Jennifer Clark

Integrated Reflection

To say I have learned this semester is a huge understatement. From immersing myself into Phase ones practicum experience, to taking an array of classes, I certainly feel like I am one step closer to becoming a special education teacher. One of the biggest influential experiences this semester has been practicum. Looking back, I see such a huge change from who I was on day one, arriving to my site nervous to even introduce myself to a classroom of three students, to now, developing lesson plans and teaching every single day Im there with ease. Ill admit I wasnt sure I could ever get used to this type of schedule during the first week (which was ironically the easiest week as we only had to observe the students.) I felt overwhelmed by having no free time during my day, and had to quickly adjust to this schedule in order to thrive. And I did. I learned about developing Social Studies lesson plans, performing reading interventions, conducting an informal assessment targeting one skill, administering reading assessments, creating unit tests, finding interventions that target problematic behaviors, creating instructional programs, implementing my own instructional programs, and collaborating with other teachers and peers. I also learned quite a bit more about what different Special Education settings can look like. Prior to this semester, Id only really had experiences in alternative settings working with students who have multiple severe disabilities (both intellectual and emotional.) The setting I was in during Phase 1 involved

students who have learning disabilities and OHIs. To be honest, I was doubtful that any of these kids even had a disability upon first impressions. I certainly learned that disability looks different for every student. For example: I worked with two different students who both have a learning disability, but have completely different strengths and weaknesses. The classes I took this semester definitely opened my eyes to a lot of different teaching concepts. In fact, I just completed Quiz 4 for SPED 470 (Learning Environments 1) that involved compiling a list of ten things I learned from the course and why they matter for my future as a special educator. When completing the assignment, I realized I could make a list of at least 50 things I learned from the class. In SPED 431 (Assistive Technology and Physical Disabilities) I learned about a ton of AT devices that I can utilize in the classroom. One assignment we just completed involved creating a case study based on a student with a disability (made up) and suggesting an AT device for them. I chose to base my assignment on a student with Cerebral Palsy, who needs the Dragon Naturally Speaking (voice recognition software) to type on a computer. We also had to make a video demonstrating the correct way to perform a lift. SPED 440 (Instructional Strategies) taught me that there are many different strategies out there that I can use to implement instructional programs. I had no idea about any of them going into the course. It was in this class that I learned about different prompting strategies, reinforcements, and schedules. I completed an informal assessment and instructional program, in which I was to target a student in

my practicum setting and focus on strengthening a skill. I found this assignment to be particularly beneficial because I knew Id need this experience as a future teacher. SPED 446 (Curriculum Development) has taught me a tremendous amount of information about the different types of curriculums out there, how to differentiate instruction, hosting a PCP (Person Centered Planning) meeting, and much more this semester. I will definitely use the information Ive learned through this course in the future, particularly the content about IEP meetings and incorporating PCP and Environmental Inventories during them. Overall, I feel like I am a whole new person in comparison to the beginning of this semester. Ive definitely seen a lot of growth not only in my teaching abilities, but also personally. For example, Ive learned how to manage my time effectively, and not procrastinate on anything. Ive learned how to prioritize assignments to optimize productivity. Ive learned about what professionalism does and does not look like through my practicum experience. I am proud of all Ive accomplished this semester, and excited to see what the next three semesters have in store.

** My instructional programs, SPED 470 Quiz 4, lesson plans, managing the learning environment assignment, SPED 431 Case Study assignment, SPED 431 Training Video, and other assignments can be found on the Highlights page. **