Teacher Interview

SUMMARY:

I decided to ask one of the top PE teachers at West Aurora (in my opinion). He is definitely the epitome of respectful, approachable, and hard-working.  He is always one of the first ones in and one of the last ones out. He volunteers his time for the students by hosting talent shows and chaperoning most events that are happening in the school. I chose Mr. Ranallo due to the fact he would shoot it to me straight and he would take the time to give me thoughtful answers.

REFLECTION:

Going into this interview I wasn't surprised by the way Mr. Ranallo conducted himself, but I was a little surprised he tries to sneak in an off the wall answer since he has a very outgoing personality. I was a little surprised he has not dealt with a student going AWOL. Most times I get called to a P.E. class, a student has walked out and is roaming the school or hiding in a bathroom. This just goes to show you how he makes classroom management a focal point in his class and is a goal I wish I can meet every year.

One point that he hits home throughout the interview is we need to get to know your students and start to understand them. West Aurora has a large diverse student body with students coming from all over the world. This correlates back to Woolfolk in chapter 13 pg. 543 as having Culturally Responsive Management. As Woolfolk states "Taking cultural meanings and styles into account when developing management plans and responding to students." which I have witnessed in Mr. Ranallo's classes day in and day out. He might be one of only a handful of teachers in our building that take to heart the need to understand his students and their needs and backgrounds. 

I found it interesting when he responded to the question about rewards. I know some of our PE teachers still utilize a reward system quite frequently, but he just uses it as a tool to have some fun. I like the idea of using a half-court shot or a 30-yard field goal as a fun way for kids to try and attempt to gain a couple of extra points. I wouldn't make it an everyday practice, but to keep a fun atmosphere and everyone engaged I would definitely try his method.

I also like how he utilizes his co-workers and even his spouse (who is an educator as well) to get through a rough day. I think it's important for teachers to reach out to co-workers and use their knowledge to help get through the day. We all have them and while some just brush it off and move on others bottle it up until they blow up. Not only is this harmful to the teacher, but also the students.

In closing, Mr. Ranallo really hit home the need to get to know our students and their home life. Coming from a very diverse city and having the opportunity to grow up with others who don't believe in the same ideas that my family practices have helped shaped me into the individual I am today. I also like how he really drives home the rules and expectations from day one, in a high school setting I truly believe you have to start strong and maintain those standards through the school year.