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Emma - Hello Everyone!
Emma - This is the room for the Student and Beginning Teachers Monthly Chat. My name is Emma McDonald and I will be your host.
Emma - I am a veteran teacher in Texas and am one of the authors of Survival Kit for New Teachers. In addition, my teaching partner and I run a web site for new teachers entitled Beginning Teachers Tool Box. We work with new teachers as mentors both online and locally.
Alta-NativeTeacher - What do you teach Emma?
Emma - Lately we have been getting a lot of mentor questions about interviewing, so I thought that might be a great topic for tonight's discussion. Does anyone have any questions about interviewing?
Emma - I teach 7th grade - all subjects.
vwood36 - Can you share any questions that are important to have prepared answers?
Emma - Certainly!
Emma - Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Emma - What is your philosophy of teaching? What do you think makes a good teacher? What are the most important qualities of a good teacher? What are your weaknesses/ strengths?
Stanley - Hi, Emma. Do you like the interview questions archived here @ T.Net by Lauri/ms math?
Emma - Many principals also like to ask about how you would deal with disturbances in the classroom and how a typical day would work in your classroom.
Emma - Stanley, I haven't seen the questions. Where are they and I'll take a quick glance.
Stanley - Emma, those are 6 EXCELLENT ones, I think!
Emma - How many of you anticipate going through interviews in the next couple of months?
vwood36 - Do you think that caliing after all of your documents have been sent you should call the school district to ensure that they recieved all of the required documents and to show interest?
vwood36 - As you can tell I'm going through the process now!
Alta-NativeTeacher - I hope so i can get out of my current position in Northern Alberta
Stanley - Emma, they're in the archives to your left. Enter "interview questions" in the box & I believe they'll be the 1st 3 hits.
Emma - vwood36 - Definitely! You never know when documents might get lost in the mail, or even lost within the admin. building.
Stanley - Emma, I HOPE to: Just today I signed a leave replacement contract which will end late July when our school finishes.
Emma - You should also send thank you notes after every letter or phone call you get from the district. This will show them that you are really on the ball. For example, "Thank you for notifying me that you have received all of my documents. I sincerely appreciate your timeliness and courtesy in dealing with my application to your district."
vwood36 - That's a great idea!!
Stanley - Like the phrasing of the "Thank you" note, Emma! Short & sweet! :-)
Stanley - Emma, I suspect you're looking @ the questions. Lauri worked QUITE hard compiling them -- it was just prior to when she was hired!
Emma - Do you have an Education Platform ready? This is a series of statements of your beliefs about teaching. I have found that if you take the time to think through what you believe about teaching and learning and write these statements out, you'll have a better chance of answering unexpected questions by your interviewers.
Emma - Stanley - I can't find them. When I click on archive, all I get is a listing of the archived chats. What do you suggest?
Alta-NativeTeacher - nope but good idea for sure
vwood36 - We had to answer questions for our portfolio before graduation
Stanley - You have something about the Platform in the Kit, right? Seems as though I ran across it last night.
Emma - Stanley - Yes. We have some sample statements that someone might put in their platform.
Stanley - Ooops -- I messed up, Emma. I think it is in the lesson section. Do what I said with the search box, though. sorry... :-(
Emma - I'll check out those questions.
vwood36 - how many interviews does a teacher typically go through
Stanley - Emma, I just browsed over that part. The Platform is only for OUR use (to help us organize mentally), right?
kim - This is really an amazing experience. Exciting, trying, and tiring. I do look forward to work everyday.
Emma - vwood - Most teachers are first interviewed by the district. This is a screening interview. Usually the personnel directors do the interviewing. You might be required to do a video taped interview, or it could be a simple one on one interview. Once you've been screened, then principals will access your file to see if you might "fit" their needs. If your screening interview looks good and your resume looks good, you'll be called in by individual principals.
Stanley - Rob, Do a bang-up job as a S/T: Becoming contracted as a direct result is FAR & AWAY the easiest route!
Emma - When interviewing at schools, you could be interviewed by the principal alone, by the principal and some teachers, and some schools even include their PTA president in the interviewing process. However, the most you'll interview at a school is once. Then you'll hear whether you've gotten the job or not. Some people don't even make it out to their car before getting offered the job where others have to wait several weeks before finding out.
Stanley - Is observing you actually teaching a class very common? I.e., the personnel director observing you?
