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CoT Fall 2019 Final Project

34 Items

Every semester the Community of Teachers students come together to coordinate a

final project for the year. T his semester, the community decided to compile interviews
with teachers or students of their choice. Below is a collection of what was collected.
Patrick Clady
What is the most difficult aspect of your school day?

“Language Arts and Biology because they are the most difficult subjects I have. I have also
been in trouble for behavior in the hallway this year, so making the right decisions in the
hallway is also something that I’ve had to work on.”

Who do you turn to within your school system when you are struggling either academically or
emotionally?

“I have a good set of friends that I can go to when I feel stressed out. T hey’ll listen to what I
have to say and offer any advice if they can. Most of the time, though, it’s nice to just have
someone to vent to.”
What has been some successful classroom management strategies used by some of your
teachers? Why do you feel like they were effective?
“I like when teachers put you next to people who do not talk often because then I am less
tempted to talk. At first I was annoyed by the 3 strikes rule that some of the teachers use but
I realized it gives me a chance to get it together before a real consequence actually happens.”

What is or has been your favorite classroom setup, or a class that you feel/ have felt really
comfortable in and why? Can you give me an example of a classroom that made you
uncomfortable?

“I like when the desks are formed in groups because it usually means we get to work
together. My math and science classes have tables and we do a lot of group work in those
classes that I like.”

What are some things a teacher can do that encourages you to keep going and to work hard
in school?
“For me, most of the encouragement I need comes from myself, not teachers, but I do like
when they offer some sort of reward. I also like when a teacher talks to me after class to say
I did something good.”
What is something you wish teachers were more understanding with (homework, phones,
etc.)?

“I wished teachers realized that we have lives outside of school. T here are sports, clubs,
family...all things that take up a lot of time and honestly, school is not my first priority after
3:00.”

What qualities do good teachers have?

“Good teachers try to connect with their students on a personal level and realize that there is
more to school that just learning their one subject. A good teacher also realizes that we need
breaks and time to regroup before heading into another big part of class.”
James Klyczek
What is one positive thing you would like to see carried into next year?

One positive thing I would like to see carried into next year would be continuing to use our
schools curriculum and book series as I am doing this year. I want to be able to still use the
series, but expand the content deeper and have it be more meaningful to the students. For
example, using more outside resources that fit into the series’ themes and content. 

Looking forward, what is one thing you would like to be abolished/majorly changed?
Personally, I would like to see a change in the content that students need to master before
going into the next grade. Also, a change in the way content is supposed to be taught. For
example, as I teach my math lessons, I think about the different strategies they want the
kids to solve a simple 2-digit subtraction problem. I am a first-year teacher and don’t know
everything yet, but this is something I am noticing. 
What are some tips to refocus a class or getting/keeping their attention?
Honestly, get excited about the material you are teaching to your students. If they see your
excitement, they will want to listen to you. Also, if my class starts to get off task, I usually
have my “classroom chants” or “quiet countdown” to let them know that they need to refocus.
Sometimes, they don’t work, so I make sure to start acknowledging the students who are
doing what they should and give them a small reward. T his gets the other students attention
quickly. Also, usually through a lesson, I give positive comments to the students who stayed
on task the entire time. I keep it positive in my classroom. 
What requirements/classroom management do you use to set up your classroom at the
beginning of the school year for the students? 
T his is my first year as a teacher, from the beginning of the school year to now, I have
tweaked my classroom management plans. T he first 6 weeks into school is going to be your
timeframe to introduce your rules/expectations for EVERY place within your classroom. First, I
started the school year by having the students sit down and letting them tell me some
“Classroom Rules” ideas. I let my students pick the rules that they thought would be great for
our classroom. We wrote a lot out, but squeezed them all in within 5 total rules. Also, I had
each student sign at the bottom of our rules like a contract for our classroom. “T hey signed it,
they must follow it.” I have it posted up on the wall so students can see and I can point to it
whenever is necessary. Next, I go over morning routine and made a list for them to follow.
T hen, I went over transitions, how we walk in the hallway, and where we put homework and
notes from home. Lastly, about 3 weeks in, I introduced stations/groups. Only one station a
day. We did our “I CAN” statements in whole group, then they would practice routines for
stations and group transitions. Be consistent while you are setting up your classroom like
this. I’m also still working on my classroom management within my classroom. 
What are your classroom rules? 

