Everything you ever wanted to know about teaching but were afraid to ask! by Kris VerSteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp Please keep your questions anonymous so that we can really have an open exchange! en-us 2019-12-26 21:36:00 UTC 2025-11-30 19:11:47 UTC hello@padlet.com CLICK ON PINK PLUS SIGN IN LOWER RIGHT. THEN JUST TYPE. kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/445828589 2020-02-14 22:49:02 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/445828589 Example: I work at a daycare for school age children. One student struggles, so I often make him my helper. Some of the other students have complained that this child is ALWAYS the helper, and everyone else has to wait a turn to be the second helper. What do I say that protects the child who struggles? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492854726 2020-04-05 01:57:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492854726 Is the portfolio REALLY that big of a deal? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864342 2020-04-05 02:36:50 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864342 What has been your most difficult student behavior to address and why? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864410 2020-04-05 02:37:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864410 What is first-year teaching like? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864456 2020-04-05 02:37:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864456 What are the biggest pet peeves you have had to address with your student teachers? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864483 2020-04-05 02:37:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864483 What are they going to ask me in interviews? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864507 2020-04-05 02:37:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864507 What do you do if you don't agree with an Individual Education Plan (IEP)? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864531 2020-04-05 02:37:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864531 What can you do if you don't agree with how things work at your school? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864555 2020-04-05 02:37:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864555 Should I get my master's degree right away? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864589 2020-04-05 02:37:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864589 What do I need to know about how teachers are paid? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864619 2020-04-05 02:37:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492864619 How far in advance do you have to have the day planned? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492897866 2020-04-05 04:28:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/492897866 When/IF you ever have days where you second guess if you are in the right occupation or if you start to question if you're enjoying your job, how do you help get your motivation back or get yourself excited again? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/493706303 2020-04-05 20:53:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/493706303 How do you handle kids who want to leave to use the restroom, see the nurse, etc. kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505058430 2020-04-13 18:32:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505058430 Are certain school supply brands better than others? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505069669 DEFINITELY. But, not every kid can afford Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola crayons, and Prismacolor colored pencils.  If you really want your kids to have these brands, you will need to buy them.  Many schools have PTO school supply fundraisers where a school supply company puts together school supply kits. These are often cheaper than families can buy on their own, and teachers can stipulate what brands go inside the kit.

 ]]> 2020-04-13 18:39:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505069669 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505098240 What are some of the most effective ways to handle difficult behaviors in your classroom? ]]> 2020-04-13 18:58:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505098240 How do you handle a situation where a student becomes physically aggressive towards you or another student in class? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505115412 2020-04-13 19:11:07 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505115412 Do teachers really write super long and detailed lesson plans for everything, or just do the basics regularly and spice it up when they have a sub? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505131849 2020-04-13 19:22:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505131849 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505139833 How do you handle the tough conversations with parents?]]> 2020-04-13 19:27:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505139833 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505153590 What resources are available to teachers as they plan lessons/units and figure out what content they must teach at each grade level? ]]> 2020-04-13 19:37:26 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505153590 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505156570 Best advice on what is considered appropriate (or any guidelines you follow) to dress in for interviews, student teaching, etc. in hot temperature months? ]]> 2020-04-13 19:39:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505156570 How do you explain fair vs. equal to kids. As in that fair isn't always equal https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505166160 2020-04-13 19:46:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505166160 How do you draw the line between being a friend to the students and being a teacher with authority? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505272188 2020-04-13 21:15:22 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/505272188 —- https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/506778001 Many teachers say the first couple years are the hardest. How do you stay motivated throughout the year to improve? ]]> 2020-04-14 16:13:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/506778001 What are your classroom rules? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/513661811 2020-04-17 20:13:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/513661811 Interview tips kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/599759550 Be a leader, learner, and listener. Make sure you work into the conversation the relevant things you want to share.
Ask questions that you really want answered and listen to the answers, say "thank you" to the person who answered.

Be enthusiastic.

If you know you are prone to sweating when nervous, be mindful about what clothing you choose.

Be careful about the things you say BETWEEN the buzz words; avoid things like "I am sure I already answered that, but I will answer it again" or "all kids love reading" or "Let me share this with you, even if you aren't interested."

TALK ABOUT YOU and WHAT YOU DID in student teaching, not what your coop did. 

Use person-first language: "students who struggle" not "struggling students" or "child with ASD" not "autistic child."