Emma - Stanley - Yes. However, many districts simply require a video of you teaching a class. Some universities actually make this a requirement so that you'll have a video ready in your dossier for interviewers to view.
Stanley - Emma, To what do you attribute that time differential? Just luck of the draw, in many cases?
Emma - Stanely - If you really WOW a principal and her interviewing team, you'll probably get offered the job on the spot. If they are unsure about how you'll fit into their school and their vision for the school, you will have to wait until they have interviewed everyone else.
Deb/AL - I just went through a rather odd interview. Well, not necessarily odd, but the situation was one I lucked into. I got a call from the principal about an aide position opening up that I may fit right into. It all worked out great & I got the job!
kim - My observer/supervisor came to see my lesson today.
Crystal - I just got hired in Bridgeport, and I had to teach a demonstration lesson as part of the interviewing process.
Stanley - Emma, I feel REALLY funny about being taped -- particularly if that was the 1st time I'd been with those kids.
Emma - vwood36 - Yes, unfortunately every district and every school is different. Some schools are extremely picky about who they hire and may put you through more "hoops" than others.
Deb/AL - The number of hoops sometimes depends on their desperation, as well.
Emma - Stanley - I would suggest taping yourself with a group of kids you have worked with before. However, remember that most students behave themselves extremely well when being taught by someone new for the first time. This is especially true if the principal or another supervisor is there as well.
Alta-NativeTeacher - Wow!
Emma - Deb/AL - So True!!!! :)
kim - Where do you teach Alta?
Alta-NativeTeacher - I know a teacher in my school that was hired over the phone SIGHT UNSEEN!!!
Stanley - Emma, What have you heard about the FLEXIBILITY of principals to do their own hiring, vs. having but a LIMITED pool of candidates sent to them?
Emma - Most kids want to look good on tape and will behave simply because they are being taped. Now, they don't know that you are the one the camera will be focusing on, so I'd take advantage of their innocence in that matter.
Lauri/ms math - Stanley, you're being taped? I'm sorry, I just logged on....
Alta-NativeTeacher - Northern Alberta, CANADA that probably explains a lot eh?
Deb/AL - The school I'm in as an aide (& where I'm hoping for a full-time job next year) has a huge turn-over & is constantly growing. They told me last year they went through almost their entire stack of applications for certain positions & still left some open.
vwood36 - Crystal what grade
kim - Near Edmonton?
Lori - Hi everyone
Crystal - Second
Emma - In Texas, all principals have the flexibility to hire whomever they wish. The candidates MUST pass the screening interview first. However, I've known principals who found someone they thought would be good, passed along the information to the district who screened the candidate and then passed them directly to the principal for interviewing.
Alta-NativeTeacher - about three hours further north kim
Lauri/ms math - Hello Lori!
Harper - hello Lori
Crystal - Sorry my computer keeps flying really fast, and I am missing things.
Lori - Hey Lauri, Harper
kim - Wow! What an experience to live there!
Stanley - Hi, Lauri! No, but I've heard a district where I'll be applying likes to send its personnel director out to view you actually teaching "your" lesson as opposed to what you do while subbing.
Harper - Are you a student teacher or a new teacher
Lauri/ms math - Lori, what grade/subject do you teacher?
Lori - I am student teaching in the fall
Emma - As far as a limited pool goes, that is a HUGE problem! There are many candidates who are unqualified, or are looking for a position in places where there aren't any positions open. If you limit yourself on your application to a particular grade level, you could be cutting your own throat as far as a job goes.
Lori - i teach 3/4 year olds
Crystal - Bridgeport had me come up with a lesson, and they gave me a specific class to teach it to.
Alta-NativeTeacher - pretty remote and isolated and lots of natives its an EXPERIENCE alright
Harper - Lori, you have the babies. How sweet.
Emma - Crystal, how did you feel about being taped with an unfamiliar group of children?
Stanley - Emma, that flexibility is STATEWIDE in TX? OMG -- we can't even get a COUNTY consensus here in CA!!
Deb/AL - Crystal, how many in the class? And, did you already know the age?
Lauri/ms math - Stanley, when I was student teaching the teacher of the classroom taped me and two of my classes! Oh man, was that difficult to watch!!! ...but it was done for my eyes only. (o:
Harper - hello twirler
kim - Nice talking to you Alta. What does the name mean?
