4d: Participating in a Professional Learning Community

Schools are, first of all, environments to promote the learning of students. But in promoting student learning, teachers must work with their colleagues to share strategies, plan joint efforts, and plan for the success of individual students. Schools are, in other words, professional organizations for teachers, with their full potential realized only when teachers regard themselves as members of a professional community. This community is characterized by mutual support and respect, as well as by recognition of the responsibility of all teachers to be constantly seeking ways to improve their practice and to contribute to the life of the school. Inevitably, teachers’ duties extend beyond the doors of their classrooms and include activities related to the entire school or larger district, or both. These activities include such things as school and district curriculum committees or engagement with the parent-teacher organization. With experience, teachers assume leadership roles in these activities.

Danielson, C. 2013

Artifact 4d-1

This is my formal observation and evaluation I completed with my mentor teacher in Early Field Practicum. We sat down and discussed my strengths and areas as a teacher. This helped me build a better connection with my mentor teacher and have that support and respect. It taught me many different ways I can grow as a teacher and be professional.

Artifact 4d-2

This is one of my face to face collaboration logs with a team member who was assigned to the same class as me but on the two other days I wasn't. We filled this out weekly and worked together to best promote the learning in our students. Through our efforts together, we were able to share information about each of the students and their learning, ask and analyze a lot about the content and best to teach theses kids. It was something I loved to do so I could collaborate with them about what I was doing and they were so we could be on the same page.