Teacher Interview

As I interviewed Ms. Keenon about her classroom management I learned so much and I gathered some ideas that I will take in consideration for my future classroom. Not only did Ms. Keenon answered my questions briefly, but she also added other ideas to her answer as well. Aside from the interview that we had, we discussed several other topics that are related to classroom management. even though a few of the questions were closely related, I could have asked other questions that could have played a role on classroom management. Ms. Keenon opened up and told me about several stories when she had to deal with students behavior and as I cannot mentioned any school districts names, due to personal privacy, she mentioned how harsh administration can be when it came to students gross behavior consequences. After a long discussion over  a few behavior incidents she had, I was completely scared and for a moment there I wanted to change my career field. 


Here is how she responded to my questions:

 Question 1: What is your style of classroom management?

My style of classroom management is one where the rules and expectations are clearly stated at the beginning of the year and students are held accountable for their actions.  I use tact, compassion, and rapport building in managing my classes.  I allow students to have a say-so in certain decisions within the class.

Question 2: Can you provide your most successful situation in dealing with a student who was misbehaving?

One of my most successful situation in dealing with a student was reaching out to the parents.  Once I contacted the parent and had a conference with them, they saw that the side of the story their student was telling was not true.  The parent was very supportive.  They even came up to the school unannounced the check on their student and follow them throughout the day.  It helped to build relationships with the parent and student.  Once the student saw that we were all on board, the student’s behavior changed.

Question 3: What types of classroom rules have you created to support student learning?

I allow students to re-take tests and quizzes over (as many times as the want) within a marking period, I offer tutorial for extra help, I allow students to make-up any missing assignments which they were absent for, and I allow extended time and other accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans.

Question 4: Do students play a part in the creation and revision of classroom rules?

Students may play a  part in the revision of classroom rules.  I usually make the initial rules and have open conversations that may provide blanket or situational changes to the rules based on students in the class.

Question 5: How do you incorporate SEL initiative into your classroom curriculum?

I incorporate SEL initiative everyday in my classroom curriculum.  I think before SEL was a current practice, as a teacher, parent, and individual person I can empathize with what my students are going through or have gone through.  Therefore, I feel I provided a humanistic and nurturing approach to my style of teaching and rapport building.

Question 6:what are your classroom expectations, and are you providing a classroom syllabus? Are the parents aware of their child's class expectations? (stakeholder)

My classroom expectations are basic to any academic setting.  I expect students to have and show respect for themselves and each other, including the teacher, come prepared and have assignments completed in a timely fashion, NO cellphones unless they have permission from he teacher, and I expect students to make the best effort in preschool.

Question 7:Have you have to deal with a student with gross agriges behavior in class? How as a teacher did you handle it? Does the school have a behavior policy? How did you manage the outcome and how did you feel?

I have had to deal with students with gross egregious behavior.  I handled it by calling for security of a dean, writing a referral, notifying the dean or parent, and requesting or making myself available for a conference with the dean, administrator, and parents.  As teachers, we sometimes can’t control the outcome, so we have to just accept whatever admin and deans decide to do.

Question 8: How do you explain to administration about your style? Have they ever tried to change it?

I explain to administration about my style through teaching and practice.  Usually, I don’t have to explain or defend my teaching style because they see it in practice, talk to students, or get to know me.  I have administration in the past who have tried to change it ( to fit their purpose) and I stand my ground or kindly remind them that that is an area that they cannot dictate about a teacher and perhaps it is illegal or unethical to suggest such.

I believe that as it is a classroom management, that the teacher is responsible to control and support, but after what I have seen and what she discussed with me privately, I can say it doesn't all just fall on the lead teacher but on Administration as well. I also believe that in order for your classroom rules and policies to work you do need parents and students relationship, so everything can fall smooth and easy. i love how she works her classroom, as I will definitely will try to have a good relationship with my students as well as support them with prior assignments.  Extra time and multiple times to take tests, I mean i do not recall ever having a teacher in High School as helpful as her. I am glad I get to work with her and learn from her before I spread my wings and fly!🐦