My students helped me create these classroom rules. T he 5 rules are: 

Always be kind and respectful of others
Share a smile and help each other
Keep to your own space

Listen when others are talking

Follow directions

Keri Neuland
If you could go back to college/when you were first learning to become a teacher, would you
change anything? Is there something you would/wouldn't do to help yourself as a future
teacher?
My story in becoming a teacher is much different than most. I went back to do my licensing as
a career change. T he biggest thing that I probably would change is to have invested the time
and effort into my undergraduate years to get the teachers degree. However, I truly believe
that having worked in the business world first, it allowed me to be a better teacher. By
having an understanding on how best to collaborate with others and work as a team.
What is your best technique for combating burn-out or what you do to promote self-care?
T his is such an important question to have a handle on. One of the biggest things that I do is
try not to bring work into my home life. It is hard at times, but so very important that the two
worlds don't collide. I also will take time for myself. Whether through just spending 5
minutes in silence or on the back porch enjoying a beer. Silence is something that I think can
be overlooked at times.
What is an example of a technique you used to engage students who are resistant learners?
Students want to know that you have trust in them and are always keeping their best
interest in mind. Many times, I build relationships with students by finding common ground
with them that is relational to what they are currently going through. Very seldom do I start a
conversation with, "do you have your work done?" Usually it is asking them about things that
are important to them and showing that I truly care about them as a whole.
What is the most difficult part of teaching? What’s the best?

T he absolute most difficult part of teaching is time management in my opinion. Being able to
accomplish everything that is being asked of you is quite difficult at times. Never has there
been another time that more is expected of us as teachers. You have to be able to be
organized and maximize your time effectively. If not you are constantly chasing your tail. T he
best part of teaching is the building of relationships with students and seeing them succeed.
T here is nothing better than these two things.
What are some of the best techniques for creating a good student to teacher relationship in
the classroom?

As I said above, getting on the student's level and truly showing empathy towards things that
are important to them goes a long way. Many of our students are seeking positive feedback
and just want to be heard. T his also will go a long way in gaining the respect of the student's.
To me teaching is most effective when you build positive relationships with your students. If
that is not at the base of what you do, it will be very difficult to engage them effectively when
things are hard.
Hannah Gorman
If you could go back to college/when you were first learning to become a teacher, would you
change anything? Is there something you would/wouldn't do to help yourself as a future
teacher?

No. I had a Science methods teacher who encouraged us in our first year of the 2 year
practicum to add a math or science endorsement if we were anywhere close to having
enough credits. I would’ve never thought to do that if he hadn’t suggested it, and I’m grateful
I followed his advice. As a result, I also have a MS science license and only had to take 2
additional courses. So that would be my advice to any new teachers. Check and see what
endorsements you’re close to adding. It gives you more options and makes you more
marketable. 

What is your process? How do you begin to build an idea for a lesson plan/unit plan? What is
the best way (in your opinion) to approach that kind of task?

Back when teaching was still fun (when I had you!) I had 2 different methods. 1) I started
with the standard and built around it. 2) the most authentic way was to be inspired by
something that the students found interesting or that I started developing and craft it
around the standards. 

T he monarchs were a great unit bc we incorporated math and economics in our fundraising,
and literacy and science were so naturally intertwined. We explored some social studies with
graphing and following the map. T HAT ’S how authentic learning happens. 
What is an example of a technique you used to engage students who are resistant learners?
T hat’s easy but also tough. Resistant learners are also very different from each other and
have different reasons for being resistant. If your lessons are engaging and meaningful,
allow students to move and ask questions and make mistakes, it makes learning more
accessible for all learners. Probably the first and most important step though is establishing
and building a relationship with that student. Relationships break down obstacles and those
resistant learners will leap tall buildings for you just because you believe in them!
What type of discipline techniques have you used in your classroom, and which one has
worked best?
Relationships first. Nothing else matters if there’s no relationship. Spend the first week or 2
building them and allowing the students to build w the others in the room. It’ll save tons of
time throughout the rest of the year. Also build relationships with home. Communicate home
ASAP BEFORE there’s a behavior concern. 
T hen make sure your expectations are clear, posted, practiced, acknowledged, and repeated.
Don’t assume students know how you want them to behave. Your kiddos are coming from
vastly varied backgrounds where they have no expectations, different expectations, or
unstructured expectations. 

Lastly, similar to our pollen system, have rewards. Yes, they should do it intrinsically but
some just won’t and, even as adults, we like to be recognized and appreciated. 

What has been among the most difficult situations for you in the classroom, and why? What
could have been changed or done to aid you during this time or prevent the difficulty in the
first place?

Standardized testing has taken the fun out of the classroom and control away from the
teacher and it’s caused increased behaviors in classrooms because they’re stressful and
boring. 
Aside from that, I find behaviors to be the most difficult situation, but I can always sit back
and see what I could’ve done to de-escalate the situation or prevent it in the first place.
Relationships, consistency, structure, communications with student and family. 

Kenzie Day
Sophomore from Bloomington High School North

What is the most difficult aspect of your school day?

I find that trying to just get through the day can be a hassle. Sometimes we get assigned a lot
of work and I have to go through my mental to do list for everything I have going on and it
can be overwhelming. It’s hard to keep track of everything that I have going on.  

Who do you turn to within your school system when you are struggling either academically or
emotionally?
Sometimes if I’m struggling emotionally I’ll turn to my friends but sometimes it’s not the
answer I want to hear so I’ll stop and keep things to myself. But if it’s academically I’ll turn to
my teachers or my dad. Not any specific teachers, just based on the subject.

What is or has been your favorite classroom setup, or a class that you feel/ have felt really
comfortable in and why? Can you give me an example of a classroom that made you
uncomfortable?

