ASSIGNMENT 5 (Cooperating Teacher Interview): Complete the questions below by interviewing your

cooperating teacher during a convenient time. Include any school documents that your cooperating
teacher will allow you to photocopy for your packet.

Interview Question 1: Was teaching students with Special Needs you first choice, or did this come late in
your teaching profession?  >>>

Teaching kids with special needs Was Mrs. C’s first choice

Interview Question 2: What challenges do you face in teaching students with special needs and, what
have you learned or done differently after facing some challenges when teaching students with Special
Needs? >>>

Knowing the regular curriculum rather than just knowing about special education because of her
courses in college.

Interview Question 3: What have you learned or done differently after facing some challenges with
teaching students with Special Needs? >>>

She learned from practice and from the family she’s worked with the help their child.

Interview Question 4: What do you feel could have helped you more in beginning your career as a
Special Education Teacher? >>>

Taking more courses in college and understanding the general education classes rather than just
special education.

Interview Question 5: How do you address the different student characteristics, behaviors or needs in
your classroom? >>>

Reviewing there I E peas and knowing what the kids need and adjust the classroom appropriately.

Interview Question 6: How do you use the IEP to accommodate different needs, and or modifications for
your students?  >>>

Looking at the severity of every IEP and seeing where the help needs to go to be spread out to.

Interview Question 7: Describe team collaborations.  What is the purpose of these collaborations?
(Consider lesson plans, help for students, addressing challenging behaviors, etc.) >>>

Each student is in a different grade so they enjoy playing games all together or use independent work.
Interview Question 8: From your perspective and experience, what are the most important things for me
to consider when tailoring a lesson plan for individual special education students?    >>>

Understanding what each student needs and knowing each of their ways of thinking.

Interview Question 9: How have the laws changed from year to year within the IEP’s guidelines, and or
mandates, and how have you adapted to that over the years? >>>

Mrs.C started teaching in New York and came to Vegas. She doesn’t see much change that she’s
aware of.

Interview Question 10: Describe both teacher and student uses of technology in the classroom. >>>

Mrs.C is familiar with iPad‘s when she worked in New York. They use smart boards at the school she
teaches at now.

Interview Question 11: Describe some of the teaching strategies you use for your students with special
needs. >>>

Hands on work is used a lot. Direct instruction and read well.

Interview Question 12: What procedures or strategies do you use to maximize instructional time for your
students with special needs? >>>

Having a good plan and being prepared ahead of time

Interview Question 13: What positive reinforcement programs have you had success with, and what
behavioral consequences seem most effective with your students who have special needs? >>>

Token boards and class dojo is used frequently.

Interview Question 14: How are special education specialist involved in the instructional planning
process? >>>

There is planning with the speech teacher. Occupational therapy is occasionally used.
Interview Question 15: How often are you evaluated, and what measurement tool is used by the
administration for determining your teaching performance? >>>

She says that she is only evaluated once a year.

Interview Question 16: How are you accountable in your evaluation for students with special needs?
>>>
 Through the observations the admin do.

Interview Question 17: What types of support do you receive instructionally, financially, or professionally
from the school, parent organization or school district to enhance the instruction of students with special
needs? >>

There is a literary strategist and math strategist that helps with lesson planning. There is about $200 for
a budget, but resource classrooms get $630 to get instructional materials.

Interview Question 18: What surprised you most about teaching students with special needs? >>>

How close you can get with the students families. There is a major connection you’re able to build when
you’re a persons child’s teacher.