Vanity: need input and advice from teachers

01/08/04

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi there, fellow freepers. I am pursuing a California state teaching credential to teach Life Science/Biology to middle school and/or high school students in the public school system. I have just started my year-long teacher prep program, and our first assignment is to interview a working teacher and ask the questions below. I'll be formally interviewing a teacher next week, but I would also like to know the thoughts of any other teachers, especially freepers who are or were science teachers. This is not merely for my assignment; I would be really interested to know how experienced teachers feel about their profession. If any of you have a few minutes to spare to answer any or all of the questions below, I would be most grateful!

Also, I need and want to volunteer in a classroom to observe and help the teacher and students as part of my fieldwork requirements. Are there any freepers out there who are teachers in the San Diego area who would be willing to take me on in their classroom as a non-paid intern for a few hours each week? It would really be neat to learn under a fellow freeper. Otherwise, my school will just place me with someone they choose.

A little background about me: I left my occupation in genetic sequencing research (working for a national laboratory and then a biotech company) in order to pursue teaching. I am actually a very strong believer in homeschooling, and I plan to do so if God blesses me with children in the future. However, many children in the public schools are hurting academically and emotionally, and I believe very strongly that God is leading me to go into teaching. So here I am. Your prayers would be such a blessing to me right at this time as I may actually be teaching on an emergency credential or as a "substitute" as early as a couple of weeks from now. Thank you so much.

QUESTIONS:

1. What subject and level do you teach?
2. How long have you been teaching and how long do you plan on teaching?
3. Why did you become a teacher?
4. What are the rewards and frustrations?
5. What is your educational philosophy?

6. What are your favorite teaching methods?
7. What strategies do you recommend for maintaining good classroom control?
8. What are some effective strategies for organizing and managing your classroom?
9. How are you using the state student academic standards?
10. How are you teaching the English learners in your classroom?

11. How are you using technology to improve instruction for students?
12. How do the family backgrounds and experiences of your students affect their readiness and ability to learn?
13. What advice would you give to a prospective teacher?

Thank you again and best regards,
Marie

[Hyacinth Bucket]

The kids will eat me alive. I just know it. :)
Please ping your friends who are educators to this thread. Thanks.

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