Barry White Jr.

12/05/12 EDUC: 323 INSTRUCTIONAL STRAGETIES Teacher interview Essay While attending Whitaker Elementary school I had the honor of interviewing my mentor and field experience teacher Ms. Kennedy who is a 4th grade English teacher at the school. During the interview I found out some background information on Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Kennedy has worked at Whittaker Elementary school for 12 years. She also worked in Orangeburg School District Three for two years. As well as was a self-contained 4th grade teacher, for which she taught all subjects. She choose the teaching profession because she believed that all children can learn. She did not want her students to endure the hardships of having a teacher who did not care about them, or if they were learning. Ms. Kennedys philosophy of education is she believes that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is her desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. The teacher acts as guide, allows natural curiosity, and promotes respect for all people. I asked Ms. Kennedy if she felt student teaching prepared her for her classroom and her response was yes, the courses/student teaching preparation did adequately prepare her for my own classroom. The courses that she studied enhanced her theoretical knowledge base. The student teaching experience allowed her to experience first-hand what it is like to be in a real classroom environment teaching students of various performance levels, interests, backgrounds,

etc. It also afforded her an up close and personal view of what a teacher is responsible for outside of the actual act of teaching for example, lesson plans, grades, communicating with parents, and collaborating with faculty and staff. In The demographic make-up of MS Kennedys class is 20 African students. She has 12 males and 8 females, and the performance level of her students range from high, middle, and low. She meets the needs of her diverse students by

taking into account diverse student factors when planning and deliver instruction. Based on this, she can structure a learning environment that addresses a variety of learning styles, interests, and abilities found within her classroom. Ms. Kennedys classroom management system is simple. Plan and keep your students actively engaged give students structure. This leaves no time for misbehavior, and Teaches students to be accountable for their behavior. These strategies are effective for her as a teacher. Ms. Kennedys students know what I expect of them therefore, they follow the rules and procedures; they think about what is right and wrong and act accordingly. When going over some of Ms. Kennedys teaching strategies she informed me that The teaching strategies she use in the classroom are interest and explanation, concern for all students, assessment and feedback, goals, active engagement, and learning. Also uses technology such as interactive websites, smart boards, computer games, etc., all of these things engage students visually and kinesthetically. All lessons can be fun when you engage students this way. In my final question I asked what advice would she give me, as a beginning teacher, that would help me to adjust to having my own classroom and students that would help me to be an effective teacher? She responded The best advice that I can give a beginning teacher is plan, plan, and plan. Stay organized and learn what works for you and your classroom. Lastly, give it your ALL EVERY DAY.