Blog 5 - Interview 1 Reflection

1. What is the most important thing I learned from the interview?  Is there anything I would do differently for other interviews?

One of the most important pieces of information that I learned from this interview was that if you want to teach pre-school, you really have to love the job. If you don't enjoy spending time with children or you want a high paying job, the field is not for you. It's a ton on work. You may only spend a few hours with the kids, but a lot happens in those few. You play with them, teach them, attend their needs, and communicate with parents. So much is done in so little time, and the paycheck doesn't match the hard work that teachers put into it. If there's no passion, there is no point. 

Something that I would do differently for other interviews is act more confident. I was so nervous for this interview that I didn't really talk much. All I did was ask questions and a few follow up ones. It was so bad that I'd lose my train of thought and stumble on my words. I was reading straight from a paper and I still messed it up! I'd really love to be more involved. I'd love for the interview to sound more like an engaging conversation instead of something forced. 

2. Did I get additional resources and contacts?  What is the most useful?  Why?

I kind of got additional resources from this interview. One of my interviewees suggested that I talk to a Montessori pre-school teacher. She didn't give me any sort of contact, just a generalization. She also recommended talking with other pre-school teachers in the school/district. I'd have to say that her first suggestion is most useful. By speaking with a Montessori pre-school teacher, my perspective of the field would change and my knowledge would be further increased. Everything about Montessori style teaching is different from regular public school teaching. It's neither good or bad, but I can definitely learn from it. By observing two different sides, I can attain a bigger understanding of my topic that will eventually help me when it comes to my presentation in May.  

3. What makes my interviewee qualified to help me? 

My interviewees are qualified to help my in my senior project due to their knowledge and experience. They both have a B.A. in Early Childhood Development and have been teaching for years. They know that teaching pre-school is hard work and that they're not being payed what they deserve, yet, they still come to work every day looking forward to what's in store. They are passionate and they are persevering. What more could you ask for from a pre-school teacher?

SoundCloud Link: https://soundcloud.com/kimramos56-890275310/interview-1