T he stained glass room was my favorite because the atmosphere was really comforting and I
could be myself in it. And also my teacher was really comforting and the environment felt
really open. It was a good group of people to be around too. It was just a calm and relaxing
place to be. I usually feel uncomfortable in the class I’m having the most difficulty with. I get
frustrated and stuck in my work and don’t know what to do to fix it. It’s not that I don’t know
what’s going on, it’s that I feel uncomfortable moving forward.

What are some things a teacher can do that encourages you to keep going and to work hard
in school?

When they appreciate what I do and recognize how hard I’ve worked. And when they don’t
pressure me to be the best that they want me to be. I appreciate teachers who are flexible,
understanding, and open-minded because I often fall behind and need extra time to catch up.
When teachers are understanding of my needs it makes it easier for me to get my work done.

What is something you wish teachers were more understanding with (homework, phones,
etc.)?

Definitely homework. I understand that they expect us to get it done by the deadline but I
don’t think that they realize that we have a lot of other classes with homework too. We are
teenagers and our mental capacity is not as big as you might expect. Sometimes we just need
a moment to breath. Leniency goes a long way.

What qualities do good teachers have?

I feel like a teacher and a student should have a relationship outside of the classroom. I like
when teachers are caring and want to know what’s going on outside of the classroom. I like
when you have the same interests, and they treat you as a friend. It makes me feel like I have
a better connection with them and that I could go to them if I ever needed something.

Ms. Smith from Bloomington High School North

If you could go back to college/when you were first learning to become a teacher, would you
change anything? Is there something you would/wouldn't do to help yourself as a future
teacher?

I don’t think there’s much I could’ve done that would’ve been different at that time. T hings
have changed so much and I couldn’t have predicted what was going to happen. T here really
isn’t anything that I would do differently. I’d worked with kids so I knew I wanted to do it. My
family is full of teachers so I was a little bit more informed.

What is your process? How do you begin to build an idea for a lesson plan/unit plan? What is
the best way (in your opinion) to approach that kind of task?
I do it through observation. Going to museums, looking at art fairs, crafts, magazines, just
look around me and see where I find inspiration. I’ve had a lot of these lessons for a long
time, but the biggest question I ask is “What do I want the kids to be able to do?”. I try to find
projects that will scaffold off of each other and will develop skills that we can use in projects
down the line. When I was a student I didn’t like classes where I just did exercises and didn’t
get a product, so I make sure that my students can gain something from their work. I modify
based on my kid’s feedback and things I think of on my own. T here’s a lot to be learned so I
also try to provide kids with the chance to do independent projects and workshops.
What is your best technique for combating burn-out or what you do to promote self-care?

I belong to a local clay group and I stay involved. I take workshops to stay excited and
constantly learn new things.

What is an example of a technique you used to engage students who are resistant learners?
I always try to use humor. I ask them questions about how they’re doing, I ask them what
they’re interested in. I try to bring in stuff that they like to be a source for their design, or
something along those lines. I’ll ask kids what their goals are. Knowing what they want to get
out of the class can help me figure out what they’re interested in and how I can guide their
learning.

What do you wish your students knew about you?

T hat I have their best interests at heart. And that includes tough love. I don’t let them get
away with stuff. I want to help guide them to be a functioning, well-rounded human being. I
try to tell my students that I say things because I know that they want to be better and that
they can be better, and then I try to show them how.

What is the most difficult part of teaching? What’s the best?

Losing kids is the most difficult part. And kids in real trauma. Sometimes you deal with a lot of
emotional baggage for your kids and it results in secondary PT SD. You just have to guide
them and hope that they make it through that. T hey best part is the joy of seeing kids figure
something out and then watching them run with it.

What are some of the best techniques for creating a good student to teacher relationship in
the classroom?

I think that you have to be careful about becoming their friend. You have to care about them,
but you also have to hold them accountable for their behavior and not get too familiar. Be
firm but fair. Be clear in your expectations. Talk to them, ask about them. Be understanding
but don’t reinforce bad habits.

How do you think education will change (in a specific undecided topic) over the next 10 years?

It will either get a lot better or a lot worse. And I’m afraid it’ll get a lot worse before it gets a
lot better. I think that there will be a huge backlash against standardized testing. I think it
also depends on what state you’re teaching in and if people will begin to trust teachers again.
Education of the masses is going to be a problem. But, the good part is that I think early
childhood education is heading in the right direction. A few people are beginning to wake up
to the fact that you cannot push kids to perform above their cognitive development levels,
and there’s been enough pushback that it has started to evolve. I think that socialization is
shifting towards the core of early childhood education. On a massive scale though, I’m not so
sure. 

Noel Widup
Larry DeMiss, English teacher/department chair at Edgewood High School

What requirements/classroom management do you use to set up your classroom at the

beginning of the school year for the students?

