Section 6: Teacher Candidate Teacher Interview Video

This section will demonstrate my ability to conduct a professional interview highlighting

the ways in which my personal and academic journey have led to me to becoming a highly

skilled educator. In addition, I will exhibit my capabilities in creating a creative and functional

website with the goal of bridging a connection between parent and classroom. I will elaborate on

the ways in which Medaille has built a foundation of skills which I constantly aim to improve

specifically in the area of planning, instruction, assessment, reaching all learning and all

diversities, while maintaining positive relationships with families and my colleagues.

Teacher Candidate Interview Video

 Interview Video

https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYiObVE4pU

 Weebly Website

http://mmerichardsonsclass.weebly.com/

Teacher Candidate Interview Questions and Responses

Hello and welcome to the mock interview section of my portfolio. During this video I aim to

demonstrate my prophecies gained along my personal and professional journey as well as

through the Master of Education Elementary Program at Medaille. I will start by taking you

through some of the ways in which I have constructed a professional webpage, a landing site for

parents and families to feel connected to the classroom. Connecting families to the classroom is

especially important because it is proven as a criterion for greater student success.

 Briefly share a little about your background experiences that have led you to choose a

career in education?
 Some information about me and my personal journey. I am born and raised in London,

Ontario attending both elementary and high school through the London District Catholic School

Board. After some years of self-discovery, I realized teaching was always what I enjoyed most in

any of my positions, so I attended the University of Western Ontario and majored in French

Studies. Majoring in languages was both pragmatic and passion; I wanted to be a part of

inspiring children to love French, our national second language, the way I was inspired but also,

I knew it would allow me to have more opportunities an educator. I minored in Developmental

Psychology because I find all things surrounding human development quite fascinating. During

my 4th year at western I had my first child and since have had 2 more. Becoming a mother has

contributed a great deal to my passion for working with young children, because I am constantly

inspired by their motivation and determinate to learn.

Next, I would like to share the professional experiences which have helped shape my passion

to becoming an elementary educator. I first fell in love with teaching and realized this passion

while working as a certified dog trainer for PetSmart. I was responsible for creating lesson plans

within official curricula, as it pertains to Canine Ethology, and teaching classes with pet and

parent. This gave me my first experience of taking knowledge that I had and educating others on

how to be successful in a subject area. After having my children, I worked for TD Canada Trust

as a Banking Specialist. This position provided invaluable knowledge of how to successfully

navigate long-term financial security, something I think is imperative children learn.

Most recently I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to work as an uncertified/prep and

planning teacher in a contract position for the London district catholic school board. I taught

grades 1-8 French and grade 1 and 2 Science and Health. During my time in this role I have had

experienced planning, preparing, and implementing unique and beneficial lesson plans which
met the needs of a diverse set of learners. I successfully integrated the Ontario Curriculum with a

focus on cross-curricular techniques, into daily lessons reaching all student abilities, while using

a variety of instruction and assessment tools. I have been able to create and adjust classroom

management strategies that maintain consistent with my classroom objectives, expectations, and

consequences.

 What have you learned in your teacher training program that will make you an excellent

classroom teacher and colleague?

The knowledge I have acquired enrolled in the education program at Medaille has provided

me with tools to increase my skill set exponentially in the areas of planning, instruction,

assessment, developing my ability to recognize and apply appropriate learner accommodations,

culturally responsive pedagogy, incorporating technology and how to build positive, lasting

parent relationships. I have learned the value of effective planning and organizing while

successfully aligning course material to the curriculum. The value of being an authentic teacher,

one who understands the needs and diversities of my students and their families, while placing

realistic expectations on them to pursue personal growth. I have been shown the importance of

continuing to foster a culturally responsive pedagogy by creating instruction, assessment and a

classroom environment which is inclusive of all diversities and Learners.

 Provide us with an example of a lesson you taught. How did you integrate it with other

curriculum areas, address the CCLS, technology, student engagement and motivation? 

What were the results of the lesson?

An example of a lesson in which I wish to showcase is my Social Studies Economics lesson

plan. I have chosen to discuss this lesson as it demonstrates the importance of discussing the

advantages to different types of communities, for example rural and urban communities. As well
as the necessary production of goods and services within those communities. These are important

concepts for children to build their conceptual understanding of economics and how commerce

works within a society. This lesson allowed me to visualize how students with varying needs and

backgrounds will differ as recipients of this knowledge. This lesson incorporates whole group,

small group, and an individual assessment to gain formative and summative evaluations of

learning. Connections to ELA are made through reading of nonfiction material to develop

understandings of rural and urban differences with regards to commerce

 How will your knowledge of the current trends in education inform you as an educator in

our district/board/school?

Some current trends in education to touch upon is the trend towards teaching the Growth

Mindset, which is extremely valuable in the classroom. Since my undergrad I have been quite

interested in the brain and its development, so educating children on the power of ‘yet’ and

continuing to persevere is something I value greatly. Going along with the growth mindset is

incorporating Blooms Taxonomy in the classroom. This is important because it encourages a

succession of steps towards mastery learning. These are both essential to a classroom because it

can be accommodated to benefit all learners regardless of educational level. Another important

and very necessary movement is having a more culturally responsive pedagogy, where we are

nurturing unique cultural strengths to promote student wellbeing. Last, the importance of

creating a digital environment that increases a student’s skillset in a technologically driven world

as well as teaching appropriate usage of the internet for safety and growth.

 Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants we have interviewed?

Why Hire me? I am a dedicated, caring, and enthusiastic individual who demonstrates the

ability to collaborate effectively with my colleagues and to continue to develop professionally.

Board I am a proficient educator. This along with the completion of my Master in Elementary

Educations demonstrates my pursuit of excellence in planning, instruction, assessment,

classroom management and desire to engage all learners through innovative ways to present the

curriculum. I would love the opportunity to show you that I will add value to my classroom and

to your school community. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Conclusion

The teacher candidate interview section allowed me to professionally reflect on the

cumulation of experience that has led me to becoming a highly skilled, proficient educator. It

provided perspective for what can be expected from an administrative standpoint. While teaching

is about educating our young scholars, it is also conducting yourself in a professional manner to

assist in exhibiting your skillset and qualifications.