Professional Development

What I'm working on this year (2024-25)

This year I have been striving to offer students more voice and choice in how they demonstrate understanding, what topics to investigate, and how we approach concepts in the classroom.

Students are often allowed to model (draw), describe, or combine methods to show their understanding (see left).

We will frequently vote on what topics to cover next and how to approach them (whole class discussion, small group, individual research, etc).

For several projects, students choose the type of presentation (for example, poster, pamphlet, video, or newspaper article) and the topic from a list (or something off the list with instructor approval).

Previous years

Last year, I wrote that I am really looking forward to building empathy in the classroom. One way I have done this is by giving students real-life perspectives from people from various walks of life. For example, when we cover chromosomes in RTB students will hear from people with chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 21.

Another way we have worked on developing our social-emotional learning is through our kindness lesson, growth mindset lesson, circle talks, and positive behavior intervention systems (PBIS). I have been a lead member of the PBIS team and helped to implement a positive behavior referral program "Sparty Bucks" where students can be rewarded for following the Spartan Way (respectful, responsible, safe, and kind).

Describe a professional goal you have for yourself beyond induction. Why have you identified this as a need or interest?

A professional goal I have beyond induction is to deepen my students' depth of knowledge and allow them to engage in more independent learning. During my first two years of teaching classroom management was my primary focus, and but now that I am more experienced I am allowing students to "get their hands dirty" and explore using creative, open-ended projects and labs seemed too daunting a task. I am ready to move students into more project-based learning. Click the link for an example of what I am aiming for: make a moving car using a chemical reaction project.

To achieve this goal, I will implement a project-based learning assignment in each of my classes in each semester next year. Students will show their learning with a final product that meets the requirements.

What can you do personally and professionally, to sustain the energy it takes to be passionate about students, teaching, and learning?

I am constantly challenging myself to create the best learning experience possible. This means researching and trying new lesson ideas. This keeps the learning fun and fresh for the students and for me. I listen to podcasts, follow social media, and attend professional development sessions for new ideas. Just this week I tried "discussion cards" to elevate and gamify our classroom discussions.

I also circle back to my "why" each year to remind myself why I do this and refocus my energy on the students. My goal is to nurture their curiosity and turn them into lifelong learners.

Read a statement about my teaching from our principal here.

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