It varies with the level of the course, but generally I just try to establish an atmosphere at
the beginning of the school year that this is going to be a serious class, that I am competent
to help them with the challenges, and that I'm on their side. I usually require a writing task in
response to a reading passage to be completed for day two, so they know we're getting to
work immediately. I try to maintain the atmosphere as a comfortable place, where students
don't quite know what to expect on a daily basis, but that they know we'll be working toward
a worthwhile goal. Sometimes it's more successful than others, of course.  

What are your classroom rules?  

Be here, be on time, ready to go. Be attentive, keep your head up. No phones, keep your
device where it needs to be.  
What type of discipline techniques have you used in your classroom, and which one has
worked best?

Being alert and sensitive, respectful of students as human beings and expecting respect in
return has minimized disciplinary issues over the years. I sometimes have to redirect
students, but I usually do it discreetly. When I have to, I take students into the hall way for
more serious "counseling," when I try to be as impassive as possible in telling them the
expected change in behavior. I always have to ask a colleague when I have to make a
disciplinary referral, because they happen so rarely.
What are some tips to refocus a class or getting/keeping their attention?

I think humor is a great tool. Also, dynamics of voice can work. I have spoken very quietly and
raised the volume just enough for most of them to hear, "...and that will be on tomorrow's
quiz." Usually I have their attention at that point. More important is to make sure the subject
and activities are varied and engaging, but reading every student all the time may be
unrealistic. 
How do you deal with parents? Do you email them regularly or only when the student is
misbehaving?  

Given my position in the community, I have had many of my students' parents in class, and
most of those remember me in a positive way, so I will talk to them at ball games or at the
grocery store and say something positive about their child. When a student is struggling, I'll
try to send an email to give them a heads up, and follow up with a phone call if warranted.
With seniors, I have been able to say, truthfully, that I survived two teenage sons going
through EHS and things will turn out okay in the long run. Frankly, I don't recall the last time
I had to contact a parent to talk about behavior issues; it's almost always academic.  

Michaela Schlattman
Describe your classroom management style.
I would say for the most part Authoritative. As a physical educator you have to establish
guidelines and class standards to ensure student safety, but be flexible and supportive of
different student needs. I have always tried to create a positive learning environment where
students can express themselves while maintaining the structure of the lesson. In physical
education different activities may require different levels of instruction. Students learn when
they are invested and supported.
What are some tips to refocus a class or getting/keeping their attention?
In physical education, some activities can get crazy very fast, the whistle is an obvious
attention getter. I bring a class together and we may have a review of the guidelines to
refocus on the purpose of an activity. To refocus or keep their attention you must first
determine why they are off task or losing interest. Is the activity to easy? Are they bored? Find
a way to adapt an activity to keep the students on task.

What are some of the best techniques for creating a good student to teacher relationship in
the classroom?
Create a rapport with your students. I would try to make a point of talking to as many
students as possible. I took attendance in a circle and would try to walk around the circle and
make eye contact or talk to students. Listen to them!!! Today’s students do not communicate
with adults face to face as much, when they talk take the time to listen. I think the
management style of the class influences the relationship, students want a voice and want to
feel comfortable, but at the same time most students want structure and guidelines. I always
started the year with team building activities so the class would get to know each other and it
helped me get to know them.
What do you know now that you wish you could tell your first year teacher self?
T hat I don’t have to be “the boss”. Creating relationships with your students is one of the
best parts of being a teacher. Celebrate them when they do well and encourage when the do
poorly. Be professional but be yourself, students will respect you if you are real.

What got you interested in teaching? What advice would you give to a new teacher?
I really didn’t think I would be a teacher, I wanted to be a coach. When I was doing my
student teaching I realized I wanted to teach. I loved the interaction with kids and seeing
them try things and succeed. My advice to a new teacher is all of the above
questions. Teaching today is very different from when I started 30+ years ago. I think it is so
important to get kids to communicate face to face with each other and you. When I started
teaching adventure education it changed me as an educator. It is amazing to me that kids can
be in a class for 18 weeks and never communicate with some students in their class. Kids
want to be taught, they want to communicate, problem solve and take risks, sometimes they
just need the right environment to learn that it is ok to fail and try again.
Empower your students, teach them that failure is a part of the learning process. And above
all else, Love what you do! To many students your are the only stability they have.
Megan Jerrells
Teacher at Edgewood High School

What was one positive thing you would like to see carried into next year?
Sticking with our current focus PBL. Every year, we are mandated some new focus for our
curriculum (last year was Project Based Learning, PBL). And every year, we start new with a
different focus. I would like to stick with a focus for at least a few years before trying
something new.
If you could go back to college/when you were first learning to become a teacher, would you
change anything? Is there something you would/wouldn't do to help yourself as a future
teacher?
I wouldn’t change anything. I am proud of the fact that I have a lot of real world experience
with the subject matter to make a better connection for the students. I would have spent
more time in college/grad school learning better planning skills.

What is your best technique for combating burn-out or what do you do to promote self-care?
I try to work out daily—it relieves the stress of the day to day classroom. I also make sure I
plan “social days” with my students. T hese are work days where I spend a good amount of
time talking about non-academic things. It allows me to get to know them and takes some of
the pressure off as they are working.
How do you deal with parents? Do you email them regularly or only when the student is
misbehaving?

