruction, group or partner work, and at times when appropriate independent work. My tables (or desks) will be arranged into groups for group and/or partner work. My classroom will be literacy-centered, so you will see a word wall, a classroom library with books organized by author and genre. I will have a small area where guided reading groups will meet. My students work will be on the walls. My classroom will be organized so that students know the daily routine and where things go: notes from parents, homework, lunch count.
*You could really get into detail and go on, but it's important to keep it fairly short. They may also ask, "If I walked into your room during a math lesson, what would I see?" Or a reading lesson? Writing lesson? In my interview they asked what a math lesson would look like.

4) I agree that there aren't any specific "buzz" words, but I would first figure out WHY he's refusing to do his homework. Does he not understand? Does he need some help? After figuring out WHY he's not doing it, you can do what you need to do to help him. Maybe it's to spend a couple extra minutes with him re-explaining. Maybe he needs help starting. If it's too difficult maybe it needs to be modified.

5) I would calmly explain that I'm in the middle of teaching so now isn't a good time. Tell them that you'd be more than willing to meet with them before or after school or through a phone call. If they are "irate" a call to the office or getting another teacher to call is what should be done. You shouldn't have to stand there and deal with an irate parent while you have a classroom full of children (I wouldn't say that line). You need to use your best judgement.

Good luck!