Sunshine - Hi Everyone!
Lori - Yeah harper I like it but I want a classroom soon
twirler - hi
vwood36 - Crystal Have you heard if Bridgeport is in need of elementary teachers for next year
Crystal - Oh, actually I wasn't taped I was observed by the principal, assistant principal, and the classroom teacher
Lori - Hi sunshine
twirler - Unfortunately, I'm not a teacher :( I'm a substitute. Any ideas on landing a job?
Harper - twirler, what do you teach?
Lauri/ms math - Lori, how I miss those little ones....but then again, that's got to be tough. (o:
Crystal - There were 23 in the class, and they brought me to meet the teacher and the class prior to my demonstration lesson.
Alta-NativeTeacher - Alta.-Alberta
Lori - Lauri a little but I love it
twirler - Certified in Elementary Ed and Early Childhood Ed.
Lauri/ms math - Hello twirler & Sunshine!
Emma - Yes. In Texas, we don't have unions first of all. Secondly, site based decision making is VERY BIG here! It has been a statewide phenomenon (sp?). The feeling is that better decisions can be made for students and teachers at the school. Therefore, the majority of decisions affecting a school are made by the site based decision team which includes teachers, parents, principal and sometimes even community and business liasons.
Harper - Twirler, what state are you in?
twirler - Pennsylvania
Lauri/ms math - Lori, how many little ones do you care for? Less than 25, I hope....
Emma - For those of you who have missed some of the earlier conversation about interviewing, the transcripts of this chat will be up in the archives in a couple of days.
Alta-NativeTeacher - Alberta went to site based management a few years ago as well it works well in my opinion
twirler - This is my 2nd year subbing
Lori - Twirler, what part of PA
Crystal - I am sure that Bridgeport will is in need of teachers. They are always in need of good teachers. I'm not sure definitely, but it doesn't hurt to call the board of ed. Be persistant too.
twirler - thanks Emma
twirler - Near Harrisburg
Lori - Lauri I have 15 thats enough
Emma - Lori - Do you have anything to add regarding interviews?
Lauri/ms math - Hello JJ!!!
JJ - where in Pa twirler?
Harper - Hello JJ
Stanley - Emma, I agree! However, some of us are more expensive than others, & certain Personnel Depts therefore discriminate against us!
vwood36 - thanks Crystal
twirler - Near Harrisburg!
Lori - No Emma just that I hate them and they are uncomfortable for me
Sub - Ji all
Sunshine - I know you are talking about taping yourselves for the purpose of job interviewing, but I think it's interesting that teachers at my school tape kids when they misbehave. They later show the students the tape so they can see how silly they look, sound, and act. The videos are also shown at parent conferences when they parents ask about how their kids behave in class.
Eukaryote - What questions should you ask about the school/district. How about working conditions in a high school?
Alta-NativeTeacher - You get to meet the principal you will be working for. That can give you a pretty good idea how the school will be run. In a sense you can interview the principal as well.
Sub - That's allowed/encouraged Sunshine?
Harper - Sunshine, how do the parents respond to this?
JJ - I subbed for 9 years before I got my job
vwood36 - Sunshine- Does she tape on a daily basis
Lauri/ms math - Sunshine, I like that idea!!! Who supplies your teachers with the video equipment? The district?
twirler - anyone from PA?
Lori - I am twirler
twirler - well I'm getting married in May and really Need a job
Emma - Sunshine - Be very careful about this and make sure that parents have signed permission for their children to be taped. Schools can run into legal difficulties taping students without permission. Also, if the teacher is seen or heard doing things that are unacceptable, the tape is considered legal documentation and can be used against the teacher in future judgements.
twirler - where at lori?
JJ - I am twirler
Emma - Twirler - Congratulations!
Sub - I just finished st. teaching. I had to tape myself teaching but had to get extensive parent/principal etc before I could begin
Lori - Norristown about 20 min from Phila
Stanley - Sunshine, I LIKE taping misbehaving kids. However, I'd bet parents sometimes complain.
Sub - anyone from NY
twirler - where at JJ? Thanks Emma!
Alta-NativeTeacher - Kim is life as fasted paced as they say in L.A.?
Crystal - It's always important to get parent permission before video taping or you can get sued. However, taping behavior issues works well.
twirler - oh ok
twirler - know of any openings Lori?