As little as possible. I teach young adults and try to get them to take responsibility. Parent
interaction is typically through e-mail as needed.
What got you interested in teaching? What advice would you give to a new teacher so that
they don't lose their job?
I have always been interested in it. I tutored in high school, I was an undergraduate teaching
intern in college. Originally, I didn’t teach because I wanted more money. Turns out money
isn’t the only important thing.

Alyssa Owens
What made you want to get involved in teaching?

Like lot of public school teachers, I have a desire to make a positive contribution to society. I
believe in our public school systems. I don't consider myself to be an exceptionally patriotic
person, but unlike many other countries, we try to educate everyone and I mean everyone I
think public schools help to make our society more equitable. It is a way to teach and develop
critical thinking skills. Kids that would otherwise never interact with each other have to see
others and hopefully, shows that we are all human.
How do you approach creating unit/lesson plans?
I tend to bounce back and forth between the end goal of the unit and the steps students will
need to take to get to the end. Developing curriculum and lessons is kind of like writing in
that it is a cyclical process and it is hard to know when something is finished. 
What has been the most difficult aspect of teaching so far?

T he self-realization that my decision to teach and then continue to teach suggests that I am a
masochist.  
I can't really think of anything about teaching that hasn't been difficult- there's planning and
teaching and grading and re-teaching and collaborating and making connections with
students and responding to parents, to teachers, to administrators, to institutions outside of
North, to the state, to public perception of teachers and public schools and extracurriculars
and professional development and meetings and conferences and...I better stop there.
Is there any particular literary period that you wish you had more experience with?

I would like to be more familiar with high school-appropriate texts that are written by under-
represented people.

Eva Voorheis
What has been some successful classroom management strategies used by some of your
teachers? Why do you feel like they were effective?
T he most effective strategy that I have encountered without a doubt would be giving
students minor breaks in between larger tasks. For me, it is a huge help when an educator
gives students a small amount of time to recalibrate themselves and prepare themselves
mentally for the next task the class will tackle. 

What is or has been your favorite classroom setup, or a class that you feel/ have felt really
comfortable in and why? Can you give me an example of a classroom that made you
uncomfortable?
T he most comfortable classroom setting that I have been in is one where the teacher has
added their flair to it. I feel at ease in classrooms where the teacher has taken time to
decorate it with things such as posters, this shows that a teacher sees their classroom as an
extension of themselves. Likewise, the most uncomfortable classrooms to me or those which
are bland and seem unused. T his setup leads me to think that the teacher does not feel a
connection to their room. 
What are some things a teacher can do that encourages you to keep going and to work hard
in school?
Detailed feedback on assignments gives me the drive to continue working hard at school.
When a teacher can pinpoint areas that I need to improve on it motivates me to work harder
and continue to perfect myself. 

What is an example of a time that you felt like you were not listened to by a teacher? How do
you feel this interaction could have gone differently in a way that was more beneficial to you?
Since I struggle greatly in math this is most often the class I feel the most overlooked in. In
past math classes where I needed personal help and sought this out, I have felt that since I
was taking more time to understand the teachers would become frustrated and simply leave
me behind. I believe that if these teachers were more open to hearing where I was getting
lost I would have been able to work with them to understand the content of their class. 
What is something you wish teachers were more understanding with (homework, phones,
etc.)?
I wish that teachers were more understanding of student's attention spans. It is a lot to ask a
group of high school students to sit still for long periods and simply listen. I think that if
teachers understood the importance of class engagement and the importance of giving
students time to understand then they would have much more success. 

What qualities do good teachers have?

Good teachers can be understanding while still holding a place of authority. T his means
understanding when a student is genuinely struggling and doing what they can to help said
student while also making it clear that they are still a teacher and they have standards for
those they are teaching. 
Do you feel there is an adult in the school you can talk to when you are struggling mentally?

I know when I am struggling mentally I have coaches who I can turn to since I have formed
teacher-student bonds with them and now feel safe confiding in them. However, I do find
myself feeling less open to confiding in actual school councilors or administrators due to the
distance I feel from them. 

Luke Pattison
Karin Andersen
What are you classroom rules?

No cell phones.
Listen to others and participate in class discussions when prompted.
Listen to directions.

Do your assignments.
Pay attention, participate, and ask questions.
If you are confronted about breaking a rule, own up to it.

Take responsibility for missed assignments.

Show respect for the teacher, yourself, and others at all times.
Respect the school and other people's property.
Use appropriate language; no profanity allowed.

Respect all ideas shared during class time.

Do not be combative, or engage in physical or verbal confrontation, with the teacher or other
students.
Follow the school's student handbook rules.

Be engaged in what is happening in the classroom.

Keep the academic atmosphere conducive to productivity.
Put forth your best effort at all times.

Arrive on time to class.

Be in assigned seats, be ready to listen, and have necessary supplies for required work.
Start your bell work as soon as you are seated.

Do not cheat, plagiarize, or copy another student's work.

