ITL 606 Field Work

Teacher Interview

Pinon Mesa Middle School
Phelan, CA

Curt Chase
6^th-8^thGrade Leadership

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs indicates that we all have 5 levels of need that must be met:  Physiological, Safety, Love / Belonging, Esteem and Self-Actualization.  In your professional opinion:

1.     How important it is for students to have their basic needs met in order to be successful in School? Why do you think so?

It’s important for students to have their needs met, because they need to feel safe and comfortable in school. This could be the only safe haven they have, and teachers need to provide a sense of support and create connections with students.

2.     Which needs are most important to have satisfied so students can thrive in school?  Why?

The love aspect of the model is the most important. If the student knows you care for and about them, they will perform better in the class. 

3.     Who is responsible for ensuring that students have their needs met?  Why do you think so?

It is a combination of teacher and parent support. The teacher and parents rely on each other to provide the best support system for the student.

4.     What is one thing a teacher might do for a student who has physiological or safety needs?  Why would this be useful?

It’s important to make sure the student is safe. If necessary, the teacher needs to alert authorities, contact the administration, and file a report. The student needs to know they can trust the teacher, and that the teacher will ensure their safety.

5.     Ensuring Safety needs are met and making sure students are ready to learn involves classroom management.  What are three things you do to manage your classroom?  

1)   Clearly explained/defined expectations

2)   Have students help create expectations, so they feel included in the process

3)   Communicate frequently with parents and students 

6.     How do you decide what rules and routines to employ?

It depends on the group of student. Keep consistency, but remain flexible. If one routine does not work, try another one. If that one works, continue to use that day by day. 

7.     Do these fit for students who have a Behavior Intervention Plan? How do you assess progress? What do you do for students from a different culture?

For students with a BIP, Mr. Chase speaks one-on-one with the student. Together they create a list of goals the student wants to achieve throughout the year. He keeps open communication with the student and their parents. He continues to watch and talk with students on a daily basis to discuss progress. For students from a different culture, Mr. Chase pairs them with someone who speaks the same language, or someone who is a diligent worker (who can help the student succeed.)

8.     How do you organize your classroom / educational environment to support classroom management?

The class is arranged in large table groups, the students rotate seating throughout the year to ensure students are meeting new people, and creating a welcoming environment.

9.     With classroom management in mind, what advice would you give me regarding how to establish good classroom management in my first class?

-Stay consistent

-Follow through with what you say you will do

- Create bonds with students
- Don’t take behavior or actions personally

10.   When you know that a student has a specific need that most of the other students do not have, what do you do to address that need? 

Each need is handled differently. Either modify the activity or partner the student with a diligent student in the class. Remain flexible in lesson plans, and adjust when needed. 

SUMMARY

            Mr. Chase is a 30+ year teacher at Pinon Mesa Middle School. I observed his 6^thand 7^thgrade leadership skill classes. Mr. Chase thrives on creating lasting relationships with his students. He is the most common favorite teacher between middle school students, and establishes bonds with students, that follow throughout the student’s adult life. He creates a safe learning environment in the classroom, and ensures that the student’s need for belonging is met. Mr. Chase chooses to have a classroom with an open door policy, making students feel comfortable and safe. Mr. Chase successfully balances flexibility and consistency in the classroom; students know what is expected, but Mr. Chase offers support if the student is struggling academically, or facing family issues. When asked “what advice would you give me during my first year in the classroom?” Mr. Chase responded that I must remain flexible, follow through on my word, build connections with students, and not take anything personally. 

REFLECTION

            Personally, I’ve always looked up to Mr. Chase as an educator. Mr. Chase is an excellent example of an inspired teacher, and I will be lucky to be half the teacher he is. I hope to share the same connections and life-long bonds as he has with his students. I want to create a safe environment for students to come in to; where they can forget the struggles they are facing at home, and focus on learning. I want to be an understanding and compassionate teacher, one who isn’t there for a paycheck, but one who cares about the well being of my students. I aspire to have the calm and warm aurora that Mr. Chase exemplifies, and to be a confidant to my students while still delivering necessary learning material. Group tables, partner activities, and open door policies will create the classroom experience I want. Clear, explicit expectations, parent/teacher conversations, and flexible lesson plans will create a classroom management style that can be respected and followed by students. This observation was beneficial in helping me see what I would like to implement into my own classroom.