Application Questions from Bozeman Public Schools

1. Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher. There are numerous skills and attributes that define what I would consider to be an outstanding teacher. One of the first items is the need for teachers to make connections and build trusting relationships with students and parents. With parents, this could be as simple as a monthly newsletter home to create an open line of communication from school to home life. For the students, I will spend time getting to know their strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, abilities, academic accommodations, etc. In addition, I will provide a welcoming and nonthreatening learning environment. From this, students will build trust in their teacher and feel comfortable in their learning environment. Next, implementation of differentiated instruction and RtI steps are a necessary skillset of an outstanding teacher. Teachers must know how to move every student forward no matter where they sit on the spectrum. Another important teacher skill is the ability to effectively manage a classroom. A final area that stands out is the ability to listen well to others and problem solve with students, parents, and colleagues. Overall, I admire a teacher that shows all of the above skills and attributes and is hardworking, dedicated, empathetic, and team orientated.

2. How would you address a wide range of skills and abilities in your classroom? First, I will take the time to get to know my students at the beginning of the year. With this step in place, I will start to identify my students strengths, areas for growth, accommodations, etc. Then, through pre, formative, and summative assessments, I can further break down where the students stand for differentiating instruction. With the data

in hand, I will form a plan for addressing every student level. For example, I may find that small group instruction will work better than whole group instruction. Identifying the format for lesson delivery and providing accommodations will be a focus of my lesson and unit planning. In addition, I will reach out and use the school resources if needed. In my student teaching semester, we had math intervention teachers at the elementary school for assistance with the Tier 3 (intensive rank) students. Finally, I will continue to use progress monitoring in the classroom to ensure that students are always moving forward and not staying stagnant or declining.

3. Briefly describe how you would use technology in your classroom. With technology in the classroom, I will identify what is available at the school. Then, I will find ways to incorporate the resources to enhance and compliment the 21st century learner. In my Kindergarten student teaching placement, I saw the power of 1:1 iPad use. After most lessons, the technology teacher collaborated with my cooperating teacher and I to find iPad applications that further practiced the lesson skills. Students gained a better understanding of the content and had fun while doing it. In my classroom, I will take advantage of the Elmo projector, computer lab time, and SmartBoard. For example, if an Elmo projector is available, it is a great tool for students to step into the teachers shoes. They can share their work with the class and make the shift from teacherdirected instruction to student-led instruction. I will use technology for lesson integration, research, application, and extra practice of lesson content. I look forward to using the technology resources available at my future school.

4. List below any additional staff development or in-service training you have completed. Weekly staff meetings during student teachingGreat Falls, MT Weekly data meetings during student teaching Great Falls, MT Common Core training during student teachingGreat Falls, MT Montana State Literacy ConferenceGreat Falls, MT Family Community Career Leaders of America conference Billings, MT Family and Consumer Science conference Great Falls, MT