Brian Hyland

Teacher Interview: Anna Oshel-Jakubowski

1. What ways do you find yourself reflecting on your teaching practices? For example do
you think your conversations with your colleagues, journal writing, examining student
work, conversations with your students, or just thinking about your teaching for the day?
One of the best ways for Anna to reflect on her teaching is to take notes in her plan book. It is
always with her, so when she is doing something else or making copies and she has some time to
think, she will get it out and jot down some quick notes. Also if she teaches two sections of the
same class in one day, she will make modifications with the second class based on the reception
from the first. It is always important for her to consider what her evaluators/coaches think, so of
course that is another way for her to check her effectiveness.
2.

How does reflecting on your teaching practices drive your future instruction?

Student acquisition drives her lessons based on how much they have retained. Anna uses
reflection and/or informal assessments to help gauge the level of student understanding. Also,
exit slips provide her quick feedback for evidence of student learning.
3.

What method do you use to keep track of grades and homework completion?

She uses Skyward Gradebook online and enters grades just before they are returned to kids.
Also, students have a checklist so they are able to be a more active member of the classroom and
can take a vested interest just by visually observing what they are missing. She uses a checklist
in her hardcopy gradebook so she can check in work when it is turned in. This helps her so she
can follow up with kids who didnt turn something in, and are trying to fly under the radar.
4.
What assessment does the district use to determine a students ability at the beginning
of the year and what assessment is used to determine progress? Do you use any other forms
of classroom assessment to determine academic progress?
The district uses NWEA MAP Testing; they administer these in English and Math classes three
times a year and the goal is generally for students to increase their scores by 2-3 points each time
they test. The English department uses diagnostic tests to determine classroom skills. This
helps when planning for issues that they know students are experiencing.
5.
Can you tell me about the Rti process in your school district? What is the process to
refer a student for special services?
Westmont High School has different indicators that help teachers identify and or recommend
evaluations by different building supports. If students are failing classes, missing a lot of school,
resisting help, etc they are discussed individually at the data team meeting which occurs every
Tuesday. Special education teachers, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, etc, are
called in to do specific evaluations with students after meetings/communication with parents to
determine need.

Brian Hyland

6.
What methods would you suggest for keeping yourself organized? For example what
method do you use to keep track of parent contact, when students turn in permission slips,
lunch count, attendance or picture day money?
Organization is so important when being a teacher says Anna. She uses filing systems for work
kids have missed. She has a check in section in her gradebook so she knows if kids turned in an
assignment or not. She uses manila envelopes with class lists attached to the front when
collecting money from students. Also she has a Word document on her desktop that she notates
as she is making parent communication. This is helpful so she knows what was discussed during
previous conversations.
7.
How do you keep your students families informed about what is going on in the
classroom or with their individual student?
Anna has sent notes home or permission slips but she always reaches out to all student/parent
emails and sends a copy of any communication there too. She makes sure parents receive
everything because at the beginning of the year she makes sure she has working email addresses
with some initial conversation. Also, most materials she hands out are also on the website in
case anyone needs to reprint.
8.
Do you encourage parental participation and volunteering in your classroom? Why or
why not?
Yes. Although it is a high school setting, she thinks any time you can get parents involved is a
win for the students and staff. She has included parents to help her plan the bi-annual career fair
and find that it always turns out great because when parents are asked for their help, they take it
seriously and really commit. This shows their children that school and all of our events are a
priority.
9.
Do you meet with your grade level partners on a regular basis? Do you have
collaborative plan time built in your schedules? What is discussed at these meetings? Is this
district or school mandated or do you find time to collaborate yourselves?
The grade levels meet quarterly during a PLC day. They have collaborated on content by
teaching items that will appear in multiple subject areas to reinforce the learning. The time is
built into their schedules and these meetings are mandated by the school as well. If they
need/want additional meetings, they work together and determine a time to meet outside of
school hours. PLC time is used to work in departments as well and sometimes even as a whole
faculty so there have been times where grade level meetings were extended as a result.
10. What clubs, coaching, or committees are you involves in beyond the school day? Does
you district compensate employees for sponsoring, coaching, or committee membership? Is
there a minimal requirement?
Currently, she works as the Career Fair Coordinator, Friday detention supervisor, ACT Reading
Instructor, and Home-bound tutor. There is no minimal requirement but they have stipends so

Brian Hyland

teachers can sign up for coaching, clubs, etc. In the rare occurrence that no one signs up, the
teacher with the lowest seniority is approached to take on that club/committee.
11. Does your administrator solicit feedback from teachers on school initiatives? What
kind of initiatives are taking place in your school right now?
The administrator does frequently ask for feedback on the initiatives that they set out to
accomplish every year. They discuss them informally at faculty/PLC meetings, and he has also
given anonymous surveys where the results are looked at together as a large group. He facilitates
all discussion and they are asked for more feedback based on results. Two of the initiatives for
the 2014-2015 school year have been: Student Choice for independent reading and the other is to
integrate reading strategies across the curriculum. They also make a special effort to work hard
with AP students, and provide them with additional supports.
12. How do you stay current on hot topics in education or best practices?
Anna earned a Masters in Reading and Literacy and this has helped her stay current with new
and helpful research to always reflect on teaching practices. She also subscribes to many
educational resources like Education Week.
13. Do you attend workshops or participate in professional development activities? What
are the most recent ones you have participated in?
Yes, recently she participated in an Advanced Placement workshop for the English Language
Exam. Professionals came in from College Board and gave teachers many strategies to help
them become more effective instructors to prepare our students for the AP exam. The school
district holds professional development activities at least three times a year, in addition.
14. Are you a member of any professional organizations? If so, which ones?
She is a member of the NCTE National Council of Teachers of English. This organization sends
her a myriad of updated materials and online professional discussions.
15. Are you on any leadership teams or are you in charge of any committees? What are
your roles on these committees?
She is on two scholarship committees. They determine winners of scholarships annually for
graduating seniors. She is also a member of the summer school committee. Also, she is on the
standards based grading committee. A group of teachers have worked together piloting SBG this
year at Westmont, and share their struggles, successes, and stories together.
16. If you knew then what you know now, what advice would you give me?
She would say to stay with it even though it is hard and starting a career in education is a
challenge. There are not many jobs and a surplus of teachers right now. This career, though, is
awesome and she wouldnt trade it for anything she says. Stay current and read a lot of

Brian Hyland

educational books that are well regarded in the community. There are many writers like
Marzano and DuFour who have a lot of experience and a lot to say about schools.
17. What is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
Anna says the most rewarding thing about being a teacher is helping kids. Teaching can be very
much about data and test scores; but nothing beats helping kids and seeing them grow because of
your teaching. Being a stable and safe adult in their lives is something she strives to be. Many
of her students have a great relationship with her and building that rapport helps her get them to
trust her and succeed, as a result.
18. What is the most challenging this about being a teacher?
The most challenging thing about being a teacher is fighting against all of the adversities that
kids have from the get go. Many kids have disabilities and working around them can be very
difficult. Some kids try so hard and they experience strife but by the same token, overcoming
these disabilities/deficiencies is what makes a great teacher.