Running head: TEACHER INTERVIEW 1

Teacher Interview Project

Esther Mead

Ivy Tech Community College

TEACHER INTERVIEW 2

Introduction

I spoke with a teacher friend of mine named Rachel Zeltner to get a better understanding

of what being a teacher really looks like. She has been teaching for nine years and has taught

everything from kindergarten to twelfth grade. When I asked her why she decided to become a

teacher she told me she knew her whole life. Her ah-ha moment was when she was helping her

uncle (who is just a bit older than her) with some homework. She said she felt good about it and

thought she was good at it (Zeltner, 2015). She wanted to help kids like they helped her. Then

she stated with a lot of enthusiasm that she just loves kids!

Traits of an effective teacher

When asked what type of traits an effective teacher possesses, she replied with being

very real with the kids, relatable, fair, and passionate about their job (Zeltner, 2015). I would

say that these attributes can be applicable to most careers. I think it is a talent to balance being

able to relate to kids while still being real with them. Passion is everything, and I believe kids

can tell if you are faking (sometimes even better than most adults). According to Janice Koch,

author of Teach, one of the ideas she says to keep in mind when teaching Be comfortable with

yourself as a person and feel secure in who you are. (Koch, 2014).

Philosophies, values and beliefs

According to Ms. Zeltner, over the years of teaching (even in the range of her students

ages) her teaching philosophy has remained fundamentally the same, yet always adapting. She

believes in teaching with the best interest of the kids at heart. She is silly, fun and informative

with high expectations clearly spelled out for the class. She loves to be interactive with the kids

and adapts her lessons and even her classroom to their needs. (Zeltner, 2015) After talking with

her, it became obvious that she uses a lot of project-based lessons in her classroom. Project-

based learning adds creativity and depth to a curriculum, promoting more meaningful learning

than rote memorization or worksheet activities. (Koch, 2014) Ms. Zeltner told me a story about
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a child who couldnt sit still. So she went to the store and bought a seat that intentionally

bounced for this child and other children with the same problem. It seemed to help those children

focus. She mentioned another child who was prone to migraines and only after this child had

struggled in her class did she learn this. After she was given this information, Ms. Zeltner was

sure to be more aware of classroom noise and sometimes even dimed the lights.

Qualities of a good teacher

When I asked Ms. Zeltner what qualities she believes a good teacher should have, she

really emphasized the importance of listening and understanding. She said, Kids behavior has

little to do with me. They need love, attention, and guidance. (Zeltner, 2015) She likes to

involve the kids in their learning for example if they want music, she will play music. According

to Ms. Zeltner, kids need to know the expectations of the classroom, they need to know they

have a say in their learning and you need to be firm. (Zeltner, 2015) I think many teachers

believe in teaching the way Ms. Zeltner does. Whenever possible, give students opportunities to

express their own ideas and to be active thinkers. (Koch, 2014)

Traits, qualities and behaviors I possess

I have thought a lot about my teaching style and what that will look like. Im sure I will

adapt and change. For now I think I would manage a classroom the same way I have managed

adults in my past careers. Like Ms. Zeltner, I believe in laying out solid and clear expectations. I

believe having consequences laid out along with the expectations is important in keeping things

fair. I also believe in celebrating accomplishments. We all want to be celebrated. Nothing makes

us feel better than to work hard towards something and know that we did a great job! I think

thats worth celebrating.

In my past as a manager, I would listen to my employees ideas and I would like to think

that I would do that in the classroom as well. Sometimes I thought I had a better idea, but if it

wasnt harmful to the business, I would try to implement their ideas. Sometimes it worked as a
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learning opportunity if the idea failed and sometimes it would work out in all of our favors. The

main thing is they knew I would listen and they could come to me. Students are more effective

learners when classrooms and schools create a sense of community in which students feel

significant and respected. (Koch, 2014)

Conclusion

I believe no matter your philosophy, or teaching style, it is important to have a few

similar traits. Being an active listener, clear on expectations, being fair, being flexible, and

passionate are all things in common with great teachers. If a teacher can master understanding

the learning differences in each child and create a comfortable learning environment that teacher

is sure to be a successful one!

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References

CCSSO, C. o. (2013). Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium InTASC Model

Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers 1.0: A Resource for

ONgoing Teacher Development. Washington: Council of Chief State School Officers.

Koch, J. (2014). Teach. Belmont: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Zeltner, R. (2015, February 12). Highschool FACT's teacher. (E. Mead, Interviewer)