Emma - Alta-Native Teacher - Exactly! It is vital that you take the time to interview the principal yourself. You certainly don't want to get stuck in a school you hate because you took the first thing offered without truly looking at the working environment.
Sub - Anyone else subbing?
JJ - north east....twirler.....susquehanna county
Sunshine - sometimes it's allowed. If no one but the kids and their parents are going to see the video then there is nothing really wrong with it. My sixth period behave terribly, so they are taped and shown how silly they look. We do get signed permission slips from parents. Another idea is to begin taping students with cassette tapes when they start misbehaving. Play the tape back to them a few minutes later for the same purpose.
Stanley - twirler, Los Angeles Unified has *LOTS* of stuff, so I've heard. Las Vegas also has that rep.
twirler - I am Subbing
JJ - twirler.....lots of jobs for subs here
Lori - Just in Phila they have a 2,000 signins contract fee but it is in a bad area
vwood36 - have you looked at jobsforeducators.com? This website has journals, newspapers, and other sources to find jobs. Best of all its free.
twirler - thanks but I'd like to stay in PA
Deb/AL - When they ask if you have any questions, what kind of stuff do you ask? I mean, I'm hoping to work where I'm currently an aide, so I know a lot of the stuff I'd like to know.
Alta-NativeTeacher - If his desk is a complete mess. RUN AWAY!!!
Sub - Twirler, what state?
twirler - I don't want a sub position, I want my own room!
JJ - twirler....that is how you get in
vwood36 - I'm subbing.
twirler - I'm in PA
Harper - hello cballard
Emma - Some schools really try to hide the negative feelings/ atmosphere that may abound within the school walls. It is always a good idea to visit the school on your own (a surprise visit) while teachers and students are there to judge the working atmosphere for yourself. How are the teachers interacting with each other? Do you feel tension as soon as you walk in? Are the students happy? Do parents in the building seem happy? Also look at the janitor, cafeteria, and office staff attitudes. This will quickly tell you if this is a school where you want to work.
JJ - I wanted my own room too.....finally got it !
Emma - Deb/Al - Good question. Here are some questions you can ask principals.
Sunshine - What state is everyone in?????????? I'm in Florida!
twirler - the district here doesn't do too well with their "good" subs, they try and keep us and I don't want to be a sub forever
Deb/AL - twirler, being a sub is a great way into a system. the teachers get to know you & you get to know the system. coming in cold makes it a harder sell to get a job.
Crystal - Any teachers online from urban areas??
twirler - yes I realize that Deb/AL. I AM a sub and have been for 2 yrs and I'm to the point where I want my own room
JJ - I agree deb
Sunshine - hello Crystal
Stanley - Sub, I've BEEN subbing for 3 yrs. Moreover, my current leave replacement contract involves LOTS of roving/emergency "short" subbing. Weird, huh?
Harper - What grade do you teach cballard?
JJ - hang in there twirler....something will come up
Emma - What is your philosophy about teaching and learning? Describe for me the climate of your school. What are the demographics of your school? Mobility rate (students moving in and out)? How is staff development conducted here? What are staff development requirements? How do you support your teachers? What is the working relationship between teachers and parents in this school?
Crystal - Sorry my computer is really driving me crazy.
JJ - Poconos usually has a lot of openings.
Deb/AL - oic. sorry. are you limited to one district in your area? are you moving when you get married?
JJ - Lancaster area is growing also
Lori - Philadelphia has jobs
Sub - I just graduated in December. I too want my own room, but I'm starting grad school in Sept. I get work everyday and am getting tons of experience. Teachers/principals begin to know you and request you for their school/classroom.
twirler - what happened?
Emma - Some more questions are: In what ways does the districts provide support for the staff and students in this school? How much emphasis is put on testing? What is your school wide discipline policy? How do you like teachers to handle their discipline problems?
JJ - sub.....how can you afford grad school?
Alta-NativeTeacher - don't become stale subbing though, If you sub for too long you may not get hired. I know some districts that dont hire from sub or temp. lists. Push to get a permanant position before they blackmark you as "just a sub".
Stanley - Emma, *EXCELLENT* points about scouting out a prospective employer! :-)
JJ - alta.....how long before they black mark you?
Emma - What is your vision for the school? How do you feel about teachers trying innovative teaching strategies? In what ways are parents included as partners within the school?
Sunshine - Great questions Emma!!! Thanks!!!!
