* please look at each question and answer then please all the way to the bottom there is reflection questions from your perspective don't write too much not too little not to complete

What is your philosophy of teaching? What grade would you like to teach and why?

My teaching philosophy is rooted in humanism: I value the importance of individual development, kindness, and the belief that education should shape compassionate, capable individuals who uplift others and lead with integrity. I would like to teach our younger students. I love where I am working right now, it is a class that ages 3 years to 6 years old.

-Describe one lesson from beginning to end. What would happen during this lesson?"

I recently did a lesson about the life cycle of a frog. First, I prepared myself with everything I needed for the lesson. When I was ready, I called the students that were interested in my lesson. I began by having activities that will engage in the lesson, this time we did some jumping like a frog activity. I continued with reading a book about "Coqui" which is a name they have for frogs in Puerto Rico. The students engaged with the story and learned about culture in Puerto Rico. After the reading, I used my three-part cards to present the life of a cycle of a frog. We had time for questions, and then after activities, such as a puzzle of a frog, and coloring pages about the theme.

-How do you cultivate a positive environment and relationships with your students? What is an example of this?

I cultivate a positive environment by smiling and always try to be calm. Having a classroom with 3-6 years old, it can be challenging, but keeping calm, and smiling makes a big difference. My relationship with my students is great, I always listen when they have stories to tell me, and I always encourage them to think further when this opportunity arises.

-Explain how you proactively approach classroom management so that minor misbehaviors rarely become chronic or severe.

I have learned that the key is to express clear expectations. When the students know the routine and know what is expected from them in the classroom, the management of it becomes less hectic. We still have moments during the day that need more attention than others, especially during transitions.

I do not think there is a perfect classroom, but I do believe there is beauty in imperfection, because this is where teaching becomes love, and we try together to finish the day always in a positive way.

-Describe your ideal classroom setup. How would you describe the visual learning supports, areas of the classroom, and student learning spaces?

I work in a Montessori classroom. All our learning materials are concrete, and they should be at student's eye level. The classroom is divided into seven areas. We have the practical life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Culture, Art, and grace and courtesy. Each area has the materials supporting the area learning and they have their space to encourage individual learning and growth.

It is great when we see the younger students learning from the older ones, and the older students are developing leadership skills.

In the end, the classroom set up goal is to be inviting and safe for all the students.

- "How do you include parents and guardians in their child's education?

Including families in their child's education is essential. I always mention the word partnership because I feel strong about this. I communicate daily with parents at pick up time, or in Transparent Classroom which is our communication platform.

In this platform, parents can see what their student is learning, and if you click on a particular activity, it will show you why this activity is done, how we do it at school, and how you can support this at home as well. This is a great tool for parents and teachers to be able to connect and be part of their education goals.

-As an educator, how do you create a classroom culture that intentionally welcomes, respects, and supports students from different racial/ethnic, gender identities, and socioeconomic backgrounds? What would this look like in the classroom?

For the past ten years, I have had the privilege of working in a school that serves children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This experience has profoundly shaped my approach to inclusive education. It has reinforced my commitment to designing accessible, culturally responsive, and supportive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of all students. I believe that inclusion is not just a valueit's a practice that must be reflected in every aspect of the classroom, from curriculum design to daily interactions.

I am dedicated to creating a classroom culture that celebrates diversity in all its formscultural, linguistic, physical, and cognitive. I intentionally foster an environment where students are encouraged to embrace their heritage, share their perspectives, and learn from one another. My goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of background or ability, feels a true sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive.

-How do you use assessment data to help students be engaged in learning? How would you differentiate instruction and support for students identified with specific learning and language needs?

In Montessori philosophy we learned that as educators our most valuable tool is observation. I do put my input in writing through the platform Transparent Classroom, but when I observe my students while working or after a lesson, this will give me the hint on what to do next. Supporting the students with another presentation that reinforces the learning, or maybe getting that one-on-one presentation to ensure learning goals. In Montessori, all our learning materials are abstract, so there is always an immediate learning assessment. For Language, the school I work at now, we practice cued speech with everyone. It is a visual form of communication that helps connect with learning concepts, not only to our students who are deaf or hard of hearing, but it is helpful to everyone.

-How do you maintain your professional development, and what areas would you select for personal growth?

We are required to have a certain amount of learning hours throughout the year, but I am always interested in learning more than what is required. My selection lately has been how to incorporate the internet, and electronics into learning in a positive way. We have right now a big change in education, and even though I am very fond of traditional values and learning, it is also good to keep myself informed and learn how to merge both words for the students benefit.

What went well during this interview?

What things can you focus on to help yourself grow?

When thinking about the interview process, what questions do you have?

How would you modify any answers to these interview questions?