As in other professions, the complexity of teaching requires continued growth and development in order for teachers to remain current. Continuing to stay informed and increasing their skills allows teachers to become ever more effective and to exercise leadership among their colleagues. The academic disciplines themselves evolve, and educators constantly refine their understanding of how to engage students in learning; thus, growth in content, pedagogy, and information technology are essential to good teaching. Networking with colleagues through such activities as joint planning, study groups, and lesson study provides opportunities for teachers to learn from one another. These activities allow for job-embedded professional development. In addition, professional educators increase their effectiveness in the classroom by belonging to professional organizations, reading professional journals, attending educational conferences, and taking university classes. As they gain experience and expertise, educators find ways to contribute to their colleagues and to the profession.
(Danielson, C. 2013)
Sister Green performed a Formative Assessment on my ability to teach and manage a classroom environment. Evaluations have helped me to see where growth is necessary and create a plan of action to ensure that growth takes place. In this evaluation Sister Green shares 4 specific ways that I can grow professionally and offers suggestions on how to do so. These areas of growth include specifics on assessment outcomes, classroom management, differentiation and timeliness. Moving forward I have made sure to explicitly share what I am looking for when performing assessments rather than just saying how I am going to asses' students. Other ways I have used this evaluation to grow is by making a plan on how I will arrive 15 minutes early to class each week and sharing it with Sister Green.
Substitute Teaching
This artifact is a weekly schedule of substitute shifts that I pick up throughout the week for the School District. I am able to work as a Substitute Teacher or as a Para-Professional. As I work in the schools, I am able to continue increasing my skills by applying the things I have learned in my own Education in the classrooms. I am able to try different techniques and strategies that I have learned about in a non-threatening environment and get more comfortable in a classroom setting. As I continue to grow and evolve with more experience, I am able to become more effective and a leader. As a substitute for the district I am able to go in all sorts of classrooms. I have substituted in different grades in Elementary and High school. When I substitute as a paraprofessional I am able to observe teachers and the different techniques that they use.