4a Reflecting On Teaching
During my second week at my second placement, I was still in the process of learning how to adapt my lessons and interact with each student. I noticed that my first-grade students performed much better with visual aids, so I immediately adapted their assignment mid-lesson on punctuation to include more visual cues. This reflection made me ponder how to handle difficult students, and I realized that instead of becoming stern with them, engaging with them in an excited energy and rewarding them when they tried their best could work wonders in the classroom. I have been using this technique since then, and not only has it helped the difficult student, but also the other students have been trying their best to earn my praises.
4b Maintaining Accurate Records
Through my attendance records for student teaching, I have learned the importance of keeping accurate records. Initially, there were instances where I forgot to immediately write down my hours, prompting me to establish a system that would hold me accountable for maintaining my records every day. This experience has taught me that maintaining consistent and accurate records from the very beginning is crucial to keeping my classroom organized and up-to-date with school policies. With accurate records, I can easily track my progress, identify areas that need improvement, and demonstrate my accountability as a teacher.
4c Communicating With Families
I utilized a newsletter to introduce myself to the families of my children at both placements. This was a great tool for me to send out detailed information about myself to parents who may have wondered who I was and why I was in the classroom. In addition, I also used homework charts to communicate with parents and keep them informed about their child’s progress. In my first placement, I used Class Dojo to connect with parents who had any questions or concerns. These tools helped me establish a strong relationship with parents and create a positive and productive learning environment for my students.
4d Participating In The Professional Community
Attending an IEP meeting for one of my third-grade students was a valuable experience for me as an educator. I got the opportunity to interact with other professionals involved in the education of the student, including the special education teacher and the school psychologist. It was inspiring to see how everyone was working together to develop a personalized plan for the student’s academic success. Participating in the meeting helped me to understand the importance of collaboration and communication in the professional community. I feel more confident and capable of contributing to future meetings and being an active member of the school community.
4e Growing and Developing Professionally
During the digital PSSA training for the 2023-2024 school year, I gained a deeper understanding of how to navigate PA state testing and the steps I needed to take to prepare for the long week ahead. This training helped me to better prepare my students for the test while also enhancing my own knowledge and skills as a teacher. The training also showed me that a lot of the mandated testing requirements can quickly change over time and that it is important to remain familiar with the state testing requirements.
4f Showing Professionalism
After reading the recommendation letter, I am grateful for the recognition of my professionalism as a teacher. The letter mentions my planning and preparation abilities, as well as my efforts to cater to the individual needs of each student through differentiated instruction. I am glad that my positive demeanor and dedication to the welfare of all students were noticed, as these are essential elements of teaching that I strive to embody. Additionally, I appreciate the acknowledgment of my willingness to help in any situation, as I always try to go above and beyond for my students. Overall, I am humbled by the kind words in the letter and will continue to work hard to improve my teaching practice.