# 3 Interview with Cooperating Teacher

PART 1: Mrs. Tosti was not available for the interview, so I interviewed another first grade teacher at 
Whitman Elementary School. Mrs. DiNardo has been teaching at Whitman for 20 years. She taught first 
grade for 13 years, then taught second for 5 years. Now she am back in first! She has a Bachelor's degree 
in Education from Rowan University. In addition, she has a Masters in the Art of Teaching.

1. What grading procedures do you use?

We write the number of items correct over the number of items on the
test. On classwork assignments we usually mark with a star which means it is all correct. If
we make corrections, then we give a smiley face. If it is really incorrect, we usually correct
what was wrong and make a note on the paper. Report cards have grades of S,D &B-
Secure (independent with a skill), Developing (starting to understand but needs some
support) and Beginning (having difficulty with a skill).

2. Are there any English Learners in the class? No

3. Are there any students who have special needs I should be aware of?
You need to be aware of students with Basic skills needs for reading and math. Students
that have an IEP that need special instruction needs that you would need to accommodate.
Student with disabilities or ADHD.

4. What are some ways you differentiate instruction? Design lessons using Small group
instruction for reading, math and writing based on ability and skills they need to improve
or be challenged with. This way you can give the students what they need academically. You
can also differentiate assignments to challenge those that are above level and help those
that average or below.

5. Will you please explain your philosophy concerning classroom discipline? What behaviors do
you discourage and encourage?
I think there should be consequences, rewards and positive praise for doing the good or
right. The students should know the rules from the start. I usually go over the class rules on
the first day of school. I have a stop light with their class number on a racecar. If a child
breaks a rule, they move the racecar to yellow which is a warning. If they break the rule
again they go to red and that is a call home or email home. They do have chance to get their
car moved back to green if they behave or do well the rest of the day. I also give out
DiNardo Dollars as rewards for good behavior. They earn them to get prizes or rewards.

6. How do you maintain active communications with parents?

Emails, Remind, notes home. Parents can come in to read for their child’s birthday.

7. What techniques do you use to motivate students?

I give out DiNardo Dollars for good behavior.

8. What are the special challenges of teaching this subject or grade level?
Meeting the needs of the different ability levels. Much of what is taught is very hands on.
They are very young and require a lot of attention and detailed directions.

9. How would you describe your school’s culture/climate? Very positive

10. How important are standardized test scores to your school?

Important in identifying students reading and math levels.

11. What has been your biggest challenge with teaching?

Trying to fit everything in the curriculum in. There is so much to teach but not enough time
to fit it all in when trying to incorporate small group instruction, differentiated grouping,
attending workshops, attending IR&S meetings, filling out paperwork, and doing lesson
plans.

12. What is your favorite part about teaching?

When I can teach a lesson with no pressure and the students enjoy the lesson I create.

13. If you did not teach first grade, what grade would you teach? 2nd

14. How have state, local, or common core standards affected your lesson planning process?
All lessons need to be planned around the common core standards. Objectives of the lesson
are planned around the common core. Some lessons I would like to teach and think would
be important/beneficial do not get taught.

15.What do you think of technology in the classroom and how have you integrated it into your
lessons?
I think Technology is very important in the classroom. I have the students read, play math
games and practice skills with the iPads. Unfortunately, we only have eight per classroom
in first grade so we are limited as to what we can do with them. In addition, we use the
document camera for lessons and activities so that the students have a visual during a
lesson. We also use YouTube for story books or short videos to help with our lessons.

PART 2:

I learned a lot from Mrs. DiNardo after conducting this interview with her. Things have certainly changed
since I was in first grade. I remember the grading system, for example, was Excellent, Very Good, Good, 
Satisfactory, or Below Satisfactory. Now, report cards have grades of S,D &B­ Secure (independent with 
a skill), Developing (starting to understand but needs some support) and Beginning (having difficulty 
with a skill). An important philosophy of mine is differentiated instruction to give each student the best 
learning technique. Mrs. DiNardo also believes in this and provided me with great tips. I also believe 
parent communication and involvement is crucial. Mrs. DiNardo has many ways to keep the students’ 
parents involved. I feel like Mrs. DiNardo and I share many of the same beliefs and I am so glad that she 
was able to give me some tips and advice!