InTASC Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
During my first weeks as a student teacher, I began compiling a list of information on specific students in my class. After guidance meetings or after I had observed situations on my own, I recorded the things I found to be important when interacting with students, as well as planning lessons for them. I would then record my ideas on how to adjust my teaching or my class in order to accommodate the needs of these students. Some of my observations and notes are pictured to the left. I believe it is essential to adjust the classroom in a way that is healthy and productive for each student attending. By taking notes such as those to the left, I have found that I am better equipped to create a healthy and happy learning environment for my students. I have also found that by making these notes, I have also created a convenient resource to look at before parent-teacher conferences or INRS meetings at the school.
The other portion of this chart pictured below a piece of the chart where I have recorded my own reflection on my teaching, as well as different teaching strategies I would like to use again or in the future. In the hustle and bustle of teacher life, it's sometimes easy to forget some of the unique strategies that you have come across during your student teaching or teacher education. In an effort to avoid forgetting these useful strategies, I have recorded them and described how they work, or what they should look like when implemented in the classroom. I have found this to be a great resource when planning lessons; it helps to provide inspiration when lesson planning gets tough! |