Student Teaching Week 16 Reflection

Week of Reflection: Friday, April 26, 2019
 
Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

• This week was a 5! It was amazing how much more energetic and happy I felt after having spring break! I also made a conscious effort to make this the best week because it was my last full week in my placement, and I wanted to make the most of it with my kiddos and my C.E.!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week, I felt super accomplished to complete my last ever full week of reporting to my student teaching placement. Graduation is so close now, and it’s starting to really feel real! I cannot believe this is our last blog for the School of Ed. 💗

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I observed kindergarten and 5th grade. I learned that I would be happy anywhere I am placed with a job-- I will just bloom wherever I am planted!

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My short term goals of finishing up all last assignments and my portfolio is aligned with my long term goal of graduating!!! I cannot believe it!!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I was pretty happy with how I managed my time this week.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

I didn’t really have any apprehension this week.

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

To make the most of my last couple of days with my kids and C.E., and to present my portfolio!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

I analyzed some math data this week. I actually taught my 2nd graders about data, various charts, and how to analyze data in pictographs and bar graphs!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Enjoy every second you can with your students and your C.E.!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

1b. “Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school.” This week in my placement, I have really analyzed data and the SIP as I have finished my portfolio. I have really begun to appreciate these elements throughout the completion of my portfolio.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

2a. “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” As I have finished teaching everything and all assignments, I have been able to finally take a deep breath and just enjoy my time with my C.E. and my students. I have been able to be there for them more and nurture them more as the stress of school work has subsided.

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3b. “Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.” Completing my mock classroom website has really made me dive into 2nd grade resources, and it has made me more aware of content that is appropriate for my teaching specialty!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4a. “Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.” When I look back at the beginning of student teaching, I was a little bit clueless when it came to understanding the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of my students. I could teach good lessons and I cared about the kids, but that was pretty much the extent of it. Now, at the end of student teaching, I believe I am more patient, and I have a better understanding of all of these things-- not just how to plan and teach a good lesson!

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5b. “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” As this semester and student teaching experience comes to a close, I have been reflecting a lot over the experience and how I have grown. I feel more prepared than ever to have a classroom of my own!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

The whole thing is now complete!

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of.

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of. But I do want to say thank you so much for all of your support on this journey and I will forever be grateful for all that you taught me and how you have supported me along the way! You’re the best! 🙂

Student Teaching Week 15 Reflection

Week of Reflection: Friday, April 12, 2019
 

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was a 5! I got to observe so many amazing teachers around my school. And now, it is spring break!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I finally felt confident in my ability to handle behavior management issues on my own. My CE needed me to take care of a behavior issue while she took the rest of the class to the library, and I was really proud of myself for how I handled the behavior. I handled everything in a very calm and effective manner!

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

Next week, over spring break, I will be working a lot on my portfolio-- specifically the portfolio video. However, the next week, I will be teaching only math. It’s hard to believe how fast time has flown by, but I am so excited about getting one step closer to having my own classroom!

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

This week I gave back reading, and the week after spring break I’m giving back phonics. I am getting closer and closer to being done and graduating! I am so excited!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent more time working on figuring out how to use Livebinder for my portfolio. From what I hear, it’s pretty hard to navigate.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

N/A

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

To relax, sleep in, and get some portfolio work done over spring break!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week I analyzed phonics data, seeing if my students were mastering the syllabication method. They are getting it, for the most part!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Go out and observe teachers and soak up everything you can from them. Take lots of notes on cute ideas in their classroom like decorations or even behavior management techniques!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 1a. “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” This standard includes positive behavior management techniques, and this week I felt really confident in that!

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 2c. “Teachers treat students as individuals.” This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the above standard, because I realized that kids are so different and unique from each other and you can’t teach nor discipline them all in the same ways. You have to figure out what their individual likes, dislikes, interests, etc. are and then go from their.

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 3d. “Teachers make instruction relevant for their students.” This week we did a lot of cute things for literacy week, with this week being centered around mysteries. The kids got to dress up as detectives and we did a lot of fun activities involving mysteries.

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 4c. “Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.” This one goes hand-in-hand with the one above. We even did a skit for the kids and took all the cookies out of the lunch room on Monday and had them solve the mystery on who ate them all. (It was the K-2 custodians! haha)

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 5c. “Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic learning environment.” We made it to Spring Break! Praise the Lord. First break since MLK day in January-- we haven’t even had a single teacher workday since then!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

All of it! I will be sending components in for feedback next week.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of.

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of!

Student Teaching Week 14 Reflection

Week of Reflection: Friday, April 5, 2019
 

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was a 5! I had an amazing first observation by my principal, we had a fun field trip, and I got good edTPA scores back!!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I was pleasantly surprised by good edTPA scores last night!

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

I learned a lot of valuable lessons by taking the whole 2nd grade at my school to a field trip in Charlotte. I learned what all goes into a field trip that far from the school, how to organize it, etc. It was fun and a cool experience going to the Discovery Place in Charlotte!

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

With passing edTPA my short and long term goals are still aligned because I am good to go for licensure!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

This week, I was pretty proud of how I managed my time and can’t think of anything I could have spent more or less time doing.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

N/A

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

Next week, I am observing 4 (possibly 5) teachers in different grade levels around the school, so I am excited to check that off my student teaching to-do list. Next week will be my last week before Spring Break!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I analyzed some data on how my technology tools for my portfolio impacted student learning. I was very pleased with the results.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Keep working hard! We have a little less than 3 weeks left!! (Basically 2.5 weeks left!)
NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 1b, “Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school.” A part of this standard is working with colleagues on professional learning activities. I worked this week with my C.E. and the 2nd grade team on the field trip we went on. It was good to have a refresher on how the field trip planning and implementing process works!

