Week 1; August 29-September 2

I would rate this week as a 5.

I have been able to prepare and plan a fourth grade lesson for me to teach to four classes next week.

I observed my CE throughout the week teach a total of thirty-seven classes of students. I especially focused on her classroom management (her approach to correction, which students required more attention, which behaviors she took class time to correct and which she ignored, etc.). I will definitely use these observations to shape my classroom management for these students.

A short-term goal I have is to teach the entire fourth grade next week. This aligns with my long-term goal of teaching my edTPA learning segment to these fourth graders. I decided to teach them first in order that I could have the longest amount of time to teach them and get to know them. I hope this will achieve the most successful learning segment possible for my portfolio but most of all for the benefit of the students.

I have begun working on many aspects of the portfolio. I need to make sure that I continue increasing this time each week, as my classroom teaching becomes more involved.

The first logical step is to practice teaching my fourth grade lesson in order to teach it as smoothly as possible. Regarding mental clutter, I think it will be helpful to keep a schedule of what I need to work on regarding the portfolio, and when. There are many aspects, so sometimes it feels overwhelming just to look at the list.

Regarding advice to share with other student teachers, I would say just to make the most of every opportunity to speak to the students and/or parents and encourage them. Even something as simple as a thirty second chat in the hallway can really brighten a student’s day. You may be the only person who has taken a genuine personal interest in that child all day.

Regarding Standard 1, my experiences helped to build 1e, “teachers demonstrate high ethical standards.” I had the opportunity to be a part of the Exceptional Classroom and to hold the hand of one of the children during the fire drill. I made an effort to nurture this student, show her fair treatment, and give her respect.

Regarding Standard 2, my experiences helped to build 2e, “Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students.” Although I have not been able to do this extensively, I have had the opportunity to meet many parents and grandparents who come to pick up their children. I have made an effort to take a personal interest in them and their children.

Regarding Standard 3, my experiences helped to build 3d, “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” Many components of the lesson I have written for fourth grade incorporate 21^st century life skills.

Regarding Standard 4, my experiences helped to build 4f, “Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.” My lesson incorporates students working together in order to achieve the proper sound for the song they are playing and singing.

Regarding Standard 5, my experiences helped to build 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” This week, I have written down as many names of the students as possible and have made note of strengths and challenges which I observe. I hope to use these analyses to shape future lessons and have already shaped my fourth grade lesson based on some of these observations.

I have started the school improvement plan analysis/reflection, I have begun research for the leadership collaboration project, I have a complete resume, and I have created a website skeleton.

My CE and I appreciate Dr. Soja’s prompt responses to provide clarity to our questions regarding the portfolio.