Stay focused and on task.
Be an active participant, and cooperate with your group during group work time.
Do your individual share of group assignments.

Pick up after yourself before you leave the room.

Please do not prepare to leave class until the teacher has finished the lesson.
Please return all borrowed supplies.

What requirements/ classroom management do you use to set up your classroom at the
beginning of the school year for students?
Sharing my classroom values with students.
Each group in each class is given a value to create a poster with; the poster must have the
word, the definition, and a picture with an example of the definition.

Groups present the posters to the class.

Posters are hung on the wall and referred to throughout the school year, when values are
not be practiced.
My classroom values are: Respect (each other and the teacher), Belonging, Caring, Making a
difference, Passion (for learning), Acceptance, Perseverance (never give up), (honoring)
Uniqueness, (being) Approachable, and Contributing (to the classroom environment.)
What is the most difficult part of your day?

T he most difficult part of my school day is dealing with students that have behavior
problems.
What is an example of a technique you used to engage students who are resistant learners?
Content choices I teach, being encouraging and taking a special interest in the student, and
using multiple ways of assessment, are how I engage students who are resistant learners.

What do you wish your students knew about you?

I wish my students knew how much I have overcome in my life to be here teaching them
today. I share with them some challenges I have had, but not all of them. If they only knew, I
believe it would give them more hope for their own lives, and their futures as well.

How do you track students' progress?

I generally track progress using my grade book, but to drill down and track by skill and focus
my efforts to reteach since my school does not do standards-based grading, I use my own
formative assessment data sheet.  T his helps me to focus on where kids have been, how they
are growing over time, notice trends and exceptions to trends, and effectively target
individual students or small groups for remediation as needed.  T hrough trend-spotting, I can
also see if a student might need a little boost, a personal connection, or if I might need to
look into an SEL need that isn’t being met. I share this info with my special education teacher
so that we can work together to reach all kids and use resource classes as a reteaching time,
too.
Describe your classroom management style.

Proactive!  I plan my seating, space, my proximity to students and students to each other,
movement, classroom activities, and transitions very intentionally to set students up for
success.  T here is never “down time” in my class, there is always a clear expectation. To that
end, I am an overplanner--I always have another idea, task, activity, etc. up my sleeve.
Flexible preparedness is the best friend of a well-managed classroom.
How do you build rapport with your students? What are some of the best techniques for
creating a good student to teacher relationship in the classroom?
I don’t ever expect students to do something that I wouldn’t do myself. When I design a new
assignment or find a new material to use in class, I complete it myself to make sure that I am
working out the kinks before kids are working with it, which also allows me to more engaged
with them during my teaching time.  I often model writing, and when they give an
introduction presentation I do it too--this builds respect and rapport and helps them get to
know me at the same time. I incorporate myself and my learning process into my lessons,
especially at the beginning of the year. T he first couple of weeks of school are really almost
entirely devoted to getting to know students as people and as learners before the serious
academic work begins.  I honor their interests when I can, and I take the time and effort to
get to know each one through writing, conversation, book chats, and contact with families. It
is a lot of work, but it really pays off. Kids behave better and learn more from someone that
has developed a relationship with them.
What is the best part of teaching? What is the most difficult?

I’ll borrow from Todd Whitaker:  T he best part is that it matters.  T he most difficult part is
that it matters every day.  As teachers we can’t ever really have an “off” day--even when we
are literally off, we aren’t.  We are still planning for our kids and strategizing about how to
pick up when we return. What we do really matters, which is awesome, but because it
matters we have to really bring it every day for every kid, no matter what.
What is something that you wish you would've known when you first became a teacher?
So many things!!!  1. Doing this job well is just hard--you aren’t doing anything wrong when it
kicks your butt, and there isn’t a secret shortcut that no one is telling you.  You will be
 c s you butt, a d t e e s t a sec et s o tcut t at o o e s te g you.  ou be
exhausted and you will sometimes cry (hopefully in the privacy of your home), but the great
parts of the job outweigh the tiring and frustrating parts, so be kind to yourself and keep
going with the knowledge that no one is perfect even if they look perfect on Pinterest.  2.
Experienced teachers who share your passion and philosophy are your best resources.
Develop your tribe of like-minded awesome teacher friends and share, share, share. 3. T he
most important thing is always the kids. Administrators come and go, the state will drive you
nuts, and you will have good and not so good days, but as long as you are working to do your
best for the kids you are with each day, and that is your focus and priority, you are on the
right track. 4.  Teaching is a lot like parenting. Providing a backbone of respect, stability, and
routine is essential--school is the only place some of our kids have this, but sometimes you
have to make tough or uncomfortable choices because it is what is best for the kids. Real love
is often expressed through push, challenge, clear expectations, limits, consequences, and
reflection that will help students learn and grow to their greatest potential.

Taylor Miller
Shonda Klinger at Owen Valley Middle School
What is your best technique for combatting burn-out or what do you do to promote self-care?

run on the treadmill

read in my free time
always make sure to spend time with family

I always like to think if someone else were teaching my child, how I would want them to feel.
I always reflect on how much I am making a difference in these kids lives.