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 2a, “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” This being week 10 of full instruction, I have really made an effort to continue building positive and nurturing relationships with my students as my time in this classroom is fading out. I am going to miss them bunches!

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 3a, “Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.” It is hard to believe that this is my last week of teaching reading, phonics, and math! I have really learned a lot about the 2nd grade NCSCOS and what all is expected of them. This was my last week of implementing reading standards in lesson plans for student teaching!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 4a, “Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.” This was a big one for me this semester. At the beginning of the semester, I was always planning activities that were way too easy or way too hard. This week, week 10, I feel like I have finally grasped what is developmentally appropriate for this age group! I am appropriately challenging my students without making things too hard or too easy for them. A big one I have learned this semester is not to underestimate what students can do! They will surprise you with creativity and their capabilities to soar!

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” This week I analyzed the data on how my 5 tech tools for my portfolio impacted student learning, and I was pleased with the results. The interactive clock and water cycle websites I used impacted student learning greatly!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

My classroom website, behavior plan, 5 tech tools screencast videos and 15 resources, resume, etc.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

N/A

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 13 Reflection

Week of Reflection: Friday, March 29, 2019
 

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was a 5-- it was a great week.

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I was pleasantly surprised at how much my students have learned about weather and the water cycle! They are using those big words like “evaporation, condensation, and precipitation,” and my C.E. was really bragging on me about how well they have grasped this. They have also grasped the cloud types and words like “cumulonimbus,” etc.

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

I have learned a few things. #1, just because “that kid” never draws you pictures, comes up to you to give you a hug, or says anything about how they are enjoying learning in your class does not mean that you aren’t reaching them and that they aren’t learning. Before you know it, they will be coming up to you with a big smile to tell you that they will miss you a lot over the weekend! #2, get to know the people you work with. I feel like every week I get closer to the people at my school and that I just fit in there. They are so sweet and supportive, and a good group to be around and work with! #3, reach out to the families of your students! 9 times out of 10 they will be there to back you up-- not intimidate you or go against you, or something silly like that.

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

PDP is in the books! Portfolio is in the making! Week 9 is done! We are gonna graduate y’all!!!!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent less time on my phone after school this week, and gone to bed earlier. Getting enough sleep has been the ultimate challenge this semester.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

N/A

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

My first logical step for next week is to do my best when my principal comes to observe me on Tuesday Morning. Next, to not have a panic attack when I get the email with my edTPA scores this week. Last, finish my 10th week of full instruction!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

I analyzed county literacy assessment data to modify reading groups-- who would be in what group and what level each group would be reading.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Hang in there! We are so close!!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

1c. “Teachers lead in the teaching profession.” This week, I have felt more and more like I am developing professional relationships with my coworkers. I could definitely see myself working with them, and I honestly would love to get a job at this school one day!

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

2c. “Teachers treat students as individuals.” This week, I have felt more and more like I am building professional relationships with my students, as well. I am getting to know them more and more, which always helps!

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3d. “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” This week, my kids were 100% engaged in what they were learning, and how much they learned proves that. I was so proud of how they took responsibility for their own learning, and took part in the activities that I planned as I tried to make it engaging for them!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4c. “Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.” For those of y’all that are teaching time or will at some point, check out https://www.visnos.com/demos/clock It is an interactive website for telling time. However, there are other interactive tools on there, for multiplication tables, measurement using a protractor, arrays, etc. I used this for teaching my kids telling time and it has really worked!

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5a. “Teachers analyze student learning.” This week, I have really grasped the concept that assessment data doesn’t have to be a fancy chart-- it’s really just paying attention to what is going on in your classroom. How your kids are, or are not, learning vs. how you are teaching the material. If something isn’t quite right, teach it again in another way.

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

All of it! I’m excited to really begin working on it alot now that my last week of full instruction lesson plans are done and I will now have more time.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

N/A

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 12 Reflection

Week of Reflection: Friday, March 22, 2019

Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week
This week was a 5! We did a ton of awesome things this week.

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

FENCE came to teach my class about weather, and today we did a science craft with making the different types of clouds using cotton balls and gluing them down, we went on a cloud walk and wrote down our observations, and did a condensation and precipitation science lab and collected data. It was great!
I was also pleasantly surprised when one of my students who challenges me every day in terms of behavior walked up to me today and said, “Ms. McDaniel, I am going to miss you over the weekend.” It shocked me! I told him that I would miss him too, but that I would see him on Monday. So sweet.

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I learned how important it is to take a step back from the worksheets and let them be creative with hands on projects and experiments! I really already knew this, but this week just reiterated that.

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

This week I added a lot of things in my NCTCS notebook. It’s still a work in progress, but I am adding a lot of things. I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I honestly should have just gone to bed earlier this week so that I would have been more rested for school the next day, but it was still a good week.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

N/A

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

Next week I am going to get busy on my portfolio! The seminar we had yesterday on the portfolio was so helpful in getting everything organized in my mind for what I have to do. I am getting excited about creating it!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week we had progress monitoring, so I analyzed that data to track progress in students’ reading fluency. I was pleased to see that fluency and overall reading was improving! Also, I was pleased to see from math data that they have finally grasped counting coins (hallelujah!)

