Upon the start of this assignment, I had a couple human service workers in mind to interview. I ultimately decide to interview Joy Sultan, a teacher/couselor for Chapter One Students at Hamilton Crossing Elementary school in Cartersville, Georgia. She works with troubled second grade students.
Initial Contact When initially contacting Mrs. Sultan, I could have used a letter, email, or phone to set up the interview. I also could have done the interview in person, by phone, or online through email or messenger. I know Mrs. Sultan through her son, who is a friend of my husband, so it was not hard to get in touch with her. I called her because I felt it appropriate and a little more personal, since I know here socially. If I had not already known Mr. Sultan, then I may have sent an email or a letter because it seems more formal and professional. The actual interview was conducted partially in person and in part over the phone.
Interview Questions 1. Was working with “troubled” children your choice, or were you a teacher who was given this responsibility? J Sultan (personal communication, February 6, 2010) said, “I actually started as a regular elementary school teacher. I only really wanted to work with children in the first and second grade. I somewhat volunteered for the position, but I’m glad did.” 2. How do you define “troubled”? I actually don’t define the children as troubled; the program does, a little. They use it to mean when children have behavior issues in class and/or issues with learning at the same pace as the other children, mostly in reading. 3. What is the most demanding part of your job? The most demanding and somewhat difficult part of my job is having a new student introduced into my class. I don’t really have big issues with behavior. I think that if others took time with them as I do, they would not have to be in my class. 4. What is the most