Interview with a Teacher

Question: Do you feel that PSU prepared you for your job as a full-time teacher? What are some strengths and weaknesses of the program?

Answer: Yes, with speculation. You are well-prepared by choosing their program. Their program is based on Learning Focused Schools, so when I came here I was well ahead of some of our training. It was not new information. My lessons already integrated these methods, which equaled immediate positive feedback when administrators came to observe me. They focus a lot on reflective practices. This is really helpful when you look back on lessons; what you should have done. It can be really exciting. I say this with speculation, because absolutely nothing can prepare you to be a full-time teacher with your own classroom. When that moment comes and you are suddenly all alone in your own classroom some day, it can be really scary.



Q: What is the best advice you could give a new teacher regarding planning? Parental involvement? Time management?



A: Always overplan. I remember one of my first observations, when one of my lessons went so smoothly and the kids understood it so well that we got done twenty minutes early. And then, I was standing there, like oh now what should I do? Now, I have these books Dr. Clark showed me - Twenty Minute Mysteries, Two Minute Problem Solvers – just in case I have time left at the end of the period. They are good activities for extending thinking exercises

Parental involvement. I have parents sign a contract at the beginning of the year that lists the classroom rules. It is printed, signed, and dated by the student and them. I cannot tell you how many times this has saved me from potential disasters. I pull the contract out and say, we agreed to this in the beginning of the year. Now, the one parent that has posed problems for me this year is a whole other issue. I respond to her in guarded tones. If she sends me an email about her child’s grade, I say it is in process. You will learn this as a first year teacher. Parents will try to walk all over you, because they think they can. You will learn a way of responding to them that allows you to stay your ground.

Time management. Forget your social life. No, seriously. Your first year of teaching is tough. You are literally planning a day ahead of your kids. You do need to make at least one day a marking period for yourself. It is good for your sanity. People who do not teach do not understand how hard it is to be in front of a class full of students all day. If I get home tonight and I’m tired or I just need to chill, I will, even though I might have stack of essays to grade. This time is vitally important.



Q: What is your disciplinary philosophy? How has your vision differed from implementation?



A: I tried to use a disciplinary approach that did not suit me my first year of teaching . Kids responded with insults and were constantly battling my lessons. I changed my approach since then. I allow kids more freedom. They know that I will allow them time at the end of the period to chill, if we get through the lesson. I have quirky little tactics I use in the classroom that you have seen. These seem silly to kids, but it lets them know that I am getting frustrated, and they need to stop their interruptions. I do not want kids to be afraid of me. We are about to begin reading novels. Especially in our subject area, kids need to feel okay expressing themselves in the classroom.



Q: Why this school?

A: I wanted to be the teacher I never had. I really wanted to be here from the beginning. I did my student teaching here, worked a full time job during, and worked so hard that I gained sixty pounds that semester making sure I remained here.



Q: How do you determine whether or not a particular lesson is a success?

A: There are never any clear answers. Motivation is a huge issue with kids. If kids remember lessons years later, that means it made an impact. It’s more of long term determination than results from tests. Other teachers will approach me years later, and thank me for not having to review a concept that should have been covered in one of my classes.



Q: What are your assessment strategies for giving students reliable and valid feedback regarding their classroom work?

A: I provide electronic feedback for their writing, so my comments are clearer than cursive squeezed into the margins of their papers. I break down larger projects into smaller segments, so assignments do not seem too vast to accomplish. I use post-it notes while they are working to express gratitude for hard work, so I do not interrupt the flow of their studying.



Q: Are extracurricular activities essential to undertake in a teacher’s career? What extracurricular activity has been the most rewarding thus far in your career?

A: Yes, definitely. You willed be asked this in your interviews. I love yearbook even with the controversy this year. It is nice to have a final product. However, GSA is what I find most rewarding. Although, it is difficult emotionally, I know I am making an impact on students’ lives.



Q: Are you a part of the Teacher's Union? What are you attitudes towards this organization?

A: Yes. I believe they have my back in several instances. I now have a Union representative alongside me to counter any personal attacks that may confront me during this year’s turmoil with J.’s parents.



Q: What are you immediate and future goals?

A: I am taking my GREs in January. Then, I am thinking about getting my doctorate in Adult Education at Penn State Harrisburg.