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Stay confident in yourself. Know what you bring to the table and be confident in your decisions, your teacher voice, and why you do the things you do and plan the things you plan!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 1a. “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” This week in my placement, I began to feel officially confident in my classroom and behavior management skills. The child on my behavior plan has had a complete turnaround. My class is quiet when I tell them to be. A lot of the needless behavior issues have drastically decreased, and we are more a “classroom family” now than ever! Yay!

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 2e. “Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students.” This week I have my parent event on choosing the just right book, and it was an absolute dream! I was very pleased.

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 3d. “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” We have been learning about weather and clouds for a while now. This week, I took my students outside for a cloud walk, and we took data on the clouds we saw! My students need to be up and moving around and have visual instructional supports, so this was great for them.

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 4e. “Teachers help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.” This week, on Monday, we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. I had my students write about what they would do to catch a leprechaun. I gave them the choice of either writing about being an engineer and creating a new gadget to catch the leprechaun, or being a critical thinker/problem solver and coming up with a plan to use items around the house to catch a leprechaun. This was so fun and the things they came up with were hilarious!

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 5b. “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” This week I scheduled an observation with my principal, and I am so excited to receive her feedback! I think she is planning on coming next Thursday during ELA. I am super excited.

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

Videos and pictures are pretty much complete for my video, and I have started my Livebinder!

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

Possibly any information that she would need to know about the semester and experience winding down?

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 11 Reflection

Friday, March 15, 2019

Week of Reflection: Friday, March 15, 2019

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was a 4-- a good week!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I was pleasantly surprised at how much my students learned about the Water Cycle, hurricanes, tornadoes, and rainbows this week! I was blown away at how well they could explain how rainbows form and compare/contrast hurricanes and tornadoes. Also, the vocab words they were using, like rotate, debris, illusion, etc!

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I learned the importance of being consistent. With yourself, routines like going to bed on time, and keeping kids in a routine. If we aren’t consistent, they won’t know what to expect!

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

This week I prepared a lot for my parent event that will be happening on Wednesday from 7:30-8 AM in the library. This is one of my PDP goals aligned with the SIP-- about to be checked off the list!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I actually feel like I had an awesome balance this week. I was able to go on runs and get workouts in, get all my work done on time, and get a good amount of sleep.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

N/A

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

Complete my parent event well, and get some portfolio stuff done!
Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

I analyzed math data this week because my kids were having a terrible time trying to count money. So I looked at the common misconceptions across the board, and used that as my starting place. It did help!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

I once saw a quote on Facebook, and I have no idea who said it. But it said, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Make sure you are taking care of yourself, because you need to show up and be your best for your students each day!

source: https://www.google.com/search?q=self+care+professional+development&safe=active&rlz=1c1gcev_en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=x&ved=0ahukewi65npstithahuos6wkhytgcsqq_auidigb&biw=1280&bih=913&surl=1#imgrc=6U8ei1mFMJ6f3M:

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” This week I’ve been working with my students as far as positive behavior management, and we’ve been working on conflict resolution and taking deep breaths when angry.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 2c, “Teachers treat students as individuals.” This week I made a video with my class to play at my parent event on how to choose the just right book. I have one student that struggles with speech severely. I broke up 3 parts that I knew he could say, and edited it where it flowed smoothly. When we watched the video as a class, this student smiled so big and was so proud of the part he played! It was so sweet!

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 3d, “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” This week I had a lot of hands on activities in my instruction, like play money manipulatives to get students learning the coins, and hands-on things for the water cycle and the weather!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 4c,  “Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.” I have continued having students come up and be “meteorologists,” forecasting our weather for us. They love it, and it gets them studying temperature, wind speed, reading the radar, forecast, and data.

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 5b, “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” This week I have been prepping for my parent event, which is a part of my PDP. I can’t wait to see how it plays out on Wednesday!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

PDP and parent night is almost done!

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

Please let my CE know/remind her of any things needed to wrap up the semester. If you’ve told her a few weeks ago there’s a good chance she has forgotten and needs to be reminded!

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 10 Reflection

March 8, 2019

Week of Reflection: Week 10 of the semester, Week 6 of full-time student teaching!

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would rate this week a 3. I was a good week as far as getting edTPA turned in!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I was so happy to finally accomplish getting edTPA turned in this week! It was a huge burden lifted off of us all! It was a long time coming, and now I’m just hoping my scores reflect the amount of time and effort I put into it.

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I just learned that I have to start doing things that give me a brain break, like working out or just spending time with family. I am so exhausted all the time from the mental work that I am putting in that I need to start getting my hands busy and doing other things that give me a break.

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

Now that edTPA is turned in, I can just focus on my portfolio!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent more time working on lesson plans this week.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

N/A

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

To finish up planning my parent event, to take place on March 20th!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week I analyzed some reading data for guided reading groups, and really started to dig into guided reading differentiation with leveled books. It’s really starting to make sense!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Give yourself a break and relax :)

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” This week we had back-to-back tornado and fire drills. We were putting on our jackets and the fire alarm went off. One of my students wouldn’t leave the room for a few seconds because he was determined to get his Pokemon cards out of his bookback. When we got back inside, we had a talk about how when we think a building is on fire, we never ever go back inside it-- we let the firemen do their jobs. Who knows, it could save one of their lives one day.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 2e, “Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students.” This week, I started having my students fill out “Changing Choices” sheets to reflect on their behavior and what they should have done differently, and what they are going to do differently next time. Then, I initialed the bottom and put it in their folders to have it signed by a parent. Hopefully we will start seeing some good results from this!

