1. My Overall Growth as a Student Teacher in Special Education
Working in special education has been transformative, deepening my understanding of how to adapt instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. As a student teacher, I have learned to see the potential in every learner, focusing on their strengths while addressing areas where they need additional support. My experiences have taught me the importance of patience, flexibility, and building strong relationships with students. Every day, I gain confidence in using individualized teaching strategies and accommodations to help students achieve their goals.
The Des Moines County Schools Education Conference featured a workshop led by keynote speaker James Nottingham, focused on his innovative Learning Pit model. This workshop was complemented by a variety of sessions aimed at addressing academic standards, best practices in teaching, and strategies for enhancing student engagement.
Keynote Presentation: James Nottingham introduced the concept of The Learning Pit, emphasizing the importance of challenge in the learning process. He explained how educators can guide students through struggles and obstacles to foster resilience and deeper understanding.
Breakout Sessions: I participated in multiple breakout sessions led by experts from various educational organizations, such as the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Reading Research Center. These sessions focused on practical strategies for implementing academic standards, enhancing student engagement, and addressing mental health in education.
Collaborative Planning: During the workshop, I engaged in collaborative planning activities sharing the knowledge gained from the breakout sessions by each person within my building.
1. Embracing Challenge in Learning:
Implementation: The introduction of The Learning Pit encouraged me to create a classroom environment where challenges are seen as an integral part of the learning process. I began to design lessons that incorporate difficult problems and questions that require critical thinking, thereby fostering a culture of resilience among my students.
Impact: Students became more engaged in their learning, demonstrating a greater willingness to tackle challenging content, leading to improved problem-solving skills.
2. Aligning with Academic Standards:
Implementation: Insights gained from the sessions on academic standard shifts enabled me to align my curriculum more closely with current educational requirements. I began to incorporate performance-based assessments that reflect these standards.
Impact: This alignment resulted in clearer expectations for students, helping them understand the relevance of what they were learning and how it applies to their future academic and career paths.
3. Increasing Student Engagement:
Implementation: Strategies discussed during the conference, such as integrating technology and project-based learning, have been implemented in my lesson planning. I started to use interactive tools and collaborative projects to make learning more dynamic.
Impact: Student engagement increased significantly, as lessons became more relevant and enjoyable. This led to higher participation rates and improved classroom dynamics.
4. Addressing Mental Health:
Implementation: Learning about the importance of mental health support in education prompted me to incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) practices into my daily routines. I continued using check-ins and reflection periods to address students’ emotional needs.
Impact: By prioritizing mental health, students felt more supported and connected, which contributed to a more positive classroom environment conducive to learning.
5. Collaborative Professional Learning:
Implementation: The collaborative planning sessions inspired me to engage in ongoing professional learning with my colleagues.
Impact: This collaboration has fostered a sense of community among staff, leading to collective growth in our teaching practices and ensuring consistency in content delivery across grade levels.
The professional development activity at the Des Moines County Schools Education Conference significantly enhanced my content pedagogy by providing practical strategies and a framework for embracing challenge in the classroom. The concepts introduced by James Nottingham and the collaborative experiences with other educators have allowed me to create a more engaging, resilient, and supportive learning environment for my students. Moving forward, I plan to continue applying these principles and seek out further professional development opportunities to deepen my practice.
2. Collaborating to Analyze Student Data in Special Education
As part of my special education student teaching experience, I joined a team of special and general education teachers to analyze data from both academic assessments and behavioral observations. We reviewed progress monitoring data and identified patterns to determine which students were meeting their IEP goals and which needed additional support. This collaboration allowed me to see how different perspectives contribute to understanding each student’s progress and how data can be used to adapt and refine instructional approaches.
a. Influence of Collaboration on Instructional Planning and Modification
The collaboration helped me see the importance of using data-driven insights to modify instruction. For example, after reviewing the data, I incorporated more hands-on activities and visual aids for a student struggling with math concepts. This adjustment made the lessons more accessible, and I noticed a positive change in the student’s engagement and understanding. The experience reinforced the importance of using data to make real-time adjustments to support student learning more effectively.
b. Influence of Collaboration on My Growth as a Special Education Student Teacher
Collaborating with both special education and general education teachers gave me a more holistic understanding of each student’s needs and strengths. It highlighted the value of communication and shared expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Working as part of a team encouraged me to view teaching as a collaborative practice, and I’ve grown as an educator by learning from colleagues’ experiences and insights.
3. Professional Educational Organization Impact
I’ve joined the National Education Association (NEA), which has provided me with access to resources specifically designed for early-career teachers. For example, I used the NEA’s classroom management guide, which offers practical advice on maintaining a positive, productive learning environment. The NEA’s emphasis on supporting new teachers has helped me build essential skills, such as creating routines and setting clear expectations, which have contributed to my growing confidence as a teacher.
4. Future Professional Growth Goals in Special Education
a. Specific Goal for Professional Growth
One of my primary goals is to continue improving my skills in adapting instruction and assessment for students with diverse needs, particularly those with learning and developmental disabilities. I aim to become more proficient in implementing individualized supports that foster both academic and social-emotional growth.
b. Professional Growth Activities to Achieve This Goal
To achieve this goal, I plan to participate in workshops on adaptive technology and behavior management techniques, as these are critical for supporting students with disabilities. I also intend to take an advanced course on assessment and data collection in special education to deepen my understanding of how to effectively track and respond to student progress. By engaging in these growth activities, I aim to enhance my ability to provide inclusive, meaningful learning experiences that support each student’s unique journey.