Eukaryote - I was hired by a large district in So.Cal. and then assigned a school. This high school turns out to be an "underperforming" school monitored by the state. WASC Accred. this year looks iffy. One in eight of my students have been suspended (things outside of my class). Incedentally, I am in Lancaster!
Crystal - I subbed prior to working, and it really helped me to feel more confident.
Sub - loans, loans, loans and hopefully some financial aid. NY requires their teachers to get a Masters within 5 years of graduateing or you certificate become void.
twirler - sorry got disconnected
Deb/AL - Thank you, Emma!
Stanley - *SUPER* questions, Emma!!
Crystal - Anybody have any classroom managment strategies?
JJ - i feel subbing is important before you have your own room
Emma - Once again, it is very important that you interview them as carefully as they are interviewing you, especially if you work in a state where schools are desperate for teachers. You have a better opportunity of picking and choosing where you want to work. For teachers who are trying to get a job in the northern states, you have a more difficult situation.
Crystal - I have some really difficult students.
JJ - crystal......reward positive behavior
Sunshine - Turn the interview around, too! Ask the principal what he/she looks for in their teachers
Emma - What sorts of strategies are you in need of Crystal?
Harper - Crystal No, but I can sure tell you I need some.
twirler - well I feel it is too but haven't I done my share of subbing after 2 yrs?
Crystal - Any that will help. I am constantly rewarding positive behavior.
Emma - We have a couple of pages of classroom management strategies listed on our web site at http://www.inspiringteachers.com/tips/index/index.html
Sub - JJ subbing is VITAL before working. Classroom management is a MUST if you sub. You can't not have it down. :)
JJ - crystal.....the more the kids hear how you like the positive stuff, the more they will try to do good
twirler - Every teacher I sub for says "Next time I'm out, I'm requesting YOU!" I guess that means I'm a decent sub
Stanley - Eukaryote, Is it difficult getting hired in your district? You're on the "high" desert, right?
JJ - agree sub
Deb/AL - Emma, it's also subject dependent. I'm in Alabama, & they're very desperate here for science teachers. When I tell people I'm certified in several science subjects they tell me I'll be able to choose my school.
Deb/AL - whiteout!
Sunshine - Crystal--interview your kids and ask them what they like and dislike
Crystal - However, my students are violent towards each other and most of the problems come after lunch.
Emma - Crystal, I would suggest that you wean your students off of rewards OR use them sporatically (sp?) so that students don't know when to expect them.
Alta-NativeTeacher - Ask the teacher to request you as well, if they are happy with your work of course!
Emma - It is important to simply expect certain behaviors. IF they don't comply then they meet with consequences on a consistent basis.
Stanley - Crystal, What grade do you teach?
Crystal - I only give out rewards sporatically.
Crystal - Second
Eukaryote - Stanley, it's embarassingly easy! $3,000 sign on bonus for Science, Math...$2,000 for Special Ed. The district recruited into Canada last year for science teachers....both are leaving after one year.
twirler - what do you do when the administrators hire outsiders because they are friends/relatives?
Harper - Emma, what if you are punishing the same kids everyday?
vwood36 - Provide provide positive rewards. Another idea is to use Canters model. Use a book and have students sign their name for a warning and after their warning they get a check in which they lose priviledges, After four checks I suggest getting the office and parents involved.
JJ - I missed the answer to How long before you are black marked as a sub only
Emma - Crystal - Also, try implementing procedures for everything you do in the classroom. That way all of your students know exactly what they are supposed to do. Put these procedures up on posters so that everyone can see them.
JJ - crystal....I give out rewards ALL THE TIME and it works !
Crystal - What is Canters model?
Alta-NativeTeacher - whats so bad about your district Stanley?
Emma - Harper - Then you need to get those kids on some sort of behavior modification plan that is used both in your classroom and at home.
Sub - Good night all.
Sunshine - vwood36--I use that in my 6th grade class everyday--we call it the Code of Conduct. It's one of the Langford Quality Tools!!!!
Stanley - Emmar, are you familiar with something called "Big Buck$?" They recommend G-3 thru MS, so I guess that might not help Crystal.
twirler - I've proven myself time and time again inside the classroom, just can't get a job and I"m becomnig discouraged
Deb/AL - G'night, Sub!
