Irene Poulton

Professional Development Plan:

Goal 1:

Obtain a position in teaching at the elementary school level.

I would like to be able to find a position as a teacher or instructional aide at an elementary school
in either Tucson Unified School District or Amphi Unified School District.
I have placed the position of becoming an instructional aide on my list of goals because I have
been advised that I would do best if I can teach in a small or smaller classroom. Other ideas that
I have had for teaching in a smaller classroom include obtaining a position at Project More or
some other agency that tutors disadvantaged children, children who speak English as a Second
Language, or children who are struggling in reading.

Goal 2.
InTASC Standard 2 (1)
The teacher believes that all learners can achieve at high levels and persists in helping each
learner reach his/her potential.
While I am working as a teacher or as an instructional aide I plan on working on obtaining a
Reading Endorsement. I have always loved reading and am hoping that I will be able to pass
that love on to students who struggle with this subject.
1. I would have to complete an application for certification first.
2. Research the prerequisite courses to that are needed as criteria for the classes listed
below.
3. In addition to the other requirement for me to begin working on this endorsement I must
have three years of full-time teaching experience. However I believe that I would be able
to teach full-time during the school year and still take those classes that are prerequisites
for the Reading Endorsement in the summer, perhaps on-line.
4. Take the Subject Knowledge of Reading Endorsement exam K-8) and complete it with a
passing grade.
Goal 3. InTASC Standard 4(a)
The teacher effectively uses multiple representations and explanations that capture key ideas
in the discipline, guide learners though learning progressions, and promote each learners
achievement of content standards.

Current Skill: Applying

Desired Skill: Integrating
I hope that I may be able to complete more than one class a year however if I am teaching
full time that may be difficult if not impossible to do.
Supporting Activities:
Year 1. Three semester hours in the theoretical and research foundations of language and
literacy.
Year 2. Three semester hours in the essential elements of elementary reading and writing
instruction
(K-8)

Goal 4. By this time I hope that I would be able to obtain a position as a full-time teacher for
grades
2 5.
InTASC Standard 5 (s)
The teacher values flexible learning environments that encourage learners exploration,
discovery, and expression across content areas.
Year 3. Three semester hours in elements of elementary content area reading and writing (k8)
Year 4 Six semester hours in reading assessment.
Year 5 Three hours in Leadership (Educational)
Years 6 elective courses: Childrens literature, or teaching reading to English Language
Learners.

Goal 5. Participate in an internship that will provide me with the skills and knowledge that I
will need to assist students who are struggling with reading.
InTASC Standard: 4 (r)
The teacher is committed to work toward each learners mastery of disciplinary content and
skills.

Activities: work as a student teacher gaining knowledge from a teacher with a Reading
Endorsement who uses this knowledge in classrooms with students who are struggling with
reading, or who are English Language Learners and have not become proficient in reading at
their grade level.

Goal 6. Become a teacher who has obtained a Reading Endorsement and begin working with
students who require assistance in improving their reading grade levels.
Criteria for success: I am teaching reading to students who are struggling with reading at
the elementary school level.
In addition to the above; I plan on taking a class or workshops in classroom management and
at least one class in Professional writing skills. I am also endeavoring to improve my skills as a
teacher and am participating in workshops or other professional development resources to
improve my skills as a teacher.
Once I have obtained my Reading Endorsement I would like to use childrens literature as the
basis for my lessons in the classroom. If I am unable to obtain that position then I would like to
become a reading teacher who assists students who are either English as a Second Language
learners or are struggling with learning to read.