ASSIGNMENT 5 (Cooperating Teacher Interview): Complete the questions below by interviewing your

cooperating teacher during a convenient time. Include any school documents that your cooperating
teacher will allow you to photocopy for your packet.

Interview Question 1: What was the primary reason you became a teacher? >>>

I enjoy working with children and love this age group.

Interview Question 2: What are the main challenges you face as a teacher? >>>

It is a challenge to get the time to work with students individually.

Interview Question 3: What is the best part of being a teacher? >>>

The best part is watching my students become independent and responsible for their learning.

Interview Question 4: How do you determine where students sit in class? >>>

I determine classroom seating arrangements by behavior and academics.

Interview Question 5: How do you determine the members of any flexible groups? >>>

I also determine by behavior and academics.

Interview Question 6: Beyond standardized testing, what assessments do you use regularly? >>>

ESGI. A program that shows student proficiency with all grade level standards.

Interview Question 7: What requirements are placed on you for reporting progress to parents? >>>

We must report student progress every month.

Interview Question 8: How often do you interact with a student’s parents in person, and what type of
discussions do you typically have? >>>

Once a year during conferences.

Interview Question 9: How much grading do you complete on a daily/weekly basis? >>>

1 - 2 standards a week.
Interview Question 10: How long does it take to prepare lessons for the day/week? >>>

3 hours + for lesson plans.

Interview Question 11: What procedures or strategies do you use to maximize instructional time? >>>

I use songs & movement in between lessons to get my students to focus for longer periods and to
maximize instructional time.

Interview Question 12: What positive reinforcement programs have you had success with, and what
behavioral consequences seem most effective with this age group? >>>

Students receive a green note every day that they can use towards a prize box. Time out usually works
and parent involvement.

Interview Question 13: How are specialist teachers involved in the instructional planning process? >>>

N/A

Interview Question 14: How often are you evaluated, and what measurement tool is used by the
administration for determining your teaching performance? >>>

Once a month.

Interview Question 15: What consequences are there if your evaluation is not favorable? >>>

Conduct more evaluations

Interview Question 16: What types of support do you receive instructionally, financially, or professionally
from the school, parent organization or school district to enhance instruction? >>>

We have a reading and math program.

Interview Question 17: What surprised you most about teaching as a profession? >>

It could take 60 hours a week to do the job perfectly even after 27 years of doing the same grade.

Interview Question 18: What collaboration and planning do you do with your grade-level team or
subject-department? >>>

We plan assessments, progress notes, lesson plans, learning intentions, success criterias and data
collection.