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” Under this category is Global Awareness. I taught the Water Cycle this week, and we read “A Drop Around the World.” It took us through the water cycle from the perspective of one raindrop, and took us to Mumbai, Switzerland, the Sahara Desert, Japan, Australia, and other places. It was great for not only teaching them about the Water Cycle, but also including lots of Global Awareness!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 4d, “Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.” I feel more and more confident in the area of technology integration the more I am in the classroom. I am exploring new technological instructional programs and using them in my instruction.

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 5b, “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” This week and next week I am finishing up planning for my parent event-- which is a part of my PDP.

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

Still collecting behavior plan data, pictures and video clips for my video, etc. Now that edTPA is done, I’ll be able to do a lot more for my portfolio each week.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

N/A

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 9 Reflection

Week of Reflection: (list the date of the Friday for week just completed)
 

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was a 2. I hate sounding negative but I just have to be honest this week! This week was hard.

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I am super excited to say that I just finished week 5 of full instruction! Officially halfway done!!!

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

I have learned this week that it is important to just pay attention. Pay attention to the little things that your kids say or do, their habits, etc. You never know when those little things will become the big things.

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

edTPA will be done as of tomorrow, thank goodness!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent less time worrying about the future and more time taking care of myself, praying, and working on lesson plans.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

Apprehension and indecision is just not something I usually have so I never know how to answer this question!

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

Next week, I am SO EXCITED to start teaching weather-- beginning with The Water Cycle! I literally cannot wait! The rest of my student teaching experience I will be teaching science and I am on cloud 9. Science is more my thing.

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

I’m starting to notice and take note of data on everything-- without making the charts and all. Making all the charts so far has gotten me into the habit of finding whole-class patterns of learning and misconceptions.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Hang in there, y’all!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 1: "Teachers advocate for schools and students." This week, with all the stuff coming out about “MoMo,” my kids were coming in talking about how they had seen it and how scary it was. I went ahead and told them absolutely no getting on anything at school that's not a school subscription, because since the beginning of the year, they've been allowed to get on YouTube during indoor recess. I carried this a step further by typing up a professional email with my C.E. letting the county technology coordinator know about all this, and seeing if we can get it blocked from our kids even having access to it at school.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 2: "Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs." The longer I’m in the classroom, the more I learn about differentiation. The most challenging part to me is that it doesn’t matter how much you plan to differentiate-- differentiation is one of those things that you have to kind of assess how the child/children are doing on that particular day and adjust accordingly. If it’s been an awesome day of hard work, challenge that child! If you can tell they are a little emotional and not feeling their best, give them more support.

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 3: "Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines." I have noticed that I am starting to integrate all content areas all the time, almost subconsciously. I have also noticed that when I do this, my students are more engaged and I am having more fun teaching the material, so it’s a win-win.

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 4: "Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students." This one was so hard for me to even wrap my mind around-- I think because it’s been a long time since I’ve been in elementary school and I am not a mother yet. I can’t tell when a child has a fever like my C.E. can, or when they are just tired or something like that. However, the longer I’m in the classroom, the more I am learning about how to notice these things!

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 5: "Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment." This week, honestly, this has been what it’s all about for me. This being the last week to work on edTPA, but still having real students to teach, lesson plans to write, etc. it’s just been hard. But we are getting through it!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

edTPA is all I have had time for this week.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

N/A

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

I would like to talk soon about classroom management help and support, please!

Image sources: https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrExo9hkXhcyUMAaog2nIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTBsZ29xY3ZzBHNlYwNzZWFyY2gEc2xrA2J1dHRvbg--;_ylc=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-?gprid=nhLxTuDfQ9.yIEHg.2y0WA&pvid=yEEbSjEwLjJMi4QPWor4MwMuMjYwMgAAAAC4TnaX&p=every+day+she+wonders+how+she+will+get+it+done&fr=yhs-iba-syn&fr2=sb-top-images.search.yahoo.com&ei=UTF-8&n=60&x=wrt&type=asbw_7187_CHW_US_tid1103&hsimp=yhs-syn&hspart=iba#id=3&iurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2Fb3%2F9f%2F8c%2Fb39f8c3e0ceb68a4a03cbd8864a36432.jpg&action=click 

https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrC3CJdkXhcGgcAOHAPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0N2Noc21lBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNwaXZz?p=small+progress+is+still+progress&type=asbw_7187_CHW_US_tid1103&hspart=iba&hsimp=yhs-syn&ei=UTF-8&fr=yhs-iba-syn#id=9&iurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F29%2F89%2F62%2F298962ddb86832718d6be23c1ecfa028.jpg&action=click

Student Teaching Week 8 Reflection

February 22, 2019

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was a 4. Balancing edTPA with lesson plans and everything going on sometimes felt impossible, but I finally feel like I am starting to figure some things out!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week I was happy to accomplish week 4 of full time student teaching-- which means after next week, I will officially be halfway done. I can’t believe how fast it’s flying by!

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I learned the importance of structure and routine in kids’ lives. The more structure they have, the better they seem to do.

