Teacher Interview

1. What ways do you find yourself reflecting on your teaching practices? For example do you think your conversations with your
colleagues, journal writing, examining student work, conversations with your students, or just thinking about your teaching for the
day?
I find myself reflecting on every lesson every day! I personally reflect on my teaching during the day or plan periods, during lunch with
other teachers, during plan time with my team, and even at night when I reflect upon my day. I have invited students to reflect on their
learning and participation with simple thumbs up/ thumbs down or turning and talking with a buddy. At the end of the day when I set aside
time, we sit in a circle and talk about things we have learned and what we can do differently tomorrow.
2. How does reflecting on your teaching practices drive your future instruction?
Reflecting on my teaching means I have to be flexible and make changes according to the students needs. I often have to change my math
instruction depending on their exit slip results and my informal observations. Other times, I have to come up with more challenging
activities if they already have prior knowledge such as animals.
3. What method do you use to keep track of grades and homework completion?
For homework, I use individualized sticker chart when they have completed their work. For grades, we use excel sheets to input data. Our
district has a database to help us keep track of assessments and grades.
4. What assessment does the district use to determine a students ability at the beginning of the year and what assessment is used to
determine progress? Do you use any other forms of classroom assessment to determine academic progress?
We have two sets of assessments; type 2 phonics and reading assessment and a type 3 student growth assessments. The type 2 we assess 6
times in a year, including the pre and post. The type 3 we assess 2 times a year, just the pre and posttest. In our curriculum, we have
assessments and rubrics lined up to common core standards.
5. Can you tell me about the Rti process in your school district? What is the process to refer a student for special services?
We meet 3 times a year to check in on tier 2, tier 3, and case study children. During these meeting, I can bring up concerns and begin the
referral process. Then, I would need to fill out paperwork, reach out to the psychologist or speech pathologist (depending on need) and
have them observe and test them.
6. What methods would you suggest for keeping yourself organized? For example what method do you use to keep track of parent
contact, when students turn in permission slips, lunch count, attendance or picture day money?

Organize your computer! Keep an updated calendar on your computer synced to your phone! Also, it is important to keep student files with
all of their information, assessments and notes. Lunch and attendance is done electronically. Permission slips and picture day money or any
money is kept locked up in my desk in a folder until needed.
7. How do you keep your students families informed about what is going on in the classroom or with their individual student?
I send home newsletters, notes, or simply call home. In previous years, parents asked me to text them! My preferred method is calling
home.
8. Do you encourage parental participation and volunteering in your classroom? Why or why not?
I always encourage my students parents to volunteer on fieldtrips. I also push for them to join the PTA and BPAC meetings. Parents are
the first teachers so I think it is important they are always present in the buildings!
9. Do you meet with your grade level partners on a regular basis? Do you have collaborative plan time built in your schedules? What
is discussed at these meetings? Is this district or school mandated or do you find time to collaborate yourselves?
We meet on a weekly basis; every Thursday. My bilingual partner and I have plan time built in on Wednesdays. We discuss lesson plans for
the following weeks, data, interventions, or share/ask for advice. We also have plan time with our ESL teacher built in every week.
10. What clubs, coaching, or committees are you involves in beyond the school day? Does you district compensate employees for
sponsoring, coaching, or committee membership? Is there a minimal requirement?
I am on the curriculum writing committee and on the math curriculum committee. I dont sponsor or coach anything, so I dont know
details about compensation.
11. Does your administrator solicit feedback from teachers on school initiatives? What kind of initiatives are taking place in your
school right now?
There are committees for everything: PBIS (behavior), lunch, recess, dismissal, PTA, celebrations, report cards, schedules The bilingual
team always does Hispanic heritage month celebrations!
12. How do you stay current on hot topics in education or best practices?
I sign up for e-mails, magazines, and read articles. I attend conferences and professional development courses. I also ask to observe other
teachers!
13. Do you attend workshops or participate in professional development activities? What are the most recent ones you have
participated in?
Yes, I have participated in PDs and workshops. Ive only attended 1 this year; the Bilingual Conference.

14. Are you a member of any professional organizations? If so, which ones?
Im a member in our teachers union and our schools PTA.
15. Are you on any leadership teams or are you in charge of any committees? What are your roles on these committees?
Im in charge of the 1st grade curriculum writing for my school as well as the point-person for the math curriculum for bilingual 1st grade. I
have to make sure our curriculum is aligned to standards, update unit plans, and upload them to our website. I am also on the
wedding/baby shower committee to celebrate brides and moms to be!
16. If you knew then what you know now, what advice would you give me?
Be flexible, be calm, and dont stress. Focus on classroom management and write out your expectations so you can have a smooth year.
Your first year will be your best year; dont listen to the negativity from other teachers about their first year!
17. What is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
If I had to choose just one rewarding thing about being a teacher it has to be seeing the children get excited about their growth and
learning. When I see them showing their work proudly in the hallways, discovering different facts about planets months after our unit has
ended, and seeing them so lost in awe in a picture book. Ive had many newcomer students in my 3 years teaching and it amazes me to see
them go from not reading at all to reading fluently in both English and Spanish. I dont take credit for their success; I just help foster their
growth and love every second of it!
18. What is the most challenging this about being a teacher?
Communicating to parents that dont care is the most challenging part of being a teacher.