Teacher interview Module #3

My teacher interview with Julie Russell December 1, 2017.


            1. What is your classroom management plan?

We establish a Class Promise as the beginning of the year where we outline our classroom rules and expectations. We include what we should and should not see and hear in our classroom if we are going to be a successful team. I have a behavior clip char that I use in conjunction with Class Dojo and the point economy system. Students earn points for following expectations and good behavior and lose points for not following expectations or inappropriate behavior. Students can use their point to purchase a variety of rewards, from pencils and gel pens to lunch with the teacher or principal.

            2. How do you engage students of different levels?

I work with our school specialists (learning/behavior specialist and ESL teacher) to plan and modify assignments and provide needed accommodations for my SPED and ESL kids. They also take students who need small group/extra support but are not on their caseload with their groups whenever possible. My literacy assignments are differentiated according to reading levels, with all students working on the same topic/story but at different reading levels and different complexity levels.   

3. What are some methods of positive reinforcement you use in your classroom?

Lots of praise, high fives, positive signals (fireworks, snaps, thumbs up), and Class Dojo points.

4. How do you stop a student from disruptive behavior in the classroom?

Setting expectations and praising positive behavior helps to deter disruptive behavior. My reaction and response depends on the behavior and the student. Some behaviors need to be ignored so as not to reinforce the behaviors. Sometimes just walking by the student and/or giving a silent signal (tap on the desk or shoulder, hand motion down, eye contact) will be enough for the student to stop. Clipping down/loss of dojo points deters most behaviors. I call or email parents when students clip down often. Knowing that the parent and I communicate often helps deter disruptive behavior.

5. How do you communicate with difficult families?

Open House, email, Class Dojo blog and messaging, phone calls home, conferences...whatever is needed.

6. What's the best method for placing students in groups to do group work?

Data for academic placement and behavior/social skills for cooperative groups. I also consider a student's leadership ability and specific strengths and weaknesses according to the specific task.

7. What do you find to be the most difficult part of teaching?

 The focus and importance placed on high stakes testing (PARCC and MAP) when there is so much more to a student's story than those scores. 

8. What do you think is the greatest challenge facing students today?

There is so much pressure on them to test well, despite a lack of resources, family/economic struggles, and ever-increasing expectations on teachers. Their ability level, strengths and weaknesses, independent growth, and family environment are not considered or even addressed.

9. What tools and actions do you use to motivate students?

We do a great deal teaching and reinforcing Growth Mindset so that students become motivated by challenges. My teaching partners and I also plan carefully in order to plan our lessons and units according to students' interests. Dojo points motivate for behavior.

10. If you had to chose one piece of advice to give that you wish you knew your first-year teaching, what would it be?

Don't forget to have fun! The politics and pressure of teaching can become overwhelming. Don't get caught up in all the outside influences and remember the reason and passion for choosing this path.

11. How do you handle students who misbehave or break the rules of the classroom?

It depends on the behavior. Some behaviors only require a simple verbal redirection or reminder and some result in a clip-down/class dojo point. More serious or repeated offenses may result in an after-school detention or trip to the principal's office. 

12. Do you have any special endorsements in certain subject/specialty areas? If so, what areas?

I am endorsed in middle school language arts and social studies, and I have my Type 75 Administrator's license.