How do you work with parents?

Some parents are reached out to regularly. T his is usually daily or weekly. Some parents are
reached out to only when their child gets into trouble. T hen there are the parents that are
not reached out to until conference time. Sometimes parents do not respond and are difficult
to get ahold of. Despite the challenging situations, some parents are so helpful to reach out
to! T he most difficult part about working with parents is finding the time to reach out to them
when need be. I have taken days off in the past to catch up on IEPs, emailing parents, and
catching up on other work to ensure everything gets done.
What is a piece of advice you would give to a general educator who is struggling to work with
a student with an IEP?
My first question is always if they have gotten to know the student personally. Relationships
with students can go a long way. I always advise to play the students strengths and give them
praise as much as needed. Don't be afraid to give breaks, wait time, and then returning to the
task at hand. If you take time to get to know the student, things usually go much smoother.

How has teaching changed since you first started?

I am so thankful that IEPs are now online. In addition, ILEARN is now on the computers. It
seems like every two years things change so drastically than what has been done in the past
(and worked). It is very frustrating that the higher people wan to do away and change
everything frequently. Also, students have changed a lot since I first started teaching.
Students did no used to cuss you out or hurt other. Students do not have the respect that
they used to.
What do you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year teaching self?

It is beyond stressful, but rewarding

I didn’t know how much I would laugh and cry
How attached I would get to certain students
Classroom management is not easy, at that is okay
How versatile you will have to be, switching grades and contents
Be flexible, allow your ways to change
Every year is going to be different, don’t be afraid to present different ways

Kyle Baker
What are some tips to refocus a class or getting/keeping their attention?
To get the attention of my class I often flick the lights, it’s really easy and works well for most
students. I think it is important to point out and thank the students who are behaving well, it
will help/remind student’s what is expected of them during class. 
What is the most difficult part of teaching? What is the best?

I think the most difficult part of teaching is making sure you are getting through to all of your
students, making sure everyone is learning to their full potential. Some of your students
won’t quite know how to tell you if they aren’t understanding, it is important to have positive
relationships with all your students so that they feel comfortable letting you know if they are
confused. 

What are your classroom rules?

Don’t talk when others are speaking
Show empathy towards others

Don’t run
Be Respectful to other/others properties
Sit down when bell rings

What is the most difficult part of your day?

Trying to differentiate lessons since all kids are at different levels. 
Best techniques to create a positive student-teacher relationship?

Look students in the eye, ask about interests in and out of school, encourage them
academically and if you can attend extracurricular activities that your students are a part of.

Michelle Hines
How do you track students' progress?
I generally track progress using my grade book, but to drill down and track by skill and focus
my efforts to reteach since my school does not do standards-based grading, I use my own
formative assessment data sheet (example attached--student names removed).  T his helps
me to focus on where kids have been, how they are growing over time, notice trends and
exceptions to trends, and effectively target individual students or small groups for
remediation as needed.  T hrough trend-spotting, I can also see if a student might need a little
boost, a personal connection, or if I might need to look into an SEL need that isn’t being met. I
share this info with my special education teacher so that we can work together to reach all
kids and use resource classes as a reteaching time, too.

Describe your classroom management style.

Proactive!  I plan my seating, space, my proximity to students and students to each other,
movement, classroom activities, and transitions very intentionally to set students up for
success.  T here is never “down time” in my class, there is always a clear expectation. To that
end, I am an overplanner--I always have another idea, task, activity, etc. up my sleeve.
Flexible preparedness is the best friend of a well-managed classroom.
How do you build rapport with your students?  What are some of the best techniques for
creating a good student to teacher relationship in the classroom?
I don’t ever expect students to do something that I wouldn’t do myself. When I design a new
assignment or find a new material to use in class, I complete it myself to make sure that I am
working out the kinks before kids are working with it, which also allows me to more engaged
with them during my teaching time.  I often model writing, and when they give an
introduction presentation I do it too--this builds respect and rapport and helps them get to
know me at the same time. I incorporate myself and my learning process into my lessons,
especially at the beginning of the year. T he first couple of weeks of school are really almost
entirely devoted to getting to know students as people and as learners before the serious
academic work begins.  I honor their interests when I can, and I take the time and effort to
get to know each one through writing, conversation, book chats, and contact with families. It
is a lot of work, but it really pays off. Kids behave better and learn more from someone that
has developed a relationship with them.
What is the best part of teaching?  What is the most difficult? 

I’ll borrow from Todd Whitaker:  T he best part is that it matters.  T he most difficult part is
that it matters every day.  As teachers we can’t ever really have an “off” day--even when we
are literally off, we aren’t.  We are still planning for our kids and strategizing about how to
pick up when we return. What we do really matters, which is awesome, but because it
matters we have to really bring it every day for every kid, no matter what. 
What is something that you wish you would’ve known when you first became a teacher?