Have AT LEAST three people-that you trust- proof your résumé and cover letter. If these are not stellar, you will not get an interview. It is not uncommon for large districts to have more than 100 applicants for a single position. Formatting errors, grammatical errors, and spelling errors might ruin your chances of getting an interview. MAKE A PDF of all your application materials so that your formatting is not lost when you submit Use timeless language (e.g., avoid "next fall" and use "Fall 2021" instead.)

]]> 2020-05-28 18:07:47 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/599759550 How is one to blanket their political views/beliefs in a profession that has become so political? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/787850762 2020-09-29 13:54:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/787850762 Where do you look to find a teaching position that is open? How do you know who is hiring? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/789673441 2020-09-29 21:10:40 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/789673441 How did you manage being a full time mother and wife and the first couple years of being a teacher? Any advice you can give? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1325806759 2021-03-18 14:39:33 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1325806759 What kind of questions should I ask at interviews? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1344905733 2021-03-23 19:38:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1344905733 When should I start going to career fairs in college? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1344909659 2021-03-23 19:39:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1344909659 What advice do you have for scenario questions in interviews? For example "What would you do if a parent came to you with..." Is it bad if you take a little bit of time to think about it before answering? samadi1 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1344910378 2021-03-23 19:39:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1344910378 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345138461 How do I prepare myself to go into an interview as confident as I can be? I become very nervous during interviews and i'm worried I won't do well.]]> 2021-03-23 20:41:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345138461 Have you ever heard of the song "Mr. Postman"? I know a mom who lives in Minneapolis who has a son in 4th grade and he came home one day signing "Mr.Postman" and found it to be offensive and portrayed wrong information (sexist). She emailed the music teacher addressing these concerns. What do you think about this? How would you handle this as a teacher? How do you teach this information to boys and girls if you were to sing this song? What songs should we avoid as teachers? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345307769 2021-03-23 21:41:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345307769 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345430849 What advice do you have for when you hear parents talking about how their child doesn't like you as a teacher? ]]> 2021-03-23 22:40:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345430849 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345432161 How do you prevent getting overwhelmed/burnt out?]]> 2021-03-23 22:41:27 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345432161 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345432712 How do you accommodate your classroom and classroom activities to fit all kinds of learning styles and different accessibility needs? This seems like something that would be hard to do because there are so many different learning styles and accessibility needs that may present themselves in a classroom of 20 kids. ]]> 2021-03-23 22:41:47 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345432712 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345433504 What is one thing you wish you focused on learning more during college to help prepare you more and feel confident during your first year teaching? What are the best ways to prepare? 

]]> 2021-03-23 22:42:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345433504 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345434106 How do you effectively teach a full class of students that are all at different learning levels?]]> 2021-03-23 22:42:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1345434106 Do teachers use Linkedin? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1378993713 2021-04-03 01:24:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1378993713 How often do you recommend incorporating songs/instruments in a general classroom? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1817149384 2021-10-14 13:59:07 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1817149384 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1817270280 Do you teach with SPED students at all? If so, do you have any recommendations?  ]]> 2021-10-14 14:32:50 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/1817270280 What’s the worst thing about being a teacher? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084823671 2022-03-08 20:43:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084823671 What is your favorite solfège syllable? Mine is Te. https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084825211 2022-03-08 20:44:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084825211 What is your favorite chord progression? Mine is vi-V-IV-V https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084826778 2022-03-08 20:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084826778 What is a good “go to” when a lesson plan just is not working out and you do not have anything else planned? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084827367 2022-03-08 20:46:22 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084827367 Lesson planning nerves https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084964960 I’m nervous about the expectation for how many lessons were expected to create as a teacher.. it seems like a never ending, impossible task. What resources and tips are there to make this manageable and not all-consuming? ]]> 2022-03-08 22:59:10 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084964960 https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084987115 What are we supposed to know about conferences and what to say for them? ]]> 2022-03-08 23:24:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2084987115 Tips for student teachers? kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2102778442 2022-03-19 06:22:49 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2102778442 What are some of your biggest tips for first year teachers? https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2329912487 2022-10-06 18:39:27 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2329912487 I also wanted to ask about any teacher-y book recommendations you have. I know you mentioned some denser pedagogical research throughout the semester, so if you have anything you'd recommend there or anything lighter that you still found helpful, I'd be excited to look into either. kversteegt https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2429963406 2022-12-28 17:35:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kversteegt/rgv92q26d3xp/wish/2429963406