Standard I: PEDAGOGICAL EXPERTISE IN ART I am proficient in this standard for multiple reasons. I build relationships with students and get to know to them and learn about their strengths, likes and dislikes. This way I can create effective instructions and lessons that cater to all learning styles. I have also included in multiple lessons where students have to collaborate and work as a community. For example in the 2nd Grade class I taught at Rice students created masks of endangered animals in Colorado. For the first few class periods we learned background knowledge about out animal by working in teams, because in order to save the animals we needed to work as a team. I set the class up as if we were team members working together with a purpose so students began to help each other when they were having trouble. The lesson also included abstract and realistic elements in order to hit strengths in all students and give them the chance for success.
Standard II: A SAFE, INCLUSIVE AND RESPECTABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS In order to create a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment I let students know right away what their expectations are. Part of these expectations are letting students participate in deciding some of the major classroom rules so they can be held accountable for their actions when rules are broken and to start to build respect between the teacher and the student. I listen to every students needs and problems with an open mind and a desire to create instruction or lesson that meets these needs or solves a problem. I try to make the classroom a safe space where mistakes can be a learning experience and exploring is encouraged. When instructing I acknowledge my own mistakes and tell students that it is just a learning experience for them and clearly I am still learning. I give them the tools and the freedom to explore while also being successful and meeting objectives.
Standard III: PLANS, EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION AND AN EFFECTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT When creating plans and instructions I make sure I know all of my students and their individual needs and learning styles. At Preston I read through all of the 504 and IEP's and at Rice I met with the ILS and special education teachers to find out information on how I could best instruct and create success for specific students. I want all students, to feel successful, safe, respected and free to explore. I do not want students to feel overwhelmed or discouraged because I am instructing or teaching a project that doesn't make sense, is too challenging or to restricting. When creating lessons I try to make projects where I give a simple instruction that can stay simple or be explored so all learners participate and succeed.
Standard IV: DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP While at Preston and Rice I reached out to several teachers and resources to find new and effective ways to teach students. While at Preston I taught 7th and 8th grade students a clay slab projects where they had to write a story about a character they created. I decided to ask the English teacher how she teaches this concept so that students would be able to use prior knowledge for better understanding and make connections to English. At Rice I met with ILS and special education teachers on how to differentiate projects for specific students and what would be the best way to deliver effective instruction for understanding and motivation.
Standard V:PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES I demonstrated leadership throughout my teaching experience by participating in staff and department meetings at both Preston and Rice. At Preston I also attended two art shows met and talked with parents and students. At Rice I attended art where I also interacted with parents and students about their artwork. I also helped matte and hang up artwork for art night. I was also a volunteer for track and field day and assisted in running the softball throw for 5th grade students. I will continue to seek out new means of improving my professional practice through clubs, sports and any other after school activities so I continue my growth as a educator.
Teaching Goals One of my main goals for teaching is being able to create lessons that all students can be successful in. I want to learn new and efficient ways to differentiate for all learners. By getting to know my students, skill levels and interests I think I can create lessons and instruction that will motivate, hit student strengths but also build on weaker areas without overwhelming or discouraging students. My other goal for teaching is to build relationships with students and make the art classroom a positive community. I want students to work together, help each other and make them feel like they have a safe and respectful place to learn. When I build relationships with students I want their to be respect on both ends form to the students and from the student towards me. I am hoping that having this mutual respect will also begin to help students respect each other and create a positive and welcoming learning environment.
The two dispositions I feel are my strongest are desire to improve own profession and tact and judgement. I am constantly looking for new ways to improve lessons, instruction and classroom management. Throughout my students teaching I met with ILS and special education and teachers from other subjects to find the best ways to work with students or teach specific content in my lesson that was relate able to what the students were already learning. Tact and judgement is another disposition that I feel is a strengths, when approaching situations I always have an open mind. When there is a problem I meet with students individually first and get the story from each then I talk to both of them based on what I have heard and make a judgment call. I always makes sure to hear both sides first and listen respectful and stay calm. When dealing with professional parent conversations I always make sure I am addressing issues in a positive manner. I let parents know that there was this problem but bring something positive about the student into the conversation. I also make sure that I am using neutral language and keeping a calm and collected composure.