So many things!!!  1. Doing this job well is just hard--you aren’t doing anything wrong when it
kicks your butt, and there isn’t a secret shortcut that no one is telling you.  You will be
exhausted and you will sometimes cry (hopefully in the privacy of your home), but the great
parts of the job outweigh the tiring and frustrating parts, so be kind to yourself and keep
going with the knowledge that no one is perfect even if they look perfect on Pinterest.  2.
Experienced teachers who share your passion and philosophy are your best resources.
Develop your tribe of like-minded awesome teacher friends and share, share, share. 3. T he
most important thing is always the kids. Administrators come and go, the state will drive you
nuts, and you will have good and not so good days, but as long as you are working to do your
best for the kids you are with each day, and that is your focus and priority, you are on the
right track. 4.  Teaching is a lot like parenting. Providing a backbone of respect, stability, and
routine is essential--school is the only place some of our kids have this, but sometimes you
have to make tough or uncomfortable choices because it is what is best for the kids. Real love
is often expressed through push, challenge, clear expectations, limits, consequences, and
reflection that will help students learn and grow to their greatest potential.

Andrew Meyer
Describe your management style.
I believe in clear and concise expectations. I like to have jobs in my classroom so students
have responsibility in the classroom.
What are some tips to refocus a class or getting/keeping their attention?

Positive reinforcement, point out the positives in the kids doing the right thing instead of
reprimanding the kid doing something wrong; count downs, waiting silently until they are
quiet

What are some of the best techniques for creating a good students to teacher relationship in
the classroom?

Show interest in their lives and learn about things that are important to the kids such as
fortnite, don’t be afraid to be silly and do something out of the ordinary to relate like break
out in a random fortnite dance, I also play peaceful piano covers to current popular songs.

What do you know now that wish you could tell your first year teacher self?
Don’t be afraid to take a weekend off and give yourself a break. Find teacher friends that
support you and inspire you. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn. You are not expected to be
perfect.

What got you interested in teaching? What advice would you give to a new teacher?

I grew up in a family of teachers, so teaching is in my blood. I have wanted to be a teacher my

entire life. T he best advice I can give new teachers is to find yourself a support system and
don’t be afraid to try new things. Relate to your kids and build relationships. You can’t teach
kids academics until they trust you and you have a relationship with them. Take the time in
the beginning of the year to build the base for the rest of your year— you will not regret it.

Sam Krider
If you could go back to college/when you were first learning to become a teacher, would you
change anything? Is there something you would/wouldn't do to help yourself as a future
teacher?

If I could go back, I would spend more time working on lesson planning for my class. I
graduated from Indiana State, and I was very confident going into my student teaching with
what I had taken from my classes. However, I do wish that I would have understood about
formatting a good lesson plan for my students. In order to also help myself as a future
teacher, I would just tell myself to embrace the struggles because those are what make you
a great teacher.

What is your process? How do you begin to build an idea for a lesson plan/unit plan? What is
the best way (in your opinion) to approach that kind of task?

Because I am a special educator, most of my lessons are based on the IEP's of my students,
and I also have a wide variety of students within each class. I don't believe that there is a set
way to build a lesson because the students are so unique, but I think that designing a lesson
to build a students' confidence is key. So, when I design a math lesson I make it so the
student is able to comprehend the start of the lesson easily, and gradually make it more
challenging. T his is also how I track students progress, by marking how well they do with
each lesson, and move them forward as they understand the material. Also, visual aids and
counters are key in my lessons because I know that some students struggle to understand
basic math skills, and that is what I am trying to build.

What type of discipline techniques have you used in your classroom, and which one has
worked best?

Because I have different kids throughout my day, I use different techniques of discipline, but
I am always very stern to start. If you do not establish yourself early in the class, it becomes
much harder to gain students' respect and you could lose control of the room. However, I
make sure all my students know that I do care about them, not just as a student but as a
person outside of school as well. I tell the students that the more responsibility I can give to
them, the less instruction they will hear from me. I think this creates a great sense of
independence for the kids because their parents want them to be able to function on their
own one day.

How do you deal with parents? Do you email them regularly or only when the student is
misbehaving?

I am very open with parents and I am in constant communication. I send weekly updates on
their child, and I make sure to include more positive aspects rather than all negative
reports. Most parents only receive bad news when it comes to their child, but I want them to
know that it is not all bad and they are doing great things in my class! However, there is
certain point where parenting stops and teaching begins. I understand that parents want
best for their kids, and I do my best to assure that I have that in mind at all times, but there
are parents that are going to overstep their boundaries and you may have to tell them.

What are some of your strategies as a special education teacher to work well with general
education teachers?

For the most part, I have had zero issues when working with general education teachers, but
that will not always be the case. For example, some general educators do not like sharing the
classroom with a special educator, which makes my job more difficult, but I do not let that
stop me because my job is to help my students in the classroom. I just try and tell the general
education teacher that I am not there to steal their class or do my students' homework for
them, but my job is to help these kids better understand what they are learning. As I said,
most general education teachers are happy to have special education students/teachers, but
when that is not the case you go in with a soft and caring approach and if that doesn't work,
you have to stand your ground!

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