Meet the exceptional Miss Plummer, a dedicated teacher at our school whose commitment to creating an inspiring and positive learning environment has made her a beloved teacher among students and parents alike. In this exclusive interview, Miss Plummer shares her innovative teaching methods, passion for language education, and the core values that underpin her teaching philosophy. From fostering mutual respect to encouraging students’ active engagement and real-world relevance, Miss Plummer’s approach to education transcends conventional boundaries, offering a glimpse into a truly remarkable classroom experience.
Q: How do you foster a positive classroom environment?
A: I do this by ensuring mutual respect for every student, so if a student is disrespectful, I make sure to address it.
Q: What are some creative projects or assignments you have assigned to your students?
A: I have asked students to create a daily routine vlog in Spanish, to do a presentation dressed as the profession they would like to become, and I have had students present a weather forecast in French.
Q: How do you encourage students to be active learners?
A: I encourage them by rewarding them with sweets, stickers, or points towards their lowest grades and by playing games, which makes them engaged and willing to participate.
Q: How do you balance academic rigor with the well-being of your students?
A: I allow students to submit their work late but with a deduction in marks unless a good reason was provided.
Q: How do you measure success in your classroom?
A: I measure it by their grades, their performance in class activities, and changed behavior.
Q: How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress?
A: I communicate with parents via email or phone call.
Q: How do you collaborate with other teachers to enhance student learning?
A: I collaborate by having teachers participate in the lesson or by assisting with certain activities.
Q: What do you think is the most important skill or knowledge students should gain from your class?
A: The most important skill or knowledge a student should gain from my class is the skill of communicating effectively.
Q: What is your favorite book or resource for teaching your subject?
A: My favorite resource for teaching my subject area are videos from YouTube, especially songs.
Q: How do you integrate real-world examples into your lessons?
A: I integrate them through the use of stories of my own personal experiences and by incorporating real-life experiences through role-play.
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
A: I was not inspired but rather life chose me to be a teacher, and it turned out that I was very good at it.
Q: What is your teaching philosophy?
A: I believe you are never too old to learn as learning is a lifelong process. One should always remain teachable. I strive for excellence with my students in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment. Building solid relationships with my students is the foundation of my teaching.
Q: What sets your classroom apart from others?
A: What sets my classroom apart from others is that I always listen to my students and their issues. I also give my students chances to improve upon their work/grades, and I always reward my students with sweets. Lastly, you will hear a lot of noise sometimes from my class due to game playing or singing, the atmosphere is very relaxed.
Q: How do you approach different learning styles in your classroom?
A: I approach different learning styles by incorporating different activities that cater to the multiple intelligences of my students.
Q: What is your favorite teaching moment?
A: My favorite teaching moment was when I had asked a student to review the previous lesson with the class, and the student was so good at it. All his classmates were engaged and participating with him. One student said they understood the content better when the student taught it.
Q: What do you hope your students will take away from your class?
A: I hope that they will take away a passion for learning languages and the notion of being kind and treating people with respect.
Q: What advice do you have for students who may be struggling in your subject area?
A: I always tell my students to practice the language outside of school by using apps such as Duolingo and by watching videos on YouTube.
Q: How do you incorporate technology into your lessons?
A: Almost every lesson of mine involves technology in the form of Google Slides presentations and the use of applications such as Quizizz.
Q: How do you stay current with developments in your subject area?
A: I stay current by following updates via the WhatsApp group for French teachers in Jamaica and through readings on the internet.
Miss Plummer’s commitment to creating a positive and engaging learning environment, her innovative teaching methods, and her emphasis on effective communication and respect make her a dedicated and inspiring teacher. She goes the extra mile to ensure her students not only learn the subject matter but also develop essential life skills. Her passion for teaching and fostering relationships with her students set her classroom apart as a place of learning and growth.