Crystal - My problems is also that consequences are dificult
twirler - night Sub
Emma - Stanley - Yes. I am familiar with the concept and it does work effectively, especially with the older students.
Crystal - The students want a lot of attention.
Emma - Why are consequences difficult?
Deb/AL - twirler, is there a sub shortage in your area?
Crystal - They don't have recess, and they love to stay after school.
Sunshine - CRYSTAL--What grade do you teach?????
twirler - Deb/AL Yes
JJ - don't get discouraged twirler.....like I said I waited 9 years....and it was worth it
Harper - I have only had these kids for 2 weeks now, they had a differnt teacher since the beginning of the year. Is it too early for me to want a behavior plan?
twirler - but financially I CAN'T wait 9 years
Crystal - Also their parents - the disruptive ones- are almost impossible to get a hold of.
Emma - Twirler - You might need to try applying in a different district. Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers and administrators in the buildings where you have subbed. These may help you get a job in another district.
Crystal - Second
JJ - harper....no I don't think so
Stanley - Crystal, Are you in an urban area with lots of fractured/dysfunctional families?
Alta-NativeTeacher - Worked for me Emma!!
Emma - Crystal - I know where you are coming from. I've been there! It is tough when you can't get the kids to listen and the parents don't help.
Crystal - Yes
JJ - I had a second job throughout.
JJ - twirler....how far are you willing to relocate?
Deb/AL - twirler, I know someone who was constantly passed over for a full-time position because they did not want to lose her as a sub. She told them she either got equal consideration for the next opening or she wasn't subbing any more. Either way they would no longer have her as a sub, but they had the choice of keeping her expertise in the district.
twirler - most anywhere in PA
Crystal - When I started I used the system of keeping kids after school, but they liked staying after school. Now I am working after school with kids everyday.
twirler - did they keep her?
JJ - put your application out everywhere then
Harper - JJ, I talked with the previous teacher and she said she was not sure how the mom would respond since this child had only been in the classroom 2 weeks as well. There are some other problems with the system and this parent.
Crystal - They love the extra attention. So I am going to try taking away that privlage of coming after school if they are disruptive.
Stanley - Harper, maybe your should have come IN with a beh plan! What do the rest of you think?
Emma - Harper - Have you posted procedures for students to follow? You might get some good ideas from the books we have to offer on our site: Survival Kit for New Teachers and Mr. Tim's Tips for New Teachers. Both have practical, easy-to-use and ready to implement ideas for classroom management, and getting started in the classroom. http://www.inspiringteachers.com
Deb/AL - twirler, yes, she got a job that year in 6th grade.
twirler - The district here hired me as a full-time sub, meaning that I work everyday but no benefits
Deb/AL - but you would have to be willing to follow through. it can't be an idle threat.
Emma - Good idea Crystal. Also, are you allowed to cut down on their play time?
Sunshine - You do have it tough, then. I'm in an area with many sad home situations. Whatever you do, just don't give up on the kids. Believe it or not, but they LIKE discipline! They need the structure because that means love. They like staying after because they are getting your attention. They don't get attention at home, so they want yours all the time!
Crystal - Thanks I will be sure to check out that site.
Emma - Harper - do you know how to create a behavior plan?
twirler - I understand that Deb
Emma - Sunshine - You are so correct! :)
Harper - Emma- I have seen a few done, but never done one myself.
Eukaryote - Stanley, are you looking for a secondary position?
JJ - Sunshine I agree
twirler - JJ do you know of any vacancies?
Alta-NativeTeacher - Gotta go, lessons plans to do, Bye all!!
Melissa - Hi I am a second grade teacher but I am in with an other teacher. The classroom is his but i teach half of the lessons and he is pulled out often to help in other areas. He does not have a firm disipline program. any ideas on disipline with out changing his rules?
Deb/AL - twirler, since you're willing to relocate, let them know (if you like where you're at).
Deb/AL - B'bye, Alta!
Sunshine - Let the kids help form your rules. If the rules are their rules, they will obey them better! You'll be surprised how many rules they pick that you would also pick! The rules will be so meaningful to them because again they are their rules!!!
JJ - twirler....not off the top of my head, but I'm sure you can find some by searching the net
twirler - I have been contemplating telling them but I just don't know how to say it
Emma - Crystal - You might try to ignore those students who are disruptive or quietly deal with them so that they are not getting any negative attention (which for students like that it doesn't matter what kind of attention they get). Try focusing on the students who are doing good and give them tons of attention while dealing with the disruptive students in a very brief manner so that they aren't getting nearly the attention that the others are.
