This eportfolio was created to show how the Elementary Education program at Dixie

State University has provided me with experiences that helped me grow as a teacher.
Organized based on the DSU Department of Education DESERT Model Standards, these
experiences are shown in my eportfolio through signature assignments that provide evidence
of my becoming a competent, caring, and qualified teacher.
I believe specific portions of my eportfolio indicate that I am competent as an educator.
My science lesson on the topic of leaves shows that I am capable of creating a lesson that
includes technology to motivate and engage students (DM2). It also demonstrates that I can
use a variety of teaching strategies, assessments, and supportive materials to address the needs
of a variety of students (DM1). In this lesson, students were shown a video, gathered real
leaves, discussed and investigated with their peers, created a graph, and analyzed data to help
them explore the difference between summer and fall leaves.
Competency is more than teaching a well-planned lesson, but wanting to progress and
improve after the fact. That is why I believe my video analysis of my math lesson is a good
demonstration of my ability to analyze and reflect on my teaching (DM5). In this analysis, I
break down how I taught my lesson. I reflect on aspects I thought were strong and aspects I
could improve on to make the lesson, and my teaching, more meaningful for my students.
My eportfolio, and specifically my classroom management plan, indicates that I care
about the students I have the opportunity to teach. I believe that in order to create a successful
learning environment where all students have the opportunity to excel, there needs to be a
proper plan in place. In the plan I created, I included an introduction letter to parents and
students to make them feel welcome into my classrooms and procedures and rules I would like

to incorporate in my classroom. I also included certain awards for students that excel in a
variety of ways (DM4). I believe that positive reinforcement is a strong motivational tool to help
students do their best.
Along with creating an environment where the students are physically and emotionally
safe, I believe caring for my students involves differentiating lessons to support their needs
(DM1). My comprehension lesson demonstrates my ability to do this. Throughout the lesson, I
implement a variety of modifications and accommodations for specific students in my class.
Each student is unique in what they need to be successful, that is why I believe it is important
to differentiate for their needs.
Along with being competent and caring, I also believe I am qualified to teach children. I
used my subject matter knowledge and experience with technology to create a history
production on The Star-Spangled Banner (DM3). My SIOP evaluation form filled out by my DSU
supervisor shows that I understand SIOP and can implement it in my instruction (DM1). And I
will graduate with my ESL endorsement which qualifies me to teach children who are learning
English as their second language. These children are becoming more prominent in our
classrooms; therefore, it is important to understand their needs.
Another portion of my eportfolio that demonstrates I am a qualified teacher is my old
and new philosophy of education (DM6). I believe this shows qualification because it shows
growth. Throughout the two years I was in the elementary education program, I have changed
my views and perspectives on teaching. It is important for educators to reflect on all they have
learned throughout their experiences and determine their new standing.

My eportfolio shows only a small portion of assignments Ive created throughout my

educational experience in the Elementary Education program at Dixie State University. I believe
the signature assignments I have focused on show that I am competent, caring, and qualified. I
know I have a lot left to learn, but I am excited to be able to share my love of learning with
students I have the opportunity to teach.