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

I added a ton of evidence to my NCTCS notebook this week. I attended a vertical alignment staff meeting (for 2nd-4th grade in the county) on Wednesday as well, so I am learning things that will help me with my short term goals, which will in turn help me reach my long term goals.

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent more time giving myself brain breaks from edTPA. I noticed that I started to overthink everything and second-guess myself, so I finally just had to step away from it for a while before I messed everything up.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

N/A this week.

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

To get my edTPA DONE.

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

edTPA data overload this week! Finally finishing up the data part this week.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Don’t feel bad for taking care of yourself and giving yourself breaks every once in a while. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” This week, we adopted a Growth Mindset in our classroom. We had a talk about being more positive, and put anchor charts up in the class to refer the kids to when they have an anger outburst or throw things because they get a math problem wrong. It’s going to take a while for them to get used to it, but I think it will work wonders in the upcoming weeks.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 2b, “Teachers embrace diversity in the school and in the world.” This week finishing up on biographies, I made sure to include a selection of biographies that was very diverse. We read biographies on both men and women, of all different times and eras in history, who were from various backgrounds and cultures. I feel like the kids really learned a lot and enjoyed reading about people from different cultures.

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas and/disciplines.” This week, I integrated some Global Awareness in my classroom. We read a biography on Amelia Earhart, and talked about how she disappeared and there are several theories on why. I pulled up a news article where they think they found her remains on a Pacific Island, and some theories of what happened to her (like she was captured, or she just ran out of food, etc.) I have never seen the kids so interested in anyone’s biography besides hers!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 4h, “Teachers use a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned.” This week, I analyzed my edTPA data, found a pattern of learning, and was able to draw conclusions for next steps. I am getting better at the data thing.

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Standard 5b, “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” This week, I attended a county office meeting on vertical alignment with all the 2nd-4th grade teachers in the whole county. We talked about data driven instruction, potential new math and reading programs, and reading interventions.

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

I’m working on my portfolio video, behavior plan data collection, and mostly my parent even coming up soon.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

N/A

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 7 Reflection

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Week of Reflection: (list the date of the Friday for week just completed)

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was a 4. It was a good week.

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I had my second visit from my supervisor, and it was a surprise visit! It went well. This time, Dr. Parker got a much better idea of how a normal day looks in my classroom. The kid’ behavior was not bad, but they didn’t try to be on their best and perfect behavior because we had a visitor in the room. They were how they always are, and he got to see how I handle the situations that arise in my classroom.

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I felt like I got my “why” back. I had almost gotten bogged down in edTPA and lesson plans and hard work that I forgot for a second why I was even doing this. This week, I was able to get my “why” back and feel like I was actually making a difference in these kids’ lives. I am overwhelmed (in a good way) at the support I have at this school from my C.E., the other teachers, the school nurse, and my principal. I love these people!

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

This week I spoke with Title I again about my parent event, and they have decided that they are going to join their parent event with mine, I think so that we can combine the funding and it’ll go farther. Either way, I’m so excited!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent more time on Task 2. It’s been a week FULL of lesson plans, post observation reflection, Task 2, rethinking through Task 4, etc.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

I finally got a grasp on how much apprehension I have in every day student teaching life, and I’ve learned to start letting go of this. It was simple things like, “should I send a kid to the nurse for this? Should I send a kid to the guidance counselor for this? Should I have a kid clip down for this?” I’ve started to live by going with my gut. If there’s even a question of whether or not a kid might need to go to the nurse or guidance counselor, I don’t think it hurts to send them. I’d rather be safe than sorry!

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

To start writing my Task 3!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

When starting to go through my Task 4 data, I realized that I didn’t have enough to write my commentary about. So, I decided to completely start Task 4 over again and teach on a different topic. I think it’ll be so much better this time! I’m counting my other one as a practice run.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Don’t forget why you worked so hard to get to this point! Don’t forget to joke around with your kids sometimes, make them laugh and smile whenever you can, and encourage them when you see them having a hard time. It makes the job so much easier and rewarding when you stay focused and remember your “why!”

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

1. d. “Teachers advocate for schools and students.” This week I realized that just by sending a kid to the nurse or guidance counselor, it may seem small, but you can intervene in a big way. Use your resources at your school!

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

2.a. “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” Yesterday, one of my kids was so worried about not having enough time to make a box to put their Valentine’s in for the party today. I came home yesterday and made one just in case they didn’t have one. I decorated it with all kinds of things that I used last year when I decorated my dorm door for Valentine’s. This student came to school without one, saying they were too busy to make one last night because they were working so hard on their homework. I handed them the Valentine’s box and I have never seen such a big smile! Best day ever💖

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3.c. “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” This week, I have noticed more and more that I am integrating, and sometimes I don’t even mean to. It’s like second nature! I have been integrating reading and math a lot. I’ve also had them thinking critically and doing creative writing!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4.a. “Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.” I expected a lot out of my kids last week when I taught my edTPA. I gave them a lot of work and I just set the bar really high for them. So this week, for celebrating the 100th day of school and Valentine’s Day, we just had a ton of fun together! We write about what we would look like when we are 100 years old and glued pictures on the paper that we took using an app that ages you to look 100. Then, we wrote about what we would buy with $100. To give us an idea of what kinds of things cost $100, we played 2nd grade “The Price is Right.” We had a Valentine’s party today, and make Valentine’s for friends and family while listening to music. I think it’s so important that these kids are just able to have fun and relax sometimes! After all, they’re only 7 years old.