Crystal - They don't have much play time at all. There really is no time to cut down on.
twirler - I've been looking JJ and haven't come up with much
Crystal - Melissa I have a similar position.
JJ - well....good luck twirler....I don't know what else to suggest.
twirler - thanks JJ
twirler - I appreciate the suggestions
Stanley - Emma, Good pts re attention. I've trouble doing it, but I *KNOW* the power of what you said!
JJ - twirler....have you tried teaching summer school, tutoring ?
Crystal - I am also a co-teacher therefore even though I share half the classroom duties I just came in, and I can't change many of the things she does - like constantly giving the students negative attention.
twirler - no I haven't
JJ - how about getting into coaching or advising cheerleading
Melissa - Crystal it sounds like your kids don't get recess either. My kids go once a week for 15min. per him. Recess is what he hold over them but i have some who loose recess on monday.
JJ - sometimes schools hire people who ae willing to coach first
twirler - well, I have put in an applic. for advising baton twirling (have twirled since the age of 4)
Crystal - Melissa we should talk through e-mail. It sounds like we're in a really similar situation. It would be good to have someone who can relate.
Emma - Harper - Create a spreadsheet with the days of the week across the top and 5 blank boxes (large) down the side. In these boxes you can write 5 goals you have for the student. These goals can be: stays in seat, raises hand until called upon, etc. Be sure they are VERY Specific! A goal of following the rules is too general and will be difficult to observe clearly. Also, there are a lot of rules and they student will not feel any success if they break even one rule a day. Put a sticker (or your signature) in each box next to the goal under each day that the goal is achieved. Offer rewards based on the number of stickers received that week. For example: 5 stickers - a special book reading with the teacher, 10 points - teacher's helper for a day, 15 points - 15 extra minutes of computer time the next week, etc.
Stanley - twirler, Whereabouts are you located?
JJ - that might get your foot in the door
Crystal - Where do you work?
Emma - Try to make the rewards more intangible and less tangible items like pencils, cokes, candy, and stickers.
twirler - Stanley, Harrisburg, PA
JJ - are there any teachers you have subbed for that can give you recommendations?
Harper - Thanks for everyone's imput, I am going to check on this site that Emma suggested. Good Night and God Bless
twirler - I just spoke with a teacher today for a recommendation and she's writing one, I got one from a different teacher last week
Emma - Crystal - That sounds like a difficult situation. It is hard when you have to walk into a situation where someone else is technically "in charge".
Deb/AL - G'night, Harper!
vwood36 - Has anyone heard of Math Their Way
JJ - ask the principal to observe you so you can put it in your packet when you send out applicaitons
twirler - night and God Bless Harper
Stanley - Emmm->Harper: NICE STUFF!!
twirler - night and God Bless Harper
Sunshine - I, too, co-teach! The other teacher is awesome. We're so much alike it's scary, but we still have our differences too sometimes. We just try to schedule at least five to ten minutes a day to talk about how to solve our classroom problems together. We also pray together on Mondays before school, which helps us have a great week together. We try to make each other's day often and build up one another and learn from one another's strengths.
Melissa - My concern is that i am being evaluated next week and he has some kids that i feel like i have no control over. I just started teaching in Jan.
JJ - I have heard of math your way
twirler - Math your way is great
Emma - Well, everyone, this has been a great chat! I enjoyed talking with all of you, but now I have to go. I'd like to recommend that you visit our site, Beginning Teacher's Tool Box at http://www.inspiringteachers.com. We have a mentor who would be happy to help you with your classroom questions!
Crystal - Melissa where do you teach?
Emma - vwood36 - Yes, I have been trained in Math Your Way.
Deb/AL - B'bye, Emma
Crystal - What is your e-mail address?
Melissa - I teach in fort worth tx at glen park elm
vwood36 - On an application it asks about the program. Does anyone have any insights
Emma - My site's address is info@inspiringteachers.com and my personal address is emma@tenet.edu
Stanley - twirler, You should have an EXCELLENT chance in CA because your teaching program is 4 yr & ours is 5. Therefore, you're 2K/yr or so cheaper than we are. & BIG districts LUUUUUUV that!!
Emma - Bye everyone!
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