*MUST HAVE READ JOHN DEWEY - EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION* Once you have your interview completed, you then need to connect what you discovered and what the interviewee said to key components found within Dewey’s text. Put in your own reflection and critique about the subject’s responses to your questions, and connect them to Dewey’s main points. How does the information provided by the interviewee connect to Dewey’s perceptions on education and contemporary schools in the United States? What parts of the interview have a direct connection to Dewey? What was not even mentioned? Why? Deliverables: For this project, you need to turn in: The school name, school district and e-mail address for your interview subject A 3-5 page written summary (double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins on all sides) that brings about your perspective, the linkage to Dewey and a critique about what was said during your interview and how it connects to American education history and

*I WILL INCLUDE THE BACKGROUND (what she teaches, where she teaches, etc.) ON THE EDUCATOR YOU DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THAT* *I HAVE ALSO INCLUDED NOTES TO HELP YOU* Instructions: Objective: The purpose of this assignment is to gain insight from a working educator about their own philosophy of education, their view on education reform, freedom in education and America’s schools, student growth and a host of other topics related to contemporary schools in the United States. This information is then to be analyzed against John Dewey’s context as he describes it in Experience and Education. Directions: This assignment comes in two parts. First – you need to identify an educator that you want to interview and find a time where you two can talk (no e-mailing, no texting – real verbal language). Phone is fine, in-person is probably better. There are a couple of other limitations as well: Other than that – your options are pretty unlimited. Talk to a classroom teacher, a principal, a school bus driver, a day-care/early childhood provider – someone involved in kids’ lives and child development in some fashion. You will need to develop 10-20 questions you might want to ask (but you probably won’t get to them all). Be sure to link the questions you ask to the material found within Dewey’s text – as it will make the second part of this assignment easier. Keep good notes or (if the interviewee allows) an audio recording. Once you have your interview completed, you then need to connect what you discovered and what the interviewee said to key components found within Dewey’s text. Put in your own reflection and critique about the subject’s responses to your questions, and connect them to Dewey’s main points. How does the information provided by the interviewee connect to Dewey’s perceptions on education and contemporary schools in the United States? What parts of the interview have a direct connection to Dewey? What was not even mentioned? Why? Deliverables: For this project, you need to turn in: The school name, school district and e-mail address for your interview subject A 3-5 page written summary (double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins on all sides) that brings about your perspective, the linkage to Dewey and a critique about what was said during your interview and how it connects to American education history and Dewey’s analysis. Q&A: - What made you want to become an educator? I originally wanted to be a pediatrician but two years into that I took an education class and fell in love with it. I loved it. Seeing the joy in the student’s eyes when they would learn something. I loved feeling like I was making a difference in the lives of others. I knew that I was meant to teach and have been doing it for 31 years. - What is your favorite part about being an educator? Everything! I like starting my day with greeting the kids at drop off in the morning to teaching them during the day to putting them on the bus after school. Just seeing them excited to have my class and the smiles and hugs you get make each day special. - What do you think are the most important parts of teaching and education? I know that you would probably think that I would say educating them, which IS important, but honestly I feel as if my students remember me as a teacher who cared and made a difference then I am happy. The kids need to feel loved and wanted so that they want to succeed and work hard for you. It feels amazing when my students come back and want to tell me about their families and children. That’s my favorite part of teaching so I also think it is important. - What is the best way to balance allowing kids freedom and having them follow the rules? This goes back to the last question too. If a child respects you and knows how much they mean to you they will do the right thing. In my class I have one main rule. I tell them that I want them to learn and be happy and have fun first, but I have one rule. If I am talking they stop what they are doing, put down anything in their hands and listen. After that they are free do sit where they want as long as they are being productive. It honestly has always worked for me. - Do you think most teachers are more traditional, or are they always looking to change how kids learn? I think there is a mix, however, I feel like to be an educator these days you have to always want to be better than the year before and find ways to engage children. I do see a lot more motivational routines, like greeting students at the door with fancy handshakes. Compared to how we taught 30 years ago, teachers have definitely come a long way. - What are some ways you have to use control (making children follow the rules; dress code, hall pass, etc.) when you teach? This makes me laugh because my first year of teaching I started doing centers. It was the year that this concept was introduced. I was teaching first grade but had them trained pretty well. My rule was that if I was at the reading table with a group you don’t bother me unless you are bleeding or dying. One day my principal came in to observe me and I saw her laughing. She had to leave the room and then came back. I had no idea what was going on. When I went for my meeting she said she lost it when a student asked her if he could go to the bathroom. She said you have to ask your teacher. He got big eyes and said, “Oh no, we can’t bother her at the reading table unless we are bleeding or dying!” Like I said earlier, if you establish your rules, love the kids, make them know you are there for them, they will respect you enough to do the right thing. - What are some ways you allow the children freedom while you teach? I have answered this in previous questions but I will mention something different. I try to trust them until they blow that. I establish my rules and repeat them and practice them over and over the first couple weeks of school. If they do not follow a rule we talk. If it continues they will not be allowed the same freedom as before. This can be earned back but makes them aware. Plus if they love you they will want to do the right thing. You will always have the tough ones but most kids have good hearts and want to please. - Would you consider the school you teach at to be a more traditional or more progressive school? Definitely more progressive. Our school district has us constantly doing professional development and we do many training to educate us and keep us on top. Our school is always striving for new ways to teach things as well as new ways to reach the kids. Not always classroom ways but by having guest speakers, multicultural fairs, different clubs after school…just many opportunities for instilling a love of learning.