Teacher Interview

How do you record things you are seeing in class?

My cooperating teacher wrote notes in a journal about things that were going on in class. She also mentioned that she keeps record of important things that happen that having documentation on would be helpful in the future. Sometimes she will make notes on her lesson plans about things she might be doing differently than originally listed or notes on how things went.

What are your thought around that topic?

My cooperating teacher says there is a direct correlation between self esteem and how they do on tests. She said she knew it was proven by research, but did not have the exact source on hand. She also said that believing in them helps them to do their best. Boosting their ego helps them to succeed.

How do you support their self-esteem in your classroom?

My teacher talked a lot about really getting to know your students and using that to your advantage. She mentioned that knowing their strengths and weaknesses helps you to teach them better.

Do you have any books or articles you suggest I read?

My teacher suggested I read “Every Child a Learner” ;“You’ve got to go to School You’re the Teacher”; “The First Days of School- How to be an Effective Teacher”; and a book about poverty by Ruby Pain. She also gave me a book the staff will be reading later in the year called, “Talk to Me” by Kim Bearden. She said these were fantastic resources that teachers should be reading.

Is there another teacher or administrator I should watch or talk to in order to deepen my knowledge on the subject?

My cooperating teacher thought that shadowing the principal or another administrator would be an interesting thing for me to do. She said that it would be interesting for me to see what they do on a normal day.