Section 06: Teacher Candidate Interview Video

Introduction

In this section, I will be exploring my personalized Weebly website intended to highlight

some achievements while attending Medaille College. The customization of my Weebly website

was completed while taking EDU 571: Technology for the Elementary Classroom. Moreover, I

have combined the use of a Screencast-O-Matic video that will navigate through my Weebly

website and I will discuss and showcase some of my important achievements, personal

experiences, challenges, and my teacher candidate interview. Admittingly, I did lack an

understanding about using Screencast-O-Matic and was challenged to over prepare, regularly

compose myself, and practice till I felt comfortable. However, the preparation I underwent while

recording was similar to a classroom setting. I was reminded of the beautiful imperfections of the

classroom and how a teacher needs to stay sharp, willing to adapt, and improvisational.

Additionally, I will be answering five interview questions that will provide assurance as to why I

am a qualified, ready, and professional teacher candidate. These questions will be answered

while I navigate my Weebly website using Screencast-O-Matic. Below you will find a link to

my Weebly website and a link to the Screencast-O-Matic video.

Teacher Candidate Interview Questions and Responses

The following mock interview was a fantastic opportunity to reduce stress levels, boost

confidence and prepare and practice a diverse list of answers.

Briefly share a little about your background experiences that have led you to choose a career
in education?
● My passion for teaching began early after high school graduation
● I was influenced by two individuals who were past coaches and teachers
 ● To be quite honest, I did not consider myself an academic until senior year of high
school. I was given the opportunity to play University Football and I knew I had to
change my work ethic
● I knew I had a passion for working with kids when I began coaching football with the
same individuals who had influenced
● I have spent the last six years working with the program and it has changed my life
● I am ready to take the next step in the classroom and use what I have learned from
coaching, mentoring, and being a role model

What have you learned in your teacher training program that will make you an excellent
classroom teacher and colleague?
● To begin, I would like to mention how I have grown as an individual through learning,
listening, communicating, presenting, and collaborating
● Additionally, I have been introduced to a diverse amount of topics, concepts, techniques,
methods, strategies, theorists, and theories
● This includes things like: the purpose of assessment, how to conduct an assessment and
the differences, Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of proximal development, Howard Gardner, guided
reading, differentiated instruction, modeling, scaffolding, schema, lesson plans,
objectives, modifications and accommodations, and Individual Education Plans (IEP)
● I have comprised and received a list of certifications like the Dignity for All Students Act
(DASA), Violence workshop certification and Reporting Child Abuse and
Malnourishment certification
● 100 completed hours in practical fieldwork organized by Medaille College. I was given
the chance to observe, listen, learn, practice, and question in two separate educational
institutions in Buffalo, NY
● Learned of the 5 pedagogical approaches but moreover, conducted research, presented a
style, and participated in all 5 approaches throughout my stay at Medaille College

Provide us with an example of a lesson you taught. How did you integrate it with other
curriculum areas, address the CCLS, technology, student engagement and motivation? What
were the results of the lesson?
● Conducted a literacy and social studies lesson plan focused on inferring
● The lesson plan was designed around “Percy Jackson, The Lightning Thief” and the
students were in grade six
● The CCLS standards attached to this lesson plan included: CCSS.ELA -
ReadingLiteracy. RL.6.1. Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text and CCSS.ELA - ReadingLiteracy.
RL.6.3. Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes
as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution
● Technology was incorporated in the lesson plan during the anticipatory set
● Students would use their tablets to conduct research
 ● Moreover, I was using the Smartboard to conduct the lesson plan
● Students were asked to collaborate with a partner throughout parts of the lesson plan to
make sure of comprehension and understanding
● Getting to know my students was important so I used several resources that were
culturally appropriate and enjoyable to the class like Fortnite, and Marvel movies

How will your knowledge of the current trends in education inform you as an educator in our
district/board/school?
● Ability to confidently discuss the future reality of the classroom and the transition to
incorporate more technology
● Aware of programs like Kahoot, Screencast-O-Matic, Weebly Websites, Quizlet,
Symbaloo, and programs like Smart Notebook
● Knowledgeable of different learning styles and open to learning from the students
● I understand that the traditional classroom and traditional methods are not always
practical. I need to be willing to adapt, be creative, improvise, and if needed, take the
back seat
● Trends are going to continue every year and it is not something you can ignore. I accept
learning new things and believe that it is a part of my career to never fail the students by
being comfortable and lethargic

Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants we have interviewed?
● Diverse in methods, strategies, and techniques
● Understand the complex needs and different learning styles each child needs to receive
● I take pride in my ability to prepare, plan, adapt, and assess to promote learning
● I will listen to criticism and feedback and be willing to change, and learn when necessary
● I am currently involved in extracurricular activities and plan to continue volunteering my
time assisting with programs

Conclusion

Section six: Teacher Candidate Interview summarized my teaching competencies,

alluded to my readiness to becoming a teacher and my experience in the educational field.

Although the portfolio is coming to a closure, I am more than excited that I was given the

opportunity to present such a project. I can confidently say that Medaille College has prepared

me for the future and has provided the opportunity to overcome and learn from any challenge. I

am diverse in perspective, knowledgeable in multiple content areas, and accepting of all students.
As the construction of my portfolio ends, the beginning of my teaching journey kicks off.

Although I have had moments of sheer anxiety, I am confident in my work ethic and dedication

to student learning.