1 Jaileen Rodriguez December 5, 2013 Strengthening Professional Practice During student teaching, the implementation of the Teacher Work

Cycle has had a significant influence for daily teaching practices. All of the steps challenged me as a novice teacher, but also improved my teaching practices. This framework has allowed me to examine the classroom, school, district, and the community environment. It assisted me to reflect on the factors influencing my practices and students achievement. The classroom and school/community context, as well as the ethical responsibility to children, is very important when it comes to success in education. I believe educators are the primary source when it comes to children reaching their learning potential. It is our duty to help each individual achieve. It is also important to have a diverse learning environment. It will allow students to learn from other students of the same age. In addition, it will allow students to learn something new and activate prior knowledge. One of the steps I believe came natural is managing the classroom. Managing the classroom is very important when it comes to children and learning. Students need to feel safe and comfortable. Without a safe environment, students will not feel at home. It is important to make students feel welcome and have a one-to-one relationship with each student. Having set routines and having rules will allow educators to manage the classroom in a positive manner. Having a scheduled routine will allow students to complete everyday assignments and feel a sense of belonging when they are included in these routines. It is also crucial to allow students to choose the classroom content. Providing students with the choice of what they want to do will enhance their motivation in learning. I have learned that enhancing student behavior rewards will keep students involved and ready to learn. It helps students concentrate in learning and will allow the teacher to manage her classroom. When a classroom is managed correctly, learning can grow to its fullest potential. In assignment 2, the Descriptive Review of a Childs Work, I received suggestions from my peers for teaching the child. These conversations provided me with helpful suggestions when planning for instruction. It helped me understand childrens learning because it showed how similar/different every child is. These conversations allowed us, as novice teachers, to share ideas. I believe it is important to work together. When teachers work together, it allows teachers to combine their students learning and share ideas or ask questions. It is important to communicate and discuss expectations/suggestions of what is the best teaching practice. It is a way for teachers to collaborate and discuss the needs of students. When it comes to reaching and teaching all children, it is important to differentiate. Not all students learn in one particular way; every child has their own unique way of learning. It is crucial to first establish a relationship with each individual student. In order to reach and teach all students, you must first know their background

2 knowledge. How does he/she learn? Do they need visuals? Hands-on assignments? Guidance? Etc. Providing choices for students will allow the teacher to reach all students. I have learned that it is very critical to allow students to choose; it activates their interest and allows students to be actively involved in learning. As a new teacher, it is very difficult to differentiate for all students, especially with 30 students in your classroom. It is important to reach all levels and differentiate appropriately in order for students to achieve. As an undergraduate student, this teaching experience has contributed to personal and professional development. Through the various activities and interactions Ive had, I have been able to transform, grow and develop as an individual. My involvement in all that I do is filled with passion. There is an intense desire that I have to put my all into everything I do, especially in helping children grow as individuals. Dealing with real life experiences in the classroom, whether it is differentiating for students or communicating with parents, is the driving force that persistently challenges me to be an engaging and understanding person. Strengths that I have encountered throughout student teaching involve being creative and engaging students. Being able to engage students involves active learners. It is important to motivate students because it encourages them to become learners. Goals I plan to pursue involve differentiating for students. Although I have encountered many ways to differentiate, I would like to enhance my knowledge in accommodating for student learning. How can I challenge students? Not only would I like to focus on below level students who need additional one-to-one, but the advance students who can get stuck. A great teacher should challenge his/her students in order to enhance their thinking. I have met challenges first hand and refused to be defeated by obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome. My strengths and my flaws have been tested in the process. Through it all, I am not afraid to say that I have learned something about myself along the way. I am someone who has expectations, is goal oriented, and a team player. My ability to communicate effectively and clearly has improved. Many, myself included, would describe me as being shy. This has subsided as I am expected to actively engage, participate, and contribute as a team member. I find it easy for me to work with others. In being able to work with other teachers of the same grade level, it has showed me how to recognize, identify, and solve problems individually or as a team. It also have proven me that people can work with others, share ideas among ourselves, and still have room to be as creative as I would like to beall for a common goal. Moreover, I am an individual full of life, laughter, and inspiration. I am someone who is thoughtful, loving, kind, and warm-hearted. With this experience, I have been perfectly polished and uniquely blended into the lively person I am today.