1. I teach 3rd grade.
2. It is a diverse field where a person can have great flexiblility-
also I believe that more blacks need to teach.
3. One year ago.
4. In Florida.
5. I have a B.S in Elementary Education, and I am currently working on my Master's in Mental Health Counseling.
6. My philosophy is that all children can learn, people learn differently- if you apply a different style with a dose of persistence, you would be pleasantly surprised.
7. My most rewarding experience was when I was teaching first grade. One of my "babies" was working on her math problems -it was difficult for her so she began to cry. I gave her a big hug and told her we can work on her math tomorrow. The next day I brought in some "M&M's" and we found another way to count. She found that the candy was helpful because it was something she could identify with. She not only completed her difficult math problem but got a "B" on her test. She gave me a card a few weeks later. *sniff*. I never forgot her.
8. When parents want to come to me with foolishness.
Trying to tell me how to run my classroom.
No Ma'am... Until you have walked in my shoes, did the lesson plans, been held accountable for the students test scores, or assessed my job performance -You can't tell me CHIT.!!!
9. Firm but fair. It also depends on the students I have, because sometimes they(your students) need to see you smile. But not for the first semester.(Just joking).
10. No, but if I feel I'm getting to that point then I take time off.
11. It depends on the severity of the learning disability, some children with ADHD or Autism don't need to be in a mainstream classroom, but some may benefit from it.
12. I'm fine with the pay, you are not gonna get rich teaching. But have you ever seen a teacher starve? It's not about how much money you make, but what you do with it.
13. It depends on the students.
14. Same as 13.
15. Firm but fair. Some students you can just look at them and they will behave. Others will try you and you may have to "Fuss" and sit them in a corner.
16. WE NEED MORE OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've seen how some of my students talk to their parents. Back talking, saying what they "won't do". I could've NEVER gotten away with that.
My mother would have politely "handed a slap down".(And a few times she has)
. After she handled it, she then would dare me to cry. I guarantee you this, she never had that problem out of me again -I got dealt with EXPEDITIOUSLY!!!
17. It is necessary, because you need to be aware if any of your children need medication etc.
18. Yes. But... I(nor any teacher) is allowed to divulge that due to the child's privacy. That all falls into confidentiality.
19. Advice. This is a wonderful field. Don't get caught up with what your friends are doing. And how they are getting this monetary incentive, or they are flying here for this big meeting. When you carry yourself like you are supposed to and do your job nothing else matters.
And remember
"If you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life".
20. Why should I hire you?
What are your tactics with behavior management?
Can you work well with people?
How would you communicate with your students parents?
21. Yes! Always have a portfolio handy -it says alot about you.
Another bit of advice...
Always be nice to everyone you meet because you never know when you will see them again. I worked a side job in the mall and I helped a woman find accessories for a wedding she was going to attend. I helped her find a dress, earrings, shoes, etc.
I walked in for an interview and she was the Principal.
The first thing that she said to me was "I remember you, you're the lady who helped me in Mall -you were so nice". I said to myself "Thank You Jesus"! I got the job and I'm still at the same school... You never know.