Section Six: Teacher Candidate Interview Video

Introduction

Section six of my portfolio is my teacher candidate interview where I will showcase my

classroom website that I have created, demonstrating how the skills that Medaille College has provided

me with, have prepared me to become a competent teacher. My website demonstrates my knowledge of

planning lessons, delivering instruction, using a variety of assessment tools, and integrating the New

York State Standards and Ontario Curriculum into my instruction. By providing a tour of my website, I

am able to display my knowledge about technology. The video will make connections to the various

parts of my portfolio and demonstrate my teaching competencies that I feel are essential to work in the

field of education. Below are the URL web addresses to my Teacher Interview and Weebly Website.

Teacher Candidate Interview: http://youtu.be/5jvYOedSbAU?hd=1

Classroom Weebly Website: https://silversclassroom.weebly.com

Below I will answer questions regarding my competencies in the classroom as part of my teacher

interview.

1. Briefly share a little about your background experiences that have led you to choose a career in

education?

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, but with few teaching opportunities available, I pursued

other career paths. I started out as a dental hygienist where I learned to communicate and interact with

children in ways that they would understand. My goal was to make their visits to the dentist fun. I was

able to educate my dental clients on their oral health and provided them with guidance and support on

how to perform effective oral hygiene. My second career path led me to become a registered nurse.

Nursing allowed me to learn how to interact with a variety of age groups, cultures and vulnerable
populations. My favourite placement during my time in school was completing a 3 month practicum in

the paediatric unit. I saw families and their children go through the worst of times, but I also saw

children be warriors and fighters who did not give up. I knew that I wanted to continue working with

children, but was not able to do the shift work that the hospital required. This is when I decided to

pursue my dream of teaching. I spoke to many friends and clients who were teachers and asked them

about their careers. Each teacher had so many great things to say about their career. I also have a son

who I have been able to witness grow in his learning, and seeing this change over the years has been

amazing to watch. I believe that all of my experiences that I have had along the way will benefit me as

a teacher, and I am excited to finally be doing something that I love!

2. What have you learned in your teacher training program that will make you an excellent

classroom teacher and colleague?

My teacher training program has taught me so many valuable skills that will contribute to my

career as an educator. I have learned how to develop effective relevant lesson plans that are culturally

relevant and consider the different learning styles and diverse needs of my students. I know how to

access the New York State Standards and Ontario Curriculum to ensure that my lesson plans are

meeting the required standards. I have been able to analyze an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and

see how to plan for modifications and accommodations within my classroom. I have acquired skills in

classroom management which are essential to providing my students with an optimal learning

environment. I understand the importance of building trust and relationships with my students, and

providing a classroom that is safe space where students can come to me for guidance and support. I

have became well versed with the different technology that can be used in the classroom and how to

incorporate it into my instruction. As a teacher I will continue to learn throughout my career, and

continuously reflect on how to improve on my skills and knowledge of being an educator.

3. Provide us with an example of a lesson you taught. How did you integrate it with other

curriculum areas, address the CCLS, technology, student engagement and motivation? What

were the results of the lesson?

A lesson plan that I taught was a grade 1 math lesson on financial literacy. By the end of the

lesson students were able to identify coins and compare their values. I activated prior knowledge by

having a group discussion about what students learned previously, and also what they knew about

money in their own personal lives. We created an anchor chart with new vocabulary. I used a gradual

release of responsibility to teach this lesson which allowed for students to take responsibility for their

learning. I also had the students take part in group and partner work which allowed for discussion and

collaboration. My lesson incorporated the mathematics curriculum and learning standards. I used

technology to engage the students through the use of visuals and videos, which also allowed for

movement breaks. The visuals helped my ELL students, who were also provided with more time to

complete activities as needed. I read any instructions to accommodate the students in my class who are

below reading level. I also provided my students with many hands on activities to keep them engaged

and motivated. My lesson used a variety of different instructional methods to meet the needs of a

diverse group of learners. By the end of the lesson, students had a better understanding of the different

coins and their corresponding values, and why we need to learn this information.

This lesson addressed the following Learning and Curriculum Standards:

New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standard:

Grade 1 NY-1.MD. 3b. Recognize and identify coins (penny, nickel, dime, and quarter) and their value

and use the cent symbol (¢) appropriately.

Ontario Curriculum:

Grade 1F1.1. Identify the various Canadian coins up to 50¢ and coins and bills up to $50, and compare

their values.
4. How will your knowledge of the current trends in education inform you as an educator in our

district/board/school?

My knowledge of the current trends in education means that I am up to date with the latest

education research and technology. Classroom instruction needs to be evidence based in order to

support student development and understanding, and provide students with an optimal learning

experience. Technology is prominent in the 21st century, and with the Covid-19 pandemic, students and

teachers have had to learn how to use technology for classroom instruction and assignments.

Technology is used to keep parents up to date on what’s happening in the classroom, provides a mode

of communication, allows for interactive lessons which increases engagement, provides methods of

assessment, and is an assistive technology device. It is important to continuously reflect on instruction

and best practices as an educator, which allows for a method of identifying areas that need

improvement. Staying up to date with current education trends through professional development

courses and conferences is essential, as well as collaborating with other teaching professionals to share

ideas and knowledge about the current trends.

5. Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants we have interviewed?

I believe that I am a suitable candidate for this position because of my life experiences and my

passion of working with children. Throughout my careers I have been able to advocate and empower

children, which I believe is crucial to student learning. I have worked with a variety of age groups,

cultures, and disabilities. I have learned about the importance of building trust and developing

relationships. I have gained knowledge on how to communicate with children and discuss ideas and

concepts in a way that they will understand. I have also had multiple experiences communicating with

parents during tough situations. In addition, having a child of my own has allowed me to be familiar

with the stages of growth, development, and milestones of early childhood, which I believe is essential
knowledge in order to properly assess and adapt instruction to children of various ages. My knowledge

of current technology will be an asset to the classroom, and my commitment to professional

development and ongoing learning will help me to stay up to date with the current trends. I have a

thorough understanding of your school board’s mission, vision, and values. My classroom will be a safe

space, where students will be provided with an education that is equitable and diverse and is

accommodating of abilities and disabilities. My work ethic, positive attitude, and ability to adapt to

change are all valuable skills that I can bring to the classroom. I have been supply teaching for your

board for the last 3 months, where I have became familiar with multiple classrooms and students. I

have gained numerous valuable experiences which have benefited my learning to become an educator

who will strive for excellence. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you so much for your time!

Nicole Silver

Conclusion

My teacher candidate interview showcases my website and summarizes my readiness in

becoming a teacher. My journey to become an educator is evident throughout my portfolio. I have

provided multiple examples of materials that demonstrate my understanding of best practices,

professional standards and competencies as a teacher. Medaille College has prepared me with the

foundations and essential skills required to become a competent teacher. My portfolio has allowed me

show my understanding of connecting New York State Standards and the Ontario Curriculum to my

instruction. I am passionate about children and as a teacher can provide them with many opportunities

to succeed. I will ensure that I will continue to reflect on my planning, instruction, and assessment and

continue to learn through various professional development opportunities. I am ready and excited to

start this new chapter in my life. This portfolio will always be something to look back on to see how far
I have grown throughout this journey, and to remind me that with practice and determination I can

achieve anything!
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