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5.a. “Teachers analyze student learning.” This week, I noticed that with 3-digit addition, my kids were trying to regroup from the ones to the hundreds place, and they were skipping regrouping in the tens place altogether. I saw this by grading papers, and I had to help them in their guided math groups with this. This is just a real-life and simple example of the assess--teach--plan--assess cycle!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

I took a lot more videos and pictures this week for my portfolio video, with this being the week we celebrated the 100th day of school and Valentine’s Day. I’m moving towards my parent event and moving ahead with my behavior plan.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

N/A

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 6 Reflection

February 8, 2019

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would rate this week a 5! I taught my edTPA, and that went well. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments from other teachers, saying that my C.E. has been bragging on me to them! She is so sweet. I love this school. I feel comfortable in my own skin. I feel confident. I pray that I get a job there!!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I felt so accomplished teaching my edTPA this week. It’s like a burden has been lifted!

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

I just learned the importance on staying on top of everything and not letting myself get behind. It helps to not put off anything and get as much done as you can while you can.

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

We set a date for my parent event this week and started planning!! It will be Wednesday, March 20th from 7:30-8. It is dinosaur themed, and it’s about choosing a book that is just right for you. I’m so excited-- we have lots of cute ideas for food and decorations.

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent more time at school in the afternoons printing the things I needed to print. Now I know and can plan accordingly.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

Don’t really have anything for this one this week!

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

To begin writing my Task 2 commentary! I could really start working on my Task 3 commentary too.

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

Lots of conversation formative assessment data, as usual. This is in every content area, every day. I always look at the data from my math and phonics work samples. I am starting to see more and more how speech impediments are affecting my kids’ writing and spelling! They could not tell me many words that begin with blends dr- and dw- because a lot of my kids can’t say their “r’s” and the blends sound the same to them. I honestly just think this is developmental and that they’ll grow out of it.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Stay on top of grading papers! I ended up with a mountain of papers on my desk and my C.E. went through them with me, laughing about how fast they accumulate and how amazed I was about it!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
1. d. Teachers advocate for schools and students. This week I planned my parent event! I will be advocating for my students and for the school by promoting literacy and directly aligning this to the SIP!
Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
2. c. Teachers treat students as individuals. This week, I have really practiced taking differentiation to the next level. I have been giving out various assignments that are altered/modified for my students’ needs. It’s been a lot of paper and a lot going on at once, but my students are happier and not as bored/frustrated.
Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
3. a. Teachers align their instruction with the NCSCOS. This week I taught my edTPA and I carefully made sure everything was aligned and everything to the NCSCOS.
Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
4. b. Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students. This week, I took a rubric and I made it into a smiley-face checkbric that was more developmentally appropriate.
Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
5. a. Teachers analyze student learning. This week I analyzed my students’ learning from my edTPA segment. I truly think they learned and are able to use the essential literacy strategy.

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

Taking pics and video footage for the portfolio video.
Behavior plans.
Positive parent contacts.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

N/A

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

N/A

Student Teaching Week 5 Reflection

February 1, 2019

Week of Reflection: (list the date of the Friday for week just completed)
 

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

      This week was a 4 for week 1 of student teaching. I can’t complain-- Monday was my first observation and it went well!! The only thing that I can say affected my teaching performance this week was that we had a death in the family and it kind of threw me for a loop. I was staying up late at night to finish lesson plans so that I could go home and be with family, so this week I was a little tired and not my normal happy self. It’s all good though-- next week I’ll come back prepared and ready for a fresh start.

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week I had my first observation, and I was really happy with how it went! My kids were behaving pretty well, my lesson with activity went well, and I was overall just happy with how it went.

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I really learned that even when life gets a little crazy, it still goes on. There are still lesson plans to write and a class to teach even though I was going home to eat and spend time with grieving family. It was good to experience this now with a C.E. in the classroom with me to help me make instructional decisions, rather than me being by myself.

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

I am planning on meeting with Title I teachers next week to start planning my parent event, since this will take place in mid March. This is a part of my PDP and I’m so excited!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I’m not going to lie, this week I didn’t feel like doing anything and although I got all my stuff done and everything went fine, I still lacked in motivation. It was just a challenging week and I could have spent more time prepping for teaching for next week. The main thing is that it’s all fine now.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

This week I was really afraid I was going to have to miss school for a funeral, and I was in a scramble. My C.E. and I were trying to figure out what we would do if I was out for a day, and I was panicking at the thought of missing a day during the first week of student teaching. It all worked out, and I didn’t have to miss a day. My C.E. was so sweet and supportive, and told me that she would just follow my lesson plans on the day I was out so that we could stay on track. Thankfully we didn’t have to do that, but she’s so great about everything!

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

Next week is edTPA week for me. Task 1 and re-engagement lesson for Task 4. After I just teach these, it will clear so much mental clutter for me!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week I noticed my kids were so bored with what we were doing in math, based on formative assessment data. My C.E. and I decided to move my lesson plans up a day, and then on friday, have a review day. This worked out well, because they needed to be challenged more!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Don’t forget to breathe and take care of yourself. Take your vitamins, go to bed at a decent time, drink water throughout the day, and take it one day at a time. Don’t expect yourself to be like a teacher that’s been teaching for 10 years during the first 2 weeks of student teaching!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

1. a. Teachers lead in their classrooms. This week in my placement I took over full time! I am learning how to be a teacher leader all day every day.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

Teachers treat students as individuals. This week I have really tried to start differentiating even more. We started my student with an IEP on a behavior plan, due to adding a functional goal to his IEP recently. He is like a different child, but they also increased his meds. It’s amazing!

