Mock+Interview

1. A typical day in my classroom is full of learning and creativity. Students are provided with an encouraging and supportive environment while they experience instruction and opportunity for self-discovery. 2. When I come across hostile parents I do my best to read between the lines and I listen as they voice their complaints and perspectives. I find that most of the time it comes easy to stay calm in these situations and I do what I can to make sure that they leave feeling as though they were heard and that we have come to an agreement, understanding, or compromise. 3. I believe that highly effective classrooms are organized and functional, inviting and structured, and encouraging and stimulating. I believe that students learn best when things are clearly organized and outlined. They need to feel welcome and supported in the classroom at the same time that they are aware of the boundaries and expectations. 4. One unit that I was extremely proud of and found success with was in a third grade U.S. geography unit. I allowed students to choose a state to research over the unit and as we covered each section they expanded their knowledge about their specific state. It was wonderful to see students doing their own discovery and allowing them to be creative in the confines of a unit. 5. My teaching style is very hands-on. I love when students are able to grow through their individual experiences and one thing I have become quite aware of is that students learn by what they do and not just by what I present to them. 6. As a teacher it is my job to facilitate learning and provide students with unique ways that they can learn through their individual learning styles. In my classroom I expect students to have motivation to learn, but I achieve this by finding ways in which each student will be intrinsically motivated to learn. 7. Students will be made aware of the expectations I have in the classroom. When it comes to disruptive and inappropriate behavior I will ask the student in private what it is that is causing them to be disruptive, if it is something we can solve together, we will solve it then. If it is clear that we won’t be able to solve it I will take away some of the privileges that student may otherwise have. 8. Good teachers are everywhere, but outstanding teachers are those that go above and beyond their expected duties. These are teachers who get to know the students as individuals and find ways to meet their students where they are at, these are teachers who take time to develop lessons based on their students, and those who not only facilitate learning, but also act as a support system for their students. 9. Research has shown that students learn by more by what they do and say than by what they hear and to accomplish this in the classroom I believe it is important that you allow students to research and present and have hands-on experiences. Another current trend is that students tend to stop listening after 10 minutes if they are just sitting. Therefore I think it is extremely important to allow students the opportunity to move and have broken up instructions to avoid them having a lack of interest. 10. As a teacher it is important to provide each student the opportunity for success. I believe that you should find ways in which each student can grasp what you are teaching them and find ways that will spark their interest. It is important to help students where they are struggling and at the same time encourage and celebrate the things that they are doing well. 11. I believe that my two top strengths are that I am understanding and accepting and I extremely motivated. My weaknesses are that I am a perfectionist and therefore can get really caught up in making sure things are how I want them and another weakness is that I sometimes procrastinate when a deadline is far away, often I produce my best work in this time though! 12. Mastery of knowledge can be tested in numerous ways. I try to find a balance that meets each child’s specific learning styles. I will measure mastery through assignments, tests, and verbal communication. Finding a balance and understanding your students will help you to be sure if they are grasping the concepts or not. 13. If I have a student that is failing I will be sure to analyze what I have done as a teacher and also how this student learns as an individual. I think it is important to understand what they are going through personally and ask them what it is that they aren’t quite grasping. I will be sure to find methods to differentiate my instruction and make sure that we can find a way together that helps that child comprehend the subject. 14. Technology in the 21st century is so brilliant and available. It plays a critical role in my classroom because there are so many great tools that can be used and that are designed in ways to assist all sorts of learners. It isn’t my only method, but it is a great support system and valuable to us as teachers. 15. I would just like to thank each of you for giving me the opportunity to meet with you and for providing me the chance to reflect on what I believe as a teacher. I want each of you to know that I am passionate about children and helping them to grow. Education is the most valuable tool we have and I am blessed to have the opportunity to be apart of it.
 * Mock Interview **