Commitment to Reflection and Growth

My preparation at West Virginia State University has provided me with

numerous strategies and theories to base my teaching upon and how to do so on a
developmentally appropriate level. Throughout the many field placements, I have
been reminded that teaching really is the profession I want to be a part of! I am
grateful to have had supportive cooperating teachers who gave me positive
feedback.
Throughout my time at West Virginia State University, I have grown
academically, but also as a teacher candidate. I have reached my goal of making
the Deans List multiple times while maintaining above a 3.0 GPA. I became a
member of Kappa Delta Pi, attended multiple professional developments, and
completed many field experience placements which have prepared for my student
teaching and teaching career. My first artifact is my Deans List Certificate from the
most recent semester, Fall 2014.
Content Knowledge
My first semester at West Virginia State University, I had taken Education
200, Foundations of Education. During this course, I became terrified when I was
informed about having to take the Praxis I along with the other tests we would have
to take in order to become a teacher. I wasnt worried about the reading or math
section, but I was worried about the others. I was proud to say I passed my Praxis I
on my first try, and was able to move on. During Education 200, we had to draft our
philosophy of Education, which is one area I have grown in. My philosophy has
slightly changed, but mostly matured. I have included for my second artifact my
first Educational philosophy and my current educational philosophy.
I knew that I wouldnt have to teach my first lesson until Education 316, but I
was still terrified. I didnt know how to write a lesson plan, I didnt know how to align
my objectives with my lesson and assessments, and most of all I didnt know how to
teach twenty-two students. Fortunately, my classes leading up to Education 316,
and my field placements prior to teaching prepared me to teach my first lesson. I
was surprised when I taught my first lesson, that I was not nervous at all when I was
up in front of the class. The students enjoyed the lesson, and my cooperating
teacher did also. My third artifact is my third lesson plan evaluation from Education
316.
Professional Knowledge
Although it may seem that teaching is an easy profession because they get
spring break, Christmas break, Thanksgiving Break, and a summer break, its more
than just that. Teachers face many obstacles during the eight to nine months they
are in school each year. One area I was and still am nervous about is meeting with

the parents. I was very lucky to have a supportive cooperating teacher for my
Education 316 placement. She allowed me to come in during parent teacher
conferences and observe what they were like. I feel more comfortable with the idea
now more so than I did when I began the teacher education program at WVSU. From
observing the parent teacher conferences, I learned strategies to use to positively
talk about a students strengths and weaknesses.

Pedagogical Knowledge
Until I became a student at WVSU and was enrolled in my first education
class, I had not heard of the word pedagogy. I wasnt even sure what the meaning of
this word was. In Education 200 and Education 201, we learned many different
theories and theorist. My biggest fear was not being able to remember any of the
theories or theorist. I knew that I would be tested on that information when I would
take the PLT. I took my PLT in January of 2015 and passed on my first attempt. My
scores from the PLT and Praxis I are shown as my fourth artifact.
Professional Experience
Since I was a young girl, I knew that I wanted to become an elementary
school teacher. Ive always loved children, and have always loved helping people. I
knew that by becoming a teacher, I would be able to help children chase their
dreams and become successful. I just couldnt think of choosing any other
profession. During my time at WVSU, I have had wonderful professors who I cannot
think enough for their encouragement. I have also had wonderful field placements
with supportive cooperating teachers who have helped and encouraged me. Most of
all, I have met students who have changed my life and made me realize the
importance of a teacher. I am very excited to begin my student teaching experience
next semester.