BetterLesson Interviews Paul Hobson on Teaching

Paul Hobson teaches 3rd grade at King Chavez Arts Academy in San Diego, CA.  We featured his Phases of the Oreo lesson last month, so you may recognize him.  Read our interview with him below and sign up or login to check out his  detailed and rigorous curriculum materials.

1. Three words that describe your teaching persona:
Caring, Industrious, Resilient

2. Why teach?
I teach to provide my students with any supports that may be missing in their lives. I teach to encourage them to do great things. And I teach them to care.

3. What would you be if not a teacher?
Psychologist

4. What do you do to optimize student engagement in class?
Whole Brain Teaching (Formerly Power Teaching). It utilizes Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic strategies to keep students' attention during the lesson.

I have also been lucky enough to use a Promethean Board this year. I use it for every lesson. Student engagement has increased a lot because they are all able to interact with every lesson that we have. 

5. Coffee, tea, or caffeine-free?
Coffee and Pepsi MAX

6. Describe your classroom management style in a few sentences.
I utilize a lot of Whole Brain Teaching techniques. (Class! YES!, Mighty Oh Yeah/Mighty Groan)

I believe in logical consequences. Every consequence has to be directly tied to the behavior.

I also love the Responsive Classroom Approach. Students need to feel respected and cared about in the classroom, even when they make mistakes. The responsive classroom values the social/emotional needs as much as the academic needs of all students.

7. Favorite Cartoon/TV/Movie Teacher:
Mr. Kimble in Kindergarten Cop

8. Favorite Book:
The Giver

9. Is teaching a science or art?
Classroom Management can be a science. If done right, logical consequences, rewards, and social skills training can drastically improve the classroom community.

As far as teaching is concerned I think in order to be a good teacher you have to have the art.