What They Don’t Teach You in College 101

1. What They Don’t Teach You in College 101

2. Interviews • Take time to think—and be honest • You love every sport and activity known to man • Do your homework • Have questions for them—your knowledge of their school will impress them • Be specific

3. Common Interview Questions • Basics • Why did you decide to become a teacher? • What is your teaching philosophy? • What philosophy guides your work? • Curriculum • Give an example of how you differentiated instruction in a lesson. • Describe a typical lesson. • What do you do if it is clear that a student or class is not “getting it”? • How have you used, or how will you use, technology in the classroom? • What are techniques you use to teach besides direct instruction? • Do you have students use higher order thinking in your class? Give an example. • How do you prepare students for standardized testing? • How do you make learning fun?

4. Common Interview questions, etc. • Classroom Management • What type of classroom management structure would you implement if you were hired? • Describe the circumstances in which you send a student to an administrator instead of handling an issue in the classroom. • How do you develop self-esteem within students? • Describe a difficult situation with a student that you were able to handle successfully. • Professional Responsibilities • Are you a team player? Give us an example. • How do you stay current in your field? • How do you communicate with parents on a regular basis? • Would you be interested in participating in after school activities? * • Closing Questions • Is there anything we have not talked about that you would like to share with us? • Do you have any questions for me?

5. Evaluations • Danielson—4 Domains of Effective Teaching • Unsatisfactory, Basic, Proficient, Distinguished • You’re not distinguished every day…nor are you (or should you be) basic every day • Non-tenured evaluated in the fall and spring • Don’t save your best two lessons of the year for those days—utilize them regularly and make the formal eval “just another day.”

6. Parents • It’s not likely that you’ll land a gig in an orphanage, so: • Attempt to answer their questions before they have to email you • Never discuss any other student besides theirs • Be proactive—if you anticipate controversy over a topic of study, lesson, decision, etc., send out a note ahead of time • If they call you, call them. If they email you, email them. • Try to contact parents for above-and-beyond behavior—not just for unacceptable behavior • Be consistent and fair—but realize that your class isn’t the only factor in those students’ lives. Recognize parents for their concern and the roll they play in their kids’ education

7. Classroom Management • Among the top reasons why new teachers aren’t retained • You’re not in it to make friends. You did that in college. Everyone respects you more in the long run for maintaining boundaries. • Have 3 or 4 rules. Make them very broad. Then you can find a place where all non-foreseen infractions may fit. • Most schools have established a general policy ex. PBIS • Keep them wondering—If they know you plan to camp out behind your computer for the whole class period, they’ll be on Instagram under the desk. Or copying off the smart kids who sit by them.

8. Colleagues • Don’t reinvent any wheels—odds are, whatever you’re looking to create, someone already has • Some veterans have lost faith in this generation. Give them a reason to hope. • Teaching your colleagues’ kids—(sigh). Maintain parallel relationships—in the lunchroom, they’re colleagues. At conferences, they’re parents.

9. Common Core • So far, it has not quietly and apologetically left the state of Illinois • No matter how you feel about it personally, your students will mirror your sentiments, so if student achievement is your true goal, leave your pessimisms at the door. • Back to parents—they’re struggling with this. Bear with them. “A” students are not as easily maintaining that label, which will ruffle feathers throughout this transition

10. RtI • Your district should have the master plan for RtI • Keep in mind—oftentimes we get so data-driven that we progress monitor and benchmark and test kids to death. Those results will never change if we’re not spending the time to intervene and teach the lacking skills. • Gradual release? (Jamie)

11. Social Media • Proceed with caution! • It seems obvious, but issues pop up more and more all the time. • You are a role model all day every day. • “Friends” with your students? Bad idea. “Friends” with their parents? Also a bad idea.

12. Retirement • Retirement? I haven’t even started yet! • You may not be able to retire for another 40 years, but don’t start worrying about it in 20. TRS alone will not fund living in a beachfront condo for the 20+ years you plan to live after retirement. To avoid substitute teaching until you’re 80, look into a supplemental plan.

13. Professional Development • The rules are changing—Have you set up your ELIS account? • 120 hours is a lot—don’t wait until Year 5 to attend 35 conferences