Insights & Inspirations: Educator Interview Reflections by Ashley Deleon

Direct Instruction

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:25:05 UTC

When there is a student who can't seem to grasp the concept, Mrs. Deleon first measures the importance of the concept. Then she brainstorms an alternative way to teach the lesson. She thinks that incorporating tools like (i.e. calculator, multiplication chart, journal, etc.) may be helpful to have. involves explicit teaching of specific skills, starting with teacher modeling and followed by guided practice. It draws from behavioral psychology, social learning, and cognitive learning theories, emphasizing clear targets, diagnostic testing, realistic goals, and positive reinforcement.

New Concepts Implemented

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:27:58 UTC

When introducing a new concept, Mrs. Deleon tries to relate it back to previous knowledge, then build upon that. Typically she will work through the new concept first, do some together, then have her students work some independently & check for understanding.

Check for Understanding

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:29:49 UTC

One way Mrs. Deleon checks for understanding is to have the student explain (or teach) the concept to her or others. This is especially helpful for students who perform poorly on tests either from test anxiety or poor understanding of the questions.

Differentiated Learning

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:30:37 UTC

Students all learn differently. If you can assess your students early on in the school year to find out what type of learner they are, you can deliver your lessons in a way that will include everyone. You will have visual learners, auditory learners, kinesthetic learners, reading/writing learners, and discussion-type learners. Using teaching styles that enable all students to learn is the best strategy.

IEP's/504 Plan

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:32:07 UTC

Children on IEPs/504 plans are so varied it’s impossible to make a blanket statement that applies to all. Mrs. Deleon takes each student separately and evaluates what needs that particular student may have and figure out a way to address that specific challenge.

Student feedback

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:33:32 UTC

Surveys or discussions/questions are a good way to collect student feedback. Having 1:1 conversations (rapport building) help build the relationship between educator and student. Teacher questions are crucial in guided practice, serving as diagnostic tools to assess student understanding and align with lesson objectives. Effective questioning involves repetition, review, and wait time, with strategies like cold calls and call and response to engage all students. Clear, value-neutral feedback helps students self-assess and understand their progress toward objectives.

Culturally Diverse

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:36:07 UTC

For culturally diverse students, you might group them by shared language backgrounds to facilitate peer support, while using culturally relevant examples in questions to engage them.

Concept Attainment Model

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:38:14 UTC

Concepts can be concrete or abstract, with concrete concepts being easier to learn due to fewer defining attributes. Concepts have a name, examples, and critical attributes, helping organize information and reduce cognitive load. Unlike facts, which are discrete, concepts help form patterns and schemata, aiding in understanding and predicting relationships.

Be Passionate

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:49:24 UTC

As a teacher, expressing your passion can be done by sharing personal stories or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for teaching and learning. One way to express passion as a teacher is by showing genuine excitement and interest in the subject matter during lessons.

Build Relationships

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:53:29 UTC

Building a positive teacher-student relationship can start with showing genuine interest in your students' lives and learning. To be successful in building positive teacher-student relationships, you can focus on active listening, providing consistent feedback, and creating an inclusive classroom environment. Active listening can make students feel valued, while consistent feedback helps them grow. Creating an inclusive environment ensures all students feel welcome.

Don't be Afraid to ask for Help

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:54:51 UTC

Asking for help as an educator is important because it allows you to gain new perspectives, improve your teaching strategies, and better support your students. Seeking assistance from colleagues or mentors can provide you with valuable insights, resources, and support, which can lead to more effective teaching practices.

How do you integrate technology into your teaching?

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 21:58:03 UTC

One question I still had from the interview was "what kinds of technology is implemented into the curriculum?" Are there specific apps that you use during the day? If so, what are they?

Why is technology such a taboo subject?

What strategies do you find most effective for maintaining a positive and productive classroom environment?

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 22:01:21 UTC

Another question that I still had from the interview was classroom management strategies. How do you handle challenging behaviors while ensuring all students feel supported?

Adaptability

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 22:04:43 UTC

Adaptability in teaching involves being flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of students, adjusting lesson plans as needed, and incorporating feedback to improve instruction. Mrs. Deleon is able to adapt her instructional strategies and provide her students' with a supportive learning environment.

Educational Insight

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 22:08:48 UTC

Mrs. Deleon stated; "I am on several email lists related to educational purposes, but I am constantly researching and speaking to different people in the education profession to gain new ideas or insights". Educational insight allows teachers to understand and apply effective teaching strategies, anticipate student needs, and create meaningful learning experiences.

What do you make sure is included into your curriculum?

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 22:25:10 UTC

Lesson plans are a crucial part of teaching. Making sure all curriculum is included into the planning. Teachers often ensure their curriculum and lesson plans include clear learning objectives, aligned assessments, and diverse instructional strategies to meet all students' needs. How do you think these elements contribute to effective teaching and learning? How do you make sure these things are incorporated for all students?

Professional Development

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 22:27:25 UTC

Professional development is crucial for educators as it helps them stay current with educational trends, refine their teaching skills, and improve student outcomes. Ongoing learning and development can enhance a teacher's ability to implement new strategies, adapt to changes, and address diverse student needs. Continuous growth through professional development can boost your confidence by equipping you with new tools and strategies, ultimately leading to more successful teaching experiences.

Building strong relationships with fellow educators

ashleysantoyo1994 — 2024-11-04 22:29:57 UTC

Collaborating with other educators can offer new perspectives, innovative ideas, and emotional support, which can enhance your teaching strategies and classroom management.