Interview Protocol

Teacher

Interviewer: Mykayla Perry Interviewee: Bridgette Joyce

Date: 22 September 2017 Time: 11:00am

Planning Questions:
How do you write a typical lesson plan?
Based off of the teacher manual and its guidelines. Mini lesson with a specific standard
and an I do, We do, You do format in mind. Make sure theres a class activity and a
whole class review.
What types of materials do you need available when you plan lessons?
Teachers manual, any hands on or electronic materials it comes with, watch any videos,
internet for extra resources that the kids will find interesting. Also use unpacking
documents to be aware of any misconceptions students might have and to know exactly
what the standard is asking.
In what ways do you plan to accommodate individual differences in the classroom?
Depending on the differences (child who needs more reminders) Use things like behavior
plans. Try to play to each childs strengths so that they feel comfortable and confident.
Look at their testing scores through assessments conducted and work with that child one
on one or in small groups. I may send stuff home for them to work on. Try to incorporate
a lot of hands on and movement parts for a lot of kids who learn better through visual
and kinesthetic learning. Centers based on their levels, reading books based on their
level, writing encouraged based on whatever it is they need the most focus on (copying,
three word sentences, longer sentences.
How long on average do you dedicate to planning your lessons? Does it change based on
the subject?
I only plan reading and phonics with another teacher. In a week it probably takes about 4
hours a week to really understand and looking at what were supposed to teach.

Instructional Questions:
What are some of your instructional challenges as a teacher?
Meeting the needs of all of the students is by far the hardest. Keeping all of the kids engaged
and on track. Time is difficult to manage because plans change or you feel like you cant get
through what you need to. I could be more efficient if it wasnt just me. If I had more help in
the classroom it would be more beneficial to the kids and just having the time to prep and
make copies etc.
What have been some of your instructional successes as a teacher?
The thing that feels the best when you have a child have that aha moment and seeing your
students group years in a single year in terms of reading and math etc. Also being able to
behaviorally make a difference in your kids lives where they enjoy school and learning. A
specific example is about 2 years ago who was speech, ESL, and EC and he grew a year and a
half in reading.
What do you consider essential characteristics for successful teaching?
You have to be caring, understanding, and patience. You have to be flexible. You have to have
good time management. You have to be willing to put in the work.
 How often do your students receive social studies/science instruction?
Altogether they receive one or the other about 20-30 minutes a day 4 days a week. The
second half of the year we try to incorporate it into reading. So in the second half they are
getting at least and hour a day.
Are you satisfied with the amount of time that you currently allot for social studies/science
instruction? Explain.
No. SS and Science are a huge part of life and being a successful person. You need to have and
understand that knowledge and in the early grades I dont feel that CMS holds a lot of value in
them and I feel that that is because we dont test in them.
What social studies and science topics/units will be studied during my clinical experience?
Force and motion and magnets. What science is and what scientists are. Community helpers
and rules within the community as well as learning about diversity in different communities.
What does reading instruction look like in your classroom (e.g. readers workshop, basals,
etc.)?
Readers workshop: mini lesson then independent or group activity. Then individual IR,
partner reading, then centers and pull out students for one on one during centers.
How does reading instruction differ based on students reading levels? How do you
differentiate?
The mini lesson and activity are on grade level. IR and partner is based on their reading level.
Pull out groups are based on needed skills and reading levels
Classroom Management Questions:
What motivation tactics do you use to ensure a desire to learn?
Try to stay positive and excited about school. Videos, storylineonline.com, special events
with guest readers with snacks. Using different medias and hands on activities like games
or making books and projects.
Tell me about the classroom community. What are the class rules? How is student
behavior monitored? In what ways is positive behavior reinforced? In what ways are
negative behaviors prevented? Tell me about the consequences for negative behavior.
Not focused on class rules. Discussed what a good student looks like and focus on those
behaviors. Uses class dojo to get points for good behavior or lose points for bad behavior.
Good points get classroom treasure box or school wide blue ticket and fun Friday
activities. Recognizes students who have struggled with behavior in the past and have
good days. Form relationships with students to get to know them and understand their
behavior.
How is the way you motivate or manage students with learning disabilities, behavioral
problems, or ESL different from how you motivate or manage typical students?
For students with IEPs give more warnings or chances. Use visuals to ensure
understanding of expectations. Conference with them more to talk about their choices
and reminders of expectations or to encourage good behavior. Be patient and positive.