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.

Questions 1-9 are answers from my first observation 5th grade class with Mrs. Janette and 10-18 are from
my second observation 4th grade class with Ms. Smalls.

Interview Question 1: What was the primary reason you became a teacher? >>>

I had terrific teachers! I wanted to help students learn new things, get excited about learning,
and overcome challenges! Many of my past teachers are my friends and mentors today!

Interview Question 2: What are the main challenges you face as a teacher? >>>

My honest answer is finding the work-life balance and learning to say NO! Teacher burnout is
real. I make it a priority to get proper rest.

Interview Question 3: What is the best part of being a teacher? >>>

The progress my students make. Their success is my success!

Interview Question 4: How do you determine where students sit in class? >>>

I believe in autonomy and let them have the freedom to choose.

Interview Question 5: How do you determine the members of any flexible groups? >>>

Students are grouped based on their individual needs, abilities, and sometimes their interests.

Interview Question 6: Beyond standardized testing, what assessments do you use regularly? >>>

Formative throughout the unit and Summative at the end. I added at least one project-based
assessment per unit.

Interview Question 7: What requirements are placed on you for reporting progress to parents? >>>
Parent conferences at the end of quarter one and ensuring parents monitor Infinite Campus

Interview Question 8: How often do you interact with a student’s parents in person, and what type of
discussions do you typically have? >>>

Sometimes daily at parent pick-up if needed. I also make positive phone calls on a monthly
basis. Parents can also communicate through a school-wide messaging system called Class
Dojo. Conversations usually include academic progress and behavior. I love to build rapport,
so conversations can also include family life, outside-of-school activities, etc…

Interview Question 9: How much grading do you complete on a daily/weekly basis? >>>

We are required to record at least 1 formative assessment per subject each week and one
summative by the end of a unit.

Interview Question 10: How long does it take to prepare lessons for the day/week? >>>

This year, it takes me about 2-3 hours to lesson plan for the week. It takes me approx. an hour
to prepare lessons for the day.

Interview Question 11: What procedures or strategies do you use to maximize instructional time? >>>

Pacing is everything. The best tool a teacher can use to maximize instructional time is a timer.
I also learned that having a timer on the board where students can visually see the amount of
time left to work on classwork or have discussions can be beneficial for the entire class,
including the teacher.

Having consistent procedures and routines for students can also help maximize instructional
time. When students know exactly what to do and what to expect, time is rarely wasted.
Students should know what to do during transition periods and when starting each subject.
Students should also know the expectations when they are in a whole group lesson, small
group, or doing their independent work.
Interview Question 12: What positive reinforcement programs have you had success with, and what
behavioral consequences seem most effective with this age group? >>>

I use Classdojo as a reinforcement program. Students receive positive points to reinforce

behavior, but they may also have points deducted for negative behavior. Students may save
up points for individual prizes or for class parties.
At Darnell, there is a school-wide reinforcement program that is similar to what I have set up
for Classdojo. Students receive shining stars from any teachers in the school. Students can
save them for prizes. Students can also receive a "Starbucks" as a whole class which will be
turned into class rewards. With the school wide program, students cannot have their
Starbucks or shining stars taken away.

The age group I teach is 9–10-year old's. Besides using Classdojo for behavioral
consequence, I also have a behavior book where students sign if they display a negative
behavior. If they have to sign it twice, they will fill out a reflection sheet. Usually, the
behavior stops after this.

Interview Question 13: How are specialist teachers involved in the instructional planning
process? >>>

Specialist teachers do not work with us during the planning process with gen ed teachers.

Interview Question 14: How often are you evaluated, and what measurement tool is used by the
administration for determining your teaching performance? >>>

We have 2-3 formal observations each year. Throughout the year, we may have several more
informal observations with administration. Admin uses instructional practice, and professional
responsibilities tools to use to show evidence and growth throughout the year, which is the
Nevada Educator Performance Framework (NEPF).

Interview Question 15: What consequences are there if your evaluation is not favorable? >>>

I have never received an observation or evaluation that was not favorable. If a teacher
received a poor performance evaluation, there most likely will be training attached with it.
Interview Question 16: What types of support do you receive instructionally, financially, or professionally
from the school, parent organization or school district to enhance instruction? >>>

We receive training during in-service (Staff Development Day) There is also training online
that we can complete, if requested, or volunteered. We have a math strategist who takes
struggling students for 30 minutes a day to work on math strategies. This year, the district
supplied all curriculum for ELA, Math and Science that we are required to utilize. I do not
receive any support from the district or school for financial uses to enhance instruction.

Interview Question 17: What surprised you most about teaching as a profession? >>

The amount of work that comes with teaching, student behaviors, lack of parent support,
caring about students in our classroom, the relationships that is built with our students.

Interview Question 18: What collaboration and planning do you do with your grade-level team or
subject-department? >>>

This year, there really is no planning with the grade-level team. Science, math, and ELA is
basically planned out for us because of the curriculum that we MUST use.