Teacher Interview

Teacher: Mrs. Bettridge-Flyn

School District: Elgin District U-46

1. How would you define/describe your classroom management philosophy? That is to say, what informs your decisions to make sure your class runs smoothly on a daily basis?

I set up a clear set of rules and expectations. I make sure that these rules and expectations are clearly posted in the classroom so that everyone can see them, and I can point them out when needed. My rules and expectations are generally simple, be respectful, take turns talking, come into class and gather pick up papers. By creating a routine with my classroom management I find that my day runs much smoother and the students know what is coming and there are no surprises, which is helpful in a special education class.

2. How do you handle disruptive/misbehaving students who make it difficult for others to learn?

I am very lucky that I have aids in my classroom. If one of my students gets visible upset or is having a hard time in class, the aides can give them a break by breaking away from the group and taking time to calm down. Before it gets to that point I try to figure out what is causing the behavior. Most of the time they just need a reminder that we do not act that way in class.

3. How does the organization of your room (student desk arrangements, teachers desk, furniture, proximity to students, etc.) affect your classroom management plan?.

I always make sure that my desks are not too close to each other to cause distractions. I usually have my desks in a semi-circle centered around me while I am teaching because it draws their attention into me and there are fewer distractions.

4. How do you “set the tone” the first day(s) of the school year to communicate your (discipline) expectations to students?.

I always have a handout that is sent home explaining the rules and expectations. I also go over them with the students so that there is no confusion. Because I am a special education teacher I work with each students IEP to make sure that they know what is expected of them and that it lines up with their IEPs.

 5. A student is consistently late to your class. How do you handle the situation?

I generally do not have that problem, I probably would try to figure out what is causing them to be late on their route to my class. I would talk to the student or talk to the teacher of the class that they are coming from and try to eliminate the distraction.

9. Have you had to deal with students who have gotten into physical altercations? How did you handle it?

Yes, I have, I have had students get upset and throw things at myself and at other students, usually, then I have to call the dean and try to defuse the situation. I can’t allow them to hurt themselves or others so usually they are removed from the classroom and taken to the deans.

10. Instead of sending a student to the dean, what are some disciplinary methods you found effective in the classroom?

I tend to use my aids to remove the student from the group and they will talk to them and see what is going on. I also communicate with the parents quite a bit to see what they are seeing at home and if it lines up with what is happening in class.

11. As an experienced teacher, what is one thing you wish you knew in your first years of teaching? Are there trends you can see in your school with new teachers and some of the struggles he or she may face?

I wish I knew how much time I was going to spend outside of hours working on lesson plans, grading, coming up with projects, and even worrying about my students. This really wears on you and first-year teachers all seem to have this hit them at once and they have a hard time balancing their work and their worries and their personal lives.   

Summary:

After talking to my Aunt about her teaching career I really had a lot to think about for my future classrooms management. I am not going to be a special education teacher but I think that a lot of students could benefit from a little more patience and cooperation on the teachers part.