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Section 6: Teacher Candidate Teacher Interview Video

Teacher Candidate Interview Video

In the sixth and final section of my portfolio, I have recorded a mock interview video

using Screencast-O-Matic and have added my school website below:

https://alwaysalesson.weebly.com/

https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYXooGM9Fo

The mock interview permitted me to prepare and practice my interview skills for what to

expect when I have the opportunity to interview for a teaching position. I used this opportunity to

emphasize my hard work, dedication, and knowledge gained throughout my educational

experiences. I outlined what path led me to where I am today and why I wanted to become a

teacher. I acknowledged the relationships that were built, and collaboration involved in

completing my Master of Elementary Education at Medaille College. Reflecting on all of these

experiences and knowledge gained, I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment. I hope my

video reflects on my passion, excitement, and readiness to become a certified teacher.

Teacher Candidate Interview Questions & Responses

Briefly share a little about your background experiences that have led you to choose a
career in education.

I am going to share some background experiences that led me to choose a career in

education. I have always known that I wanted to work with school-aged children in some

capacity, but my initial passion was to work with students with special needs. I obtained a

Developmental Services Worker diploma and enjoyed my placement in an educational setting

with students within developmental, dual diagnosis, and mental health streams. This led me to

become an Educational Assistant for my local school boards. I had an opportunity to work in
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both an elementary and secondary setting as a supply and then became permanent and have

worked in an elementary setting ever since. After 7 years, of being an Educational Assistant, I

was encouraged and then began my journey to completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree. I have

worked in a variety of grades within my years in education, but most recently in the junior and

intermediate grades. I have learned the importance of differentiated instruction, culturally

responsive teaching, and what that looks like and represents within a school and classroom

community. I have worked collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and support staff and

seen the impact of what a team working together can do for a student. Through these

experiences, I became determined to continue on and pursue my dream of becoming an educator.

I hope to one day teach a class of students with special needs.

What have you learned in your teacher training program that will make you an excellent
classroom teacher and colleague?

During my time at Medaille, I have learned the importance of building relationships

between professors and classmates. Our cohort immediate bonded and worked collaboratively

together both in person and through distance learning. These relationships guided me and

allowed me to see the importance of giving and providing feedback, working cohesively and

how that allows you to grow as an educator. Through this experience, I feel my time

management and organizational skills were certainly tested, but that they strengthened through

this process. Being able to successfully balance working full-time while completing my Master

of Education Program and taking additional credits, allowed me to see that anything is possible

when you set your mind to it. I built on my knowledge of how to effectively accommodate and

modify instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and how to ensure I am meeting the needs of

all learners in the classroom. I was exposed to and became experienced with a variety of

technology, that has allowed me to be able to strengthen lesson delivery and assist in formative
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assessment. This allowed me to become more confident in my creation of lesson plans, learning

segments, and allow for reflection on both when necessary. This program has provided me with

an invaluable amount of knowledge and skills that will allow me to continue to grow as an

educator for years to come.

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?

Angles Lesson Plan:

• This lesson plan suppled students with visuals and for an opportunity to review and learn

through the use of a PowerPoint

• The lesson was interactive and involved working in groups of four, allowing students to

go on an angle walk throughout their school, this allowed for real-world connections to

be made and discourse between students

• Students had the opportunity to use their writing skills when filling out their angles walk

graphic organizer

• Connections were made between NYS standards and the Ontario Curriculum

Engagement and motivation:

• An Angle Song by Numerock introduced the lesson with a catchy song with a video

• Students were introduced to a PowerPoint and then asked to answer questions based on

photos to identify what types of angles were represented

• Students were taught an angles song that also has them creating angles with their arms to

remember how to show and represent the angles

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• Overall, the different types of learners were considered and included in this lesson so that

angles can be remembered through song, video, kinesthetic movement, and relating

angles to real-world examples

• This lesson was very interactive, and each group was able to choose and discuss two

angles they found on their walk and explain their importance

• Results: Student engagement throughout this lesson allowed for students to strengthen

their knowledge in angles and how they are all around us. By reviewing a providing

examples, and associating movement with angles, students were able to complete their

angles search graphic organizer effectively with their peers.

How will your knowledge of the current trends in education inform you as an educator in
our district/board/school?

I am going to share my knowledge of current trends in education. I have been fortunate to

be able to participate in professional development presentations for educators, most recently

being involved in one that discussed and navigated the new math curriculum in Ontario. I have

also worked at the summer school (Camp Blast) that was in person and most recently had an

online format with students from FDK to grade 3 receiving additional literacy and numeracy

support. I was introduced to assessments (both pre and post) and to different strategies to assist

students in strengthening and building confidence in their skills. I have received the most current

training in software that supports students in the learning environment, allowing and creating

opportunities of differentiation and independence. I am confident in being able to share and

demonstrate my knowledge of how-to best support students in the classroom. In my classroom, I

plan to incorporate QDPA (Quality Daily Physical Activities) throughout the day, along with

MindUP resources, worksheets, and strategies for the students. This is to assist in incorporating
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movement into their day, as well as self-regulation strategies and techniques. I will provide the

most recent resources I have access to through the school board, my work experience, and my

time at Medaille and continue to stay connected and provide the students I work with, with the

best opportunities for learning.

Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants we have interviewed?

I am a tremendously dedicated, hardworking, and motivated individual. I have a passion

for learning and working with children in an educational setting. I understand the importance of

inclusion and want to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging within their classroom

and school community. It is important to me that each student feels this way so that they feel safe

and are able to reach their full learning potential. I will strive to create an atmosphere where

students will be willing to share their ideas, ask questions, encourage one another, and problem

solve. I will strive to create lessons that are engaging and geared towards the students learning

styles, so they can gain knowledge utilizing their strengths and improving their needs. I have had

the experience of working alongside and supporting students with disabilities and behaviour

challenges. Those experiences provide me with a great depth of knowledge in creating

programming, de-escalation strategies, and the importance of building a rapport. They have also

provided me with experience in effectively working together with many support staff and

educators. Being exposed to all of this has provided me with a well-rounded foundation of skills

to bring to the classroom. Both my professional and educational experiences have allowed me to

become better prepared to be an effective teacher.

Conclusion

This section provided my responses from the mock teacher candidate interview questions.

I shared my educational and work experiences that have ultimately led me to this journey of
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becoming a teacher. I outlined how the Master of Elementary Education program at Medaille

College provided me with the tools and knowledge to understand the role of teacher. I discussed

a lesson plan that I created and highlighted the differentiation and engagement for all learners

and how it connected to the curriculum and standards. I emphasized the ways I intend to

continue on as a lifelong learner to ensure my teaching practices are relevant and best support the

learners in my classroom. Lastly, I showcased who I am as an educator and displayed my passion

for teaching children of all abilities.

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