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3. c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. This week we had a TON of integration. We learned about character traits, addition, and some blends, including bl-. We had a snack of blueberries in phonics for the bl- blend, read a book in math called A Fair Bear Share by Stuart J. Murphy about bears adding up ingredients for BLueberry Pie, and then talked about the character traits in the book!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4. a. Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students. This week in my placement, the kids were getting frustrated with one of their assignments in groups. The kids that is the best at math in my class was even confused. So we stopped and did something else, we went over the material and reviewed the rest of the week, and then we revisited the activity and it was much easier for them.

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5. b. Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals. This week I wrote and got started on my PDP. Next week I am going to meet with Title I to talk about my parent event!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

My PDP-- parent event planning is beginning.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of!

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of!

Student Teaching Week 4 Reflection

January 25, 2019

Week of Reflection: (list the date of the Friday for week just completed)
 

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

This week was MUCH better than last week! I would give it a 5. It was a really good week. The only thing that would have made it better was if we didn’t have some bumps in the road with severe behavior this week, but my C.E. and I calmly took care of it and we had a behavior turn around. It was great!

1. Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I taught ⅔ subject areas, and it went well! Next week is my first full week of instruction, and I am excited!

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week, we experienced some really bad behavior issues. We had bad issues with stealing, we caught several lying, and it didn’t matter what we did as far as clipping down and silent lunch-- they wouldn’t listen or stop talking. This week I found my classroom management and teacher voice. I’m not a yeller, I don’t get super mad or anything, but we had a serious talk about how disappointed I was in their behavior and that we were not going to spend the rest of the year like this. The next day, it was like you flipped a switch. Behavior was so much better. I hope it lasts!

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

Next week I will begin teaching full time, and I will also be teaching my Task 4 re-engagement lesson. These short-term goals are majorly aligned with my long-term goals: pass edTPA and finish student teaching strong.

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I was actually pretty proud of myself this week as far as not spending too much time on my phone, and really pacing myself with lesson planning. The teacher workday helped so much!

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

This week rather than worrying about whether or not I should clip the kids up or down for something, I finally have become confident enough to know when clipping up or down is appropriate in a situation. Not just that, but also giving out silent lunch. At first I felt a little mean because I just want to love them and be sweet, but I realized that a part of loving them is not allowing them to do things that they shouldn’t-- like lying and stealing.

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

Next week I am so excited to be teaching character traits, and to have students apply their knowledge of character traits to themselves. We are going to be covering greedy vs. grateful and kind vs. mean (along with other character trait topics.) I am ready! I think it’ll be great for these particular kids!
Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

I analyzed my Task 4 data, and the students did better than what I thought they would!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Stand up for what is right-- even if it’s hard. If you know that one of the most well-behaved kids in your class that you just adore did something wrong, it’s not the end of the world to punish them. We all make mistakes and rules need to apply to everyone-- not just some. Go with your gut when it comes to classroom management!

1. NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
1. a. Teachers lead in their classrooms. This week I really started finding my “teacher voice.” I’m
loving it!

Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
2. d. Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs. I sat down with the EC teacher this week, and we are going to start a behavior plan for my student with an IEP, as a part of his IEP. This is separate from the behavior plan I already started. This plan will be to help this child with his functional goal stated in his IEP!

Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
3. c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. This week, I planned for integration or math and reading for Monday’s math lesson! We will be reading a book about addition.

Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
4. f. Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities. My CE and I cracked down on bullying, stealing, and lying this week. It’s not an option for these kids to be mean to each other in this classroom!

Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
5. a. Teachers analyze student learning. I analyzed my Task 4 data and some phonics data this week, to see if my kids were getting the math and getting the r blends. I was pleasantly surprised.

Other:
What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
I began videoing clips for my portfolio video and continued taking behavior plan data.
What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
Nothing that I know of!
What support do you need from your university supervisor?
N/A

Student Teaching Week 3 Reflection

Week of Reflection: (Friday, January 17, 2019) Week 3
 
Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week
     Honestly, I would say this week was a 3. I cannot seem to find time to get much of anything done, and I am staying up really late at night. I’m not getting home until late in the afternoon, so I think I just need to figure out a way I can leave school by 3:30 if at all possible!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I taught math, and it went beautifully. It was easy this week. I thought it would be a hard concept, but they got it! Thursday’s math lesson was by far the best math lesson I have ever taught.

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

I found my teacher voice this week-- I tell the kids to be quiet or follow some kind of directions and they are starting to listen. (Praise the Lord!!!)

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

I am easing into full instruction and the teaching part is going great! When we get to the end and I get to teach math, it’s my favorite part of the day.

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I could have spent more time working on assignments and lesson plans sooner and not at the last minute. This week it just couldn’t be helped though-- I’ve got a Mawmaw in ICU in Asheville and spent some time visiting with her after school this week.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

This week I hit a brick wall of stress and anxiety. I decided I wasn’t going to spend student teaching like this, and I just started taking action and taking breaks when I really needed them. I decided to work harder, but not be so hard on myself all the time.

