Coordinating Teacher Interview: 3rd grade

1. How do you write a typical lesson plan?

I start by looking at the standard I want to teach. I decide what prior knowledge they may have
for that skill and use that in some sort of warm up to get the students thinking. Then, I introduce
the new topic/skill. I try to do a short mini-lesson to teach the skill and then a guided practice
activity. I will then do an independent practice afterward, allowing time at the end of the lesson
to share/review learning.
2. What types of materials do you need available when you plan lessons?
I keep the standards in my plan book. I also use the Math Investigations book to plan math. This
year I am using Comprehension Connections to guide my reading instruction, so I keep that with
me for planning as well. In writing, I like to use the lessons from Lucy Calkins so I will pull her
books or resources online. Another important tool is student data. When I am teaching a lesson,
I keep records of the data of their performance on pre-assessments or previous work to guide
future instruction.
3. In what ways do you plan to accommodate individual differences in the classroom?
Our whole day is differentiated instruction. With spelling I use the developmental spelling
program, Words Their Way. This allows me to individualize spelling lists. During math and
literacy workshop, I teach a short mini-lesson to the whole class but then meet with small
groups to differentiate the instruction as needed. I also consider the special needs in the room
and make plans to scaffold or modify the work for them.
4. What are some of your instructional challenges as a teacher?
The biggest challenge is just reaching all the learners. I never feel like I get to each need as
much as Id like. I feel like there is never enough time to get it all done! Another instructional
challenge is meeting the emotional needs along with the academic needs in a classroom.
Teaching is and should be teaching the whole child.
5. What have been some of your instructional successes as a teacher?
There are countless Ah, ha when a child discovers something new. I remember each of those
childrens moments clearly. This year there was one girl who was struggling to understand a
math concept. I spent days working one on one with her reviewing the concept with concrete
materials and finally she said Oh I get it! That made my day. Other successes are the
adjustments Ive made to my teaching. Introducing some new programs, like Words their Way,
or math workshop tubs has changed the way I teach for the better.
6. What do you consider essential characteristics for successful teaching?
Patience, flexibility, laughter, organization, being prepared
7. What are the class rules? How is student behavior monitored?
The following are my general rules. Rather than a list of dos and donts, I use these general
guidelines for what I expect from them.

I Am Creed
By: Mark Scharenbroich
I am unique in the world,
I am capable of learning and growing,
I am a person who appreciates the differences in others,
I am talented and I share my talents,
I am unlike any other human being;
I am a person who pursues personal dreams,
I am an active participant in life,
I am committed to my values;
I am a one-of-a-kind human being and a celebration of life.
Behavior is monitored on an individual basis. There are no behavior charts or reward systems. I
simply handle each situation personally with each child. We make an action plan when needed.
My ultimate goal is for each child to be self-motivated to make good choices.
8. In what ways is positive behavior reinforced? In what ways are negative behaviors
prevented?
Positive behavior is reinforced with compliments, praise. Kids love to hear what they are doing
well. Our Standing O always is a great way to show the good behavior traits we see. Negative
behavior is trickier. I try to redirect it when I see it coming. Lots of movement breaks is helpful
as well. When I know something might be had for a child, I may prep them ahead of time and
set a goal for behavior. We use Whole Body Listening in my class. Simple reminders can
redirect negative behaviors.
9. How do you modify your lessons for students with special needs in your classroom?
It varies on the needs. For some I modify the amount of work being given. For others, I modify
the activity, making it more hands-on (concrete) when other students may be more beyond that
level. With one, I have to use a schedule to break down each task within the lesson to help him
be successful.
10. How do you use the community around you for school activities?
We visit the park weekly for some movement and community building. We visit the library, town
buildings yearly for lessons. Weve connected with Davidson College for a variety of programs
as well.
11. What motivation tactics do you use to ensure a desire to learn?
I try to let their interests guide their learning as much as possible. When they are interested in
the topic, they are more motivated to learn.
12. Does your class ever take field trips?
Yes! Some are local and we walk, such as historical tours of Davidson, town hall visits, and
library trips. Others are to more distant places, like history museums, Childrens theatre, and
more.

13. What are the different subjects your students have each day? Week?
Most days we have math, reading, and spelling. Twice weekly we have writing, and theme study
(science/ss), although they are often integrated throughout the day.