• Reflections on Your Identity

  1. • Sense of identity is shaped by meaningful personal relationships. These individuals challenge and support, shaping core values of authenticity , accountability, and open mindedness. Having grown up in a predominately white school, recognizing how performitive representation left a gap in education. As a result, being fully commnitted to providing authentic, identity affirming learning spaces when studen are seen and feel seen. Building spaces for all students to be celebrated and not othered.

• Challenges and Growth

  1. • With minimal exposure to race and identity, realization of how silence reinforces sytemic inequalities and learning to unlearn this passivity. Discomfort is a catalyst for growth. It doesn't negate the importance of speaking out. Early experiences in school will tend to teach compliance, going with the flow, don't question. As an adult, a shift to being conscious has occurred by using tools like relfections to identify personal blind spots and consistently refine approach.

• Impact on Teaching

  1. • One's own self awareness to identity and biases enables one to rexognize those of your students. Instead of assuming sameness, seeking out to understand who they are beyond the grade book. Through the transition from a chameleon student to being a teacher who is intentional in what she does. Students should be flexable and adaptive, but not when it impeds who they are and their needs as a student. 

• Key Points

• Middle school students are complex & dynamic - Observed students grappling with identity, relationships, and external pressures (e.g., immigration fears, academic stress, relationships. 

• 1. • Relationships matter - Consistently prioritized personal connections; Learning students interests, offering individualized support, building rapport. 

     • Environmental and structural factors impact learning - Notice of access to materials, as well as the need for clearer classroom and school procedures. 

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• Connections to Lesson Planning

  • UDL - Adpated lesson plans in real time - adjusting instruction based on student interest, engagement, and pacing. 

  • Formative assessment  and feedback - Offering critique during art projects and checking for understanding through asking questions, blooket, and exit tickets. 

  • Behavior and classroom management strategies - Implementation of proimity, enforcing classroom norms and expectations. 

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• Growth as an Educator

  1. •  Increased confidence - Transitioned from observer to support to lead teacher. Shoed initiative in planning, classroom management, and responding to inappropriate behavior assertively and professionally. 

     • Reflective practice - Candid observations about fatigue, missed opportunities, and student challenges. 

     • Collaboration and Initiative - Helping students one-on-one, modifying tools, or stepping in for classroom management; demonstration of leadership and proactive thinking.