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

The first logical step for next week will be to use the teacher workday on Monday as a day to work hard and get lots done!
Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

I was grading Task 4 data for counting by 100’s, and I noticed that when I gave them a 2-digit number instead of a 3-digit number, they didn’t know what to do and either started skip counting by ones or tens. So for the next lesson, we quickly reviewed this, cleared up this misconception, and now they’ve got it!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Hang in there girls! We can do this!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

1.a. Teachers lead in their classrooms. This week with me beginning to teach, I felt like I got into the rhythm of noticing what my students need and implementing that. It is all coming together!

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

2.d. Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of their students. This week with me teaching task 4, I had to get used to planning for my student with an IEP for math each day. It was more doable than I thought!

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3.a. Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. This week, I planned and taught my Task 4 and my literacy edTPA based on the NCSCOS.

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4.c. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods. This week, I tried many different things in my instruction, like a Learnzillion video, classroomscreen.com, and having the kids come up to the Promethean Board. I found that they seemed to be more engaged.

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5.a. Teachers analyze student learning. This week, I went over my Task 4 assessments, analyzed the student learning, and made changes based on this data.

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

I am still working on my behavior plan, but I have started my classroom website.

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

None that I can think of.

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

None that I can think of.

Student Teaching Week 2 Reflection

Week of Reflection: Friday, January 11, 2019
 
Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week
I would rate this week a 4. It really was a pretty good week. We are still getting back into the swing of things from Christmas break. On Monday and Tuesday, the kids did AMAZING. My child on the behavior plan was doing awesome-- and then it was like on Wednesday through the rest of the week, the wheels fell off. We had to talk with 4 parents today, because 2 children in our class have been stealing lunch money and things off of my C.E.’s desk. Hopefully after the weekend they will come back rested and back to doing great again.
Seven questions to end your week:
Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
This week (at the beginning of the week), I was pleasantly surprised at how well the children were adjusting to the new (adjusted) math and reading centers, and just from being back from winter break. They are really getting into a routine again from having a 2-week break! This week we had a talk with them about starting to act like mature 3rd graders (even though they are in second grade.) We told them that they need to get ready for 3rd grade, and start walking in a straighter line and talking out of turn less. This brought a whole new structure to the classroom-- for a little while.
Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
This week, I started planning math for next week. This was for my edTPA Task 4. I felt really confident, and I can’t wait to go ahead and teach it next week!
Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
I came up with a schedule this week to help me get as much done as possible during the week, to where I wouldn’t have to do much on the weekends. I also wanted to make this realistic and attainable. So, I have decided that every week day, except for Fridays, I am going to plan a whole day of lesson plans. On Monday’s, I will double up and plan for 2 days. This way, it should be no problem getting my lesson plans to my C.E. on Wednesdays at 5.
Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?
I could have spent less time talking about my lesson plans and spent more time actually writing them. I am still learning time management.
Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
This week, the anxiety really started to kick in. I started to think of great things I could plan for the kids to do this semester, and I am not going to lie. I thought to myself that there was no way I would even attempt these cool lesson ideas because the kids would probably absolutely go wild, and it would wreck my classroom management. I had some apprehension about how noisy and unruly the kids would get when they got excited.
Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
The first logical steps for next week is to start lesson planning ASAP. I need to have 4 days of lesson plans done by Monday night. I am going to get into a routine with lesson planning, and this will help me clear some mental clutter.
Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/
What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
I graded a lot of spelling/phonics papers this week, and I noticed how many letters the kids were writing backwards. It is almost the whole class, and by second grade, I thought I wouldn’t be seeing much of this. This made me realize that I am going to have to refer them to look on the wall at the correct way to form their letters every time I see them doing this. I do not want them still writing a ton of their letters backwards going into third grade!
What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?
One piece of advice I could share with other student teachers is to not pretend like you know everything there is to know about teaching and lessons. You are assigned a C.E. that you can ask anything about teaching for this whole semester… take the opportunity! I am learning so much just by asking my C.E. random questions, like how to handle a dispute between 2 kids on the playground or how to handle a child losing their lunch money. I find myself asking the most random questions, because the more I am in the classroom, the more I realize that I actually don’t know yet. This is such a humbling, awesome time in my education and future career! Don’t be afraid to just ASK your C.E.!
NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
E. Teachers demonstrate high ethical standards. This week, I started my child in my class on his behavior plan. He reached his goal for the week, and I sent a positive note home in his folder, along with a small pack of M&M’s. He was so happy. We had a talk with the whole class about straightening up, too. Their behavior was not the best this week, so we are looking for major changes next week.
Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
2. d. Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs. This week, we advocated for our student with an IEP to get an extra weighted pencil, so that he could have one in our room, and one in E.C. too. They are very expensive, and we were glad that OT had an extra to give to him!
Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
3. b. Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty. This week, I sat down with Title I and came up with a phonics pacing guide for the first few weeks of student teaching. This helped me to get an idea of what all I needed to do.
Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
4. f. Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities. This week, my C.E. and I really tried to help our students talk through their conflicts with their peers and be nicer to them. We also started guided math groups, and they are working in small groups a lot throughout the day.
Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
5. b. Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals. This week, I also sat down with Title I and began planning my parent involvement event at the school! It will be literacy based, be for the whole 2nd grade, and take place in March!!
Other:
What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
I started taking data for my behavior plan, and sent a positive note home to the child’s mom concerning what a great week he had.
What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
None that I can think of.
What support do you need from your university supervisor?
None that I can think of!