Content Knowledge
Human Development and Learning
Diversity
Planning for Instruction
Learning Environment
Instructional Delivery
Communication
Assessment
Collaborative Relationships
Reflection and Professional Growth
Professional Conduct

Content Knowledge
As an instructor, you not only need to know how to teach, but you also need to know what you are teaching. I have learned that students can truly surprise you with their insights and questions, and you need to be fully prepared to respond or answer. It is also important for you to be able to transform the information to fit the needs of your students. I have used many strategies to introduce information, and have learned that the more I understand, the better I am at articulating and delivering. I have also learned that my attitude about the information has an effect on the lesson's outcomes. I have also learned that my enthusiasm can be contagious and the students are more likely to enjoy the lesson if I am as well.  As a result, I plan lessons that interest my students and myself, and I try to vary teaching methods to keep their interest.

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Human Development and Learning

In the classroom, students need the opportunity to learn and grow intellectually and socially. Even though all students are unique individuals, it is important to know that they have similar needs. It is my responsibility to provide a learning environment that supports social interaction, high order thinking, and one that children feel safe to challenge and explore the ideas presented. To do this, I make sure to validate all students input and encourage participation. I also support my students in working with one another and act as a role model for positive social interaction. My classroom is one of mutual respect and consistency. My students know their expectations and are always held to their highest abilities.

 

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Diversity
I believe that every student is unique and also learns in a variety of modalities. In fact, it is these differences that bring depth and richness into the classroom. By embracing diversity, students have the opportunity to practice tolerance and will learn how to effectively work with other individuals. Accompanying diverse learners is the great challege of addressing the needs of each student, and to show that each student, although unique, can and will succeed in the classroom. I need to be prepared to teach to all learning modalities. To do so, I embrace and utilize Gardner’s multiple intelligences everyday. As a result of consistently using oral delivery, written guidance, kinesthetic and tactile learning in reading, writing and mathematics, I feel that I am successful in reaching all of my students.

"The best that the great teachers can do for us is to help us discover what is already present in ourselves."

-Irving Babbit

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Planning for Instruction
In order to have a successful lesson, one needs to identify goals and become familiar with where they are starting and where the students need to be upon concluding the lesson. I have implemented many successful lessons and have learned the importance of planning. It is my responsibility to know what prior knowledge is necessary for success, why the information is necessary to learn, and how to help the students see the connection to its real-world value. It is also critical to develop an alternative plan, and to identify available resources that can be used to aid in instruction.  My students have a responsibility to learn and I have a responsibility to be prepared to teach effectively and efficiently.  

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Learning Environment
Creating a positive and constructive classroom is often very difficult. Teachers must be consistent in their expectations and provide a positive environment for learning. To do this, a teacher must consider all aspects that affect student behavior, some of which include organization, layout, and rationale. It is also essential for students to have responsibility within the classroom, and should be included when establishing classroom rules and expectations. I have students acquire “jobs” and also included them in instruction. My mentor modeled for me how to exercise the SCORE code (safety, citizenship, ownership, respect, and etiquette) to establish appropriate behavior. This has been extremely helpful in establishing a positive community within the classroom.

"Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of a true education."

-Gloria Steinem

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Instructional Delivery
I have quickly learned the importance of delivery during instruction. While working with my fifth grade students, I realized that how you present information will have a direct effect on the lesson's success. I have come to learn the value of enthusiasm and creativity in my delivery. It is one of my goals to try to make every lesson a new experience for my students and to utilize Garner’s multiple intelligences in order to plan the lessons appropriately. 

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Communication
As a professional it is critical to be able to communicate effectively. A teacher needs to be a role model for their students, and being able to communicate appropriately, is not an exception. I feel that this not only supports your professionalism, but it shows that you also follow the rules and expectations that you have of your students. As a teacher, I will be communicating with colleagues, professionals, parents, and students, written and orally, continuously throughout my day. Consequently, I need to be able to do so in an effective and efficient manner.

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Assessment

In order to assess your students effectively, it is necessary to use multiple types of assessment tools. Some of the traditional means of assessment include tests, quizzes, rubrics, or checklists. I have learned that non-traditional assessments may be used, and are often more beneficial and allow for creativity and further insight. Some non-traditional assessments that I have utilized include written documents, presentations, posters, diagrams, dramatizations, multi-media presentations, and oral presentations. As a result of all students having different learning modalities and a variety of strengths and weaknesses, using a variety of assessment tools allows you to achieve overall success.

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled"

-Plutarch

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Collaborative Relationships
When working in a school environment, collaboration is a necessity for success. All staff members need to be working towards achieving a common goal; that goal being the success of each and every student. I have learned how to communicate progress, concerns, and achievements in order to serve my students more effectively. In every school setting there are instructors, specialist, aides, support staff, and many others, who are all working towards the same goal. I have learned how to become a valuable collaborative worker and continually appreciate and utilize the available resources. I value positive communication and relationships, which I know are vital to a school's success.

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Reflection and Professional Growth
It is important that a teacher can reflect on his or her own teaching.  I have learned that I need to be able to effectively decipher a successful lesson or procedure from one that is not. A teacher also needs to be able to reflect on how they can improve, and better inform their students. In order to improve my lessons, I identify where changes are necessary and where I can adapt to fit the needs of my particular individuals. I also keep a journal, used for reflection on teaching strategies and goals for improvement.

It is also important to recognize that as I begin to teach, and continue to teach, it is imperative to continue my education. It is critical for me to learn about new theories and practices that may improve my effectiveness in the classroom. To do this, I continuously reflect on my current practices, and also have and plan to attend all of the available workshops and professional growth opportunities. 

"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn."

-John Cotton Dana

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Professional Conduct
The manner in which I behave is a reflection of my values and expectations. As a role model and a professional, I need to establish my reputation through my actions, words, dress, and demeanor. I have learned that every action, as a result of being valued, is analyzed. By acting in a professional manner, my actions become an example of expected behavior and a learning tool in itself. I understand the significance and consequences of my professional conduct and am now continuously aware of my own behaviors and decisions.

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