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
The teacher understands the central concepts, methods of inquiry, and the structures of disciplines, and creates learning experiences that make the content meaningful to all students.
In order for me to successfully convey content knowledge to students, they must have confidence in what I know and my ability to explain it. One way I try to do this, is to make connections across subjects about important themes. I also try to engage the students using their prior knowledge. The Ocean Unit we completed seemed to achieve just that! The children had a lot of prior knowledge and loved learning new things about ocean animals.
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Human Development and LearningThe teacher understands how individuals grow, develop, and learn and provides learning opportunities that support the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students.
After parents, teachers wield the most influence over a child’s development. This must be taken very seriously and seen as an opportunity to touch the lives of children in a positive way. I believe each child is unique and should be valued for this uniqueness. As a result, the activities and lessons in my classroom are geared toward the uniqueness of each child. I have learned that getting to know each child as an individual will help me to have the greatest impact in student learning that is possible. Each child is special and it is my goal to make them feel that way every day.
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DiversityThe teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
I believe the beauty of teaching is found in the diversity of the students; it is one of the main reasons I went into teaching. The challenge for me is to ensure that all learning experiences touch each child in a way that makes the experience meaningful and successful for the child. By considering multiple intelligences and keeping different learning styles in mind when I plan lessons, I am able to create an environment in the classroom that promotes success and learning for each child. Some ways I can accomplish is through differentiated instruction, small group learning, and varied instruction.Click here for math center Lesson Plan
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Planning for InstructionThe teacher understands instructional planning and designs instruction based upon knowledge of the discipline, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
I have learned just how important preparation is for each lesson. As I plan my lessons I always consider the standards and instructional goals of the school district. For the lessons to be effective, I must consider the learning styles and interests of the students. Not only does preparation ensure success, it allows me to create lessons that are relevant. Preparation helps me plan activities that further the instructional goals of the district and further the knowledge of the children in my classroom. No only that, planning and preparation make the day easier!Click for standards based Lesson Plan
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Learning EnvironmentThe teacher uses an understanding of the individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
I have learned that creating and implementing an effective classroom management plan is the key to my teaching success. The culture I create in the classroom will determine the performance of my students in academics. I have tried to be fair, compassionate, and consistent. At the same time I have high expectations for all of my students. Through the classroom management plan, I am able to maintain an environment that allows the children in my classroom to succeed.
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Instructional DeliveryThe teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
My goal is to educate the whole child and in order to do this I must create a positive impact on learning in my classroom. The experiences I have had in the classroom have shown me that I must educate the whole child in order for that child to grow academically and as a person. My goal is for each child to grow in what they know and to grow in what they understand. In this way, I am trying to educate the whole person and as a result positively impact their learning.
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CommunicationThe teacher uses knowledge of effective written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
I have experienced first hand how some children learn better through verbal instruction, through visual instruction, through movement, and through hands-on activities. Therefore, my classroom provides all of these experiences so that each child may experience successful learning regardless of what is being taught. To achieve this kind of environment, I have created a classroom with a lot of pictures, with music, and with movement activities.
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AssessmentThe teacher understands various formal and informal assessment strategies and uses them to support the continuous development of all students.
If I am to know what my students truly understand I must use a variety of assessments to determine their knowledge. Students share their knowledge as uniquely as they learn. I have learned that it is important for me offer a wide selection of assessment strategies if I am to truly learn what my students understand. I also try to incorporate authentic assessments into plans in order gain additional insight into what the students have learned.
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Collaborative RelationshipsThe teacher understands the role of the community in education and develops and maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues, parents/guardians, and the community to support student learning and well-being.
The diversity found in educators is as wide and wonderful as the diversity found in children in the classroom. As a result, I believe that I can learn a lot from those I work with! I value their opinions and truly listen to their constructive criticism. By doing this I can only grow as a teacher and therefore better touch the lives of my students.
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Reflection and Professional GrowthThe teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally.
Reflection of student teaching experience.
I need to know what works and what does not work in my classroom. I am able to determine this through a variety of ways: peer evaluations, mentor observations, student feedback, and most importantly, through reflection. I reflect daily on what I liked and did not like about that day in the classroom. Often, I adjust future plans as a result of my reflections. My reflections also include discussion with peers and mentors, because they often notice things that I do not. Specifically, I use the assessments provided by my mentor. These really help me focus in on areas that need improvement.
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Professional ConductThe teacher understands education as a profession, maintains standards of professional conduct, and provides leadership to improve student learning and well-being.
An effective teacher consistently displays a professional demeanor and attitude. This includes dressing professionally, acting appropriately, and being a role model for all students. Collaboration and forming relationships with families is also part of a teacher's professional responsibilities.Letter to families about our ocean unit.
