Heather Smith - Educational Support Graduate

Learning Portfolio: Semester 2

Reflections on Learning - Placement Term 2

Some of my biggest take-aways during this terms placement are: self awareness, work ethic and resilience. I have improved my skills and knowledge, accelerated my personal growth within the school community, and I have worked alongside some pretty amazing students from all different backgrounds and learning abilities.

Smart Goal #1 Reflection

My first smart goal for semester 2 was to become a part of the breakfast club and work with the special education and guidance team to serve food to students to get them off on the right foot for their day of learning. The breakfast club runs on donations from Halton Food for Thought. My goal was to become more involved in the school community but also to develop a stronger team feeling through collaboration and working towards a common goal.

Smart Goal #2 Reflection

My second smart goal for semester 2 was to focus on professional development and growth for myself to assist me in becoming the best EA I can be. Professional development is extremely important to me as an EA. I want to learn as much as I can and be as current as possible to ensure the safety and inclusion of the students with whom I am working within the school.

Evidence of Goal #1: The Breakfast Club

Volunteering at the breakfast club at my placement this semester was the best way to start my days. It was great to interact with the students in a non-teaching environment. We served everything from smoothies to cereal, fruit to granola bars and everything in between. The breakfast club is really important for creating a nurturing environment where students can start the day with a friendly smile, a "good morning" and a healthy breakfast to be better prepared for a day of learning. I love the fact that I was able to be a part of this and would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Evidence of Goal #2: Professional Growth

I had the opportunity to attend 2 different workshops offered through Sheridan College and their Skills Passport. The first workshop I attended was the Behaviour Management Systems Training (B.M.S.). The emphasis is placed on prevention and non-physical intervention. This is a great workshop to help reduce conflicts and the need for physical interventions in the school setting. I have included a copy of my B.M.S. certificate.

I also had the opportunity to attend the workshop, LGBTQS2+. This is so important for creating a safe inclusive space for everyone and also for building strong relationships with all students within the school setting. No certificate was given for this.

Accepting Feedback

Feedback is so important to growing as an educator. Feedback is a tool and I welcome it. It is a great way to begin a personal goal-setting process, with knowing what I need to work on, it also gives me the dedication to meet my goals. Feedback makes a person learn and grow. The feedback that I received during this placement was positive and informative and as I gather more experience in the EA field, I will continue to crush my goals.

Term Two Placement - Evaluation

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