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 competent teacher understands the central concepts, methods of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines and creates learning experiences that make the content meaningful to all students.
Demonstrating knowledge of content is a key component in teaching. This knowledge is not only limited to the subject but includes the objective of the lessons. As an intern I found you have to know what it is you want the students to accomplish, the steps needed for the students to be successful and presenting the lesson with clear, concise instruction. These key factors contribute to a teacher’s knowledge of the content being taught each day. It is not simply reading about material but creating a lesson from this material and developing lessons which foster student accomplishments
This is a photo from a Weather unit that I did with my 2nd grade class. This unit contained many hands on activities. I feel having meaningful experiences within a lesson engages students and aids in the retention of the content being taught.
Human Development and Learning
The teacher understands how individuals grow, develop, and learn and provides learning opportunities that support the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students.
While student teaching in Kindergarten our classroom had centers almost everyday of the week. During this time, students were divided into five groups. These Centers included a guided reading station, writing station, computer station, hands on/manipulative station and listening station. The use of centers/stations is a great way to differentiate instruction which helps to meet the needs of all learners.
The above picture shows students our Kindergarten students working in their stations.
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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.
Below is a lesson plan that I taught this year. I feel that after this lesson the students were able to identify with other cultures.
After teaching my multi-cultural unit, I realized how important it is for students to have experiences that will help them understand the differences among different cultures. I have learned that diversity is something that I need to incorporate into weekly lessons.
Click on the attachment below to see a copy of y multi-cultural lesson.
Multicultural Lesson march 2007
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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.
This is a copy of a lesson plan which I completed each week for every lesson I would teach. This type of detailed lesson allowed me to assess and adjust my lessons before they were taught. By completing such detailed lessons, I was able to rethink teaching strategies and communicate with other educators before proceeding with a lesson. This process enhanced my lessons and overall teaching of the content.
Please click on the attachment below to see my lesson plan.
second grade lang arts march 26
Learning Environment
Effective classroom management skills are of primary importance in determining a teacher’s success in the education of students.
I have learned that creating and implementing an effective classroom management plan is key to my success in the education of students. The environment in which I create in the classroom dictates the type and level of student performance. I am clear, concise and consistent while allowing compassion and understanding. Through an effective classroom management plan, I am able to successfully maintain an environment that allows the students to succeed in becoming life long learners.
Below is a copy of my classroom management plan.
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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.
Creating centers provide students with a variety of instructional strategies which engage and motivate each student. This differentiated instruction provides all students the opportunity to use their individual critical thinking skills and enhancement of performance abilities.
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CommunicationThe competent teacher understandds and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.
Fostering communication with parents and community is essential in the daily lives of our students. In developing a collaborative relationship with parents, I sent home monthly and/or weekly newsletters throughout my student teaching experience. I had daily contact with most Kindergarten parents and several Second grade parents. I encouraged parents to speak with me before or after school or by making an appointment if needed. Most communication was before or after school when students were dropped off or picked up. I found many parents felt comfortable by simply sending a note to and from school. Attending and participating in parent/teacher conferences, family fun nights and student achievement celebrations allows the line of communication to always be open, whether it is formal or informal.
Click on the attachment below to see a copy of a weekly newsletter.
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AssessmentsThe competent teacher understands various formal and informal assessment strategies and uses them to support the continuous development of all students.
The use of multiple assessment strategies is essential in the development of student learning. In kindergarten most of the daily assessment was done through observation. I would have students repeat directions, meanings and give a thumbs up/down for understanding. Students were given assessments by writing projects such as writing a sentence and then drawing a picture which relates to their sentences. I used a checklist rubric for these types of assignments. I created the rubrics to allow for all student success to accommodate for all learning abilities. We also completed formal assessments for number of words, letters and shapes known.
While in second grade assessment is done through observation, completed work, tests and formal assessments. Each week students are given a comprehension, spelling and math test. These tests give some knowledge to student’s ability level but combined with daily work assessment and observation we have a more complete assessment of the students ability and understanding.
I have found from both teaching experiences the use of tests alone do not reflect a students ability. During my second grade teaching experience I found several students would perform poorly on tests but excel in whole class discussions and worksheets. I therefore assess these students while performing hands on activities, discussions, daily work in combination with testing.
Below is a copy of one type assessment.
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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 community to support student learning and well-being.
While participating in the year long student teaching program I was able to develop a collaborative relationship with many of my fellow educators and parents within the community. I feel collaboration between educators and families is essential in building a positive work environment and enhances the learning environment for students. I have worked with other educators in the development of art activities, special activities days, and social studies units and have sought the advice of literacy leaders in developing at risk student learning. I also participated in grade level, staff, SILT and district meetings. The picture below shows me with the other second grade interns in front of the Van Gogh bulletin board. This was part of “Art Fest” which all second grades participated. Students learned about Van Gogh and developed a fact board with watercolor paintings of his Starry Night.
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ReflectionThe competent teacher is a reflection practitioner who contunually evaluates how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals, in the learning community and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally.
I believe reflection is a major component when teaching. It is important to reflect on my lessons to enhance student learning. Reflecting helps me to improve aspects of lessons when students seem distracted, confused or simply not interested. This reflective process allows me to look for additional resources, seek advice from colleagues and adjust the lesson for future student success. I believe to be an effective teacher, I must reflect daily on lessons allowing me to achieve future success for myself and my students.
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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.
I have had the opportunity to attend many professional meetings including SILT, SIP, grade level, school and district meetings. Attending these meeting gave me insight to the everyday concerns, policies and events surrounding teaching. I feel participating in professional meetings is an essential component to effective teaching.
Below is a picture of my mentors: Mrs. Moore, myself and Mrs. Bevenour.
