NPR: Any teachers on here?

PearlieGirl'sMom

I am in the process of completing my teacher certification paperwork. I am also uploading my information on REAP (an online application site). There are several essays to complete and I am a little stuck on two.

One of the questions is: "How much do you want to know about your students in order to help them?" The second question is: "What are the 3 most important things you want to know about your students?"

I am a little confused with the difference between the two questions. Any ideas?

sarahjared

I've never had to answer anything like that for an application.  All I can think of is that maybe the first one wants to know if you are going to ask the teacher that has already had that child (like if you are teaching 2nd grade so you go talk to that child's 1st grade teacher) about the child.  I know our principal doesn't really like us doing that because she wants every child to have a "fresh" start each year.  However, there are exceptions to that-like if the child has major issues.

As far as the 3 most important things: 1. Is the child allergic to anything? (peanuts, latex, etc.) or have any other major health issues.  2.  What is the child's home life like? (is school the only place where the child gets any attention, food, etc?)  3.  What are the child's interests? (if the child is struggling with a subject you could relate it to something the child likes to get them interested in learning about it).

I hope this helps.  The questions do sound very similar and I'm not exactly sure what they are going for.  Is there anyone in that area you could ask about the questions?  Also, I'm answering from an elementary teacher's perspective.  GL!

PearlieGirl'sMom

Thank you, Sarah. That does clarify it some for me and was kind of what I was thinking. I am going to ask my friend who referred me to the site.

wildflower865

Yes, I was thinking the first question is like what do you need to know from assessments and last year's teacher, and the 2nd question might be what would I ask on my questionnaire to the parents that I send home.

oparcm

I would want to know from the child what they feel they can do well and what area they find they need help.  I ask each of my students with special needs this every year.  You would be amazed at the thoughtfulness put into their answers. They know themselves and when asked, they can really provide a lot of insight.  I also ask them what they enjoy about school.