Reflections
Below is a reflection looking back on my year of student teaching and visioning my future as an educator. You can find my teaching super powers, areas for growth, what it means to me to be an equity-focused educator, and ideas for my Masters in Education capstone project.
Teaching Superpowers
Connecting with Students
One of my greatest strengths as a teacher is my ability to connect with students. Building meaningful relationships with students has always come naturally to me, and I believe it is a foundational element of effective teaching. Whether through one-on-one conversations, group activities, or simply showing genuine interest in their lives, I strive to create a classroom environment where every student feels valued and understood. This connection fosters a sense of trust and respect, which in turn enhances student engagement and participation.
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Throughout the year, I have seen the positive impact of these connections. Students are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and engage deeply with the material when they feel supported and heard. I have also noticed that students are more likely to share their thoughts and feelings, which has allowed me to better understand their needs and tailor my instruction accordingly.
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Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment
Another superpower of mine is creating an inclusive classroom environment, for students of all backgrounds and abilities. I am committed to ensuring that all students feel welcome and respected, physically, emotionally, and culturally. This involves being mindful of diverse perspectives, using inclusive language, and incorporating a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of all learners. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, I aim to promote a sense of belonging and community within my classroom.
Areas for growth
Student Assessment to Determine Next Steps for Instruction
While I have made significant strides in connecting with students and creating an inclusive environment, I recognize that I need to improve my skills in student assessment to determine the next steps for instruction. Effective assessment is crucial for understanding where students are in their learning journey and how best to support their progress. I have found that while I can gauge student understanding through informal methods, I need to develop a more systematic approach to formative and summative assessments.
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Improving in this area will involve not only learning more about different assessment techniques but also understanding how to interpret and act on assessment data. I aim to create a more robust framework for assessing student learning that will help me make informed instructional decisions and provide targeted support to students who need it.
Being an Equity-Focused Educator
To me, being an antiracist and equity-focused educator means actively working to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and injustice in education. It involves a commitment to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. This means creating a curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives, challenging biased attitudes and behaviors, and advocating for policies and practices that promote equity. I plan to implement these teaching into my class by engaging students in complex discussions about ethics in science.
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Being an antiracist educator also means engaging in continuous self-reflection and learning. It requires me to examine my own biases and assumptions and to seek out professional development opportunities that enhance my understanding of equity issues. By doing so, I can better support my students and contribute to creating a more just and equitable education system.
Capstone project for M.Ed.
One question I am excited to explore in my M.Ed. capstone project is: “How might I assess student engagement and accountability when using hard copy versus digital curriculum?”
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This question stems from my observations and experiences with both types of curriculum delivery methods. In today’s technology-driven world, digital curriculum offers many advantages, such as interactive content and easy access to resources. However, I have also noticed that some students seem to engage better with hard copy materials, possibly due to reduced distractions and the tactile nature of physical books.
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For my capstone project, I plan to investigate the factors that influence student engagement and accountability in both hard copy and digital formats. I will conduct research, collect data, and analyze the outcomes to determine which method, or combination of methods, is most effective for different types of learners. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, I aim to develop strategies that maximize student engagement and accountability, ultimately enhancing their learning experiences.
Individual Development Plan
Coming soon!